Ellen Percy; or, The Memoirs of an Actress — page 226: what you’re looking at

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

See ELLEN PERCY; OB, THE suitable wardrobe; so that her first appearance at the Normans’ house might be as respectable as possible ; and I begged Zarah to supcrintend all these little arrangements. On taking my departure, I proceeded to Mi- vart’s Hotel—where I found the Marchioness and Beatrice : but the Marquis was absent, making final arrangements for a house which he had taken for some months. Beatrice looked much better than I cculd have dared to hope to find her: for not only did she experience those comforts to which she had been accustomed, but her heart was considerably lightened by the circumstance that her innocence was believed by those whose good opinion she so much valued. I took an opportunity of speaking aside to the Marchioness in the following manner :— * T have some little project in hand, which may perhaps tend to convince the Count of Carboni of his injured wife’s innocence. Do not ask me now what it is; and say nothing to Beatrice on the sub- ject—for we must not excite a hope until we are confident of being enabled to fulfil it. Perhaps your ladyship will also be kind enough to request the Marquis to suspend any operations on his own side in respect to the Count of Carboni, until the result of my own proceedings be known.” The Marchioness promised to fulfil all my in- structions, — declaring that she had the fullest faith in my discretion and sagacity. On the following day the Marquis, the Mar- chioness, and Beatrice removed irom Mivart’s Hotel to the house hired for their accommodation; and I fetched away Beda from Zarah’s lodgings, I had previously told the Normans that accident had thrown me in the way of a young creature in whom I had become much interested, and that I was desirous to take her into my own special ser- vice. J entered into no further particulars; and the Normans asked me for none. When Beda was introduced to the house, they as well as their domestics were all astonished and delighted at her appearance: they were immediately interested in her; and I had now no fear that the servants would treat her unkindly. But I will here take leave of Beda for the pre- sent, end return to that project which I had settled with Zarah, and which had so important an aimin view. A fortnight passed from the day on which that project was first initiated; and the period had now arrived when Zarah felt convinced it might be carried into effect. Accordingly, I one morning visited her at an earlier hour than usual; and as this appointment wes prearranged, she was in readiness to give me immediate and stealthy admission into the house. Zarah’s sit- ting-room was separated from her bed-chamber by folding-doors; so that in either apartment any one could overhear what was taking place in the other, * Do you think the moment is come?” I asked, as I followed her into the parlour. *T am convinced of it,” she replied, with an air of confidence. ‘“ You shall see, Luigi is out now: he will return in a quarter of an hour—and I gave him permission to come up to my apartment and sit with mea little while in discourse. I can assure you, Miss Percy, that never was infatuation so great!—and you wil soon be satisfied of the immensity of the power which I wield over him. MEMOIRS OF AN ACTRESS. 213 He has told me, amongst other things, that his master—whom he voluntarily named as the Count of Carboni— had sustained a great and terrific calamity, which had disgusted him with the world and driven him to misanthropic habits. The Count, it appears, feels most acutely what he con- ceives to be his dishonour ; and hence the conceal- ment of his identity beneath a feigned name— hence also the bitterness of that vindictive spirit which makes him still gloat over the fearful re- venge which he wreaked.” “Did Luigi allude to his revenge in more spe- cific terms?” I inquired. “No,” responded Zarah: a revenge which had been wreaked coming !—the front door has just opened! yourself, Miss Percy !” I lost not a moment in retreating into the bed-chamber,—the folding-doors of which I care- fully closed; and then placing my ear against them, I awaited the issue of the scene that was about to take place. In a few minutes Luigi intend the sitting. room, and I heard Zarah greet him with a mingled courtesy and ceremony. She desired him to bo “he spoke darkly of But he is Hide seated; and I soon discovered that he spoke the English language with considerable fluency. * This is the moment for which I have been looking forward with so much hope and anxiety!” he began, speaking with accents of tender enthu- siasm. “Stop! be not too fast! y interrupted Zarah. “Tt is true—and I hesitate not to confess it—that your attentions have not been lost upon me: but we have known each other for so short a time ig “Yes! —but in a short time,’ cried Luigi, “persons may often come to know each other.as well as after the longest acquaintance. Besides, have I not dealt frankly with youP—have I not told you exactly how I am at present situated in a pecuniary point of view — what my prospects are i LJ Yes — you have been sincere and candid! Yet there are some things concerning which I would ask you; and before I can give you any decisive response a ‘Oh! you are so handsome,” exclaimed the en- raptured Italian: “you know not how I love ou!” “And will you give me the proof that I shall demand ?” asked Zarah, assuming a tender tone of voice. “Yes! —any proof,” ejaculated Luigi. ‘“ You have but to speak—and Oh! I shall be delighted to give you some proof of that love with which you have inspired me !” “Be not*too sure,” said Zarah emphatically. “There are times when the heart may be put to too strong a test-———” “With me it is impossible!” exclaimed Luigi. “But what means this mysterious language? There is a strange lustre shining in your eyes; and yet it is a superb light! And, Oh! those eyes of yours are so grand in their radiance—so magnificent in their splendour—that to bask in their sunshine would be bliss ineffable!” “If you will but do something to deserve my love,” said Zarah, “you shall be at liborty to ad- (COMMUC “True !” ejaculated Zarah: “and I believe you. I00kK ¢€oim