Agnes, or, Beauty and Pleasure — page 127: what you’re looking at

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

AGNES; OR, BEAUTY AND PLEASURE, mating manners and distinguished appearance— very rich = But again she stopped short; for Carlotta’s cheeks were now scarlet, and she was trembling all over with nervousness and confusion. Joy was however gleaming io her eyes; and Ciprina per- ceived that the topic was an agreeable one. She therefore went on to say, “ Sir Alexander Hol- eroft is a fine specimen of an English gentleman : he is tall and good-looking—intelligont—and en- dowed with great conversational powers. He is about five-and-thirty years of age; but bo does not look more than eight-and-twenty.” Ciprina made a few additional observations eulogistic of Sir Alexander Holcroft; but she did not think it worth while to say that ho bore a reputation for unpriscipled profligacy amongst the fair sex. Ciprina saw that by prais- ing the Baronet sie was pleasing the Covernor’s daughter; and it was naturally her object to wia Carlotta’s friendship ; for who could tell what ser- vice the young lady might become capable of rendering her ? ; * And I also know Sir Alexander Holcroft,” said Carlotta, after a pause. “ But I must leave younow! My father and mother will be wait- ing at the breakfast-table for me! I will return and see you presently.” Carlotta gave her hand to the captive ; and then she passed out from the cell: but ere she closed the door, she flung a significant look upon Ciprina, as much as to imply that a friendly understanding was now established between them. When Ciprina was alone, she reflected on all that bad just taken place ; and she said to her- self, “Is it not possible that I may turn Carlotta’s friendship to advantage? Who knows? She possesses a pass-key! But Ah! I may rest full well assured that after the escape of Charles De Vere, the utmost vigilance will be maintained throughout the fortalice. However, I can do no possible harm by cultivating the good feelings with which I have already inspired Carlotta. Who knows how lorg it may be ere Charles shall be enabled to effect my deliverance? He himself may be recaptured yet P—at this very moment he may bea prisoner? Or evenif he hasalrendy suc. ceeded in reaching Florence, or shall succeed in so doing—there may be obstacles and there may be delays: in short, I ought to be prepared for every contingency. And then too it is delightful to have the companionship of this girl, even though she be a singular compound of simplicity and silliness, ignorance and giddiness, Ah! she knows Sir Alexander Holcroit? But how and where? She loves him—or at least she has listened favour- ably to some tale which he has breathed in her ear? This is certain! I must obtain all her secréts from her when she returns presently !” At about noon the two bakers reappeared in the court-yard, carrying their enormous basket between them. At the same moment Carlotta Belluno emerged from the side door opening into that yard ; and after sweeping her looks around, she advanced towards the foremost baker as stealthily as she had done a few hours previously. The man hastily slipped a billet into her hand,— at the same time whispering, “ We know what we have to do, signora—and you are to say yes or no.” 119 —_—= Carlotta did not exactly understand what the man meant: but she naturally thought thatit bore some reference to the contents of the billet which had just been slipped into her hand. She there- fore hastened towards Ciprina’s cell; and in tho recess or little archway in which the doorway was set, Carlotta hastily ran her eyes over the note. She now became agitated with very powerful emotions: there was even an instant when she clung to tho wall for support: but quickly re- covering herself, sho mentally ejaculated, “ Yes, yes—it must be so !” Hastily thrusting tho billet into her bosom, she passed out again into the court-yard, and ap- proached the entrance of the bread-store, where the two bakers were now delivering their bread to the turnkey whose duty it was to receive it, and who held a slate in his hand to keep a correct account, The man who acted as the iutermediary of Carlotta’s mysterious correspondence, ap- proached her; and sho emphatically whisperod, * Yes!—I will do it!” He seemed fully to zomprehend her meaning ; for he bent upon the lady a significant look, adding, *‘ At twe o’clock precisely we shall ra- turn.” * At two o'clock ?”’ echoed Carlotta. “ No! it cannot be dono at that hour! My father will want me. You must come later—at half-past three, for instance ue “Impossible, signora!” rejoined the baker. “Everything is settled for two o’clock—if it is to be done at all |” Carlotta seemed cruelly perplexed for a few moments; but as an idea suddenly struck her, her countenance brightened up—and slie rejuined, “Yes—it can be managed at two punctually !” She then retraced her way across the court- yard, and passed into Ciprina’s cell. The young English lady was anxiously awaiting hor return ; and the meeting was fraught with the utmost friendliness on both sides, just as if they were old acquaintances, and likewise as if they had been some time asunder instead of the brief interval of three hours. “Tell me,” said Carlotta,—“ tell me, I beseech you —have you any hope that your young English friend will be enabled to accomplish your de- liverance from the fortress P” “Why do you ask?’ inquired Ciprina, not knowing how to shape her response. “Because if you aro not quite sure of the assistance of your English friend,” replied Car- lotta, “I think—indeed I am sure——-Oh, yes! I will faithfully promise to use all the interest I can commana and that would be great ur “Excellent friend!” cried Ciprina, seizing the young damsel’s hand and pressing it with fervour 3 “TIT believe you! I know that you would do everything you could for me! Oh, if it were in my power to evince my gratitude by rendering you any service in return—~—” “Tt is io your power—and you can render mo such service,” interrupted Carlotta. ‘“ Time is precious—and J have many explanations to give. Oh! though we have known each other but a few hours, it seems to me as if the friendship of years existed between us. I am going to make you my confidante © “Yes—give me your confidence, my dear Cam \ : co im er COOKS (©) eS}