The Bronze Statue, or, The Virgin's Kiss — page 38: what you’re looking at

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

ee ee eee ee ee x ~-Vst te — ~ = _ #., - ———— a — - - _— — ee -__- . = m- ow omen + re 30 | SHE BRONZE STATUE. fnrew upon the Knight's countenance a ra- pid and momentary ‘ook of tender entreaty, which mingled with the lustrous beams that conveyed this expression of her heart’s feeling. ‘it grieves me to the very soul to be compelled torespond in the negative to so much proffered kindness,” said De Colmar, now convinced beyond ali possibility of doubt that the splendid Satanais had glanced upon him with a tender interest; and he felt every vein in his body tingling: with an ecstatic sensation, ‘Then farther entreaty were vain—and even rude on our part,’ said Satanais, a sofier plaintiveness infusing itself into her dulcet tone and a species of mourrful lan- gor passing into her looks. * But on another occasion,’ she added, suddenly recovering her wonted equanimity of manner, aud with a gentle blush deepening the rich carna- tion tint that appeared beneath the trans- parent olive of her cheeks,—a blush which seemed to imply that she felt vexed with herself for having suffered her voice and dooks to betray any feeling more tender than & mere conventional courtesy towards the Knight:—‘ on another occasion,’ she said, ‘perhaps we may hope to be honored with Sir Ernest de Colmar's presence on a long- er visit to our encampment, wherever it may then be,’ ‘Rest well assured, beauteous lady,’ ex- claimed our hero, ‘that I shall be too hap- py torender my first leisure moments avail- able for the kind invitation which your words have just conveyed. * Your Excellency will be truly welcome,’ .gaid Satanais. She then passed out of the pavilion, at- tended by Linda and Beatrice: and it seem- ed to the Knight, when the canvass drapery dropped behind the retreating forms of the lady, and her damsels, as if a strain of de- licious music, which had hitherto held his ‘soul in the entrancement of rapture, had suddenly ceased. ‘For a few moments—nay, for nearly a minute did a species of melancholy fall up- en Sr Ernest de Colmar, as if some neces- sary element of his happiness had been abruptly withdrawn: but, shaking off this sensation, and angry with himself for ex- periencing it, he motioned his two pages to reure—a tacit command which they cheer- ‘fully obeyed, in the hope of being enabled to rejom Liadaand Beatrice in the open space without. As soon as Zitzka and Sir Ernest de Col- mar were alone together in the pavilion, the ‘former said, ‘ Your Excellency informed the soldier who first challenged you yesterday evening, thit you were anxious to have some conversation with me. [ am now prepared to give you my full attention.’ ‘General, answered the Knight, ‘you are aware that I travel in the service of the Sovereign Duke of Austria. A council of Bohemian nobles is to be shortly held at Prague; and to that assembly the Duke has been invited to send a representative, with full powers to advise, concert, and act for the settlement of the affairs of Bohemia, | am the emissary to whom his Sovereign tlighness Duke Albert has entrusted this important mission; and it was a part of the instructions | received on quitting Vienna, to obtain if possible an interview with you, ere the meeting of the council.’ ‘For what purpose ?? demanded Zitzka, — with strange dryness. ‘To ascertain your views respecting the condition of the country—but to take no unworthy advantage of such knowledge, should it be gleaned by me,’ was the prompt reply ‘You are perhaps aware, Sir Knight,’ said Zitzka, ‘that | am not only determined to maintain Republican Institutions in Bo- hemia, but likewise to oppose any foreign interference to the very death,’ ‘ Austria meditates no armed intervention, General,’ observed De Colmar, emphatical ly: ‘at least, not unless circumstances shal] materially alter.’ ‘lam well pleased with this assurance,’ said Zitzka. ‘Know you what the council of nobles intend to propose ?” ‘As yet I am totally ignorant on that head,’ answered the Knight. ‘The assem- bly opens its -sittings in the evening of the second of August; and on that same night important communications will doubtless be made by the leading noblemen who have summoned the council,’ ‘On that same night, think you ?’ said the Taborite chief, in a musing tone. | ‘ Beyond al) doubt, returned De Colmar. ‘Then I shall be there!’ exclaimed Zitz- ka, striking the table violently with his clenched hand. ‘As a iriend—or as a foe?’ demanded the Knight, ‘Your Excellency can surely divine,’ said the chief. ‘ You mean as a foe. But I thought it probable that some armistice or suspension of hostilities might be agreed upon between the Taborites and the Aristocracy with a view to an eventual peace, However, if you thrust yourself into danger, gallant Gitzka, it will afflict me more than I can express,’ added De Colmar, in a tone of the most unfeigned sincerity. | ‘You are a generous and a brave man? said Zitzka; ‘and I am glad that I have encountered you. The few hours that I COMICDOOKS.COlMN