The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 115: what you’re looking at

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| | | —e THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. 109 SS ee a eS inferior ones. They had their own parlour, where | | ment,—for it was still early in the forenoon; and they usually took their meals together: but of a; moreover his heart was full at being separated Sunday they generally invited the butler, the lady’s-maids, and one or two of the upper servants —such as his Grace’s valets—to feast at their dining-table. It was to this comfortable little parlour that Christian Ashton was conducted by the gorge- ously dressed footman; and there he found Mr. and Mrs. Calvert seated together. Both were looking over accounts; and in front of each was a goodly pile of money in bank-notes, gold, and silver. When the footman announced Mr. Ashton, they both desisted from their occupation, and rose to receive the young gentleman. The steward bowed primly—the housekeeper proffered the youth her hand: he was invited to sit down— and then did the explanations commence in re- spect to the arrangements which had been made for his comfort at Marchmont House. “IT have ordered a nice cheerful little bed- chamber to be prepared for you,” said Mrs. Cal- vert ; “and I will show you to it presently. His Grace has suggested, if you have no objection, that you should take your meals with us 59 “And we have no objection,” interposed Mr. Calvert, in a half-patronising manner, which was nevertheless both kind and respectful: “for you appear to be a young gentleman whose company will be agreeable to us.’ “And I am sure,” resumed Mrs. Calvert, “ we will do all we can torender you comfortable. One thing we musi beg to observe—which is that we are very regular in our meals: breakfast at nine— dinner at two—tea at six—and supper at nine. But of course, if at any time you wish for refreshment, you have only to signify such a desire, and it shall be instantaneously complied with.” “While thanking you for your assurances of making me comfortable,” answered Christian, “I can safely promise that I shall conform to your regulations.” “ His Grace desired me to tell you,” said the steward, after a brief pause, “ that you are welcome to use the library as much as you think fit when his Grace is elsewhere; and on those occasions when it suits his lordship to be alone there, you can make our parlour your sitting-room. Or there is a little cabinet near the library, which Mrs. Cal- vert will show you presently, where you are wel- come to sit when you choose to be alone In short, I have not the slightest doubt you will soon fall into the regular routine of the household, and that you will speedily find yourself at home.” Christian again expressed his thanks for the kind assurances thus given him, and the fore- thought which had dictated all those suggestions for his comfort and well-being. “And now,” said Mrs. Calvert, “would you like a piece of cake and a glass of wine P—ora leetle drop of cherry-brandy? for the weather is uncommonly cold :’—and as the worthy matron thus spoke, she repaired to a cupboard of considera- ble dimensions, and the shelves of which were crowded with pots of preserves, cakes, biscuits, bottles of wine, spirits, and liqueurs—and all those from his beloved sister. “Well then, Mr. Ashton,” said the dame, “let me show you at once to your quarters; and when you have arranged the contents of your boxes, you can report your arrival to the Duke.” Mrs. Calvert accordingly conducted the young secretary up a back staircase, to a chamber which though on one of the upper storeys, was neverthe- less a most comfortable little apartment,—looking upon a small garden that there was at the back of the mansion. She then led him along a corridor— down the upper flights of the principal staircase— as far as the first floor; and there she showed him the entrance to the picture. -gallery, assuring him that he was perfectly welcome to lounge in there and amuse himself whensoever he might think fit. Decending thence into the entrance-hall, Mrs. Cal. vert conducted Christian to the library, which was on the ground-floor, and the windows of which looked upon the garden. It was a spacious apart- ment,—containing handsome mahogany cases, the shelves of which were crowded with elegantly- bound volumes, all protected by glass-doors. By the side of the library was a little parlour—a nar- row slip indeed—with one window, also looking on the garden; and this was denominated the cabinet, the free use of which was placed at Chris- tian’s disposal. Having thus far initiated him into the geo- graphy of the mansion, Mrs. Calvert returned to her own sitting-room—while Christian ascended to his chamber to unpack his boxes and arrange his clothes in the drawers. He then made himself look as neat as possible; and descending to the entrance-hall, requested a footman to announce his arrival to the Duke. In a few minutes Christian was desired to attend his Grace in the library; and thither he accordingly repaired. “Well,” said Marchmont, with a half-smile, “ so you made up your mind to come and live in the house ?”’ “Your Grace was kind enough to leave me to my own choice in the matter,’ replied the youth ; “and having consulted with my sister, I called yes- terday afternoon a “Yes, “Saya Maps opcige ce delivered tc me,’ said the Duke: “you intimated your intention to come and take up your abode here to-day— and you have doubtless already found that ar- rangements have been made to insure your com- fort ?” “For which I sincerely thank your Grace,” joined Christian. “Nothing to thank me for,” said Marchmont carelessly: then, after a pause—during which he had motioned Christian to take a seat,—he ob- served, as if still in the same careless, ee manner, “And what is your sister going to do Coming to live in the neighbourhood, [ suppose, so that you may see each other often ?” “No, my lord,” replied Christian: “fortunately my sister obtained a situation at the very same hour yesterday forenoon that I Was 80 happy as to satisfy your Grace’s requirements.” “ Ah, indeed—a situation?” said Marchmont. re- little luxuries which are invariably to be found | “ And what is it ?” in a housekeeper’s room in a wealthy mansion. “Companion, my lord, to a lady living in the Christian however declined the proffered refresh- | Regent’s Park.” 0)(0)(0) (C(O) S (©)