Agnes Vol. 2 — page 53: what you’re looking at

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

44 be a the immuroment took place may continue to exist !’’ ‘And it is by such means,” said the Mar- chioness, quivering more and more with the agita- tion of a ferocious inward joy and with the excite- ment of a fierce triumph,—‘it is by such means that you would dispose of your enemies ?” “ Aye—and that I have disposed of them,”’ re- joined Ramorino, with a sinister chuckle. ‘They have they continue to live, breathe, feel, and think, yet are they dead to the world, while tho world itaclf is the same as if it were dead to thom—and at all events they are utterly powerless to do me a mischief.” ‘. “Oh, I love you, Count~—yes, I love you more and more,” criod the Marchioness, as if in a voice of exultation, “because you possess sv glorious a spirit. Ah, if I bad this power ? “ WYave you enemies, dearest Lucrezia P” in- quired Ramorino, straining her luxurious form more closely with one arm, while with the other hand he raised the red wine to his lips. “ Havo I enemies P” she said, as if not exactly comprehending his query—or at least as if for a moment hesitating how to anawer it. “ Alas, yes! —enemies who threaten me with exposure !—ene- mies who demand that I shall surrender up the vreat bulk of my wealth in order that my reputa- ‘ion may be spared from being dragged into the nire of infamy !” “ Ab, this is abominable !” exclaimed Ramo- ino, a fierco light flashing from his black oyos. ‘But if you hawa these enemics, Lucresia, you ave also the power to punish them = “I?” she ejaculated, as if with a eudden start. “To be sure! Jlave I-not told you that what- oever power I wicld, is tho’ samo as if you your- elf wielded it likewiso P? “& ** Ob, yea! 1 remember you said all this!” ex- laimed the Marchivness, “ AN thousand, thou- and thanks !”—and she lavished upon him almost 8 many kisses as she was bestowing thanks. “Did you doubt my power or my willingness 9 serve you 1u this matter, Lucrezia ?” asked the vuunt. But no, no! you could not! And now hese enemies of your’s ad “You know the Si¢nora Ciprina P” “Of courso!—sho lives with you. Ifave I not een her often and oftonP But you do not for a noment mean me to understand ” ‘ Alas, alas!’ murmured Lucrezia, now speak- ng in a broken voice; “I mean you to under- tand overything that 1s bad, aud vile, and deccit- ul, and wicked, in reference to that false ungrato- ul creature !” “Just heaven! is this possible?” exclaimed tamorino, with perfect amazement depicted on his ountenance. “I thought you were the best of riends—that you were like sisters—that the Sig- ora Ciprina was dpvotcd to you—that you on our side were devoted to her ‘a “And until with the last few days,” interjected be Marchioness, “1 have beon to her as a de- oted asisters-though now, when too late, 1 find hat it is eferpent whom I have been cherishing » sting me!’’. . CET atom 2 NES AGNES; OR, BEAUTY AND PLEASURE. ERTIES, Qytrope ely peas CR “And ao we were until lately,” rejoined the Marchioness: “ or rather, I should observe, it wits I who felt happy in the delusion wherein I was cradled, to the effect that I had a sincere frioad— aye, a veritable sister in Ciprina, But it is all otherwise!” “ How did this happen ? what has she done P what is sho doing ?” inquired the Couné. “ Alas, my dearest friend,” responded Lucrezia, been heard of no more—and though inreality | bending down hor faco upon his breast, “you know that my life has not been altogether pure and immaculate ——”’ “ Yuu have enjoyed life~you are enjoying it!” interjected the Count. ‘‘And why should you not? ‘Young and beautiful as you aro— rich, accomplished, and elegant — courted by every- body ‘ “ Ah, well! it is kind of you,” interrupted the Marchioness, “to find exeuacs for my frailties. But Oh! for the future gow only shall 1 love— you only shall receive my favours!” — and she again lavished caresses upon him. “And now picture to yoursclf the perfidy of that infamous Ciprina!—insinuating herself into my confidence —gaining a knowledge of all my secrets--sharing in my pleasures—and then—and then Oh, it is enough to break my heart !”’—and the Marchio- ness now sobbed with a vivience which was so admirably assumed that it completely deceived the Minister of Police, though ot all men in the world he was tho least likely to be duped by any such outward show. “TI begin to understand, my poor Lucrezia,” ho said. “nis Ciprina of yours is, after all, some adventuress, no doubt P” “Alas, yes—it must be so!’ exclaimed the Marchionoss, now affecting a fierco indignation. * Would you behove it—she who threatens tu ex- pose me, is by her own conduct outraging all de- cencies? She has got her paramour——somo worthless Fronchman—an escaped galley-slave, I believe ” “Ah, by Jupiter! this grows more and more serious !"’ said the Minister of Police. “ Why did you not tell me everything at first? But go on, goon! Let me know all—and thon we will de- cide upon the mode of action. Sho has got her paramour, you said ” “Yes—the wretch! She has got her paramour —this cut-throat ruflian of a Fronchman—living with ber in my houso—occupying her suite of apartmonts bencath my roof—to tho uttor scandal and degradation of—of 7 “Tt is intolerable!” exclaimed Ramorino: “ it is not to be bourne! And this vile couplo together dare to menaco youP” “'Yes—with complete exposure, unless .[ sur- render them up moro than bal! my fortunc, “he~- shameleas prulligates! they care nut for exposing themselves at the same time " “nough, Lucrezia!” iuterrupted Jtamorino: “you have told me suflicient to make me sympa- thize with you, my swect friend, and also to alford mo the opportunity which ] so much desired of rendering you some service that should sigually aud unmistakabiy prove my devotion. Within four-and-twenty bours you shall bo freod from tho “You surprise me!—nay, more, you afflict me!” | terrorism which those wretches havo exercisod uid the Minister of Police. ere so happy tugether ” “J thought you] over you!” “Ah, then, gratitude now comminglos with ‘tho AOC AMUCC co SS (C@