Agnes Vol. 2 — page 157: what you’re looking at

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

safe-conduct for Paoli also. But no matter! I dare say that no harm will occur to him to-night, and if it should be otherwise, we must make the best of it. Bid him be cautious; and to-morrow a suitable passport shall be forthcoming for his protection.” The two Ambassadors withdrew; and Ciprina said to the young gentlemen, “ You will escort me as far as my hotel; for 1 can scarcely remain hore while you proceed to the appointment at Petroro’s.” “We will escort you to your hotel,” answered Charles De Vere; “ and rest assured that you shall receivo due intelligence of whatsoever may pro- sently transpire, if it be of importance.” The two young gentlemen and Ciprina now went forth together from tho mansion of tho British Awbassador. Marcellin and De Vere left Ciprina at her hotel; and they began to bend their way towards the street where Signor Petroro dwelt, just as nine o'clock was being proclaimed from all the church towers of Ilorence. Be it borne in recollection that it was precisely at this same hour that Fathor Falconara issued from the residence of Count Ramoriny, after having tied the nuptial knot between that functionary and Lucrezia di Mirano. It happened that just as De Yeore and Marcellin wore turning tho corner of a street, they oncountored tho young priest exactly opposite a chomist’s window, which poured forth a glare of light that rendered,a recugnition instan- ‘taneous betwixt our young hero and Fathor Jal- conara, “ Worthy and oxcellent friend!” exclaimed De Vere, seizing the priest’s hand and pressing 1t with enthusiasm. “Oh, how rejuiced [ am to bave this Opportunity —— ” “ Hush! hush!” interrupted Mather Falconara, io a peremptory tone; and it was with a strange | egr@) of sivience that he dragged our hero some | beheld these documenta which the two young men little’way aside. “Tf you would” do this,” said the priest, “it would make sure doubly sure!” “T will do it with pleasure,” rejvined De Vere, “At this moment I have important business on hand: but if you will come to me presently at the British Embassy ——let us say at eleven o’clock— unless indeed it be too late for you ” ‘ No-——it will not be too late,” answered the young priest. ‘At eleven o’clock I will be with you at the British Embassy.” The ecclesiastic passed on; De Vere and Edgar Marcellin pursued their way towards Petroro’s house. On reaching their destination, thoy learnt from J'etroro that Signor Paoli bad not as yet arrived; and it struck them both that the man did not appear to be in the best of all possible humours, , © Does anything ail you?” inquired Marcellin. “The truth is, signorg,” replied Petroru, “J am afraid of all these comiogs and goings; it takes su little to comprumise a man in the estimation of our Minister of Police ” “ Hest assured that you will be protected,” in- terrupted De Vere. Protected indeed!’ ejaculated Petroro. “I certainly do not see how. Nevertheless, fur Paoli’s sake - “TL tell you how you will be protected,” said Charles. “Iam an Enplishman—my companion is a krenchman—end our Ambassadors will see lujury done to no person on our account. Besides, wo ourselves are protected by your own Govern- ment:—the Minister of the Interior holds his shicld over our eads; and as a proot of the state- ment 1 am making tu you, behuld the safe-conduct ' with” which 1 am provided.” ‘‘ And hero is mine,” added Marcellin. Petroro’s countenance brightened up when he “Te it possible that you have | showed him ; and he said, “ Well, agnurs, 1 am communicated to that gentloman who is with you, | glad to find that you are thus powerfully pro- anything I mean Ah! perhaps you cum- prebend what I do mean P” “T simply told him the truth, holy father,” re- lied De Vore, at once understanding tho cause of le young ecclesiastic’s excitement: “J said that esizod upon you and overpowered you’ at gyno ” Enough! enough !” “interrupted the priest. 3ut you, insensate that you are! to be thus road iu the streets of Florence! Can you nut sjecture wherefore Fam here? My object has an tu report to Count Ramorino, Minister of the scan Police, your cscupe from tho fortress of goo—aud that of the lady who was taken thither th you. Dut you aro perhaps ignurant that she ewise has escaped 2” ‘No—1 am aware of 16," replied Do Vere. But fear not on my account! Ramorino is power- e towards me.” “ at! ia this su?’ exclaimed fulponara, with a jk that avmonstrated all tho real pleasure hia merous heat experienced on receiving this furancc. Yea, it ig so,” 1 ‘peated DeVere. “ And now “ethink me, perhaps it might be as well to draw a statement or sign . we paper, in vindication Captain Belluno, in cae he may be suspected mther complicity ox nevlect with regard tu hP142 ad | tected. Whosvsever enjoys the favour of the Minister of the Jnterior, may defy the Minister of Pohec. Aud now what is your ploasurer Will you remain here until Paoli shall arrive? or is it your desire that | should send a message to inti- mate- “Jf you are cortain that he will come,” inter- rupted De Vere, “ we had better wait: for although we have given you certain positive assurances on your own account, yet 1¢ must be borne in mind that Pagh is more exposed by circumstances to the persecutions of the police, and it were only consis: tent with prudence on our part to avoid attracting suspicion of any kind towards your house.” * Wait, then, by all means, siynors,? said Pe- trore, who was now completely civil: “it is the comug and poing backwards and forwards of which [aim so apprehensive.” Jo Vere and Marcellin accordingly waited at Petroru’s house; and it was not until past ten v'clock that Paoli made lis appearance. He had been detained on the road by circumstances over whieh he had no control, but which it is not worth whilo to place on record here. Marcellin presente’ Do Vere to the Neapolitan refucoe; aud exciting indeed was the intelligence which awaited that unfortunate father of the murdered Giulio, Che ued which her own iniquity had woven waa fust closing in around the Marchioness cf Mirano: GOMLG OOO <S CO