The Bronze Statue, or, The Virgin's Kiss — page 235: what you’re looking at

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

THE BRONZE STATUE. travelling companions of the self-accus- ing lady all such testimony as they may be enabled to afford: and in thus plac- ing them in the position of witnesses, | am bound to learn whoand what they are. Once. more, therefore, do I de- mand the name, style, and rank of yon stranger in the bright armor and with the closed vizor.’ ‘Permit me to observe,’ said Angela, who had hitherto remained silent be- cause she hoped and believed that De Colmar would be enabled to dissuade the magistrate from his purpose of ex- torting the revelation of her name ‘permit me to observe,’ she said, ad- vancing slowly from the casement, and rendering her voice as masculine as possible, ‘that I am utterly unacquaint- ed with any motives which could have led the Lady Gloria to the perpetration of a deed which has filled me with amazement, horror, and compassion— yes, compassion, I say, on behalf of the unhappy criminal who must either have received a tremendous provocation, or else have been assailed with a sudden aberration of the intellect.’ ‘You speak well, young sir,’ ex- claimed the magistrate; for that you are a mere youth, your voice fully roves. Now believe me, when I de- clare that I do not wish to wound your feelings nor prejudice your iaterests, as Sir Ernest de Colmar has denomina- | ted the alternatives attendant on the revelation of your name ; but that re- velation must be made in confidence to me, and you may write the particulars in my tablets with your own hand.’ ‘Be it so,’ exclaimed Angela, much to the astonishment of Sir Ernest de Colmar, who naturally wondered where- fore his deliverer could make such a re- velation to the magistrate and aot to himself. But scarcely had those words fallen from Angela’s lips and created this sen- timent of surprise in our hero’s mind, when the landlord entered the room and whispered something in the ears of | Sir Ernest De Colmar, I had resolved the magistrate. ‘I crave your indulgence for a few minutes,’ said the venerable functionary, addressing himself to De Colmar and Angela; and, with ing them, he quitte by the landlord. ‘Some peril menaces Mm Angela, the behind them, has struck upon my mind. I have been traced by this apology for leav- | that we have an overw d the room, followed | back us.’ ) e’ exclaimed | gela, ‘ not a drop instant une door had closed | on my account. ‘a presentiment of evil myself prisoner to Doubtless Zitzka’s emissa- 233 ries: and the release of the State Pri- goners will yet be the cause of serious embarrassments for me:’ - Whatever be the danger which may overtake you,’ replied De Colmar, ‘ you should place implicit faith in the strength of my friendship ‘Oh! T understand full well, Sir Knight,’ interrupted Angela, with an almost passionate vehemence, ° what is passing in your mind. You are asto- nished— nay, you are even piqued and hurt, at my conduct in agreeing to make to the magistrate that revelation which I withhold from you. But, ah? be not offended with me on that ac- count, for you cannot comprehend my motives now; and the time will soon come when I shall be enabled to explain them———’ ‘Think not that I am vexed at your conduct in this respect,’ interrupted De Colmar, in a soothing and reassuring tone. ‘L have received such unmis- takeable proofs of your good feeling to- wards me, that I am incapable of har- boring an unworthy thought concerning you. Surprised | was—annoyed I was not , At this moment the door was again opened, and the magistrate followed by the Taborite officer, entered the room. But ere the latter closed the door be- hind him, both De Colmar and Angela caughe sight of the glittering halberds ‘of several soldiers who had remained outside. ‘This is your prisoner ®’ exclaimed the magistrate, addressing himself to ‘the officer, but pointing towards An- gela. And as these words rang through the apartment, the forest-maiden laid her hand upon her sword, while that of Sir Ernest de Colmar flew at once from its sheath. .Forbear from violence!’ cried the venerable official, in a tone of mingled ‘entreaty and command. ‘ Out of con- sideration for one of your knightly rank, A A A A A A A — A a ee ee ———— — ct — a as me ee os } —e ———— /— | to effect the arrest of your travelling- ‘companion with as little ceremony aud publicity as possible; but if you com- pel us to resort to violence, remember helming force to - Elis worship speaks truly ,’ said An- of blood shall be shed I therefore surrender this Tuborite officer —_—_—- ‘ But in the first place,’ ejaculated De comicbooks.com