The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 388: what you’re looking at

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ee a THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. 373 | —_——_— “Oh, my dear aunt!” exclaimed the beauteous termined to put a bold face on the matter; and girl, bounding from het seat and embracing Lady therefore he was entering the room with a jaunty Macdonald fervently. piness your words have given me! “You know net what hap- free-and-easy look and manner, when he was taken It was only in considerably aback on beholding Mr. Gunthorpe. obedience to your wishes that I ever consented to For knowing that the old gentleman had been in receive a suit all along so odious to me.’ Lincolnshire at the time of the murder, he could not “We will say no more upon that part of the help fancying that his presence at Lady Macdonald’s subject, my dear Flo,” interrupted her ladyship. - “Mr. Gunthorpe has made me fully aware of the impropriety and imprudence of opposing the na- tural current of the heart’s affections. Florina, I have ceased to entertain any respect for. Lady Saxondale. I have heard such sad things | concerning her But you are already acquainted with them all: Mr. Deveril has informed you of everything.” “And Mr. Deveril will receive permission,” added Mr. Gunthorpe, “ to pay his respects to you, Florina, at your aunt’s house.” Need we say that a still sunnier joy than her eyes had already shown, now danced in those beauteous orbs—or that still deeper blushes ap- peared upon Florina’s cheeks? ‘This was indeed a moment of happiness well and amply repaying her for any past sorrows she had endured. Again did she embrace her aunt; and then returning to her seat by Mr. Gunthorpe’s side, she took his hand, and pressed it gratefully to her lips. “ But what about my poor brother?” she said, after a pause, and while a cloud suddenly gathered upon her brow. * Where is he at this moment?” demanded Mr. Gunthorpe. “Oh! I recollect. Your aunt told me just now: he remains at Saxondale Castle— having been thrown from a horse about a week back. But fortunately he has received no serious hurt. Now, Florina, the conduct of your brother is far from satisfactory to those who are interested in him: but he must be left to his own course for the present.” “Ah! I have the most serious apprehensions on his account!” exclaimed Florina. “I fear lest that wicked woman Lady Saxondale——” * Well, but we must talk no more upon that sub- ject now,” interrupted Mr. Gunthorpe. “ Fromm all I know of your brother, he is not a man to be either persuaded or coerced into one particular course when he has set his mind on another, ever, do not be afraid that he will be altogether lost sight of——”’ At this moment the door opened, and a domestic entered to announce that Lord Saxondale had just called. Both Lady Macdonald and I lorina threw quick glances of inquiry upon Mr. Gunthorpe to ascertain from his looks what course he would re- commend: and he at »wnce made a sign that the young nobleman should be shown up. “It will be as well,” he said, when the domestic had quitted the room, “ that this stripling should be frankly dealt with at once; and as the opportunity presents itself, let the explanation take place in my presence. You, Lady Macdonald, must speak; but rest assured that I shall eome to your rescue, if he daves display any of his flippant linpertinence.” Searceely had Mr. Gunthorpe finished speaking, when the door opened again, and Lord Saxondale was announced. Apprehensivy, as the reader has already seen, that his affair with Bmily Archer might be kuown in Cavendish Square, he had de- How- | on this occasion, was to give some explanation or warning not altogether favourable to his (Saxon- dale’s) engagement with Florina. He therefore Besides, | started, and stopped short for a moment: but quickly recovering his effrontery, he exclaimed, * Ah, Mr. Gunthorpe! What—are yow here P” rk You see that I am,” responded the old gentle- man; “and this time, Lord Saxondale, I do not think that you will threaten to have me kicked out of the house, as you did when last we met—which was in Park Lane.” “Oh! never mind the past,” ejaculated the young nobleman, looking somewhat confused however: then advancing towards the young lady, he extended his hand, saying, “ Well, Flo, so you have got back from Lincolnshire P” She did not accept the proffered hand; and her look remained grave—but no word passed her lips. * Cool, eh?” muttered Lord Saxondale to himself: then turning towards the aunt, he said, “And how is your ladyship? Why, what the deuce is the mat- ter? You all seem so uncommonly serious !” “Perhaps your lordship will sit down,” inter- rupted Lady Macdonald, pointing to a chair at a little distance from the group: “for it is necessary that you should receive a certain explanation frum my lips.” Edmund took the chair accordingly, and endea- voured to assume—or rather to persevere in the assumption of an off-hand and unconcerned man- ner: but he nevertheless felt confused and un- easy. “ My lord,” continued Lady Macdonald, “ from some additional particulars which have appeared in the newspapers relative tv a certain lamentable tragedy—and which particulars cannot have escaped your notice—it is but too evident that one of the unfortunate victiins ha for several weeks past been living under your protection.” “ Well, what of it?” ejaculated Edmund. “I am not married to Flo yet; and of course should have cut the concern as soon as we were married. These things are always done by young men; and I don’t suppose you want to make me an exception to the general rule.” “Tt is not to argue the point, Lord Saxondale,” said Mr. Gunthorpe, with a severe look, “that her ladyship was addressing you —but to make a certain announcement which it, is needful you should hear.” “Oh, Iean guess what’s coming!” cried Edmund snappishly: “but Lam not to be put off so easy, I can tell you. What the deuce, Mr. Gunthorpe, have you got to du with the business? why are you poking your nose in the affair? And by the bye, if you have been telling any tales about me, ft can tell one about you. That day you dined with Lord Harola in Jermyn Street, didu’t you get most blazing drunk ?” “ No, sir,” responded Mr. Gunthorpe sternly: “1! affected to be overcome with liquor, in order that 1 — ae a te Oe GOnnGdoOoks (CO)