Authors: George W. M. Reynolds,James Malcolm Rymer
'Excellent-hearted young man! How
I have wronged him by my injurious suspicions concerning that night when the
burglary was attempted at our house!'
You see that I tell you his very words."
"Yes - tell me every thing, dear Isabella. And thus,
your father no longer believes —"
"How can he believe that any one would attempt to rob
him one day, and pay nearly two thousand pounds for him another? "
exclaimed Isabella "Oh, no - he is disabused upon that point. Would that
he were unprejudiced on others!"
"I understand you," said Markham, mournfully.
"The Prince cannot consent to renew his acquaintance with one who has been
subjected to an infamous punishment, and who aspires to the hand of his
daughter."
"Alas! you have divined but too truly," returned
Isabella, wiping away a tear. "Nevertheless, may we not hope? Already is
one great point gained: my father believes that you may have been unfortunate,
and not guilty. Oh! that is a great obstacle removed! And in my mother,
Richard, you have a warm friend - although her prejudices of rank and family
—"
"I can well comprehend the sentiments of her Highness,"
answered Markham: "and it is all that which now makes me fear lest —"
"Fear not - but hope every thing," said Isabella,
who, however, poor girl! spoke in a more flattering manner than her secret
thoughts would have warranted, had she consulted them; but she saw her lover
oppressed and weighed down by the revelation of that secret which she had
considered it unkind to retain any longer; and she did all she could to console
him.
"Yes - I will hope, for both our sakes,"
said Richard.
"And now let me conclude my little narrative,"
continued Isabella. " My father resolved to repay you the money you had so
generously advanced, the moment he was enabled; and as the Grand Duke of
Castelcicala has settled upon him an income of ten thousand a year, besides an
immediate grant of forty thousand pounds, - boons which my father had only
accepted because no political condition was attached to them, and because they
are alleged to be an indemnification for his estates which have been
confiscated, - he only awaited the arrival of his first remittances to acquit
himself of that debt of honour. The day before yesterday he gave this
letter," added Isabella, taking a small sealed packet from her reticule,
"to one of our servants to convey to the post at Richmond. I demanded it
back again privately of the servant, with the view of placing it myself in your
hands, and - and taking the opportunity to reveal to you a secret which I did
not think it right to keep from you any longer."
"I receive this packet, then, Isabella, with its
contents," said Markham, pressing her hand as he took it, "because
your father is happily in a position to repay me the trifle which I was enabled
to disburse for his benefit. But ten thousand times more valuable is this sum
to me, since its payment prompted you to grant me this interview."
"I had so much to tell you, Richard," answered the
lady, with a deep blush, "that I could not commit it all to paper. I
therefore adopted this plan- which perhaps is indiscreet —"
"Use not that epithet again, dear Isabella,"
interrupted Markham. "You assure me that you love me: can you then regret
that you have made me happy by allowing me to see you - to talk to you - to
embrace you once again? And yet, in the midst of that happiness, the sad
thought intrudes upon me - '
When shall I see thee again?
'"
"Accident may throw us together soon - as it has done
are now," murmured Isabella: "accident - or rather Providence - does
so much for us poor mortals."
"But, with your mother's prejudices in favour of rank
and birth, and with your father's high destinies, what hope can exist for so
humble an individual as myself? How can I dare aspire to the hand of a Princess
of a powerful independent state? "
"Did not Miss Eliza Sydney espouse the Grand Duke of
Castelcicala? and she - she also —"
"Oh! I remember," exclaimed Markham, seeing that
Isabella hesitated,- "I remember that
she
also
was unfortunate, as I was; and
she also endured a weary imprisonment of two years. Yes - I accept the omen -
it is an auspicious one!"
And Richard's handsome countenance was once more animated
with a glow of hope and joy.
Then, in an access of enthusiasm, he exclaimed:
"Oh! if ever this fond aspiration should be realised, -
if ever the humble and obscure Englishman were united to the high-born and
brilliant Italian Princess, how sweet - how sweet would it be for him to owe
rank and fortune to the woman whom he loved so fondly, and whom he would ever
love until the hand of Death should beckon him to the tomb! For myself, I pant
not for the honours and glories of this life; for hadst thou, Isabella, been
the daughter of the lowest peasants. I had loved thee all the same - and had
been far, far more contented, because the obstacles which now oppose our
happiness might then have ceased to exist!"
"Believe me, Richard," answered Isabella, in a
tone of witching tenderness, "believe me, that the happiest day of my life
will be that when I can prove to you the extent of that affection with which
you have inspired me; - and, again I repeat, that if ever I rejoiced in the
prospect of that fortune which, whether my father eventually succeed to the
ducal throne or not, he will be enabled to leave me, - and if ever I felt proud
of that high station which my family enjoys, or indulged in the hope that my
parents may one day attain to sovereign rank, - that joy, that pride, that hope
are all experienced on account of
you!
For, like you, I care not for the
grandeur and ostentation of palaces ;- but it will be a thrice happy day for
me, when I can say to thee - '
Richard, my fortune is all thine, and thou
shalt share my rank!
' Because, in Castelcicala, unlike the usages of your
native land, he who espouses a Princess becomes a Prince; and, when you shall
be thus exalted, Richard, who will dare to remind you of the misfortunes of
your past life? That is why I rejoice in my present rank and future prospects,
- a joy that is experienced solely on account of you!"
"Noble-hearted girl! what kindness - what attention
- what devoted love on my part can ever repay thee for these generous feelings
- these endearing proofs of the tenderest attachment!"
"Do you think that I should love you, Richard, as I
do," returned Isabella, "if I did not know the generosity of your
soul - if I did not appreciate all your virtues? I am well aware that,
unfortunately, you are not rich; and yet you sacrificed - nobly sacrificed your
property to release my parent from a gaol! Oh! how can I ever forget that
conduct of yours? You speak of repaying me for my affection: how much do I not
owe to you?"
There was a pause in the conversation, during which the
lovers walked up and down along the edge of the leafless grove, each enjoying
reflections of a pleasurable nature. Isabella leant with charming
confidence upon the arm of that handsome and generous-hearted young man, in
whose love she gloried as if
he
were the Prince and
she
were the obscure individual; and
he felt his heart expand with ineffable bliss, as he contemplated the brilliant
prospects which that lovely girl - the proudly-born Princess spread before the
eyes of him - the obscure individual.
More than an hour and a half had already passed, and
Isabella at length remembered that she must' return home.
She intimated to her lover the necessity of separating; and,
with fond embraces and renewed vows, they parted.
Richard watched her receding form until she entered the
grove of evergreens surrounding her father's mansion: he then retraced his
steps towards Richmond.
And never was his heart so light as now!
CHAPTER CXIV.
THE CONTENTS OF THE PACKET.
ALBERTO of Castelcicala, to conceal his princely rank, when he
arrived in England an exile from his native shores, had adopted the style of
Count Alteroni - this title being the name of an estate which he had possessed
in Italy, but which, together with the remainder of his vast property, had been
confiscated by order of the Grand Duke, his uncle. The government of
Castelcicala was an absolute despotism; and it was because the Prince, with a
view to ameliorate the condition of the people whom he might one day be called
upon to govern, had placed himself at the head, and openly avowed himself as
the patron, of a political party in the state, whose object was to obtain a
constitution, he had been proscribed by the Grand Duke and the old aristocracy
of the country.
His party advised him to have recourse to arms; and meetings
in favour of the enlightened principles which he advocated were held at the
time throughout the country. But the Prince was resolved never to plunge his
native land into the horrors of a civil war: he preferred exile and obscurity
to such an alternative. His was, indeed, a lofty and patriotic soul, that knew
how to sacrifice his dearest interests to the popular tranquillity.
Accordingly, on his arrival in London he had adopted a rank
comparatively humble in respect to the exalted station which he in reality
occupied; and to this mode of conduct he was instigated by the same
disinterested motives that had led him to fly from his country rather than
raise the standard of civil strife. He knew that if he settled in London under
his proper title, he could not avoid receiving those patriotic exiles who had
fled from Castelcicala to avoid the consequences of their liberal opinions. He
was averse to the idea of allowing his dwelling to be made the point of reunion
for those who advocated the enforcement of the popular cause by means of arms
he would not for a moment consent to permit a nucleus of open rebellion against
the reigning sovereign of Castelcicala, to be formed under his auspices. He
had, therefore, intimated to his friends and adherents that he intended to
retire into private life, until circumstances might place him in a position to
confer upon his native land the charter of liberties which he believed to be
its natural right.
The few English persons who were acquainted with his secret,
religiously kept it. The Tremordyns, Armstrong, and the Earl of Warrington,
whom he numbered amongst his best friends, respected the
incognito
which his Highness thought fit to
preserve. Thus, Armstrong had not even communicated the fact to Richard Markham
when he introduced him to the Prince's dwelling; and the reader may now
understand the reasons which led the haughtiest of England's peers, the Earl of
Warrington, on the occasion of his visit to the mansion near Richmond to
solicit letters of introduction for Eliza Sydney,
to bend his head with such
profound respect in the presence of the heir presumptive to a throne.
Nor need it now be made a matter of marvel if those letters
of introduction proved such immediate passports for Eliza Sydney into the first
society of Castelcicala ;- but little did he who gave them or he who solicited
them, - little did they think that their ulterior effect would be to open the
way for that lady to such an eminence as the one which she had attained.
We have before explained, - a point, indeed, which the
intelligent reader could not fail to comprehend, - that the chance of Alberto
to the Castelcicalan throne now depended upon the contingency of the marriage
of Angelo III. producing offspring, or not. Scarcely, however, had that
marriage been consummated, when the Minister of Foreign Affairs wrote to the
Castelcicalan envoy at the court of Queen Victoria, to communicate to Prince
Alberto the intention of the government, sanctioned by the Grand Duke, to allow
him a handsome income, and supply him with an immediate grant, by way of
indemnification for the loss of his estates. No political condition of any kind
being attached to this concession, the Prince did not hesitate to accept it;
and it was even mentioned in a Montoni newspaper, that the influence of the
Grand Duchess, aided by the friendly feeling of some of the new Ministers towards
the Prince, had procured this act of justice at the hands of Angelo III.
These few observations may not be deemed superfluous,
inasmuch as they tend to explain the real position of the Prince of
Castelcicala - the father of our charming heroine.
We said it was with a light heart that Richard Markham
retraced his steps to Richmond, after having parted with the Princess Isabella.
He was, moreover, desirous to examine the contents of the
packet which she had placed in his hands, - not because he cared for the money
which was thus returned to him; but because he was anxious to ascertain whether
any note from her father accompanied it.
He, however, restrained his curiosity until he reached
Richmond, where he entered an hotel, ordered a private room, bespoke some
refreshment, and then proceeded to break the seal of the envelope.
Yes - there
was
a letter, containing a cheque.
The cheque fell unheeded on the carpet: the letter was
immediately perused with avidity:-
"I cannot sufficiently express my
admiration of your noble and generous conduct in having liquidated the debts
for which I was detained in the Queen's Bench prison. I now repay, with
unfeigned and heart-felt gratitude, that sum which you advanced, for my
necessities, in a manner so honourable to your own nature and so eminently
useful to me at that period. I need not say how deeply I regret the injurious
suspicions which I entertained concerning you on a certain occasion; but
circumstances wore too powerfully combined against you to admit of any other
impression. You will forgive me - for I ask your pardon I sincerely apologise
for all I may have said or done on that occasion.
"And now, my dear Mr. Markham. I am compelled to touch
upon a subject which, though painful, demands a low observations. That you have
been unfortunate, I know that you were never guilty, I am now well convinced. I
have read a document which proves this. But you have inspired my daughter with
an affection, which I understand is reciprocal, and which never can end
otherwise than In disappointment to you both. Crush, then, this sentiment in
your breast; and for the peace of mind of her who is my only child, and who
never - never can become your wife, I implore you not to see her more! Avoid
her - as I shall instruct her to avoid you, - my only motive being based upon
certain circumstances, unknown to you. which render your union an
impossibility. I address you as a friend - as a father I write to you; your
generous heart will teach you how to respect my wishes.
"One more subject must not be forgotten. I am well
aware that you are not as wealthy as you once were. Thank God, my pecuniary
means have ceased to be a subject of anxiety to me. You aided me when I was in
need and in distress; allow me to offer you a trifling assistance towards
enabling you to build up your fortunes. This is an object, which, with your
great talents, you cannot fall to accomplish. Remember, I do not offer this
small aid as an acquittal of my deep obligation towards you; no - my gratitude
is intense - and the circumstances under which you befriended me leave me ever
your debtor. But as a friend, I offer you the use of my purse ;- as a friend I
place in your hands a sum of money which you can use during your pleasure, and
return to me at your convenience. Should that sum be insufficient to forward
your views, hesitate not to apply to me for more.
"And now, farewell - at least for the present; and
believe that no one will be more delighted to hear of your success in life,
than
"Your very sincere friend,
"ALTERONI."
Markham picked up the cheque: it was for five
thousand pounds.
We must endeavour to explain the nature of the feelings
which the contents of the Prince's letter created within him.
He saw with delight that the illustrious exile once more
addressed him as a friend, and that all suspicions of his guilt had been
extirpated from the mind of that nobleman. But, on the other hand, the barrier
between himself and Isabella seemed to be rendered insuperable by the positive
terms in which the Prince bade him eradicate his passion from his bosom. That
barrier was no doubt twofold: the father of Isabella never could consent to the
union of his daughter with one whom the world had stamped with ignominy,
although innocent:- and, chiefly, the Italian Prince - the probable heir to a
throne - might aspire to a far, far higher connexion for his child. Then
Richard's thoughts were directed to the handsome sum of money which the Prince
had placed at his disposal; and he could not do otherwise than admire the
delicate manner in which it was proffered, - a manner that scarcely admitted of
a refusal. And yet Richard was resolved to return the surplus above the amount
which he had disbursed to procure the Prince's liberation from prison.
Thus was it with mingled feelings of joy and melancholy that
Markham reviewed the contents of that letter.
Still he clung to Hope, - for Isabella had bade him hope ;
and he thought that the same good Providence which had thus far reconciled him
to the father of his beloved, might in time accomplish more striking miracles
in his favour.
But, alas! it must indeed be a miracle that could link his
fate with the high destinies of the ducal house of Castelcicala!
Isabella, instead of being the daughter of an obscure count,
was the only child of one who, if he were not to become himself the sovereign
of the most powerful petty state in Europe, would at all events occupy a
station next only to the sovereign whenever circumstances should allow him to
return to his native land.
But, on the other hand, Isabella was faithful and true; and
what might not be expected from woman's love?
In a word, Markham was rather inclined to hope than to
despair; and the incidents of that morning imparted to his soul a solace which
was a recompense for much, very much of past suffering.
Having partaken of some refreshment, Richard
returned to London, and repaired
to the bank where the cheque was made payable.
He only drew for the amount actually due to him, and desired
that the surplus might be retained in behalf of Count Alteroni (under which
name the Prince was known at the bankers' establishment).
On his return home, Richard addressed the following letter
to the Italian nobleman:-
"A thousand thanks, my dear lord, for your
most kind and courteous letter. To find that you have at length become
convinced that I was unfortunate, and
never
guilty, is a source of happiness
the extent of which I cannot describe.
"Your wishes in respect to the attachment which I
certainly entertain for the Signora Isabella, shall be so far complied with -
that I will not venture to present myself at your abode. As for extinguishing
that affection which burns in my heart - mortal power cannot accomplish the
task.
"It was with unfeigned delight that I understood from
your lordship's letter that your position not only enabled you to return the
trifle which I once ventured to use in your behalf, but also most generously to
offer me the means of building up my fallen fortunes. My lord, I am unable to
profit by your kindness; the stigma under which I lie - and with tears I write
these words - is a bar to any legitimate speculation with a hope of success.
Moreover, I have sufficient for my wants; and am therefore, in one sense, rich.
Excuse me if I have not availed myself of your noble offer - an offer that
scarcely admits of refusal in consequence of the delicacy and kindness with
which it was made. Nevertheless, I am bound to decline it - with the most
sincere gratitude; at the same time observing, that should need ever press me,
I shall not hesitate to have recourse to the friendship with which you honour
me.
"In the earnest hope that happiness and health may
attend upon yourself and amiable family,
"I remain, my dear lord,
"Your most grateful and
faithful servant,
"RICHARD MARKHAM."
It will be seen that the tone of this letter
was somewhat constrained; but, although Richard endeavoured to write with
apparent ease, as if ignorant of his correspondent's real rank, he could not
forget that he was addressing himself to the Prince of Castelcicala.