Alice, or the Mysteries — Book 05

								

"That I know not.  Papa received a letter from him yesterday morning, to
say that he would be here to-day.  Perhaps Lady Vargrave thinks it time
for Evelyn to return home."
"What am I to do?" said Vargrave, anxiously.  "Dare I yet venture to
propose?"
"I am sure it will be in vain, Vargrave.  You must prepare for
disappointment."
"And ruin," muttered Vargrave, gloomily.  "Hark you, Caroline, she may
refuse me if she pleases.  But I am not a man to be baffled.  Have her I
will, by one means or another; revenge urges me to it almost as much as
ambition.  That girl's thread of life has been the dark line in my woof;
she has robbed me of fortune, she now thwarts me in my career, she
humbles me in my vanity.  But, like a hound that has tasted blood, I will
run her down, whatever winding she takes."
"Vargrave, you terrify me!  Reflect; we do not live in an age when
violence--"
"Tush!" interrupted Lumley, with one of those dark looks which at times,
though very rarely, swept away all its customary character from that
smooth, shrewd countenance.  "Tush!  We live in an age as favourable to
intellect and to energy as ever was painted in romance.  I have that
faith in fortune and myself that I tell you, with a prophet's voice, that
Evelyn shall fulfil the wish of my dying uncle.  But the bell summons us
back."
On returning to the house, Lord Vargrave's valet gave him a letter which
had arrived that morning.  It was from Mr. Gustavus Douce, and ran
thus:--

                         FLEET STREET, ----- 20, 18--.
MY LORD,--It is with the greatest regret that I apprise you, for Self &
Co., that we shall not be able in the present state of the Money Market
to renew your Lordship's bill for 10,000 pounds, due the 28th instant.
Respectfully calling your Lordship's attention to the same, I have the
honour to be, for Self & Co., my Lord,



     Your Lordship's most obedient and most obliged humble servant,

                              GUSTAVUS DOUCE.
To the Right Hon. LORD VARGRAVE, etc.

This letter sharpened Lord Vargrave's anxiety and resolve; nay, it seemed
almost to sharpen his sharp features as he muttered sundry denunciations
on Messrs. Douce and Co., while arranging his neckcloth at the glass.

CHAPTER VI.


Sol. Why, please your honourable lordship, we were talking
here and there,--this and that.--The Stranger.
AUBREY had been closeted with Evelyn the whole morning; and, simultaneous
with his arrival, came to her the news of the departure of Maltravers.
It was an intelligence that greatly agitated and unnerved her; and,
coupling that event with his solemn words on the previous night, Evelyn
asked herself, in wonder, what sentiments she could have inspired in
Maltravers.  Could he love her,--her, so young, so inferior, so
uninformed?  Impossible!  Alas! alas! for Maltravers!  His genius, his
gifts, his towering qualities,--all that won the admiration, almost the