The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 385: what you’re looking at

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eee ee 370 THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. | “Mr. Gunthorpe here?” exclaimed Mr. Malton. CHAPTER LXXVIIL “And did he not mention this circumstance to your lordship? for of course he must know that your lordship is a friend of the Saxondale family.” AnovT half-an-hour after Sir John Marston had _ “He did not mention the circumstance, Malton. taken his departure from Lord Petersfield’s presence, I think that I may go so far as to assure you that Mr. Malton was announced. This gentleman, as he did not—I am certain that I may.” our readers will recollect, was the junior and more “ Well then, I must explain how the matter grave and steady partner of the eminent legal firm; stands. Some time back—as much as a fortnight and though perhaps he possessed not the same ago—Mr. Gunthorpe came to our office, and ex- sharp-witted qualities as Mr. Marlow, yet he had plained his business, as I have already intimated to none of that gentleman’s excitability, which often your lordship. He agreed to suspend all proceed- merged into rashness. ings for one week, on condition that we would write “ Well, Malton,” said Petersfield, who, being very , to her ladyship upon the subject. It however ap- intimate with the lawyers, treated them with a cor- pears that business has prevented Mr. Gunthorpe responding familiarity, “ what has brought you from returning to us until yesterday; and then he hither this afternoon? Some new freak of Saxon- came to inquire what we proyosed to do on behalf dale’s ?” ! of her ladyship ip the matter. Now, we have re- _ “No, my lord: my business on the present occa- ceived two or tbree letters from her ladyship with sion,” responded Malton, ’“regards her ladyship : reference there, ; and the last one, which came to and as you are so old standing a friend of the hand yesterday morning, bade us defend any action family, Mr. Marlow and I have deemed it to be that might be brought against her ladyship—as she our duty to’consult you in the present case.” adhered to her original statement, and defied Mr, “ And pray what is it?” asked his lordship, look- Deveril to asperse her good name.” : ing awfully grave and important at what he took “Well then, Malton,” said Lord Petersfield, “I to be a compliment paid to his wisdom and judg- | SUppose you must defend the action.” ment. “But consider, my lord, the imeonvenience of “Tt is an unpleasant business,” said Mr. Malton. dragging her ladyship’s name before the tribunals “ Perchance your lordship may have heard of a | °? such a subject. Your lordship is well aware of certain William Deveril ?” the wickedness of the world; and there will be “Without committing myself in too positive a | found plenty of persons ready enough to take De- manner,” replied the nobleman, “I think [I may veril’s part.” venture to state that I have heard of such a person. | “But what is your opinion, Malton?” inquired Nay, more—lI will gO so fay as to admit that I | the nobleman: ‘‘ and what does Deveril allege 1 have seen him at Lady Saxondale’s house; and I| The lawyer proceeded to explain in aetail the par- believe—but I would not pledge myself beyond the | ticulars of that interview which had taken place possibility of retraction—that he taught the young | with Mr. Gunthorpe in Parliament Street, and ladies some particular style of painting.” which was duly chronicled in our narrative. “Precisely so, my lord. Does it also happen that | “ More than ever,” continued Malton, “did Mr, you have heard a eertain tale respecting his beha- | Gunthorpe insist yesterday upon what he had pre- viour to her ladyship ?” inquired the attorney. viously stated. He warns us, if we value Lady “This is a very pointed question, Malton,” an- | Saxondale’s reputation, not to let her go to trial. ewered Lord Petersfield; “and though not in the | He says that he possesses evidence the nature of habit of replying without due deliberation, I think | which we little suspect, and which will prove dam- that in the present case I may admit that I have | natory to her ladyship. He declares tl at he has heard something of the kind.” no particular desire to bring this matter before the “Tt is relative to this I wish to consult your lord- | public—but that his only object is to clear up his ship. Mr. Deveril, it appears, denies the truth of young friend Deveril’s reputation. I raust confess the story altogether; and a gentleman, who has that he spoke so fairly, and at the same time in a taken up the matter very warmly on his behalf, is tone of such solemn warning, that both Marlow and about to instruct his attorney to bring an action myself entertain serious apprehensions concerning THE NOBLEMAN AND THE LAWYER. for defamation against Lady Saxondale.” | the matter.” “You had better, Malton, tell me the name of “Do you mean me to understand,” asked Lord that gentleman. But do not speak too hastily—— Petersfield, “that you think it quite possible Mr. reflect on what you are going to say——you might Deveril’s version may be the right one, and Lady mention a wrong name. I once knewa person, an- Saxondale’s the erroneous one? Don’t speak hastily swering too quickly, give the name of Noakes —take time to consider——” instead of Brogson. So pray be careful.” *T have considered the matter—and very se- “There is no need of reflection, my lord,” re- riously,” responded Malton. “At first both myself sponded the attorney, with a smile. ‘ The gentle- and Marlow felt indignant at the slur thus thrown man’s name is Gunthorpe.” * upon her ladyship’s reputation: we thought of the “ Ah, Gunthorpe!” ejaculated the nobleman, with purity of her life—the untarnished character she a start; for his name had now become an ominous has maintained—the dignified virtue which has ap- and inauspicious one for him. peared to place her beyond the reach even of sus- “Yes, my lord. Do you know him?” picion. But Mr. Gunthorpe so pointedly and em- “ Know him, Malton? I should not like to speak phatically assured us that he possessed the meaas, 80 positively as to avow that I know him: but he not merely of proving Deveril’s case, but likewise of was certainly here upon a little private business an ruining her ladyship’s fair fame beyond the possi- buar back.” _ bility of redemption, that Marlow and I scarcely en ee ee COMMICLOOOKS EO)