Agnes, or, Beauty and Pleasure — page 141: what you’re looking at

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

- AGNES; OR, BEAUTY AND PLEASURE. The Marchioness had sunk upon the sofa: she moaned—she writhed convulsively—but she spoke not a word. *Do you know, Lucrezia, that the other night —at your villa,” continued the Minister of Police, “there was for an instant a suspicion flashing across my mind? It was when you were re- clining in my arms, and we were conversing on the means of information possessed by the officials of my department. It was quite in an accidental manner that I alluded to the assassination of your page Giulio: then it struck me that the mention of the fact produced upon you an impression which it need not do! But a moment afterwards I banished the subject from my mind; for the truth is, I was under the fascination of your charms—the fumes of wine were likewise in my brain—and since that night I have had other things to engage my attention. But now vs “Oh, spare me—and save me!” cried the Mar- chioness, springing towards Ramorino—throwing herself upon her knees—and seizing his hand in her own. * Enough, Lucrezia! enough!” said the Minister of Police. “I did not wish to torture your feel- ings; and as for your personal safety, I will ensure it! Consent to become my wife — and I will banish or imprison half Florence rather than that a single hair of your head shall be injured !” The struggle had been great in Lucrezia’s mind: but it was now over. That struggle was between her love of independence and the control of her own fortune on the one hand—and, on the other, a dread of the shackles and casualties of a married state. But she saw that fearful risks en- vironed her: she saw likewise that she was utterly in the power of an unprincipled and unscrupulous man. She therefore prepared to make any sacri- fice, however great, rather than peril her life. *'Yes—it shall be as you say,” she murmured. “twill accompany you to the altar. You will shield and protect me, Ramorino—you will ensure my safety “ “‘T have already said it: I now swearit! Our nuptials shall be private. To-morrow morning shall behold our union Pity tis that we cannot join our hands within the hour that is passing !” “What! in such haste?” cried the Mar- chioness. ‘Ah! do you mistrust meP—do you think that I shall fly from my word P” “No,” rejoined Ramorino: “you will not do that! You see, my dear Lucrezia, that you are safe in becoming my wife: for in all Tuscany I alone can protect you under existing circum- stances.” “And now, therefore, lose no time,” urged Lucrezia, “in scattering your sbirri throughout Florence! Let Marcellin be arrested—and Ber- nardo—and Antonia +, “ Hush!” said the Minister: “some one is ap- proaching the door !” A footman entered, saying, ‘‘ Please your Ex- eollency, your presence is required for a few moments.” “T will return immediately, dearest Lucresia,”’ whispered Ramorino to the Marchioness. “ Re- main here—and fear nothing. Ah, by sho bye! before I come back to you, I will issue the requi- eite mandates for the arrest of those persons whom you have named,” a ee a ree HO 123 —_—_—_--., a The Minister of Police issued from the apart- ment ; and in the passage outside, he said to the servant, ‘“ Who is it that is waiting to see me?” “A priest, my lord,” was the response. “A priest ?” ejaculated Ramorino, struck with the singularity of the coincidence; and he mut- tered to himeelf, ‘This is remarkable! The very thing that I could have most desired !—for the sooner I obtain indisputable power over Lucrezia’s wealth, the better for my own interests will it be! And by Jupiter! within the hour that is passing shall the nuptial knot be tied!—Where: is this priest ?” he demanded. “T left him in the ante-room of your Excel- lency’s cabinet,” answered the footman. “Good!” said the Minister: and thither he at once proceeded. On entering the cabinet, Count Ramorino be- held a pale, interesting, handsome young man— clad in the priestly garb—and whose looks were somewhat fatigued and jaded. He rose from his seat as the Minister entered, and made a courteous bow. “Whom have I the pleasure of receiving P” asked Ramorino, somewhat impatiently; for his mind was intent upon having the nuptial benedic- tion pronounced with the least possible delay. “My name is Falconara, my lord,’ answered the young priest; “and I am one of the military chaplains in the service of his Highness the Grand Duke.” “Tis well, holy father!’ said Ramorino. “ We will perhaps endeavour to find you a still better oflice.” “Tf at the outset of my mission to your lord- ship,’ said Falconara, “I have found favour in your sight, it will indeed be most cheering to my heart.” * Ah!” thought the Count; “he comes to ask a favour either for himself or somebody else !— Holy father!” he continued, now speaking audibly; ‘“tranquillize yourself upon that par- ticular point. You shall have what you require. You have arrived most;opportunely: I was on the very point of sending to fetch some minister of the gospel hither—and you make your appear- ance !” “ Ab, my lord !” cried Falconara, rejoiced at the manner in which his previously dreaded interview with the Minister was progressing; “then my presence here is most opportune! May I ask whether it be to shrive a dying one——” “No,” replied Ramorino; “but to marry two living and loving ones.” “If there be urgency,” said the priest, with a deferential bow, “I will perform the ceremony.” **-Yes—there is urgency,” answered the Minis- ter; “forthe bridegroom is too much occupied by affairs of state to bestow any leisure on marriage- festivals and rejoicings: he has therefore agreed with his intended bride that the nuptials are to ba selemnized with as much privacy as possible. The lady herself—high-born, beautiful, and rich — wishes to avoid the gaping curiosity which pompous and ostentatious weddings always ex- cite. In short, holy father, we are agreed ” “ You, my lord?” ejaculated the priest with surprise. Yos—J,” rejoined the Count. is the Marchioness di Mirano. “ And the lady Come with me, TmMGCOOO: — ee 5}