Agnes Vol. 2 — page 127: what you’re looking at

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

138 way: but it bas become so completely a habit with me a ‘ And moreover it is your duty, signora,” re- sponded Ciprina; “(so that you really need not offer 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. verge with you that is to say, if my presence be not disagreeable P” “On the contrary!” exclaimed Ciprina; “I am infinitely prateful for such kind companionship But how did Signor De Vere I mean Numbe Twenty-nine muke bis escnpe ?” Carlotta gave Ciprina a few particulars relativ to our hero’s escape ; and although the Governor’ daughter naturally told the tale as if Father Falco nara had been overpowered by the superior strength of a desperate man,—yet Ciprina could not help thinking that it was ail the result of a friendly collu- sion between Charles and the young priest. Little, however, did it matter whether the incident had vecurred in one way or the other, since the main fact was the saine—and this was that Charles De Vero had eff-eted his escape. * Al! and that is not all,” said Carlotta: “ but I-must inform you that this young gentleman— Number Twenty-nine 1 do not ask you whethor he ia any relation of yours, or in what light be stood towards you but | koow that you wer brought hither together ” “tleis no relation, answered Ciprina; ‘and he stands towards me in no other hehe than that of a Therefore you way speak simple acquaintanee. unreservedly, signora.” “Ob! L 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, oven a desperate one; for he completely conquered three of vgur men, who rode after bim. Two of them were eerlously injured ‘i “Ab! lam surry tu hear this,’ exclaimed Ci- prina: “1 mean 1 regret to learn that there should baye been any necessity for such violence. But you caunut blumo the young gentleman, sig- nura- “Qn the contrary,” rejoined the young lady, fowering her voice and bending a significant Jook unon Ciprina; “ l rather admire bim for it. Do permit me to ask one question! Is he an Eng. lishman ora Frenchman ?—for my father insists upon it that be is a Frenchman— while our reve- rend chaplain, the good Father Falconara, declares that he is an Englishman.” “Tle is assuredly an Englishman,” responded Ciprina. “That he was arrested by mistake— indeed that be was taken for a young Frenchman —is most certain! For that I can vouch ” “Do not speak too loud,” said Carlotta; “ for this is a forbidden topic—and if that grenadier- looking old wretch were liatening at the . “ Ah, my dear signora !” exclaimed Ciprina, “I would not fur the world compromise you! How kind ie your conduct towards me! You are nut treating me as a p§soner ” “I confess that I have conceived a liking for you,” rejoined Carlotta ; “aud I wish to beaven it were in my power to do something to alleviate the affliction of your captivity release you from it altogether.” aye, or even to; | Ciprina,—“ i is a polisbe? gontloman—with “fasci- AGNES; OR, BEAUTY ANP PLEASURE. ! “ Towards the alleviation of the misery at. tendant upon my pfisonage, y u are doing every- thing ‘hat lies in your powr,” said Ciprina. ‘“ Kind language—kind looka~ -" “Ob! I begin to feel a very sincere friendship for you !” interjected Carlotta, taking the beaa- tiful captive’s hand and pressin it with warmth, , ‘But we were talking of that young geatleman who escaped in so daring and gallant a manner. And so he is an Englishman P” “T am all the better able to certify the Jact,” returned Ciprina, “ because I myself first knew him in England.” “And you?” said Carlotta: “I see that you are not an Italian —you do not look like a French woman: perbaps you likewise are English P” “ Yes—England ig my native country,” joined Ciprina : and for a moment ber bosom heaved with a sigh, as she thought of her cousin Agnes whom she had so abru tly left, and the bappy home at Sidney Villa which she had like- wise so precipitately abandoned. “Ab, you are an Englishyoman P” ejaculated Carlotta.” “ Oh, I like the English, 1 can assure There are two English families settled at you! Bagno. I know them well—they give excellent entertainments. Indeed, last night I was at a very ploasant party at the house of one of those families, when the tidings came of the prisoner’s escape. But what did you say his namo was? Do not speak tuo loud! Remember that I am transgressing regulations!” “His name is De Vere,” returned Ciprina; and I am very much mistaken if the Tusean Government will not be called to account for his arrest, because he is attached to the British Em bassy at Naples.” “The British Embassy at Naples?” yetleinel -arlotta Belluno, almost bounding upon her seat, o strong was the feeling of surprise which seomod o take possession of her. “ The Embassy at Naples?” she repeated. ~ ‘< Yes,” rejoined Ciprina ; m telling you the truth. woazed P”’ Carlotta blushed — hesitated — and then said, * Perbaps—pcrbaps—you likewise have been at N aples Pp” “Yos,"” answered Ciprina; “ and I saw Charles Je Vere there: consequently I know that I am alling you nothing that is not consistent with the act truth.” “Wow extraordinary! how very extraordi- nary!” murmured Carlotta, as if thus musing ith herself: then, as renewed blushes dyed her ‘heeks, she said, “ Porhaps you are acquainted with some others of the attachés P—perhaps you ‘ap name them ?” “I know them all by name,” answered Ciprina, ‘ondering why the young damsel was giving this urn to the discourse. “ First there is Sir Alex- oder Holcroft “ Ah!”’—and though the ejaculation on Car- otta’s part was scarcely audible, yet Ciprina’s ear ‘id catch it; and stopping short, she surveyed the Governor's daughter with increasing wonder and ‘uriosity. ‘“Yes—- Sir Alexander Holcroft,” proceeded “T can assure you [ Why do you lovk so C) COM AOC <S co