The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 41: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

— ee eid 24 ‘‘Oh! but there are fair Italian women as well as clark ones,” observed Saxondale. “I have read aa ina boox. But whether Italian or English, this Signora Vivaldi is the most enchanting creature I ever saw in all my life—Lady Florina of course excepted. And now, is it possible to get intro- duced to her?” “You heard what we were told behind the scenes at the Opera last night,” said Lord Harold ; “ that the Signora is the most discreet and virtuous of young ladies—that she is attended by an old duenna who looks as sour as vinegar, and screws up her face most awfully if even an eye be too in- tently fixed upon her fair charge—and that when at rehearsal the Signora keeps herself as aloof as eircumstances can possibly admit, from both the male and female performers in the ballet. Why, it seems to be even a secret known only to the lessee and the ballet-master where she lives ; and neither of them is at all likely to give the infor- mation.” ‘“‘Oh! but her residence is easily found out,” exclaimed Edmund. ‘“ When leaving tle Opera, she must of a necessity ride home in a carriage, hackney-coach, or some kind of vehicle; and it will be easy enough to get a person to follow 1” “Granted!” said Lord Harold. “ But when you have found out her place of abode, what course would you adopt? I donot think that from all we heard last night she would give us a very gracious reception if we went boldly tocall upon her. Yet there are ways and means: and these must be thought of. £n the first place I will instruct Alfred to endeavour to follow her from the theatre the next time she makes her appearance. Alfred isa cunning, astute fellow, with all his sedateness of look and mealy-mouthiness of words; and he will be sure to discover the fair one’s abode. This once done we can deliberate how to pro- eced.” ‘IT was thinking,” remarked -Saxondale, ‘whether if you were to draw me up some appro- priate little billet, I might not send it to her. By addressing it to the Opera it would be sure to reach her Ks “ And be treated with contempt,” added Staun- ton. ‘ Yes—but who ever believed in the virtue of an actress or a dancing girl ?” exclaimed Saxon- dale, contemptuously. “ All rules have an exception; and in this case our phoenix of beauty and mystery seems to con- stitute that exception. However I will do the best I can for you in the matter; and as a pre- liminary, will set Alfred to discover her residence. We will then take measures accordingly. But now, my dear fellow, I want you to do me a little favour in your turn.” “Anything but in the money way,” replied Saxondale: “for I am as hard up to-day as you can possibly be. Just before I came out I told my mother that [ had nothing left at the banker's, and desired her to ask my guardians for some cash : but she positively refused. SoI gave her my mind, and came off in high dudgeon. Now, as for applying direct to my guardians, it’s out of the question; I should only get a good blowing up; and I can’t talk to them in the same free and easy styleas I do to my mother. They won't stand it.” “Lord Petersfield and Mr. Marlow—are they not ?” inquired Harold. — ee = a — THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. ‘Yes; those are my blessed guardians,” re- joined Saxondale: ‘and what with the surly old peer and the business-like lawyer, I have to deal with two confounded impracticable fellows. The last time I applied to them they told me 1 had a splendid allowance for a young nobleman under age, and must make it do: but one’s guardians always seem to thimk that an income which will barely supply shoe-leatberis uncommon liberal.” “ This is very awkward,” said Lord Harold, both looking and feeling vexed: “for I amin rather a mess at present — several creditors bothering me—and must get two or three thousand or so by some means or another. 1 shouldn’t have thought of asking you, my dear Edmund, considering that I am already your debtor to the amount of a cool five thou- sand ——” “Oh, that be hanged!” ejaculated Saxondale. “ You know if I had the money you should not be in want of it for another minute. Byt surely there must be some way of raising the wind ?” ‘‘Of course,” answered Lord Harold. “ There are money-brokers, and bill-brokers, and dis- counters, and usurers enough in the City: but the deuce of it is that Iam afraid my introduction wouldn’t exactly do—I am in rather deep with them myself.” ‘‘ An idea strikes me!” ejaculated the youthfuy heir of Saxondale, his ignoble countenance sud- denly brightening up. “That old fellow Gun- thorpe ? ‘ Ah, to be sure!” cried Lord Harold, catching at the hint: “he might be made useful. Let me see—niy uncle’s letter says that Mr. Gunthorpe was for many years the most eminent banker in Italy, and now he is retired from business. De- pend upon it he’s a8 rich as Crossus; and if we can only get on the blind side of him But that’s difficult though, a banker and a sharp old fellow into the bargain! However, there is nothing like trying. So here goes.” With these words, Lord Harold jumped up, fetched his writing-desk from a side-table, sat down, and penned the following lines upon the best cream-laid paper :— “Jermyn Street, ‘*Monday, Noon. ‘“My dear Mr. Gunthorpe, “Thad not an opportunity on Saturday evening of saying all the civil things I ought and meant; but per- haps you will do me the honour of dining with me to- morrow at half-past six? We shall be quite alone, with the exception of my very particular friend Lord Saxondale. “T remain, my dear Mr. Gunthorpe, * Your's very faithfully, “HAROLD STAUNTON. ' ‘“Now what do you think of that ?” asked his lordship, as he handed the letter to young Saxon- dale for his perusal. ‘‘Nothing can be better,” was the response. “ You must give the old boy a capital dinner and plenty of wine; for he looks as if he loved good cheer and could take his glass: and then, when we have once got him nicely warmed over the bottle, we will see whether we can't manage to draw him of a few thousands.” “ On our joint security,” added Staunton, “ It will be capital! I really do begin to think we are pretty certain to succeed. These trading money- ea oa | . im EO) 0)(0)(0) eS (Eo)