Agnes, or, Beauty and Pleasure — page 315: what you’re looking at

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

AGNES; OR, BEAUTY tND PLEASURE. of De Vere was fervidly grasped in that of Nino Corso, the Neapolitan. “Ah! you hore P” cried Charles in astopish- ment, “These aro the ladies ?’’ said Nino, as he swept his eyes over the forms of the Princess and the Countess. : “Yes,” czvied Charles, with increasing wonder- ment. ‘ But you, Nino Hy “Come with me!” said the Neapolitan; and hz hurried Charles and the two ladies towards a littie house that stood at a distance of about twenty yards,—their passage thither being almost com- | revelation. half of the remainder of tho conspirators; while they could not help congratulating themselveg oa their own safety, which at least was thus far svoured, Each at the same instant said something in praise of the chivalrous gallantry of Charles Da Vere ; and then they both cast down their looks— for a blush was rising to the countenance of each, and they could not endure each other’s regards. Tke oecret no longer existed between them, though 16 was not breathed from the lips of either: but thoso tell-tala blushes, those downcast looks, and the* air of sudden restraint, constituted a mutual Ina word, the Princess comprehended pletely screened from the view by a quantity of | that her sister loved Charles De Vere—while the bales of goods which formed a sort of wall be- | Countess understood thet oa similar improssion tween the crane and that house. CHAPTER LIV. THE POSTCHAISE. had been made upon the hoart of Bianca! In the adjoining room, Charles De Vere found the undress uniform of a Tuscan subaltern; ana ag this was the garb to which Nino Corso had pointed, he hastened to ciathe himself in it. The ; exchange of this apparei for his own was quickly made; and the key now again turning in the lock o* the door, Nino Corso almost immediately made Tuk little house of which we have been speaking, | b's appearance. and which stood upon the Mole, was connected “Things are better than I fancied, in one sense,” with the Customs’ Department, and served as an | ho said: “they have succeedes in getting into their office where a clerk might take an iaventory of | hents.”’ goods that were landed from ships in that part of the harbour. The door was standing half cpen : Nino Corso entered—Charles and the two ladies immediately following. “Now,” said Nino, “ there is not a moment to lose! The cause is lost! Tha retreat to the boats willbe cus of!” “Bus what are you now 2? demanded cur boro, who, having at length leisure to regard the Noa- politan’s appearance, perceived that he wore a species of uniform. “T am in the Tussan Cusiom-house,” answered “Ah! I am rejoiced!” said Charles, “ And tne Marquis of Ortonz—does he live ?” “Yes: I discerned kim in ona of the boats, Put methinks he is wounded, The soldiers are cpringing into other boats in every direction, There will be a chase—but tho chances aro in tsyour of our friends. Are the ladies ready P” At this instant the Privcess and the Countess esmo forth from the sdjoining room, clad in the garb which best became their sex; and they had éxawn down the veils with which their bonnets ware furnished, Nino: “and lucky it is for you, Signor De Vere,{ “Thero is not a moment to lose,” said Nins that lam! Now ladico, hasten ye into that room, } Corso; “we must take advantage of the excites and put on the dresses you will find thero! Signor, | ment that now prevailse—or else every vehiclo 70u must assume another garb—nnd it io in read) ¢ leaving the city will be presently stopped, and poss for you! Inten minutes [shall return!’ {none will be allowed to go out save those whose Having hurriedly spoken these words, Nino! vccupants are provided with passports rigidly in Cerso quitted the little house, locking the door! crm, Come quick! follow me! Give your arms behind him and taking away the koy. : Signor, to tho ladies.” “What does all this mean?” asked tho Princess! Our hero did as he was bidden: Nino Corso of our hero, while hor sister, the Countess, was } went onin front; and Charles followed, the Princess equally a4 a loss to ccmprehend. | leaning on his right arm, the Countess on his loft, “T know that man, and we way truss him!” ! A tremendous excitement prevailed upon the Mele: replied Cherles, “ Beyond this lam utterly un-! tho people wero rusiing down in crowds towards able to give your ladyships any information: 1| the spot where the conflict had taken place, and um as much at a loss as you are to conceive how | whero she soldiers were putting off in boats in pur-: he should be in a position to help us in this strait, But let us follow his counsel !” “You have saved our lives, signor,” said the Princess; and her dark eyes bent a peculiar loo upon our hero. “ We will do as you bid us!” The Countess said nothing: but ber own looks shed an unspeakable gratitude upon our hero ers she turned to accompany her sister into the «4- joining room. There tho two ladies found a small trunk containing two complete suits oz female ep- parel, being travelling dresses such as might ie worn by persons of a genteel rank in lifee Wehle hastily assisting each other in the toilet thus mys- teriously furnished, they exchanged a few anid observations, expressive of their deep regret as the suit of the fugitive conspirators. The little {| Custom-houee and the pile of bales of goods con- eealed from the view of our hero and the ladies, ag they glanced back, the boats in which their late companions had put off; and in a few momenta ‘bey were surrounded by the crowd through the midst of which they had to make their way. Oharles strove to keep Nino Corso in view—which was not always very easy; for he was frequently lost amidst the deuse living tide that was sweeping onward. Amidst the excited masses there were several soldiers; and they respectfully saluted our hero—for be it remembered that he now wore the uniform of a Tuscan lieutenant. Tn about ten minutes Charles and the two ladies failure of the enterprise, and their anxiety on be-| bad got clear of the crowd; and Nino, who was rR Pe eee ew Le meee ere nn) Ghboo TR Te ee S Conn