Agnes Vol. 2 — page 149: what you’re looking at

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

143 AGNRS; OBR, BEAUTY AND PLEASURE. bolts were drawn back—a key turned in the Jock mortgage, allowed by the Tuscan law, and which —and the dour opened. A shrivelled old man, merely required registration on tho ensuing day in between sixty and seventy years of age, enveloped order to render it effective. If the document in a dressing-gown, and holding a candle in his were redeemed within seven days, no further ex- band, made his appearance. Ramorino, had pre- pense need accrue; but if the mortgage were to viously worn his hat slouched and the collar of | continue for a longer period, it would be requisite his cloak high up, so that he should not be recog- to bave a fresh deed drawn up by a notary, and uised by the porter of the lodging-house; but he dulv attested, at the end of those seven days. now revealed his countenance—and the old man While the Minister of Police was filling up the immediately recognised him. Making alow bow, document, Signor Furlo was counting out the gold he asked, “ What can I do for your Excellency?” pieces from his iron strong box. He arranged At the same time Furlo—for such was the old them in little piles upon a side table; and as he man’s name—led the way into a small parlour, deposited each fresh heap there, he gave a smile, a which might likewise be called an office, inasmuch sigh, and then a smile again. His first amile waa as it contained a desk covered with account-books that of the miser who gloated Orne ti preciou and papers, and had a certain business-like appear- yellow metal; the sigh was heezeT at the idea of ance. We should observe that Furio did not psrting with it; and then the se.ond smile ap- exhibit any considerable degree of surprise on be- peared upon his lips as he thought of the large holding Count Ramorino there at that hour; and amount of interest that Ramorino would have to thence we may iufer that it was not the first time pay for the loan. a visit had been paid by the Minister of Police to “Tnere is the sum, my lord,” he said. ‘I pre- Signor Furlo’a abode at ten minutes to eleven sume the rate of interest is according to the usual o’clock at night. terms ?” ; ‘’ Now, my wortby friend,” said the Count, at |“ Yes—lI have so filled up the mortgage-paper,” once entering upon the business which had brought anewered Ramorino. “ It will be a good night’s him thither, “I require a considerable sum of work for you, old man—inasmuch as to-morrow money thie very minute. I know you have it in the Joan will be returned aye, and therewith you strong box—and there shall be ample sccurity all the different sums I have at any time borrowed given.’, }of you,” . Afd the amount, my lord?” inquired Furlo, “ Right glad am J, my lord,” eaid Furlo, rub- who, as perhaps the reador has already suspected, | bing his skinny old bande and smiling with his was 8 money-lender in a considerable way of busi- . toothless mouth, ‘‘to hear that your prospects are ness. | so good. I suppose it is sume lucky turn at the Ramorino named the sum—at the mention of | gaming-table—vor else one of those happy wind- which the old man made a slight movement of the | talls which sometimes come to great Ministers of hea, accompanied by # drawing-in of tho lips, State- as much as to imply that it wasaverylargeamount “I have no time for prattling, Furlo,” inter- indeed. jected the Count. “By Jove! itis close on eleven “And you want it directly, my lord P” ho asked, o'clock! ow time fies! Here! take the deed slowly and hesitatingly. —give me the coin 7 * Directly,” rejoined Ramorino. {I tell you I “Ah! one moment, my lord!” oried the old want it this very minute! By oleven o'clock it niger: “I quite forgot*to ask where the property mnst be forthcoming from my hands— is situated though of course 1 can take your “sh, my lord! my lord!” said the old man,! Excellency’s assurance shaking bis head in a half-familiar, balf-deprecating | ‘I bave just married, Furlo, a lady of immense manner: ‘the gaming-tuble ” | fortune,” exclaimed the Minister, ‘“ Here is the “No matter, Furlo!” interrupted the Couns 1 | cectatlonte !—here also is @ paper signed by her “ you have the money, and you will lend it. ‘The | own hand, to the effect that no marriage settle- pecurity ” ; ments have passed—and consequently ” “Is if personal, my lord?’ inquired the old “ | undergtand, my lora,” said Furlo; “ you are man quickly: “for if 6v, I would rather de- | consequently exercising the privileges of a husband cline ” having full power over his wite’s property. I eon- ‘Silence, and hear me!” ejaculated the Count. : gratulate your Excellency ———~But Ab!” “What think you of a charge, or mortgage, upon} =“ What do you mean?” demanded Ramorino ; one of the most splendid mausivna in all Florence, : “ why that ejaculation ? why that sudden start ?” --a mangion filled with magnificent furniture,| “Luerezia di Mirano!” cried the old man: pictures, plate, and ornaments of every oseription, “ Lucrezta di Mirano!” he repeated, in a aitill --standing in the midst of its own yrounds | Jouder tone, a6 he glancec his eyes over the mort- : “i will take the security, my lord,” exclaimed | gage document. the lady wh urlo. “Yes—that i¢ the lady whom this very evening “T knew it. Here! give me one of your hypo-, I have married,” hastily interjected the Count. thegue papers~I mean one of those printed turms' “ She is immensely rich ” which you have. J will fill it up in a moment— “ My lord,” said Furlo, “I beg to decline this and you can be counting out the money.” | transaction :’”’ and the next instant the piles of “ Good, my lord !"—ani the, old man produced | gul-en coin were all swopt back into the iron safe. one of the printed forms for whieh the Minister; ‘ Decline it?” exelaimed the Count, astonished of Pulice had asked. |and enraged. “ What mean you, old dotard? Is Ramorino sat down, and in two minutea the | nut the Mirano mansion security onvugh for ten blanks wero filled up in the proper manner; for | times the amount which 1 seek to borrow ?* this was a provisional security, or valid draft of a| “ Likely enough, my lord,” rejuined Furlo, as C) CO UNMUC NOOKS (CO