The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 81: what you’re looking at

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THE MYSTERIES OF THE OOURT. 67 I may not be included in the category of gentle- men who talk on commonplace subjects,” he added, speaking with greater rapidity than usual, “T will proceed to touch on the topics to which I just now alluded.” He paused for a reply: but Venetia spoke not a word. He looked in her face: its expression was that of calm indifference, as if she did not fora moment imagine that he could have anything really serious to confer upon. “You do not believe it possible, Miss Tre- lawney,” he continued, “that in the midst of this brilliant scene I could venture to lead your atten- tion to a solemn subject. But I must make that endeavour: for I have been fortunate enough— fortunate, I mean, in one sense,—to become ac- quainted with a secret that nearly concerns you.” “A secret that nearly concerns me!” echoed Venetia, a sudden flush appearing upon her coun- tenance. “Yes—a conspiracy that is afoot against you, Miss Trelawney,” answered the Colonel, lowering his voice to a mysterious whisper. “T cannot possibly understand your meaning, sir,” remarked Venetia, in a cold tone. We should here observe that owing to the loiter- ing pace at which the Colonel had purposely walked he had succeeded in allowing Mrs. and Miss Ar- buthnot to get upwards of twenty or thirty yards a-head in the avenue along which they were proceed- ing, and where there were no other guests at the moment besides themselves. ‘Tt is for me, Miss Trelawney,” said the Colonel, in answer to her observation, and assuming the con- fidential tone and manner of friendship or intimacy, —it is for me to explain myself fully—and then you will comprehend me. For when I say that there is a conspiracy afoot against you ——” “ A conspiracy !” echoed Venetia, in a voice of mingled scorn and incredulity. * Yes—a conspiracy,” repeated the Colonel: “and if you will first make me a solemn promise——But surely there was some strange rustling amidst the bushes?” he suddenly cried, glancing to the right and left of the illuminated avenue of verdure. “J heard nothing extraordinary,” said Venetia. s¢ And moreover,” she continued in a dignified man- ner, “if there be any listeners or eaves-droppers there, it can make no difference to me, inasmuch as I am not seeking nor Courting the confidence with which you appear so mysteriously anxious to honour me.” “ Miss Trelawney,” exclaimed the Colonel, with an ill-subdued petulance, “is it impossible for me to give you a proof of my friendship ?—wil!l you not at least condescend to hear what I may have to com- municate, and then judge for yourself?” “ Proceed, sir,” remarked the lady, with that cold laconicism which evinced a perfect indifference to anything Colonel Malpas could possibly have to Say. “You will give me your word, as a lady, that the communication I am going to make shall be re- garded as confidential?” persisted the officer. “ The mere fact of giving such a pledge would be to invest this discourse with an importance which 1 do not feel disposed to ascribe to it,” was Venetia’s deliberate and measured answer. An ejaculation of mingled petulance, annoyance, and wounded pride rose to the very tip of the Colonel’s tongue, as he thus found himself beaten and baffled, step after step, in all his endeavours to place himself upon a friendly footing with Venetia and establish the intimacy of confidence between them. But he suppressed that ejaculation ere it obtained utterance ;—and biting his lip almost till the blood came, he fixed his eyes upon her in order to read into the depths of her soul and ascertain whether she was playing some deep and unaccount- able part towards him, or whether this was her natural character and disposition that she was dis- playing. But nothing appeared in the looks or the manner of the superb creature to warrant the belief that there was aught artificial and constrained in her demeanour, or studied and unreal in her conduct. The Colonel was therefore alike perplexed and mortified. He knew not precisely which course to adopt—whether to proceed with his attempt to insinuate himself into her good graces by a great show of friendship, or to start upon some other tack. He was mortified, too, because he saw that his amicable advances were repulsed with a cold courtesy, and that while Venetia adhered to the rules of strict etiquette by regarding him as an acquaintance, she was decided in discouraging all endeavours on his part to place himself on a more intimate footing with her. His vanity was wounded—his pride was hurt;—and he already hated the beauteous creature in whose charms he nevertheless so eagerly longed to revel. But then he wished to possess her, not only because he was a sensualist and regarded her as the finest piece of flesh and blood that had ever yet tempted his vo- luptuous appetite: but also because there was a grand triumph to achieve over his five rivals who were embarked in the same enterprise and yearn- ing for the same conquest—and likewise because there were six thousand guineas to be obtained by that victory ! “Perhaps, Miss Trelawney,” he said at length, and in comment upon the last observation which had fallen from her lips,— perhaps you will be in- duced to attach some little importance to my com- munication when you have heard it;—and I shall therefore trust to your generosity—I had almost ‘said honour—to keep the matter a secret.” He paused for a reply: but Venetia remained silent. She was however displaying that polite at- tention which a well-bred lady shows to any one who is addressing himself to her: and, as the Colonel was thus satisfied that she did condescend to listen to him, he proceeded in his discourse. “JT have already hinted, Miss Trelawney, that a conspiracy is on foot against you; and I can afford you the amplest proofs that such is the ease. Start not, however, when I inform you that your | exceeding beauty has rendered you the object of a wager on the part of a few base and infamous voluptuaries: and inasmuch as the secret of this scandalous transaction has accidentally—or rather, | providentially—reached my ears, I resolved to | reveal the atrocious circumstance to you. Sorry) am I to say that the personages engaged in this con- spiracy are all associates and friends of my own, and with whom I cannot very well break off my in- timacy: but if you will retain this matter a pro- found secret and condescend to follow such advice as I shall give you-—There!” ejaculated the Colonel, once more interrupting himself with a sudden ejaculation of alarm, and stopping short in | | CONMICLIOOMKS (©)