Authors: George W. M. Reynolds,James Malcolm Rymer
you!
Mark me, you have reckoned
erroneously upon the extent of my dread of my father and my benefactor! There
is one thing that will make me fall at their feet and reveal - all and that is
the consummation on your part of this vile outrage upon me!"
"Be it so, Ellen," said Greenwood. " I am as
determined as you. I will use no force against you; but I will keep you a
prisoner here; and believe me - for I know the world well - your stern resolves
will soon melt in the presence of solitude and monotony. You will then solicit
me to come to you - if it be only to bear you company! Escape is impossible -
my spies are around the house. Day and night will you be watched as if you were
a criminal. And when you consent to become mine, in all save the vain ties
which priestcraft has invented, and the shackles of which shall never curb my
proud spirit, - then will I surround you with every luxury, gratify your slightest
wishes, study your pleasures unceasingly, and do all to make you cling to me
more fervently than if I were your husband according to monkish ceremony. This
is my resolve. In the mean time, if you choose to console your father for your
absence, write a note telling him that you are happy, but that circumstances at
present compel you to withhold from him the place of your residence; and that
letter shall be delivered to-morrow morning at Markham Place. I now leave you.
This is your sitting-room ; your sleeping apartment is above. The servant - the
old woman whom you know so well," added Greenwood, in a tone slightly
ironical, " will attend upon you. The house contains every luxury that may
gratify the appetite; all your wishes shall be complied with. But, again I say,
think not of escape; that is impossible. And if you feel inclined to write the
note of which I have spoken, do so, and give it to your attendant. It is now
late - the clock has struck one: I leave you to yourself."
Ellen made no reply; and Greenwood left the room.
The moment she was alone, Ellen rose and hastened to the
window. She drew aside the curtain, and was somewhat surprised to perceive that
the casements were not barred; for she had expected to find every precaution
against escape adopted after the confident manner in which Greenwood had spoken
upon that head. But her heart sank within her; for she remembered his assurance
that the house was surrounded by spies. She therefore made up her mind, after
some reflection, to remain quiet until the next day, and then regulate her
endeavours to escape by the aspect of the house and its locality when seen by
day-light.
She felt exhausted and wearied, and partook of a slight
refreshment. She then took a candle from the table, and proceeded upstairs to
the bed-room prepared for her. Having carefully bolted the door, she sate dawn
to reflect upon the propriety of writing to her father the note suggested by
Greenwood. She felt most acutely on the old man's account; and she knew that she
would not be permitted to communicate with him in terms more explicit than
those mentioned by her persecutor. Such terms were too vague and equivocal to
be satisfactory ;- and she concluded in her own mind that silence was the
better alternative of the two.
Having once more satisfied herself that the room was safe
against all chances of intrusion, she thought of retiring to rest. She laid
aside her bonnet and shawl, which she had hitherto kept on, and then took off
her gown. She approached a long Psyche, or full-length mirror, that stood near
the dressing- table (for the room was elegantly furnished), and for a moment
contemplated herself with feelings of pride and pleasure - in spite of the
vexatious position in which she found herself. But vanity was now an essential
ingredient of her character. it had been engendered, nurtured, and matured by
the mode of life she had been compelled to adopt.
And, assuredly, hers were charms of which she had full right
to be proud. The mirror reflected to her eyes a countenance that had been
deemed worthy to embellish a Venus on the canvass of a great painter. In that
same faithful glass was also seen a form the beautiful undulations and rich
contour of which were perfectly symmetrical, and yet voluptuously matured. The
delicate white corset yielded with docile elasticity to the shape which no
invention of art could improve. The form reduced that corset to suit its own
proportions; and in no way did the corset shape the form. Those swelling globes
of snow, each adorned as with a delicate rose-bud, needed no support to
maintain them in their full and natural rotundity ;- the curvatures which
formed the waist, were not drawn nearer to each other by the compression of the
stay ;- the graceful swell of the hips required no art to improve or augment
its copiousness. Ellen smiled - in spite of herself, - smiled complacently -
smiled almost proudly, as she surveyed her perfect form in that mirror.
But, hark! what sound is that which suddenly falls upon her
ear?
She starts - looks round - and listens.
Again! - that sound is repeated.
This time she comprehends its source: some one is tapping
gently at the side window of the room.
Ellen hastily put on her gown once more, and advanced to the
casement.
She raised the blind, and beheld the dark form of a man
mounted upon a ladder, at the window. A second glance convinced her that he was
the tall Italian whom she had before seen.
She approached as closely as possible, and said, in a low
tone, "What do you require? what means this strange proceeding?"
"I am come to save you," answered Filippo,
in a voice so low, that his words were scarcely intelligible. "Do not be
afraid - I am he who wrote the warning letter, which —"
Without a moment's farther hesitation, Ellen gently raised
the window.
"I am he who wrote the warning letter which you
received at the theatre," repeated Filippo. "Although ostensibly
compelled to serve my master, yet privately I counteract all his vile schemes
to the utmost of my power."
"I believe you - I trust you," said Ellen,
overjoyed at the arrival of this unlooked-for succour. "What would you
have me do?"
"Tie the sheets of the bed together - fasten one end to
the bed-post, and throw the other outside," returned Filippo, speaking in
a rapid whisper.
In less than a minute this was done; and Ellen once more
assumed her bonnet and shawl.
By the directions of Filippo she then stepped upon the
window-sill: he received her in his arms, and bore her in safety to the ground.
Then, taking the ladder on his shoulders, he desired her to
follow him without speaking a word.
They passed behind the house, and stopped for a moment at a
stable where Filippo deposited the ladder. He then led the way across a field
adjoining the garden that belonged to the house.
"Lady," said the Italian, when they were at some
distance from the dwelling, "if you consider that you owe me any gratitude
for the service I am now rendering you, all the recompense I require is strict
silence on your part with respect to the real mode of your escape."
"Rest well assured that I shall never betray you,"
answered Ellen. "But how is it that so bad a man as your master can
possess so honest and generous a follower as you?"
"That, lady, is a mystery which it is by no means
difficult to explain," replied Filippo. "Chosen by a noble-hearted
lady, who by this time doubtless enjoys a sovereign rank in another clime, to
counteract the villainies of Greenwood, I came to England; and fortunately I
learnt that he required a foreign valet. I applied for the situation and
obtained it. He believes me faithful, because I appear to enter heart and soul
into all his schemes; but I generally succeed eventually in defeating or
mitigating their evil effects upon others. This is the simple truth, lady; and
you must consider my confidence in
you as implicitly sacred. Any
revelation - the slightest hint, on your part, would frustrate the generous
purposes of my mistress. And think not, lady, that I am merely acting the part
of a base spy : - I mean Mr. Greenwood no harm - I shall do him none: all I aim
at is the prevention of harm springing from his machinations in regard to
others. But we are now at the spot where a vehicle waits to convey you back to
London."
Filippo opened the door of a barn, which they had just
reached; and the cabman responded to his summons.
In a few minutes the vehicle was ready to depart. Ellen
offered the Italian a recompense for his goodness towards her; but he drew
himself up haughtily, and said, "Keep your gold, lady I require no other
reward than silence on your part."
He then handed Miss Monroe into the vehicle; and ordered the
driver to conduct the lady whithersoever she commanded him.
Ellen desired to be taken home to Markham Place; the Italian
raised his hat respectfully; and the cab drove rapidly away towards London.
Miss Monroe now began to reflect profoundly upon the nature
of the excuse which she should offer to her father and Richard Markham, to
account for her prolonged absence. We have before said that she had ceased to
shrink from a falsehood; and she had certain cogent reasons for never
associating her own name with that of Greenwood ; - much less would she
acquaint her father or Richard with an outrage which would only induce them to
adopt means to punish its perpetrator, and thus bring them in collision with
him.
At length she resolved upon stating that she had been taken
ill at a concert where she had been engaged for the evening: this course would be
comprehended by Markham, who would only have to substitute the word
"theatre" for "concert" in his own imagination; and it
would also satisfy her father.
We need merely add to this episode in our eventful history
that Ellen reached home safely at four o'clock in the morning, and that the
excuse was satisfactory to both Markham and her father, who were anxiously
awaiting her return.
NEWS FROM CASTELCICALA
RETURN we once more to Diana Arlington, who still occupied the
splendid mansion in Dover Street, which had been fitted up for her by the Earl
of Warrington.
The routine of the life of the Enchantress continued the
same as we have described it in Chapter LI.
The Earl of Warrington was unremitting in his attention, and
unchanged in his liberality towards his beautiful mistress; and, on her part,
Diana was the faithful friend and true companion who by her correct conduct
maintained the confidence which she had inspired in the heart of her noble
protector.
We must again introduce our readers to the Enchantress at
the hour of breakfast, and in the little parlour where we have before seen her.
But on this occasion, instead of being occupied with the
perusal of the
Morning Herald,
her entire attention was absorbed in the contents of a letter,
which ran as follows:-
"Montoni, December
3, 1839.
"I SIT down, my dearest Diana, to inform you that the
ceremony of my union with his Serene Highness Angelo III, was solemnized
yesterday.
"You are aware that this ceremony was to have taken
place some months ago; but the intrigues of certain persons holding high and
influential offices in the state, delayed it. Calumny after calumny against me
was whispered in the ears of the Grand Duke; and, although his Highness
believed not a word of those evil reports, I steadily refused to accept the
honour he was anxious to confer upon me, until he had satisfied himself of the
falsity of each successive calumny. At length I implored his Highness to
address an autograph letter to the Earl of Warrington, with whom his Highness
was acquainted during the residence of that good English nobleman in
Castelcicala. His Highness complied with my request, and despatched his letter
so privately that none of those who surround him suspected his proceeding. The Earl
of Warrington, as you know, dearest Diana. hastened to reply. His answer was so
satisfactory, so frank, so generous, so candid, that the Duke declared he would
visit with his severest displeasure any one who dared breathe a word of calumny
against me or my friends in England, in future.
"The next step adopted by his Serene Highness was to
dismiss the Marquis of Gerrano from the office of Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Baron Ruperto, the Under Secretary in that Department, retired with his
superior. The Duke adapted this measure in consequence of the intrigues of
those noblemen to thwart his Highness's intentions of raising to the ducal
throne the woman whom he loved. You may suppose how grieved - how vexed - how
distressed I have been through the conviction that I myself was the cause of
these heart burnings, jealousies, and intrigues; and although I was innocently
the source of such disagreeable proceedings, my sorrow and annoyance were but
little mitigated by this impression. I implored the Grand Duke to allow me to
leave the country, and retire to Switzerland; but his Serene Highness remained
firm, and assured me that, although he had many difficulties to overcome, he
was not disheartened. Then be declared that his entire happiness was centred in
me, and he thus over-ruled my scruples.
"At length the duke remodelled his cabinet (a fact to
which I alluded above) by appointing the Count of Friuli (who is deeply
attached to His Highness, and favourable to our union) to the Foreign Office,
in place of the Marquis of Gerrano. Signor Pisani, another faithful dependant
of His Highness, was appointed Under-Secretary in the place of Baron Ruperto.
The Minister of War also retired, and was succeeded by General Grachia. When
these changes were effected, his Serene Highness communicated to the council of
ministers his intention
to unite himself to Ellen
Marchioness of Ziani on the
2nd
of December
of
the present year.
"This decision was made
known on the 19th of last month. I did not write to communicate the important
fact to you, because I was apprehensive of new delays; and as I had already
misled you once (though unintentionally on my part) I was unwilling to deceive
either you or myself a second time. I know your friendship for me Diana,
- I know that you entertain a sister's love for me, the same that I feel for
you, - and I also know that you anxiously watch the progress of my fortunes,
as, under similar circumstances, I should yours. I therefore resolved to
acquaint you with no more of my hopes, until they should have been realised.
That result has now been attained; and I need preserve a cold silence no
longer.
"In the evening of the 19th of November, the Grand
Chancellor of Castelcicala, the President of the Council (the Marquis of
Vincenza), and the Archbishop of Montoni, visited me at the villa to acquaint
me with the royal decision. I endeavoured - and I hope succeeded - to convince
their lordships of the profound sense which I entertained of the high honour
intended to be conferred upon me, and my conviction that no merit which I
possessed could render me worthy of such distinction; at the same time I
declared my readiness to accept that honour, since it was the will and pleasure
of a sovereign Prince to bestow it upon me.
I can scarcely tell you the nature of the varied emotions
and feelings which filled - indeed agitated - my bosom when the memorable
morning dawned. That was yesterday! I awoke at an early - a very early hour -
before six, and walked in the garden with the hope that the fresh air and the
charming tranquillity of the scene would compose me. I could scarcely believe
that I was on the point of entering upon such high destinies; that a diadem was
so soon to encircle my brow; that the thrilling words
Highness
and
Princess
would in a few hours be addressed to me! I could not reconcile
with my former obscure lot the idea that I was shortly to sit upon a sovereign
throne
- command the allegiance of millions of human beings,- and
share the fortunes of a potentate of Europe! Was it possible that I - I who was
the daughter of a poor farmer, and who had seen so much of the vicissitudes of
life, - I who had thought myself happy with the competence which I enjoyed
through the Earl of Warrington's bounty at Clapton. - I who conceived myself to
be one of the most fortunate of individuals when, by the goodness of that same
excellent peer, I arrived in this State, and took possession of the villa which
he had placed at my disposal, - I who had then no more elevated aspirations
than to dwell in tranquillity and peace - no loftier hope than to deserve that
kind nobleman's benefits by my conduct - was it possible that I was in a few
hours to become the Grand Duchess of Castelcicala? I could not fix my mind to
such a belief; the idea seemed an oriental fiction - a romantic dream. And yet,
I remembered, I had already received an earnest of this splendid promise of
fortune; I had already been elevated from a lowly condition to an exalted rank;
the distinction of a Marchioness was mine; for months had I been accustomed to
the sounding title of
Your Ladyship;
and for months had I been enrolled amongst the peeresses of
Castelcicala. Yes - I thought: it was true, - true that a Prince - a powerful
Prince - intended to raise me to a seat upon his own ducal throne!
"At seven precisely the three lovely daughters of
General Grachia arrived at the villa to assist me in my toilette - my nuptial
toilette. They informed me that, if it were my pleasure, they were to remain in
attendance upon me after my marriage. I embraced them tenderly, and assured
them that they should always be near mean friends. When the toilette was
completed, I bade adieu to the villa. I wept - wept tears of mingled joy and
sorrow as I said farewell to that abode where I had passed so many happy, happy
hours At length I entered General Grachia's carriage, which was waiting; and,
accompanied by my three amiable friends, repaired to their father's private
dwelling (not his official palace of the War Department) in Montoni.
"Here my letter must terminate. Enclosed is an account
of the entire ceremony, translated into English by my private secretary (who is
well acquainted with my native tongue) from the
Montoni Gazette.
Fain would I have erased those passages which are favourable - too
favourable to myself; but I fancied that my friend - my sister Diana would be
pleased to read the narrative in its integrity.
"In conclusion, let me say - and do you believe it as
devoutly as I say it sincerely - that, in spite of my rank and fortunes,- in
spite of the splendours that surround me, to you I am in heart, and always
shall remain, the same attached and grateful being, whom you have known as
"ELIZA
SYDNEY.
It would be impossible to describe the feelings of delight with
which Mrs. Arlington perused the latter portion of this letter. Pass we on,
therefore, to the Bridal Ceremony, as it was described in the translated
narrative which accompanied the communication of the Grand Duchess
"THE MARRIAGE OF THE GRAND DUKE.
"Yesterday morning were celebrated the nuptials of his Serene
Highness Angelo III. and Eliza Marchioness of Ziani.
"From an early hour the capital wore an appearance of
unusual gaiety and bustle. The houses looking on the Piazzetta of Contarini,
leading to the ancient Cathedral of Saint Theodosia, were decorated in a most
splendid manner with banners, garlands, festoons of flowers, and various
ornaments and devices appropriate to the occasion. The balconies were fitted up
as verdant bowers and arbours, and the lovely characteristics of the country
were thus introduced into the very heart of the city. The Town- Hall was hung
with numerous banners; and the royal standard waved proudly over the Black
Tower of the Citadel. The shops in those streets through which the procession
was to pass were fitted up with seats which were let to those who were willing
to pay the high prices demanded for them. In other parts of the city the shops
and marts of trade were all closed, as was the Exchange. A holiday was observed
at the Bank of Castelcicala; and the business of the General Post Office closed
at eleven o'clock in the forenoon. Nor was the port less gay than the city. All
the vessels in the harbour and docks, as well as those in the roadstead, were
decked with innumerable flags. The royal standard floated from the main of the
ships of war of the Castelcicalan navy. The sight was altogether most imposing
and lively.
At seven o'clock the bells of Saint Theodosia and all the
other churches in Montoni rang out merry peals and the troops of the garrison
got under arms. At a quarter before eight the Mayor and Corporation of the
city, arrayed in their robes of green velvet edged with gold, proceeded to the
palace and presented an address of congratulation on the auspicious day, to his
Serene Highness, who was pleased to return a most gracious answer. It being
generally understood that the Marchioness of Ziani would in the first instance
alight at the dwelling of General Grachia, the Minister of War, a crowd of
highly respectable and well-dressed persons had collected in that
neighbourhood. At nine o'clock the General's private carriage, which had been
sent to convey the future Grand Duchess from her own abode to the General's
mansion, drove rapidly up the street. attended by' two outriders. We shall
never forget the enthusiasm manifested by the assembled multitude upon that
occasion. All political feelings appeared to be forgotten ;and a loud, hearty,
and prolonged burst of welcome met the ear. The object of this ebullition of
generous feeling bowed gracefully to the crowds on either side; and the
cheering continued for some moments after the carriage had entered the
court-yard of the General's mansion.
"At half-past ten o'clock the President of the Council,
the Grand Chancellor, and the Intendant of the Ducal Civil List arrived in
their carriages at General Grachia's abode, preceded by one of the royal
equipages, which was sent to convey the bride and her ladies-in-waiting to the
palace. In a few minutes the President of the Council handed the bride, who was
attended by the lady and three lovely daughters of General Grachia, into the
decal carriage. The procession then repaired to the palace, the crowds that
lined the streets and occupied the windows and balconies by which it passed,
expressing their feelings by cheers and the waving of handkerchiefs. To these
demonstrations the bride responded by graceful bows, bestowed in a manner so
modest and yet evidently sincere, that the conduct of this exalted lady upon
the occasion won all hearts.
"The procession entered the palace-square; and the
Grand Duke, attended by the great officers of state and a brilliant staff,
received his Intended bride at the foot of the great marble staircase of the
western pavilion. The illustrious company then entered the palace. Immediately
afterwards the five regiments of household troops, commanded by that noble
veteran the Marshal Count of Galeazzo, marched into the square, and formed into
three lines along the western side of the palace. At half-past eleven the royal
party appeared at the foot of the marble staircase, and entered the numerous
carriages in waiting. The bride occupied the carriage which had conveyed her to
the palace, and was accompanied by the ladies in attendance upon her. His
Serene Highness, attended by the President of the Council and the Grand
Chancellor, entered the state carriage. The procession then moved onwards to
the Cathedral of Saint Theodosia.
"This was the signal for the roar of artillery from all
points. The citadel, and the ships of war in the roadstead thundered forth the
announcement that His Serene Highness had just left the palace. The bells rang
blithely from every steeple; the troops presented arms; the military
bands played the national hymn; and the procession was welcomed with joyous
shouts, the waving of handkerchiefs, and the smiles of beauty. The windows and
balconies of the houses overlooking the streets through which it passed, were
crowded with elegantly dressed ladies, brilliant with their own beauty, gay
with waving plumes, and sparkling with diamonds. The only indication of
political feeling which we observed upon the occasion, was on the part of the
troops;
and they were silent.
"The bride was naturally the centre of all interest and attraction, Every
one was anxious to catch a glimpse of her charming countenance. And certainly
this lovely lady never could have appeared
more lovely
than on the present occasion. She was attired in a dress of the
moat costly point-lace over white satin. Her veil was of the first-mentioned
material, and of the richest description. She was somewhat pale; but a charming
serenity was depicted upon her countenance. She bowed frequently, and in the
most unpretending and affable manner, as the procession moved along.
"At length the cavalcade reached the cathedral, where
the Archbishop of Montoni, assisted by the Bishops of Trevisano and Collato,
was in attendance to perform the solemn ceremony. The sacred edifice was
thronged by the e
lite
and fashion of the capital, who
had been admitted by tickets. When the royal party had entered the Cathedral,
the doors were closed; and the holy ceremony was solemnized. The roar of the
artillery was again heard, as the royal party returned to their carriages. This
time the Grand Duchess was handed by his Serene Highness into the state
carriage. The return to the palace was distinguished by demonstrations of
satisfaction on the part of the spectators more enthusiastic, if possible, than
those which marked the progress of the cavalcade to the cathedral. A glow of
animation was visible upon the countenance of her Serene Highness; and the
Grand Duke himself
looked remarkably well and
cheerful. In a short time the Sovereign conducted his lovely bride into that
palaces which in future is to be her home.
Thus ended a ceremony which, in a political point of view,
may probably be attended with important results to the interests of
Castelcicala. Should male issue proceed from this marriage, the contentions of
rival parties in the state will be at once annihilated. The supporters of the
Prince of Castelcicala, who is now an exile in England, are naturally indignant
and annoyed at the marriage of his Serene highness Angelo III with a lady young
enough to encourage hopes that the union may not remain unfruitful. It is even
evident that many of the former friends of the exiled Prince pronounced in
favour of this marriage, the moment it was contemplated some months previously
to its solemnization. This sentiment of approval will account for the entrance
of General Grachia, who was notorious for his adhesion to the popular cause
espoused by the Prince, into the Ministry. Probably the best friends of their
country, aware that it was neither natural nor legal to attempt to control the
inclinations and affections of his Serene Highness Angelo III., looked upon
this marriage as the best means of securing peace and internal tranquillity to
Castelcicala, inasmuch as it gives a prospect of an heir to the ducal throne -
an heir whose right and title none could dispute. This is the view we ourselves
take of the case, and we therefore hail the event as one of a most auspicious
nature in our annals."