Agnes Vol. 2 — page 89: what you’re looking at

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

40 Uenpengres Ro ERT, 6 us Bh, Ae ee Sa = Qipeenataemeept stant some accident should betray the stratagem and expose the whole plot the success of which was so vitally important to himeelf. “Yes, yes—I must believe you!” said Signora Belluno. “But how could I again look you in the face without blushing? When did you arrive at the castle?” “'Whes did I arrive? Qh, this evening!” “Then you have not yet seen my husband P” demanded the lady quickly. “No, signora. 1 suppose that I must have come after he had left to pass the evening with his friends or elec Father Fualoonara would have presented me to him.” “Then you must have come suddenly and un- expectedly P—for no inmate of the castlo is per- mitted to receive any visitors—I mean to stay eee ewe wore within the walls—unicas with the formal assent of my husband.” “Ab! if I have infringea any regulations,” cried Charles, catching at the hope which seemed suddenly held out to him, “suffer me to depart at once !~—let me not compromise my friend, who has | self’ of the advantage which it gives mo. doubtless committed some oversight !” “Why, good heavens! what means this?’ sud. denly ejaculated the Guvernor’s wife. “That garb—I1 recognise it! Yes—'tis the very same - e— tis Father Falconara’s! Ob, blessed saints! there is eome horrible mystery! And you are too young to be @ priest !—you cannot have numbered more than twenty years of age!” At this moment tho dovr of the epartmont burst open; and Ursula—the olcerly female who had brought. Charles De Vere thither—rushed in, exclaiming in wild affright, “We are lost, sig nora! we are lost! Oh, wretch that you are! Brigand! robber! what have you done ?'—and these Inst words were: vehemently addressed to our hero. Charlies had at once raised the kerchicf to his countenance, immediately upon tae bursting open of the door: but Ursula, springing furward, tore it away as she gave vent to those vivlent re- proaches. “Inthe namo of heaven what is the matter?” demanded Signer. Belluno, who had become pale as death; for her previously excited suspicions that something was wrong, were now feartully confirmed. “hig villain is an escaped prisoner!” ejacu- lated Ursula. “We feigned iliness—he bound and gagged the good Father Faloonara—he is the young wan who arrived this morning with the lady " “ Wretch!” said the (tvernor’a wile, flinging a terrific look upon Charles De Vere. “The turnkey went in kindness to bis cell,” proceeded Ursula, “tu take him some extra bed. diog . “Listen!” said our herv, now perceiving the absolute necessity of acting steruly and promptly and availing himeelf of the advantage which the lady’s indiscretion had given him. “ You are both in my powor—and I cummand you to be silent |” Both Signora Belluno and the woman Ursula recognised in a gement tho truth of the assertion that they were in-De Vere’s power; and they were amitten speechiess with consternation — for the ene stuod terribly in awe of a stern husband, AGNES; GR, BEAUTY AND PLUASULH. captured [ will reveal the whole truth. me re ce =>) m 2 a tek OF © Cte oh = 0 ee 8 a Rl ae Sel ope > hinge Ae, iwnnnideenyh and the other of a master who possessed alike the means and the disposition to be implacable in his vengeance. Our hero strode towards the door aud locked it. “Now, signora,” he said, hastily returning to confront the Governor's wife, “ my freedom is in your bands—-and you must accomplish it !” “ Tmpossible !” her features. | * There seemed to be no such word as impos- sible,” rephed Charles quickly, ‘‘ whea the gratiti- cation of your passion was concerned ; and 1 sha not admit of it pow when my liberty is at stake.” “ But what can I do ?” asked the unfortutiat: woman, who seemed to be utterly bewildered. “Oh, my dear young gentleman!” cried) Ur sula, who also looked the very picture of mingle. terror and despair; “ go and surrender yourg Keep silence ! a lady's honour is at stake.” . “J did not court this position,” rejoined Charles, hastily but firmly; “and my circumstance are 60 desperate that 1 have no choico but to avail my- Save mo!—it is the only condition’of your safety !”’ “ AL!’ exclaimed Signora Belluno, suddenly dis- playing a new phase of conduct; “what if | were to dare you to do your worst? Here we are two to one!—our assertions will outvalue yours! You came into this apartment, mistaking your way——”” “ Ridiculous!” ejaculated Charles, with indig- nant vehemence,—‘‘ when I had already passed through the Jobby to visit the priest’s rooms, and knew that my way was down the stulrcase aain., Tue talo will not serve you! You are both in my power, I repeat; and by heaven! if lam _ re- Hide me take me to your own chatuber, signora! Nuvu ono will penetrate thither !”’ The lady exchanged rapid looks with Ursula : they both saw that the young gentleman was firm —and they comprehended that his was a neck- or-nutbing position. “Come quick!” said Signora Relluno; “ and you, Ursula, unlock that door!—for if any ene should seek to enter here and find it fastened, sus- picions may be excited !” Having thus epoken, the (tovernor’s wife hastily led Charles De Vere to an inner apartment, which was evidently a dining-room ; at the same time that Ursula proceeied to unlock the door of the sitting apartment which the othor two had just quitted. Meanwhile Signora Belluno conducted De Vere from the dining-room, along a corridor, into a bed- ehamber ; and throwing open the door of a drese- ing-room, she said, “ Remain hero! I will go and see what is to be done !” The lady then rapidly retraced ber way; and on reaching the sitting apartment, she found the turokey waiting for her, ho having entered a few moments back. “ Oa! dear signora!” exclaimed Ursula, rushing forward to meet her mistresa; “such a calamity has happened! And his Excellency absent at the moment too !” * A calamity?” ejaculated Signora Belluno, as- suming an air of mingled surprise and terror: “what do you mean? What is it, Roderigo P” she demanded, turning towards the official. “It is most mysterious, signora,” was the reply she ejaculated, with dismay upon} (C OOO) SS) (©)