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"Excellent woman! in justice to myself, I must tell you," cried he, "that I was deceived into this situation. I CAN say no more!" At this moment a servant knocked at the door, bringing a message from Lord Glistonbury, to say that all the company were assembled, and that dinner waited for Mr. Vivian. "You are not in a fit state to go. Shall I send an apology to my father?" "Oh, no!
Say that you have not betrayed her father's confidence! say, that you have not practised upon her unguarded heart! say, that you do not know that she loves you to distraction!" "Oh! Mr. Vivian, what have you done?" cried Lady Julia: she could say no more, but fell senseless on the ground. Vivian's anger was at once sobered by this sight.
I told Jean to have plenty ready for supper." "Good girl, good girl!" said Sir John. "Now I will go upstairs and wash my hands; and I presume you will do the same, little women. Then we'll all enjoy a good meal." A few minutes later Sir John Crawford and the three Misses Vivian were seated round a rough table, on which was spread a very snowy but coarse cloth. The grouse were done to a turn.
"It isn't necessary," said Sara coldly. "I scarcely know the Williamsons." She hesitated an instant and then went on with sardonic dismay: "They're in trade, you know." "That's nothing against 'em," protested he. "Awfully jolly people really ripping. Ain't they, Viv?" "I don't know them well enough to say," said Vivian, turning away. "I only know we're all snobs of the worst sort."
Now, gracious lady, what do you wish?" "And who," said Lady Madeleine, smiling, "is this?" "The celebrated Essper George, just " again commenced the conjuror; but Vivian prevented the repetition. "He is an odd knave. Lady Madeleine, that I have met with before, at other places, I believe I may add an honest one. What say you, Essper?"
"When shall we expect you back, sir? Am I to forward your letters?" "No, no. I shall return in a few hours." "Oh, I beg pardon, sir. And if any telegrams " "There will not be any. I am now going to answer the telegrams in person." "Yes, sir." "Come along, my children," cried the Prophet, putting his head into the library. "Not your children, if you please, Mr. Vivian," replied the little boy.
He drew a chair round the fire, between the Prince and Vivian. It was a late hour, and the room was only lighted by the glimmering coals, for the flames had long died away. Mr. Beckendorff sat for some time without speaking, gazing earnestly on the decaying embers.
The offer was declined, and the temptation was firmly withstood by our hero; his credit was now at its acme with his own coadjutors. Lady Mary whispered the circumstance, as a state secret, to all her acquaintance; and Russell took care that Miss Sidney should hear of it. Vivian was now cited as an incorruptible patriot.
"But Beckendorff," said Vivian; "why can he not crush in the bud the noxious plant which he so much dreads? Why does the press speak in the least to the people? Why is the Grand Duke surrounded by any others except pompous Grand Marshals and empty-headed Lord Chamberlains? I am surprised at this indifference, this want of energy!" "My dear sir, there are reasons for all things.
He was quite sure he was not going to sleep, but there was a large, yellow satin cushion behind him and his head sank against it, and after a while his eyelids drooped for the last time. They did not even quite open when, as it seemed a long time after, some one kissed him lightly on the cheek. It was Miss Vivian Herbert, who was going away, and she spoke to him softly.
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