Part 102 (1/2)
”I forget,” answered Mr. Avenel, who was far too well versed in the London scale of human dignities since his marriage, not to look back with a blush at his desire of knighthood. ”No use bothering our heads now about the plumes of an arrogant popinjay. To return to the subject we were discussing: you must be sure to let me have this money next week.”
”Rely on it.”
”And you'll not let my bills get into the market; keep them under lock and key.”
”So we agreed.”
”It is but a temporary difficulty,--royal mourning, such nonsense; panic in trade, lest these precious ministers go out. I shall soon float over the troubled waters.”
”By the help of a paper boat,” said the baron, laughing; and the two gentlemen shook hands and parted.
CHAPTER VI.
Meanwhile Audley Egerton's carriage had deposited him at the door of Lord Lansmere's house, at Knightsbridge. He asked for the countess, and was shown into the drawing-room, which was deserted. Egerton was paler than usual; and as the door opened, he wiped the unwonted moisture from his forehead, and there was a quiver on his firm lip. The countess too, on entering, showed an emotion almost equally unusual to her self-control. She pressed Audley's hand in silence, and seating herself by his side, seemed to collect her thoughts. At length she said,
”It is rarely indeed that we meet, Mr. Egerton, in spite of your intimacy with Lansmere and Harley. I go so little into your world, and you will not voluntarily come to me.”
”Madam,” replied Egerton, ”I might evade your kind reproach by stating that my hours are not at my disposal; but I answer you with plain truth,--it must be painful to both of us to meet.”
The countess coloured and sighed, but did not dispute the a.s.sertion.
Audley resumed: ”And therefore, I presume that, in sending for me, you have something of moment to communicate?”
”It relates to Harley,” said the countess, as if in apology; ”and I would take your advice.”
”To Harley! Speak on, I beseech you.”
”My son has probably told you that he has educated and reared a young girl, with the intention to make her Lady L'Estrange, and hereafter Countess of Lansmere.”
”Harley has no secrets from me,” said Egerton, mournfully. ”This young lady has arrived in England, is here, in this house.”
”And Harley too?”
”No, she came over with Lady N------and her daughters. Harley was to follow shortly, and I expect him daily. Here is his letter. Observe, he has never yet communicated his intentions to this young person, now entrusted to my care, never spoken to her as the lover.”
Egerton took the letter and read it rapidly, though with attention.
”True,” said he, as he returned the letter: ”and before he does so he wishes you to see Miss Digby and to judge of her yourself,--wishes to know if you will approve and sanction his choice.”
”It is on this that I would consult you: a girl without rank; the father, it is true, a gentleman, though almost equivocally one, but the mother, I know not what. And Harley, for whom I hoped an alliance with the first houses in England!” The countess pressed her hands convulsively together.
EGERTON.--”He is no more a boy. His talents have been wasted, his life a wanderer's. He presents to you a chance of resettling his mind, of re-arousing his native powers, of a home besides your own. Lady Lansmere, you cannot hesitate!”
LADY LANSMERE.--”I do, I do? After all that I have hoped after all that I did to prevent--”
EGERTON (interrupting her).--”You owe him now an atonement; that is in your power,--it is not in mine.” The countess again pressed Audley's hand, and the tears gushed from her eyes.
”It shall be so. I consent, I consent. I will silence, I will crush back this proud heart. Alas! it well-nigh broke his own! I am glad you speak thus. I like to think he owes my consent to you. In that there is atonement for both.”