The Gypsy Queen's Vow

halt be all

n feel, or to

admire, and

, dare not,

oo

city. At that same hour the town mansion of Hugh Seyton-Earl De Courcy-was all ablaze with lights, music and mirth. Gorgeous drawing-rooms, fretted with gold and carving, dazzling with numberless jets of light from the pendant chandeliers, odorous with the heavy perfume of costly exotics, the

ay-window, in the music-room, watching a group assembled r

lexion, his curling chestnut hair, and large blue eyes, betrayed his Saxon blood. His face might have seemed slightly effeminate; but no one, in looking at the high, kingly brow, the dark, flashing eyes, and firm-set mouth, would have thought that long. A dark

the depths of those dark, handsome eyes the bright light of a happy heart would pass;

ss look, and most desirable curling whiskers, leaned against a marble Hebe, and listened languidly to the singing. He w

unexpected things. The Duke of B-- is going crazy about it. He had invited Germaine to his house, and the fellow was making the fiercest sort of love to his pretty daughter, when all of a

whole affair is in

retty intimate-wer

first; and I don't believe, yet, he is g

have faith in human nature! How

nly circu

re is not another man in London has the s

ts, and refined nature, to come to such a sad end! To be obliged to mate with the lowest of the low, the vilest of

dsman shrugged

confess, I thought better things of Germaine myself. There was always something of the dare-devil in him, and he was reckless

o meet him. Death would be

"No one that saw him is likely to forget, in a hurry, the way he folded his arms and smiled in the judge's face, as he

Villiers; "and if ever he escapes, woe to those who have caused his disgrace! He is as

ds or relatives a

or something. I intend paying him a last visit to-night,

ove of such a visit, since it w

, thought it his duty to do so; but he bears no feeling o

ittle prize widow of old Sir Rob Landers; but I'll be magnanimous and forgive him now. Oh, by Jove! Villiers, there goes Lady Maude Percy!" cried the guardsman, starting suddenly up, all his listlessness disappearing as if by m

ughed, and his c

rdsman, resuming his half-drawl and languid caressing of his whiskers.

umor?" said Lord

he accepted lover of

en, a young lady, suddenly entering the room, caught sight

lly, my lord, you and this idle brother of mine ought to be ashamed to make hermits of yourselves in thi

er warningly, Miss Je

'" said Captain Jernyngham, in a

Villiers laughing as he finished the quot

ver the fair forms tripping through the "mazy dance," while they rested on one form fairer than all the rest, and

colorless, save for the full, crimson lips, her eyes large, dark and lustrous as stars, and fringed by long, silken-blacken lashes; her shining hair fell in soft, glittering, spiral curls, like raveled silk, round her fair, moonlight face; and her pallor seemed deepened by its raven hue. Her dress was of white brocade, fr

ng against a marble pillar until the dance was concluded; and then moving toward her, as she stood

e evening? I must see you! I must speak to you in pr

blood" had flooded cheek and bosom with its rosy light; but as he went on

," he said, drawing her arm through his. "There, apa

without a word, she suffered herself to be led

an answer to the question I asked you

then, my lord,"

a thing were possible. Maude, I cannot, I will t

lord! you know I do!"

tiful one-will you n

Ernest, I cannot!" she said

why, in Hea

r, never be your wife. Choose some one

voice, but a stifled s

r in his strong arms, and her

e said, smiling. "Tell me, and we will see if your mountain does

y, and withdrawing from his retaining arms; "but there is a reason, one sufficient

tch; in worldly rank we are equals; I love you passionately, with all my heart

in her hands now, and large t

he said, with sudden hope. "Only

Ernest! there are so many better and worthier than I am, who will love you.

me connected with this secret of you

, her large eyes filling and darkening with indignation

ord Villiers?-of guilt that needs con

han you. But I thought there might be others involved. Oh, Lady Maude! must thi

e beautiful eyes of Lady Maude; and h

but not now. Let us part here, and let

Maude-do yo

o! Heaven

de! Maude! you will drive me mad! I

she said, in he

, faires

am tired and sick, and very, very unhappy. Dearest

e," he said, with a bow

very heart, was laid on his arm, and t

you, my lord; p

forgive," he said; but his fine face was clouded with mortifica

. Oh, Lord Villiers, if you knew how unhappy I am,

m, and taking her h

the friendship you offer, until such time as I can claim a better

hand to his lip

n his ear, at that moment, "but there is an individual downstairs wh

uired Lord Villi

a desperate-looking

m, passing at that moment. "You must know, my lord, I fairly dote on gips

y!" said Lord Villiers, g

my lord," lisped Miss Jernyngham, giving him a tap wi

ey call her the gi

y, clapping her hands; "my lord, we must have her up

yngham," said Lord Villiers, with a bow.

" said Jonson

exclaimed the young lady, as he

"My dear Clara, the way you do get the steam up at a momen

to have your

would pay my debts, and keep me provided with kid glove

fraid. And truly not without reason; for a lioness in her lair might have looked about as safe an animal as the dark, f

l De Courcy," was

mother," said Lord Villiers; "my f

ng her piercing eyes on his handsom

t. What has the fut

son," she hissed through her cle

and peered into it. What a contrast they were! his, w

hat has destiny

ther thou shalt be blessed for life, or if the scale turns

iddle-age, approached, and looked with

rd-earl," said the g

out,

be in p

id the earl, surp

ueen, Ketura," said the

you want of

ous that you cannot grant ten minutes of it to me?" said t

commanding look and tones, as he turned and led the way

ioned lounging-chair, he waited