Agnes Vol. 2 — page 128: what you’re looking at

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

AGNES; OR, BEAUTY AND PLEASURE, Te ol ee here nating manners and distinguished appearance- very rich But again she stopped short; for Carlotta - * cheeks wero now scarlet, and sho was trembling all over with nervousness and confusion. Joy wae however gleaming io her eyes; and Ciprina per. "ecived that the topic was an agreeable one. She therefore went on to say, “Sir Alexander Iol- croft is a fine specimen of an English gentleman : ‘he is tall and gvod-louking —intelligent—and en- dowed with great conversational powers. Ie is about five-and-thirty years of age; but bo dows not look more than eight-and-twenty.” Ciprina made a few additional observations eulogistic of Sr Alexander Holcroft; but she did not think it ~ th while to say that he bore a reputgtio™ or unprincipled profligacy amongst the fair os. Ciprina saw that by prais- ing the Baronet sho was pleasing the Governor’s daughter; and it was naturally her object to win Carlotta’s friendship ; for who could tell what ser- vice the youny lady might become capable of rendering her ? “And [ also know Sir Alexander Holcroft,” said Carlotta, after a pause. “ But I must leave you now! My father and mother will be wait. ing at tho breaktast-table fur me! I will return and eee you presently.” ; Carlotta gave her band to the captive ; and then she passed out from the cel] : but ere she closed the door, she flung a significant look upon Ciprina, as uwuch as to imply that a friendly understanding was now cstablished between them. Wren Ciprina was alone, she reflected on all that had just taken place ; and she said to her- self, “Ie it not possible that I may turn Carlotta’s friendship to advantage P Who knows? She possesses a pass key! But Ab! 1 may reat full well assured that after the escape of Charles De Vere, the utmost vigilance will be maintained throughout the fortalee. However, I can do no possible harm by cultivating the good foolings with which I have already inspired Carlotta. Who knows how lorg it may be ere Charles sball be enabled to effect my deliverance ? He himself may bo recaptured yet? -at this vory moment he may bea prisoner? Or evenif he has already auc ceeded in reaching Florence, or shall succeed in so duing—there may be obatucles and there may be delays: in short, I ought to be prepared for every contingency. And then too it is delightful to have the compavionship of this girl, even though she be a singular compound of stiunplicity and silliness, ignorance and giddiness. Ah! she knows Sir Alexander Lolerott ? But how and where ¢ She loves bim—or at Icast she bas listened favour- ably to somo tale which be has breathed in her ear ? ‘This is certain! I must obtain all her secrets from her wheu she returns presently !” At about noon the two bakers reappeared in the court-yard, carrying their enormous basket between thom. At the same moment Carlotta Belluno emerged from the side door opening into that yard ; and after sweeping her looks around, she advanced towards the foremost baker as stealthily as she had done a few hours previously. The roan hastily slipped a billet into her hand,— at the same time whispering, “ We know what we havegto do, signora—and you are to say yes or no.” 119 Carlotta did not exactly understand what the man meant: but she naturally thought that it bure some reference to the contents of the billet which had just been elipped into her hand. She there- fore hastened towards Ciprina’s cell; and in the recess or little archway in which the doorway was set, Carlotta hastily ran her eyes over the note. She now became agitated with very powerful emotions: there was even an instant when she clubg to the wall for support: but quickly re- covering herself, ehe mentally ejaculated, “ Yos, yes—it must be so !” Hastily thrusting the billet into her bosom, she passed out again into the court-yard, and ap- proached the entrance of the bread-store, where the two bakers were now delivering their bread to the turnkey whose duty it was to receive it, and who held a slate in bis hand to keep a currect account. The man who acted as the intermediary f Carlotta’s mysterious correspondence, ap- pronched her; and she emphatically whispered, © Yeu!—I will do it!” He seemed fully to comprehend her meaning ; for bo bent upon the lady a significant look, adding, “ At two o'clock precisely we shall re- turn.” “At two o'clock ?” echoed Carlotta. “ No! it cannot be done at that bour! My father will want me. You must come later—at half-past three, for instance ” “ Impossible, signora!” rejoined the- baker. *« Everything is settled fur two o’clock—if it is 0 be done at all !" Carlotta seemed cruelly. :perp'exc! for a few moments; but as an idea suddenly struck ber, her countenance brightened up—and she rejoined, Yes—it can be managed at two puuctuailly !” She then retraced ber way across the cuurt- yard, and passed into Ciprina’s cell. The young Kaglish lady was anxiously awaiting her return ; and the meeting was traught with the utmost riendliness on both sides, just as if they were old cquaintances, and likewise as if they bad been 1ome time asunder instead of the brief interval of three bours. . “Tell me,” said Carlotta,— “tel me, I beseech you - have you any hope that your young English niend will be euabled to accomplish your de- iverance from the fortress P”’ “Why do you ask?” inquired Ciprina, not knowing how to shape her response. ‘Beeauso if you are not quita sure of the assistance of your Ivoglish friend,” geplied Car- lotta, “I think—indeed [ am sure On, ves! I will faithfully promise to use all the interest | can couitnand and that would be great ” ‘Excellunt friend!" cried Ciprina, seizing the young dameel’s band and pressing it with fervour : “J believe you! I know that you would do overything you could for me! Qh, if it were in DY power to evince my gratitude by rendering you any service in return ‘ “Tt @sin your power—and you can render me such service,” interrupted Carlotta. ‘“ Timo is precious—and I have many explanations to give. Oh! though we have known each other but a few hours, it seeros to me as if the friendship of years xisted betwoen us, I am going to mako you my confidante——” “Yos—give me your confidence, my dear Care ECOMRRICLO© <S ©