The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 360: what you’re looking at

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

330 THE COURT OF LONDON we shall see,” he added, in his silent musings; and his doubt and uncertainty increased as he flung another look upon the marchioness, whose serenity bespoke a mind so profoundly at peace within itself and with all the world. Meantime Fernanda had also taken her survey of Lady Bellenden, but in a less furtive manner than was observed by her cousin Eugene. Indeed, she had fixed her fine violet-coloured eyes full upon the countenance of the marchioness, who however met their steadfast gaze with the most imperturbable tranquillity; and when the earl noticed this further proof of extreme self-possession on her part, he was all the more perplexed, — all the more bewildered. He knew not what to think; he could not possibly form a conjecture as to the probable result of the present inter- view. Would it end in exposure and ruin to all? Or would it terminate amicably? Was the marchioness about to enact the part of a suppliant or a dictatrix? Would she make use of conciliation or a menace? All those rapid exchangings of looks and all those thoughts that swept not only through the brain of Eugene Mont- gomery, but likewise of Fernanda herself, occupied but a few moments in reality, although they have taken us as many minutes to describe. For, in fact, almost immediately after Lady Bellenden joined her visitors in the manner narrated, the proceedings commenced. ~ “ You were doubtless surprised,’’ said the marchioness, glancing first at Eugene and then at Fernanda, “‘ to receive a note from me requesting your presence here. But on learning the result of the step which the lawsuit advanced this morning, I thought it better that we three who are so deeply interested in that process should assemble and try the case ourselves, so as to avoid the expense of any further litigation.” i ie “Try the case for ourselves! ’’ echoed Fernanda, gazing upon the marchioness with indignant surprise. — “We are already in as good a position as if we had won it,’’ exclaimed Lord Montgomery. “ But you will both be so kind as to remember that it is not irrevocably won yet,”’ said the marchioness, with all the coolness of an imperturbable self-possession. ‘‘ The Chan- cellor must pronounce his judgment — ”’ espa (CONMKE NOOO KS m