Agnes, or, Beauty and Pleasure — page 126: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

118 ~t AGNES; OR, BEAUTY ANP PLEASUEE. —->—_— ——— way: but it has become so completely a habit with me ” ““And moreover it is your duty, signora,” re- eponded Ciprina; “so that you really need not offor any excuse, nor make any apology to me,” ~ “You are very kind to speak thus,” said Car- lotta. “ Come—sit down and partake of your breakfast; and I will remain a little while to con- verse with you——that is to say, if my presence be not disagreeable P” “On the contrary!” exclaimed Ciprina; “I am infinitely grateful for such kind companionsbip. But how did Signor De Vere I mean Number Twenty-nine make his escape ?” Carlotta gave Ciprina a few particulars relative to our hero’s escape; and although the Governor’s daugiiter naturally told the tale as if Father Falco- nara bad been overpowered by the superior strength of a desperate map,—yet Ciprina could not help thinking that it was ail the result of a friendly collu- gion between Charles and the young priest. Little, however, did it matter whether the incident had occurred in one way or the other, since the main fact was the same—and this was that Cherles De Vero had effected his escape. * Ah! and that is not all,” said Carlotta: “ but I roust inform you that this young gentleman— Number Twenty-nine I do not ask you whether be is any relation of yours, or in what light he stuod towards you but I know that you were brought hither together “ ‘“‘ He is no relation, answered Ciprina; “and he stands towards me in no other light than that of a simple acquaintance. Therefore you may speak unresersedly, signora.” “Oh! I was not going to say any harm of him,” rejoined Carlotta: “I was merely about to observe that he is evidently a very brave man—yes, even a desperate one; for he completely conquered three of our men, who rodo after him. Two of them were seriously injured A : “Ab! Iam sorry to hear this,’’ exclaimed Ci- prina: “I mean I regret to learn that thero should bave been any necessity for such violence. But you cannot blame the young gentleman, sig- nora 44 “Qn the cop‘rary,” rejoined the young lady, lowering her voice and bending a significant look upon Ciprina; “I rather admire him forit. Do permit me to ask one question! Is he an Eng- lishman or a Frenchman?—for my father insists upon it that he is a ’'renchman—while our reve- rend chaplain, the good Father Falconara, declares that he is an Englishman.” “ Te is assuredly an Englishman,” responded Ciprina. “That he was arrested by mistake— iudeed that he was taken for a youuog Frenchman —is most certain! For that I can vouch : “Do not speak too loud,” said Carlotta; “ for this isa forbidden topic—and if that grenadier- looking old wretch were listening at the door “f “ Ab, my dear signora !” exclaimed Ciprina, “I would not for the world compromise you! How kind is your cooduct towards me! You ere not treating me &8 a prisoner ss * T confess that I have conceived a liking for you,’ rejoined Carlotta; “and I wish to heaven it were in my power to do something to alleviate the affliction of your captivity release you from it altogether.” ’ b) aye, or even to} “ Towards the alleviation of the misery at. tendant upon my prisonage, you are doing every- thing that lies in your power,” said Ciprina, ““ Kind language—kind looks a “ Ob! I begin to feel a very sincere friendship for you !” interjected Carlotta, taking the beau- tiful captive’s hand and pressing it with warmth, ‘But we were talking of that young gentleman who escaped in so daring and gallant a manner And so he is an Englishman ?” “Tam all the better able to certify tho fact,” returned Ciprina, “ because I myself first knew him in Wagland,” “And you?” said Carlotta: “I see that you aro not an Italian—you do not leok like a French woman: perhaps you likewise are English P” “'Yes—England is my native country,” re- joined Ciprina : and fur a moment her bosom heaved with a sigh, as she thought of her cousin Agnes whom she had so abruptly left, and the bappy home at Sidney Villa which she had like- wise so precipitately abandoned. * Ab, you are an Englishwoman P” ejaculated Carlotta. ‘Ob, I like the English, 1 can assure you! There are two English families settled at Bagno. I know them well—they give excellent entertainments. Indeed, last night I was at a very pleasant party at the house of one of those families, when the tidings came of the prisoner’s escape. But what did you say his name was? Do not speak too loud! Remember that I am transgressing regulations!” “His name is De Vere,” returned Ciprina; “and I am very much mistaken if the Tuscan Government will not be called to account for his arrest, becauso he is attached to the British Em- bassy at Naples,” “The British Embassy at Naples?” exclaimed Carlotta Belluno, almost bounding upon her seat, so strong was the feeling of surprise which seewed to take possession of her. ‘‘ The Embassy at Naples ?” she repeated. ‘© Yes,” rejoined Ciprina; “I can assure you I am telling you the truth. Why do you look so amezed P” Carlotta blushed — hesitated —and then said, “Perhaps—perhaps—you likewise have been at Naples P” “Yes,” answered Ciprina; ‘ and I saw Charlos De Vere there : consequently I know that I am telling you nothing that is not consistent with the exact truth.” “ How extraordinary! how very extraordi- nary!” murmured Carlotta, as if thus musing with herself: then, as renewed blushes dyed her cheeks, she said, “ Perhaps you are acquainted with some others of the attachés?—perhaps you can name them P” : “T know them all by name,’* answered Ciprina, wondering why the young damsel was giving this turn to the discourse. “First there is Sir Alex- ander Holcroft a “ Ah!”—and though the ejaculation on Car- lotta’s part was scarcely audible, yet Ciprina’s ear did catch it; and stopping short, she surveyed the Governor’s daughter with increasing wonder and curiosity. “ Yeg — Sir Alexander THoleroft,” proceeded Ciprina,—“is a polished gentleman—with fasci- books (©) | Xe) we