Agnes Vol. 2 — page 266: what you’re looking at

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

AGNES; Of, BEAUTY AND PLEASTRE, 209 “Euough!? ejaculated Carlotta. “If you do mean to do nothing of the sort in reapect to my not marry nie, if inust be because you intend sume own life.” day or anvther to separate from me. I will not Carlotta’s mind was relieved; and she retreated wait of vet misery !—I shall be constantly living to the sole, on which she sat down again; and now yGn suspense with the knowledge that the fatal day it was with a less horrifiod feeling of suspense that ysust eooner or later conc! Answer me therefore, she awaited the issuo of the present scene. Alexander ;~-for though it will be death for me to “No,” continued her father, “1 do not intend to tear myself away——~” risk my life on behalf of a worthless daughter—or “Then do not, do not think of such a thing!” on that of a man whom J can only regard as @ ejaculated the Baronet,“ much less talk of i¢! felon unless he consent to make honourable repa- Come, Carlotta~resolve to make yourself happy-— ration and atonement for the injury he has ine (o make mo happy likewise !” flicted,” She seemed to hesitate: her bosom heaved and “A felon?” exclaimed THolcroft, starting sank convulsively—the colour went and camo in abruptly, while an angry flush came upon his rapid transitions on her countenance—and her countenance. cyeiids quivered as if tears were about to gush ‘ Yes—I repeat the word,” said Captain Bel- fourth, ut suddenly her strength of mind became luno, whose demcanour was stern, sel{-pussessed, uppermost; and that young lady so ingenuousand and full of eunfidence., G0 inexperienced—eo artless that her conduct had “This Janguage, signor, cannot be permitted,” often seemed to be characterized by a girlish silli- said the Baronet, “no matter how preat the in- neas—developed a powerfuiness of purpose which jury I may have done you. Ask your daughter astonished her libertine seducer, whether I bave not treated her with love and ten- “It is death, I repeat, to part!” she cried: “but dernoss—”’ it shall bo denth rathor than a prolonged dishunour! |“ Have you promised to marry her ?” demanded Farewell, Alexander !” Bolluno. She was hastening to the door, when it opened “It were useless to condescend to a falsehood. with violence; and her father, foiloWed by the ‘You have already more than conjectured that your young pri-st Falconara and a middle-aged gentle- daughter is not my wife—but 1 will not du her man creesed in black, entered the room! Carlotta the injustice to dery that 1¢ was under a promise shricked: her first impulse was to fly into her of espousal she consented to flee with me.” in'her’s arms—but recullecting her degraded posi- “Then that promise must be kept,” rejoined tion, she sank down af his feet, exclaiming, Belluno; “or you will submit to the altcrnative. “Perdon! pardon!” But again I give you to understand that .t is not “Daughter,” said Captain Belluno, “am I to a duel to which I purpose to provuke you.” welcome you a8 an honourably wedded wife? or ‘Explain yourself, Captain Kelluno!” said Hol- ami (oicok upon you ase dishonoured creature?” croft. “ What is this alternative whereunto you ile paused for a few moments: Carlotta only au- allude Pf” swered by eobs as she clung to her father’s knees ; “The alternative is imprisonment for seven and then he said, “Ah! all thig is eloquent years in the dungeon of a tortress:”—and it was enough! It only speaks too strongly of your with an indescribable sternness that Belluno pro- depradetion! Rise, girl--rise! You havo yet a nounced these words. chance of being enabled to look the world in the * No, no, father !” eried Carlotta, arain springing face, without a blush upon your cheeks!’ forward. “I do not wish him to be punished. For Sur Arexunder Tcleruit. was startied and even all the wrong he has inflicted upou m®, J would affsicbted by the sudden appearance of Carjlottas not have a single hair of hie head injured !” ferls , accompanied by the young priest and the ‘Be quiet, girl !” interjected Bellunv sternly. middle-aged suranger, whoover he might be: but “You need not grieve on my account, dear Care quickly Hingiug a wental glance over the whole lotta,” said Holerott, witha hght laugh. “Itis a prececding in respec’ tu the young lady, ho felt mere threat 7 that he was safe from any vbher species of mischief “Make nut too sure,” interrupted Belluno. beyond that of a mere provocation toa ducl. He “Voin and self-sufficient man!” said Father therefore saw tho necessity of assuming a de- Falconara, now for the first time taking a part in mennour of haughty self-pussession: but he spoke the present scene: “ you are hike the generality of nut a word. He waited until the visitors should mortals!~you fancy that your habitation is built explain thoir purpose. upon a solid ruck, when it veriiably rests upon a Curiotta rose from her suppliant posturo before shifting sand |” her father ; and covering ber blushing cheeks with | Holcroft considered the priest’s words were hor hangs, she sank upon a sola. ominous: but still he was utterly at a loss to com- “Sir Alexander Holcroft,” said Captain Belluno, | prehend by what means the menace of seven years’ walking straight up to the Baronet, “is it your) imprisonment could be carried cut; and banishing intentiun to espouse my daughter ?” the sense of alarm, he said, “Iam well enough “That is a question, signor,” responded the | acquainted with the Tuscan law tu be aware that Baronet, “ which had perhaps better be discussed | it 19 no crime to run away with a young lady, pro- between you and me alone.” vided sho of her own accord consents to be run The idea of a duel flashed to the brain of the | away with.” urbappy Carlotta; and starting up from her seat,; “A truce to this flippancy!” interpused Father she threw herself betwixt ber sire and ber seducer, Faleonara, “It ill becomes you, Su Alexander ex@uiming with passionate vehemence, “Oh! peril Jlolerott, to display such want of feeling in the mot your lives on my account !” | presence of your victim and of her injucgd parené. * Qest assured,” said her father coldly, “ that I | But let this scene bo brought to an end J” EGOMGIOOKSEEO