The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 153: what you’re looking at

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

Ne NS sees THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. that she was of a sensuous and luxurious tempera- ment, and that she was therefore unfitted for the influences which he purposed to bring to bear upon the one who should be the object of his choice. He directed his attention to the French girl, Armantine: but exquisitely beautiful though she were, and delicately classical as were her features, there was nevertheless a certain flashing of the eyes which denoted insincerity—and his thoughts settled not upon her. There was but one left; and this was Eveleen the Irish girl. There was something ingenuous in her looks — something frank and honest in the expression of her eyes: and then too, he ever and anon observed a cloud gathering over her features at certain anecdotes which he purposely related, and which had the effect of bringing back visions of home to the me- mories of these lost ones. became the object of his choice. They all sat down at the table; and Mr. Red- cliffe in the course of an hour drank more wine But this he was compelled to do, lest any suspicion of an ulterior intent should arise in the minds of the than he had altogether done for years past. three who were to be excluded from his confidence. Nevertheless the libations of champagne clouded not his intellect—much less overpowered it: his own strong will was more powerful than the in; fluence of wine. principal attentions were devoted to her. Seemed significant; and after a while, Lettice, Linda, and Armantine withdrew from the saloon. Redcliffe was now alone with Eveleen. a yoluptuously furnished chamber. “Resume your seat,” said Mr. Redcliffe: wish to speak to you.” The girl, who was for a moment astonished that he did not at once rise and follow her, naturally fancied that he wished to prolong the pleasures of the table: and returning to her chair, she was about to refill bis glass. * No—we have had enough wine,’ said Redcliffe, in a kind though firm and decisive tone. Eveleen gazed upon him with renewed astonish- ment; and for afew moments he remained absorbed in thought. » “Tell me,’ he presently said, “how long have you been here ?”’ . “ About three years, sir,’ she answered; and again the cloud lowered for a moment over her features, which were naturally of so sprightly and piquant an expression. . “Three years,” continued Redcliffe mournfully, —‘‘three years of sin for one who by her beauty and her intelligence, her manners and her accom- plishments, might have aderned the highest sphere of society, had she remained virtuous !” _ “Oh, do not speak to me in this way!” cried Eveleen almost petulantly: for Redcliffe’s words, as well as the tone in which they were uttered, had sunk deep down into her very soul. “Tt is not a reproach, much less an insult that J am addressing you,” he said, in a still kinder voice. ‘You will perhaps live to bless the day when you thus encountered me—or I have very erroneously read your character and disposition. tell me—and speak candidly—are there not time Eveleen therefore He made Eveleen sit next to him; and though courteous enough to all four, his This She rose and made a movement towards a door at the farther extremity, and which communicated with “Ty ean ever wield; and she felt as for three long years 147 when your memory is carried back to a bright and happy home?” “Good heavens, sir, why do you talk thus?” exclaimed Eveleen. “Who are yout wherefore came you hither? Is it possible “Tt is possible, my poor girl,” responded Red- cliffe, “that I may have come hither with some object very different from that which was sup- posed —very different indeed from the objects which men have in penetrating into such a place as this. But before I explain myself, tell -me, Eveleen—have you parents ?” The Irish girl burst into tears: she endeayoured to check them—but vainly: she could not. The more she strove, the less was her power to com- mand her feelings : they convulsed her. . “Yes,” resumed Redcliffe, “I see that you have parents, who are doubtless deploring the disap- pearance of a beloved daughter. Would you not like to be restored to them P” “Oh, I would give up twenty years of my life to pass ‘but a few in that once happy home !”—and ae unfortunate girl sobbed bitterly. “In me, Eveleen,” said Redcliffe, “you shall find a friend—a real friend—a friend who will lift you up from degradation, instead of helping to plunge you farther down—a friend who will do all he can for you—if you yourself be accessible to the influences of such pure and well meant friend- ship. 29 By a strange but very natural revulsion of feeling, Eveleen grew calm. She wiped the tears from her eyes, and gazed upon Mr. Redcliffe with mingled amazement, gratitude and admiration. Long was it since her ears had drunk in such lJan- guage as this: long was it since such balm had been poured down nite her heart ! ** Do not think,” he continued, “ that you are so far lost it is not worth while to return into a vir- tuous course. JI am well aware that such is too often the fatal error to which fallen woman clings. She thinks that by the very fact of her fall, insur- mountable barriers have suddenly sprung up be- tween herself and the pathway from which she has diverged,—barriers which she may vainly attempt to climb in order to re-enter it. But it is not so. True, when a coronal of purity has fallen from the brow, it can never be replaced !—true, that chastity once lost cannot be regained ! But this is no reason for a perseverance in sin; and so great is the merit of abandoning the path of etror, that it goes far towards a complete atonement for the past. The arms of parents may be opened to welcome back again a lost daughter, if she return to them in penitence and in sorrow for her misdeeds, Eve- leen, you are not deficient in intelligence:—am I not speaking truly ?” The poor Irish girl gave no verbal answer: but she fell upon her knees at Redcliffe’s feet—and taking his hand, gazed up at him in a manner which was expressive of a fervid gratitude for the promise he seemed to hold out—of entreaty that he would perform it—but of suspense lest it were a happiness too great for her to know. All the contrition of a Magdalen was in that look. The waters of life had not been dried up in that girl’s heart: their issue had been merely closed by the circumstances of her position : but now the rock was smitten with the magic rod which kind word: : JOOKS! OL (c©)