This eBook was produced by Andrew Heath
and David Widger
GODOLPHIN, Volume 3.
By Edward Bulwer Lytton
(Lord Lytton)
"Bring me that book; place that table nearer; and leave me."
The Abigail obeyed the orders, and the young Countess of Erpingham wasalone. Alone! what a word for a young and beautiful bride in the firstmonths of her marriage! Alone! and in the heart of that mighty city inwhich rank and wealth—and they were hers—are the idols adored bymillions.
It was a room fancifully and splendidly decorated. Flowers and perfumeswere, however, its chief luxury; and from the open window you might seethe trees in the old Mall deepening into the rich verdure of June. Thathaunt, too—a classical haunt for London—was at the hour I speak of fullof gay and idle life; and there was something fresh and joyous in the air,the sun, and the crowd of foot and horse that swept below.
Was the glory gone from your brow, Constance?—or the proud gladness fromyour eye? Alas! are not the blessings of the world like the enchantedbullets?—that which pierces our heart is united with the gift which ourheart desired!
Lord Erpingham entered the room. "Well, Constance," said he, "shall youride on horseback to-day?"
"I think not."
"Then I wish you would call on Lady Delville. You see Delville is of myparty: we sit together. You should be very civil to her, and I did notthink you were so the other night."
"You wish Lady Delville to support your political interest; and, if Imistake not, you think her at present lukewarm?"
"Precisely."
"Then, my dear lord, will you place confidence in my discretion? Ipromise you, if you will leave me undisturbed in my own plans, that LadyDelville shall be the most devoted of your party before the season is halfover: but then, the means will not be those you advise."
"Why, I advised none."
"Yes—civility; a very poor policy."
"D—n it, Constance! why, you would not frown a great person like Lady
Delville into affection for us?"
"Leave it to me."
"Nonsense!"
"My dear lord, only try. Three months is all I ask. You will leave themanagement of politics to me ever afterwards! I was born a schemer. Am Inot John Vernon's daughter?"
"Well, well, do as you will," said Lord Erpingham; "but I see how it willend. However, you will call on Lady Delville to-day?"
"If you wish it, certainly."
"I do."
Lady Delville was a proud, great lady; not very much liked and not sooften invited by her equals as if she had been agreeable and a flirt.
Constance knew with whom she had to treat. She called on Lady Delvillethat day. Lady Delville was at home: a pretty and popular Mrs. Trevor waswith her.
Lady Delville received her coolly—Constance was haughtiness itself.
"You go to the Duchess of Daubigny's to-night?" said Lady Delville in thecourse of their broken conversation.
"Indeed I do not. I like agreeable society. It shall be my object toform a circle that not one displeasing person shall obtain access to.Will you assist me, my dear Mrs. Trevor?"—and Constance tu