Agnes: A Tale of the Streets — page 56: what you’re looking at

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

410 AGNES; OB, BRAUTY AND PLEASURE. “You have kept the Spartivento Palace for your- “The same words express it. It was being self Pp’ : , separated from you.” “I took possession of the palace: but—but———” | “ We will not remain separated |” said Lucia, and Lucia faltered out her words—‘“1 have be- ; “ No—we will not be separated !” stowed it upon another.” | Again the ery of joy went forth from the lips of “ Bestowed it upon another P” exclaimed Sister Sister Agonia; and now she precipitated herself Agonia, who was more and more convinced that | into Lucia’s arme. there was something strange in her sister’s con- ‘I am wearied of the world, as you were,” said duct. “But you destroyed the waxen effigy of the Countess, when the feelings of her sister had my husband ?” ‘found their natural vent ; “and I havo resolved to Yes—and the effigy of my own deceased hus- | retire from it. This is wherefore I no longer need band likewise,” answered Lucia. “The subter- ' palaces nor revenues ;—and this is why tho effigy raneans too are all bricked up——” , Of my deceased husband would be powerless to in- “ But wherofore destroy the effigy of your own ' epire me with energy on behalf of that cause for husband ?” demanded Sister Agonia. “Do you: which I am ready to lay down my life, but fw not mean to live for Italy? have you vo more ' which I can struggle no longer. And now, de % patriotis » nor ambition?” = sister,” added Lucia, once “nore producing th “ Ambition I never had, otherwise than to gain ' document which she had conceal” about ber ner- the approval of my conscience,” rejoined Lucia. | son, “let me also present the Abbuss of WO“ ° 44 “As for patriotisby, it is now confined to mere ' with an endowment—for this deed conv~t«' »' hopes and aspirations—and never again can dis- | my own behalf !” EES eek play itself by deeds and positive actions!” ' he sisters again embraced fervently, and they ‘“And you have given away the Spartivento ' mingled their tears as well as their kisses. And Palace ?” , | all was done as Lucia had prearranged :—she ab- “ Henceforth, dear sister,” responded Lucia, “I. jured her rank as Countess of Milazzo—she re- shall not live in palaces. I have bestowed the | nounced likewise that sweet Christian name of ove at Turin upon the charming and beautcous | Lucia—and ere the sun closed upon that day, her Agnes Evelyn, who in a few days will become identity waa 'ost beneath the conventual garb Countess of Camerino” and under the appellation of Sister Misericordia. Sister Agonia. reflected for nearly a minute; and then she said, “If you did not really want the palace, Lucia, 1am glad that you have thus, be- stowed it. You bave still your own beautiful CHAPTER LXXII. . villa at Nice——” cut Wo ““ No—lI have sold it,” answered the Countess. THE PATAL MiL.wnraNw @, di Milazszo. “At all events,” proceeded Sister Agonia, THe scene now changes to Gonoa. It was evening, © “you have a handsome fortune, and you can apd the dusk was closing iv, as.a gentleman, en- rove or fix your abode. where you will.” veloped in a cloak, entered the court-yard of an “Indeed,” interrupted, Lucia, “I haye no hotel after having. been strolling on the port aad longeg.a handsame fortune. I, bave realiged all through the streets. He entered tho coffea-room ; I posages, One third I have. given to six hos- and without igypediately taking: off his cloak and pitala and institutions, which were omitted from hat, he. looked, apound him uposthe guests who your list—the. neat third I have betowed upon were already; asgambled there, and who were per- - Agnes Evelyn, ia addition te the pajace--——” haps. dasen, ig number. ‘Ehere, was something ! “And the other thied ?” intexjeoted Sister of a sanpicigna,serutiny in thaf-look : but the indi- Agonia, with a renewed interest—we might even viduel was-apparently satisfied with the result of | call it an excitement. his survey-—for baving completed it, he took of | “The other third P” said Lucia. “ Ob, itis re- his hat, doffed his mantle, rang the bell and or- | presented by this document—the one which I just dered dinner. The repast wasservod up with that | now accidentally placed in your hand instead of promptitude which is displayed in the Continental — the one which really concerned you.” hotels—especially in that well-ordered one to which ‘Lucia! Lucia! what mean you P” oxclaimed | we are now alluding at Genoa. The gentleman the recluse, now trembling visibly, while a flush, | eat down: he bowever ate little—but on the other but slight and hectic, appeared upon her cheeks. | hand, as if to indemnify himself for his want +," “You just now spoke of a regret, dear sister,” | appetite, he applied himself with tolerable freedo - answered the Countess. “I also have oxpetienced ' to the bottle. Indeed it appeared as if he were @ regret,” either addicted to wine-bibbing, young though he | “And that regret, sister? Wherein does it were—or asif he had some secret care which he consiet P” was endeavouring to drown amidst the fumes of “In being separated from you.” liquor. That this latter hypothesis was the more It was a cry of joy which burst from the lips of correct one, might be surmised from the fact that Sister Agonia; and then the next moment she he ever and anon cast looks of anxious inquiry : abrank back, trembling and be-oming more deadly upon the other guests assembled there, and every | pale then before, as she was smitien with the cruel time the door opened he started as if he dreaded, doubt whether she hed rightly im tpreted the lest some calamity were about to be announced. meaning of Lucia’s words and the intent of her Presently all the other gentlemen who were actions. dining in the coffee-room, began to disperse, until “And what was your regret?” asked the at length the particular individual of whom wa Cruntess. are speaking was the only one who remained thero. Oo CoOnnicloookks.€O