Agnes: A Tale of the Streets

# Agnes; or, Beauty and Pleasure

George W. M. Reynolds's serialized novel, published in this 1855 volume of what was a popular penny dreadful. The narrative follows multiple interwoven plots centered on Italian aristocracy, particularly the Count of Camerino (Charles), whose identity and correspondence become central to a conspiracy. Characters include the Princess of Spartivento, the scheming Voitura, the ruthless conspirators Baguso and Spexxi, and various aristocrats and servants. The plot encompasses court intrigue, forged documents, a condemned man's desperate salvation, and questions of loyalty and betrayal. Late-chapter action shows Voitura and the Princess planning dangerous intervention—possibly murder—to retrieve incriminating correspondence before an execution. The narrative concludes with the Princess of Spartivento seeking sanctuary in a convent, renouncing her wealth and title. The volume includes seventy-two engravings by F. Gilbert featuring portraits and key dramatic moments.