Agnes, or, Beauty and Pleasure — page 348: what you’re looking at

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

EL Sls ssl st B10 “ Princess,” said our hero, turning with a cold severe look towards Bianca, who was all pale and trembling, “you will permit this officer with a couple of his men to penetrate into your boudoir?” —then, without waiting for a reply, Charles whis- pered a few hurried words of instruction in the ear of the lieutenant. This functionary issued from the apartment, ac- companied by two of his soldiers; and as the door closed behind them the Princess threw herself at the feet of Charles and her sister, exclaiming in the wildest tone of passionate entreaty, ‘“‘ Pardon! pardon !” Our hero turned away in cold disdain for a mo- ment from the woman whom be knew to be so profoundly steeped in crime: but the next in- stant recollecting that it was on his account that her first deed of turpitude was perpetrated, he bent a look of pity upon her, and said, “I forgive you, even though it be my life that you are now taking! But depart, and let me see your face no more !” By this time several of the domestics had made their way to the apartment, and were testifying by unmistakable signs their deep sorrow at the calamity which had overtaken the young master whom they already loved although they knew so little of him. Charles beckoned Florello to ad- vance: and he said, “ Let this lady be supplied with any means of conveyance which she may prefer from this place.” The Princess, overwhelmed with grief and humi- liation, burst into tears when she received that assurance of forgiveness from the lips of the generous-hearted Charles; and rising up from her suppliant posture, she threw herself into the arms of her sister, murmuring, “O Lucia! can you also forgive me?—is it possible that you can repeat the magnanimous words which have issued from Ats mouth P” “Yes, unhappy sister—I can forgive you, -be- cause he has pardoned you,” replied Lucia, adown whose pale cheeks the tears were also streaming. You have injured me with your suspicions—in- jared him likewise. It is true that I love him,” continued the Countess, in a voice that was audible only to the ears of Charles: “and ina moment of mingled error and infatuation I avowed my love: but he told me that his heart was de- voted to another! Then I promised to think of him only as a friend—and he bestowed the kiss of friendship upon me.” “Ob, how fearfully have I been blinded !” moaned the wretched Princess, who had just re- ceived the explanation of the scene which she be- held in the garden. ‘“ Pity me, Lucia! I am half mad! But I must leave you !—not another moment ought I to tarry beneath this roof! But you will remain with him, dear Lucia? I am not jealous nor envious now! My God! I am fully cured of those morbid and distorted passions! You will be unto him as a friend—as a sister ! Farewell, Lucie.” With these words the Princess of Spartivento rushed from the drawing-room; and Signor Palmas approaching the Countess di Milazzo, said, “ Alas, signora, your unbappy sister has worked no small degree of mischief here !” But Lucia was sobbing and weeping too bit- terly to be enabled to give any answer; and ina [EE een ae reniss ee SAE Fy. AGNES; OR, BEAUTY AND PLEASURE, few minutes the lieutenant came hurrying back to the apartment, exclaiming, “ it is all right! La Dolfina is in custody!” “And the Countess di Milazzo, who gave the information, is therefore free?” said our hero. ** Yes,” replied the lieutenant. “TI will take it upon myself to say, that her ladyship may proceed whithersoever she thinks fit ; and I will presently make a suitable report to the proper authorities.” “ And whither am I to be removed ?” inquired Charles. “To Sienna, my lord,’ was the response, * And with your consent we will set of with the least possible delay. What means of conveyance have you at the mansion ?’ “There are several equipages,” hero. “Good, my lord,” pursued the lieutenant, “Then perhaps you will give the requisite in- structions to have them got in readiness; and you would oblige me if you could so manage that I might take that wretched woman La Dolfina with us as far as Sienna, whence no doubt she will be removed to Florence to take her trial.” Our hero quickly gave the necessary orders; and a travelling carriage as well as a smaller vehicle were soon in readiness. “T shall accompany your lordship,” said Sig- nor Palmas. “I may be of some service to ou.” * And I also,” added Lucia: then, glancing to- wards the worthy notary, she said, while a modest blush flitted across her cheeks, “ Under your pater- nal protection, Signor Palmas, I may travel with- out the chance of provoking the tongue of scandal to whisper aught against my good name.” “The tongue of scandal will never dare,” ssid the notary, “‘ to speak ill of one who is thus con- siderate for her own reputation.” The young Count of Camerino, the Countess di Milazzo, Signor Palmas, and the lieutenant took their seats inside the travelling carriage: the officer preferred this mode of accomplishing the journey, and with the permission of Charles he left his horse in the stables of the mansion. La Dolfina was placed ia the other vehicle; and the soldiers rode by the side of both. The two equipages went away; and a few minutes afterwards a third was driven round to the front of the mansion. Then the Princess of Spartivento—who had concealed herself amidst the evergreens at a short distance—came forth from her hiding-place, and took her seat in the carriage that was prepared for her. The domes- tics were barely civil to her; and they showed by their demeanour the detestation they felt for her conduct in giving information against their young master. “Where is the carriage to be driven, signora ?” inquired the footman who had just closed the door of the vehicle, “Whither do they purpose to take his lord- ship ?” asked the Princess. “To Sienna ?” was the curt reply. “Then I also will go to Sienna,” she rejoined; and as she threw herself back in the carriage, she murmured, “ Who can tell but that I may yet be enabled to undo some of the tremendous mischief that IT have done? At all events, if ke should die, I swear that I will not survive him: but I will im- answered our (E@) | book he f J _ ee ee —_——— ~