Agnes, or, Beauty and Pleasure — page 70: what you’re looking at

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

nr es SSS SS _ way 62 the British Ambassador at Florence and duly notify all that had occurred. Charles entered the village; and he looked about for atavern to which stables might be attached— or for a farm homestead—or even for the Govern- ment posthouse itself as a last resource. But it was the first of these which arrested his view,— an inn of decent appearance, with a promising sign proclaiming “accommodation for man and beast,” and with stables adjoining. Charles rang the bell; but several minutes elapsed before his summons was answered. Then an upper window was opened; and a middle-aged man thrust forth his head, demanding who was there P “ An English traveller,” replied Charles, “ who by a variety of circumstances has been deprived of his mode of conveyance, and who has lost his » « Ah!” ejaculated the landlord—for such the in- dividual was: “ another tale of the robbers, I'll be bound! Wait a moment, good sir—and you shall be admitted.” Charles De Vere had not thrown away his fire- arms; for with the prospect of eternal imprison- ment before him if he were ¢aptured, he had re- solved to resist as long as possible in case of an attack, and provided that he felt himself justified in running the chance. But he had secured his carbine and pistol under his upper coat, which he buttoned across his chest. He had already deter- mined to tell some tale of robbers in order to ac- count for the predicament in which he was placed ; and the words spoken by the landlord seemed at once to show him that this would be the very best excuse he could devise. The front door of the inn opened; and the landlord, having huddled on a portion of his apparel, made his appearance, in- viting Charles to enter. *There’s a bed-chamber all ready, signor—with nice clean sheets, aired and put on yesterday; and the kitchen fire is now being lighted—so that if you choose to have any refreshment brought up ”» “ My good man,” interrupted Charles, “ I can- not tarry to partake of your hospitality, for I am compelled to journey on as fast as I may be able; —and therefore, to come to the point at once, have you a horse to sell or to let on hire P—and in either case, the price shall be of your own settling.” “A horse, signor? Yes—to be sure and as good an animal—surefooted and fleet—as ever vou could wish to set eyes upon. But the price —the price, signor,” he added slowly, as he de- liberately surveyed our hero from head to foot, —“ the price, signor, is a heavy one x “No matter!” ejaculated Charles, delighted at the prospect of at once obtaining the means of placing himself beyond the reach of danger. “ Well, signor, if you don’t mind about the price,” resumed the landlord, “the horse is your's. I suppose you are journeying towards Flo- rence ——” “Florence? No—not exactly, In fact,” con- tinued our hero, “ I was going in just the oppo- site direction. The neighbouring State—— it is really of little consequence to me whether I first reach the Duchy of Lucca or the Roman do- minions I am only travelling for amuse- ment ' ee en ee ee em AGNES; OR, BEAUTY AND PLEASURE. +t ee eo eee renee - “Oh, well,” said the landlord ; “ then if that’s the case, it must be a matter of indifference which road you take, signor. As for the horse, it’s close at hand But excuse me, signor—the bargain is ready cash, you know ?” “T fully meant it!” ejaculated Charles; and eager to convince the man that he possessed the means of completing the purchase, he thrust his hand into his trousers’ pocket, but without unbat- toning his coat, so that he lifted up a skirt for the purpose. “ Here!” he exclaimed, displaying his purse, which was well filled with coin: “ you can no longer doubt ” Doubt, signor P” ejaculated the landlord. “I never for a moment doubted that I had to do with a gentleman. Please to step this way, signor. The hostler is doubtless up by this time——it’s getting on for four o’clock——and the horse-post stops here to change soon after four.” The landlord led the way into the kitchen, where a woman of about his own age was lighting the fire; and he said, “ This is my wife, signor, who will make you a cup of coffee before you take your departure.” “Thank you,” returned Charles, fearful that his conduct would look suspicious if he declia the proffer. . ’ “This way, signor—this way, to the stables!” said the landlord, proceeding towards a side door. “Dear me! how stupid! Where is the key, wife P”’ “Here,” responded the woman, taking a key from the mantel. As her husband received it from her hand, he hastily whispered something in her ear; and then sped with every possible display of the most officious politeness to throw open the door at which Charles was impatiently waiting. They passed into the stable-yard: an old hostler was just unfastening the door of some outhouse where provender was kept; but he now has- tened to obey his master, who ordered him to bring out “the brown horse” from the stable. The animal was accordingly led forth; and though his appearance certainly promised but little to fulfil the high character which he had ere now ree eeived from his owner; yet Charles did not offer a single objection—he was only too glad to ensure the means of conveyaace, as well as only too anxious to obtain prompt possession of it. The landlord made the old hostler parade the animal to and fro after the approved fashion of all jobbers in such cattle; and he kept expatiating on the merits of the brute until his eulogies began to pass the bounds of ludicrousness and to savour of the most barefaced cheating to which De Vere had ever been subjected. He was therefore chafing with mingled indignation and impatience; and yet he was so situated that he dared not betray either. At length he began to observe that the landlord kept throwing a hasty glance in the direction of the door opening from the kitchen; and now it all in a moment struck De Vere that the fellow was merely performing a part in order to gain time for the perpetration of some treachery. The youth felt that he was betrayed; and he resolved to make one last desperate effort for his escape. * “Bring the saddle!” he ejaculated —for the animal was already bridled. _ “ Be quick with you, old man!” he added, thus speaking to the Comichoo (E(0) east ot