The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 236: what you’re looking at

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Ae eT ? 230 mand I have over my temper. ‘There is not an- other man in England that could have so restrained himself. But I am exceedingly cool and collected in emergencies. I remember once when I was first in the commission of the peace it was down in the country that the thing happened T was called upon to stop a prize-fight that was taking place. I proceeded to the spot, and saw two great hulking fellows—each at least six feet high, and with fists that could fell an ox—fighting in the midst of a ring. Well, Makepeace, I did not rush in to part them—I leé them go on fichting , “Which proves, my lord,’ responded the valet, “that your lordship does indeed possess an extra- ordinary degree of coolness.” “And never did I display it more completely than just now. Of course, Makepeace, you will not mention to a soul that such a thing ever en- tered into my head? Ah! and Adolphus and Tsabella have got on so well together that they are regular lovers—eh? Capital! capital !’—and the old Earl, chuckling at the idea, rubbed his hands gleefully: for though his suspicion was fully re- moved, yet some how or another he was very anxious that Lord Osmond should wed with all possible despatch and bear his bride away to an- other home. “I tell you what, Makepeace—it is quite evident that my son and niece are immensely attached to each other; so we must marry them off as soon as possible. But young people are so diffident—they take months and months before they dare speak of settling the wedding-day. I know it was the case with me when I fell in love with my present Countess. I was exceedingly diffident and then too, you know, I had that long attack of the gout which chained me to my room for three months. But about this young couple I will do something to make Adolphus hurry matters on apace. Ah! the idea strikes me —and you will confess, Makepeace, when you hear it, that it is an admirable stroke of policy.” *‘T have no doubt of it, my lord,” said the valet : “ everything your lordship does, is impressed with a high intelligence.” “Well, lL think that you are about right there, Makepeace,” said the old Earl, eomplacently. “And now I will tell you what I propose to do. That Christian Ashton is a very nice lad—and so genteel too in his manners—indeed quite the gen- tleman i “He could scarcely be otherwise,’ obsérved Makepeace, “after being a month in your lord- ship’s employment.” “Yes—gentility reflects itself. But about my plan—lI propose to throw him in I{sabella’s way: I will invite him to dinner—I will leave Adolphus to hand down the Countess from the drawing- room, so that young Ashton must give his arm to Miss Vincent—and then he will sit next to her at table. Perhaps I will drop him a hint that he is to pay her attention he is so docile and oblig- ing, he does everything I tell him. For instance yesterday he wanted to spell shrubbery with two b’s: but I bade him put only one, and he obeyed me immediately—with such a pleasant smile too! —so that I am sure he will do what TI tell him in the present case. His attentions will be flattering to Isabella; for all young girls are coquettishly in- clined—just as young men like me are apt to be THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT? rakish, However, as I was saying, Isabella will be pleased—Adolphus will be jealous—and he will be urged on to ask his cousin to name the day. Now, what do you think of my scheme, Make- peace P” “J think your lordship possesses the wisdom ot Solomon,” answered the valet. “ Well, I believe that you do not exactly stand alone in that opinion. But now I will just run and ask the Countess how she is to-day: for I am prouder and fonder of her than ever, after having so shamefully suspected her.” Away sped the old Earl to Ethel’s apartments ; and the moment he made his appearance, she saw that Lord Osmond’s device, practised through the medium of Makepeace, had completely succeeded ; and she was infinitely relieved by a result which she had scarcely dared hope would have been at- tained. Alas, we are bound to declare that Ethel was guilty! Those fine resolves which somé months back she had adopted—anhd at first too with a prospect of really having streneth of mind ‘sufficient to carry them out—-had pradually melted away beneath the influence of Lord Osmond’s tender looks, of his impassioned language, and of his great personal beauty, since the young noble- man had contrived to obtain admission once more into the paternal mansion. Yes—Hthel had fallen: but we choose not to dwell at unnecessary lencth upon guilt which under all circumstances was so deep—so deadly! The silly old Harl lost no time in putting his precious scheme into execution. Christian came at the usual time that day; and having written to his noble employer’s dictation for three or four hours—and an astounding admixture of mendacity, self-conceit, and nonsense it was that he had thus to write—he was about to depart, when the Earl caught hiin by the arm, and addressed him as follows :— * You are a very good youth—and I am very much attached to you: but you must not put two b’s in shrubbery for the future. You are to dine with me to-day. Make yourself look as spruce as possible—and come at six o’clock. There will only be ourselves, the Countess, Lord Osmond, and my niece: make yourself quite at home, and don’t hesitate to pay such little attentions to Miss Vin- cent as a young gentleman is bound to show to- wards a young lady. Why, God bless me, how crimson you turn !—you blush just like a woman! Pooh! no diffidence! Mind you hand Isabella down to dinner—sit next to her—and talk without restraint. And now go; for I mean to sit down for an hour or two and invent IT mean make notes of some more adventures for our occupation to-morrow.” Christian went away astounded—as well indeed he might be. What could ‘it possibly all mean? Had the old lord suspected his passion for the beautiful Isabella? did he suspect likewise that his niece had not regarded the youth with indifference ? —did he purpose to favour their loves? or was he adopting some means to inflict a crushing punish- ment, and overwhelm our presumptuous hero with the most humiliating exposure? But no: Chris- tian could not fancy that this latter conjecture was the solution of the mystery. He had seen quite enough of the Harl’s character to be aware that he was incapable of any proceeding that had — (EO) 0)(0)(0) S (C©)