THE ORPHAN OF THE RHINE
PART 9
Volume 2
Chapter 1
THE
STORY OF LA ROQUE
List a brief tale.
And when 'tis told, Oh! that my heart would break.
The bloody proclamation to escape.
--SHAKESPEARE
'My real
name, which from unavoidable circumstances I have for some time disguised under
that of La Roque, is Conte della Croisse.' Madame Chamont started, and with
much difficulty concealing her emotions, La Roque proceeded:
'Being
early in life deprived of my parents, I was consigned by my father to the
guardianship of the late Marchese de Montferrat; and, immediately on his
decease, quitted Naples, the ancient seat of my ancestors, and repaired to the
environs of Turin.
'Being too
young to know the extent of my loss, the affectionate behaviour of the
Marchese, and still gentler attentions of the Marchesa, soon relieved me from
unpleasant recollections, and restored me to my former felicity. Masters were
procured to instruct me in the classics and different sciences; as it was the
particular request of my dying father, who had an unconquerable aversion to
public seminaries, that my education should be a private one.
'My time,
now chiefly devoted to literary pursuits, fled rapidly away; and my guardian beheld
the progress I made with satisfaction and complacency.
'The
family at the Castello St Aubin, consisted of the Marchese, the Marchesa, one
daughter (who was somewhat younger than myself), and a large number of
domestics.
'The
hospitality and generosity inseparable from the inhabitants of this princely
abode, was become proverbial. Every countenance expressed disinterested
affection, content, and innocence; and every breast was animated with truth,
sincerity, and virtue.
'The first
serious uneasiness I experienced, after the loss of my parents, was occasioned
by the death of the Marchesa, who died, much regretted, in consequence of a
fever that proved fatal after a few days' illness. The Marchese was for some
time inconsolable for her loss, and instead of mixing as usual with the world,
abandoned himself to solitude; till an habitual melancholy was stealing
gradually upon his mind, which threatened the most unhappy consequences.
'Whilst he
was yet yielding to the influence of unavailing regret, he received a visit
from a relation who had been some years abroad, and for whom he had conceived a
peculiar regard. This unexpected event had so happy an effect upon him, that
with much persuasion, he consented to accompany his friend on an expedition to
Verona, for the recovery of his health and spirits.
'He had
not been there long before he was struck with the singular beauty of a young
Signora, much his inferior in point of rank and fortune, but whose person, he
imagined, resembled that of the once lovely Marchesa. Opportunity threw her
frequently in his way, and, finding her affections were disengaged, he offered
her his hand, which she readily accepted; and the marriage being solemnized
during the Marchese's continuance at Verona, they returned to the Castello.
'It was
easy to discover, even on a transient acquaintance, that the mind of the young
Marchesa was much inferior to that of her predecessor; with whose manners, the
haughtiness of disposition she early displayed, formed a striking contrast. She
did not long, however, enjoy newly acquired dignities; but having given birth
to a son about a year after her marriage, soon afterwards expired.
'About
this period, Helena, the daughter of my guardian, having completed her
education at Naples, returned to the Castello. Her vivacity and sweetness of
demeanour soon dissipated the clouds that shaded the brow of the Marchese, and
diffused universal tranquillity around. During the infancy of the young Signor,
her brother, she attended to him with the undeviating affection of a parent;
and the family, under her gentle authority, were re-instated in their original
felicity.
'To have
been continually in the presence of the beautiful Helena without feeling the
power of her attractions, would justly have exposed me to the imputation of
stoicism; a short time convinced me that I had too little of that cold
philosophy in my heart to be insensible to the most modest graces of her
person, or the angelic sweetness of her disposition. I had soon the consolation
of discovering that our feelings were mutual, and had the satisfaction of
perceiving that the Marchese beheld this growing attachment with approbation.
'The
period was now arrived in which some knowledge of the world was supposed to be
requisite; and, accompanied by another young nobleman, whose name was Berlotto,
I made the tour of Europe.
'Having
visited several of the principal Courts, and seen the most valuable vestiges of
antiquity, my companion became weary of the expedition, and expressed his
impatience to return; but as much remained to be seen, which was sufficiently
interesting to merit observation, and as yet my thirst for information was
ungratified, I was deaf to the intreaties he employed for the accomplishment of
his desire, till an alarming account of the declining health of the Marchese
altered my resolution.
'On my
arrival at the Castello St Aubin I found him much worse than I had reason to
apprehend; and soon afterwards the progress of his disorder was so rapid as to
preclude the probability of a recovery. Perfectly sensible of his danger, he
summoned me to the side of his bed; and, warmly commending the young Signor to
my friendship and protection, soon afterwards expired.
'It was
now necessary to exert all the fortitude that Nature had bestowed upon me, as
well to rouse myself from the state of despondency that succeeded the death of
so valuable a friend, as to mitigate the sorrows of the affectionate Helena.
During the illness of the Marchese, a female relation of his was sent for to
the Castello, who was now resident in the family. She was past the bloom of
youth; but possessed some accomplishments and much good-humour, and seemed
anxious to afford consolation.
'When the
time of mourning was expired, and grief had in some measure yielded to the certain
effects of time, finding that Helena still continued to receive my attentions
with courtesy, I ventured to declare my love. She was too frank, too innocent
for disguise; and, confessing a mutual attachment, gave me her hand at once, to
reward and to confirm my virtues.
'After
this event, as the time of my minority was expired, we repaired to Naples; and,
in that city, enjoyed more pure and uninterrupted felicity than usually falls
to the lot of mortality.
'The young
Signor, now Marchese de Montferrat, soon after the celebration of our nuptials,
was removed to a public school in the vicinity; and from the proficiency he
made in all the branches of literature, and the early genius he displayed,
attained every mark of distinction to which he had ambitiously aspired. But, as
he arrived towards manhood, it was easy to discover that his mind possessed
more brilliancy than energy; and through the exterior accomplishments of the
gentleman, an accurate observer might distinguish some qualities, which, though
early veiled in dissimulation, were unpromising as well to the man as to the
scholar.--He wished to appear virtuous, without doing violence to his
inclinations by becoming so; refusing to deny himself the smallest
gratification to obtain, what is much more estimable than popular applause, the
approbation of his own heart. Wearing publicly the semblance of goodness, he so
far succeeded in his desires as to impose himself upon the greater part of the
world, who are only superficial observers, as a miracle of worth and honour.
'About a
year after our marriage, the happiness we had hitherto enjoyed was augmented by
the birth of a son; which event was celebrated by a fete, given at a beautiful
villa in the environs of Naples, to which, as a summer residence, we frequently
resorted.
'On this
occasion, several of the Neapolitan Nobles were present, and, amongst others,
the Conte de Pietro, who was introduced to me by an acquaintance with whom I
had been lately in habits of intimacy, having newly arrived in the province.
'This
much-esteemed courtier was just returned from his travels; and, compared with
many that were present, who had seen life with equal advantages, displayed many
shining perfections--in conversation he was polite, easy, and communicative;
and there was an air of unreserve, and at the same time, of dignity in his
manners, which could not fail to attract the admiration of congenial minds. The
deference he paid to my opinion in every subject of discourse, and the warmth
with which he applauded every sentiment I expressed, could not fail of exciting
somewhat of vanity in my breast, when I perceived the countenances of others
soliciting his regard without equal success.--From this aera I date most of my
succeeding misfortunes. We had early conceived a partiality for each other; and
I naturally considered a man of his easy address, fashionable accomplishments,
and literary attainments, as a most valuable acquisition to my domestic
happiness.
'The
affluence of his circumstances enabled him to indulge himself unrestrainedly in
those pleasures to which he was the most addicted, and allowed him the
gratification of performing many acts of benevolence, which considerably
exalted him in my estimation.
'The
dissipation of the metropolis was every way suited to the gaiety of his mind,
where his rank, his person, and his lively parts quickly introduced him into
the first assemblies; gaining him universal applause in all places of public
resort which he honoured with his attention.
'With the
other sex he was a general favourite; for he was by no means insensible to the
attractions of beauty, though he might be said to be incapable of a sincere and
honourable attachment. No dissimulation, however, veiled for a moment his
natural character: he was ostentatious in his gallantries, and open in his
amours. He smiled when I expatiated on the happiness arising from the
endearments of a beloved wife and a beautiful offspring; for his attentions
having been confined to the gay, the light, and the dissipated, he knew not the
value of an inviolable attachment. Anxious to lead me from those home-bred
pleasures that my Helena had endeared to me, he used many arguments for the
accomplishment of his purpose; and though at first they were firmly opposed,
yet, becoming by degrees too powerful for resistance, they at length finally
succeeded.
'When the
mind once deviates from the path of virtue, it soon becomes reconciled to vice;
and the habits of life into which I was continually led, began imperceptibly to
destroy my natural feelings of rectitude, and to take from depravity the
restraints of conscience.
'From a
long course of perpetual and, I may add, guilty indulgences, what had formerly
afforded the most serene satisfaction, became tasteless and disgusting; since
the most worthy occupations were exchanged for debauchery, and that time, which
used formerly to be devoted to the welfare of my family, was divided between
the Theatre, the Opera, and the Gaming-house.
'The
Contessa's attachment to the country occasioned her to reside chiefly at the
villa; and, as she partook but little of the amusements of Naples, she was for
some time spared the uneasiness which a knowledge of my excesses would have
inevitably produced. At first she expressed some degree of pleasure at my
having found entertainment in society; but when my absences became more
frequent, though she forbore reproaches, her countenance sufficiently testified
her disapprobation of my conduct.
'A
daughter was now added to our family; after which event my wife was for some
weeks so ill that her life was supposed to be in danger, during which time my
anxiety was so great that I never quitted her room; but, contrary to my
expectation, the disease, when arrived at the crisis, took a favourable turn,
and she recovered. My joy at this moment was beyond all bounds; for a sense of
her condition had recalled me to reason, and I felt anxious, by convincing her
of my affection, to atone for the errors of my past conduct.
'No sooner
was she restored to my wishes, than I received a visit from the Conte de
Pietro, who congratulated me on this happy event; and observing that I looked
ill, and that too much confinement had injured my health, endeavoured to
prevail upon me to accompany him on an excursion to Padua. At first I persisted
in rejecting the proposal; but Helena, whose mind was reassured by the
attention I had paid her in retirement, and with the tender anxiety I had
discovered on her account, prevailed upon me to accept of it, and in a few days
we commenced our journey.
Chapter 2
Hark!
Waked--from according Lyres the sweet restrain flows
In symphony divine; from air to air.
The trembling numbers fly, swift bursts away
The flow of joy.
--LANGHORNE
'Not many
days after my arrival in Padua, as I was walking with De Pietro, by the side of
the Brenta, our steps were arrested by the tones of a lute, accompanied by a
female voice, which breathed such exquisite sweetness that we were unable to
move from the spot. Whilst we still continued to listen, in wrapt and silent
attention, the strain ceased, the plaintive notes of the instrument died into
silence, and, in a few moments, we perceived a gondola, from which the
melodious accents proceeded, approaching towards the margin of the river.
Anxious to behold the musician and songstress who had possessed such powers of
enchantment over us, we still lingered on the banks till the gondoliers rested
upon their oars, and we beheld two females come on shore, who were escorted by
a young Signor apparently of the middle rank of life.--They were both veiled;
but the graceful figure of the younger, for the other seemed to have passed the
summer of her days, chiefly attracted our regard. Fancy had portrayed a face
not less beautiful than the form to which it belonged; and I was anxious to be
assured whether she had not been too profuse of her colouring, when a ruder
breeze from the water wafted aside the light texture of her veil, and
discovered the original.
'It was a
face that could not be gazed upon with indifference; it did not possess the
insipid uniformity of perfect beauty; but there was something in it infinitely
more attractive than the most exact harmony of feature could have bestowed,
divested of that inexpressible charm, which gave animation and loveliness to
the whole. The blush that suffused her cheek, at being thus unexpectedly
exposed to the rude gaze of admiration, gave new graces to her person. Having
directed her eyes upwards, which were dazzlingly bright, she drew her veil over
her face, with a look that expressed somewhat of distress; and taking the arm
of her companion, hastened along the banks of the river.
'The Conte
having intimated a desire to follow them to their home, I gladly consented to
attend him; and, keeping a respectful distance, we followed slowly behind.
'Our way
lay, for a considerable time, along the borders of the Brenta; and during this
pursuit the beautiful Stranger frequently turned, as if to discern whether we
were near them; and then, in apparent confusion, hastened her steps, as if
anxious to elude our observation.
'Having
ascended the cliff, contrary to our expectation, they took a road which did not
lead into the city; and the young Signor that attended them, who appeared to be
only a school-boy, having resigned the lute which he had carried for the
beautiful songstress, took a contrary direction.
'Our
curiosity was now too much excited to enable us to relinquish a project, whose
novelty was attended with so much pleasure; and having proceeded through a
vista, we reached the confines of a simple but elegant villa, whose situation
was equally secluded and picturesque:--It was seated upon a gentle acclivity;
and being nearly surrounded with groves of citron, acacia, and mountain ash,
which were tastefully interspersed with a number of variegated shrubs peculiar
to the climate of Italy, formed one of the most delightful landscapes we had
ever seen.
'Having
arrived within a few paces of a gate, leading into a kind of shrubbery, which
seemed to be a private entrance, the laws of politeness would have compelled us
to recede, had not the necessity of this conduct been prevented by a trifling
occurrence:
'A snake,
which had concealed itself in the grass, had assailed the ankle of the youngest
Signora, and the alarm this circumstance occasioned was so excessive, that I
had no sooner flown to her assistance, and accomplished her release from this
venomous attack, than she fell senseless in my arms. A rivulet that wandered
among the recesses of the shade, inclosing this sylvan retreat, supplied us
with water, and soon afterwards, to my unspeakable satisfaction, she recovered.
'When this
was effected, the elder lady abounded in the most eloquent expressions of
gratitude, whilst the young one thanked me rather with her looks than with her
words.
'Having
supported the fair invalid into the mansion, we were ushered into a room
genteelly, but not expensively furnished, where we were courteously
accommodated with seats; and when the alarm was dispelled that this little
accident had produced, had the consolation of seeing the countenance of the
interesting stranger animated with smiles, and sparkling with intelligence. She
called me her deliverer; and when addressing herself to me, there was a
bewitching softness in her eyes, a fascination in her voice and manners, that
would have warmed a heart less susceptible than mine. In those moments even
Helena was forgot; and, as the Conte steadfastly observed my emotions, there
was an air of triumph in his countenance when I adverted to the incident that
had obtained for us the gratification we desired, which did not escape my
notice.
'Laurentina,
which was the name of the syren, at the desire of Signora Bairdiella, who was
her aunt, presented us with some fruit, the produce of her garden; and then, at
our joint solicitation, took her lute, which she again touched with exquisite
expression, and performed some of the finest Italian compositions with
inimitable grace and sweetness.
'The hours
flew so rapidly away that it was late before we departed; which we could not
prevail upon ourselves to accelerate without requesting permission to repeat
our visit at a more convenient season.
'In this
we succeeded; and so well availed ourselves of this indulgence, that not a day
passed in which we did not repair together, or severally, to the villa of
Salazzar.
'Laurentina
possessed wit, sentiment, and tenderness--every thing I valued most, and least
expected to find united with such youth and beauty; and was apparently so much
interested in my appearance, and so much flattered by my attentions and conversation,
that I felt unusually delighted in her presence. Every interview tended to
increase her partiality in my favour, as well as to convince me that my
attachment to her person and accomplishments was become too powerful for
resistance, and that her society was necessary to my happiness, if not to my
existence.
'After
about a fortnight's residence in the city, the Conte de Pietro discontinued his
visits to the villa; observing with a sarcastic smile, at which I was not so
much offended as I ought to have been, that though Laurentina was as beautiful
as an angel, he was too much my friend to endeavour to deprive me of so
inestimable a jewel; then assuring me that if I continued the siege, she would
not long continue inexorable. He proceeded to inform me of some traits in the
character of her aunt, Signora Bairdiella, particularly that of avarice, which
might eventually prove favourable to my wishes; and of some hints which he had
received from a native of Padua respecting the conduct of Laurentina. They were
of a nature to encourage hope, and I felt still more elevated at the discovery.
'The ascendancy over me that the Conte possessed, was increased by a more
powerful attraction than what had hitherto cemented our affections--from the
infatuated regard which my own vanity and susceptibility, as much as her own
art and loveliness had made me experience for Laurentina.
'When
under the dominion of passion we are insensible to the influence of reason,
Vice, on a nearer acquaintance, loses her deformity; and the mind abating in
its vigour, and being no longer able to resist the force of temptation, finally
espouses her cause.
'Having
given a thousand imaginary perfections to the object of my admiration, of which
I could not easily divest her, the enterprize in which I had engaged, on a
transient survey appeared to me more difficult than it eventually proved, which
the extreme innocence of Laurentina's looks and manners contributed to
increase, at the same time that it established the affection I had conceived
for her on a firmer basis.
'The
unbounded hospitality with which I had been treated by Signora Bertola, ever
since the commencement of our acquaintance, aided by the respectful politeness
that accompanied her attentions, were circumstances favourable to my wishes;
particularly as I had never imposed myself upon her niece as an unmarried man,
and she was too much a woman of the world to mistake the warm addresses of the
lover, for the temperate assiduity of the friend.
'Having
some reason to believe, from what I had heard from De Pietro, that she would
not oppose my designs upon her beautiful dependant, I requested an audience
with her in private; and, after avowing my passion for Laurentina, proposed a
handsome addition to her own fortune, with a considerable settlement upon her
niece, on her consent to accompany me to Naples. I lamented that it was not in
my power to offer her my hand; but did not neglect to assure her that
unremitting attention should be paid to her desires, since the affection her
merit had excited would find its chief gratification in ensuring her felicity.
'At first
she objected to the proposition with a degree of earnestness, which,
considering what was past, and the report I had heard previous to this
declaration, filled me with surprise and consternation; but the largeness of my
offers eventually silenced her scruples, and she promised to exert her
influence in my cause.
'I did not
long suffer the tortures of suspense; but the conditions were such that, if I
had not proceeded too far to recede, would have recalled me to the path of
rectitude: they were, that if, during the lifetime of Laurentina, I should be
left in a state of widowhood, I was to repair her injured reputation by making
her Contessa della Croisse, should I have no reason to suspect her fidelity.
'This
promise was to be delivered to Signora Bairdiella in writing;--I complied, but
shuddered as I penned it. The image of my Helena was presented to my
imagination at the moment when I was going to desert her; the meek, the
unoffending innocence of her conduct, her purity, her tenderness, the
unaffected graces of her person appeared as rising up in judgment against me,
and staggered my resolution. But one empassioned look from the insidious
Laurentina, one word from her, uttered in the tremulous accents of genuine
affection, were sufficient to silence the eloquent pleadings of reason, and to
stifle the impulses of virtue and compassion.
'The time
now drew near in which we were to quit Padua, and already had I received
several letters from my wife which gently chided my absence; and having
previously taken lodgings for Laurentina, in one of the principal streets in
the city, for her immediate reception, we proceeded towards Naples. With a
heart not much at ease, I placed my fair favourite in her new situation, and
repaired to the villa.
'Those who
have lost that calm dignity of mind that accompanies conscious rectitude, will
only form an adequate idea of my feelings. When I met those artless expressions
of unalterable regard which marked the deportment of Helena, I felt a sensation
of anguish at that moment more keen than I had ever experienced, and would have
given worlds to have regained that integrity of soul which I was now capable of
estimating--that internal satisfaction which is the offspring of uncorrupted
virtue. Reflection now became torture; and, unable to escape from it whilst
thus exposed to its influence, I fought to bury it in dissipation.
'The
conversation of Helena could only bestow a charm on minds serene and angel-like
as her's; and what had formerly so largely contributed to my happiness, now
became my aversion; I felt my inferiority, and wished to hide it from all, and
even from myself.
'My time
was now chiefly divided between Laurentina and the Conte de Pietro; for the
former I took a house in one of the squares, which was furnished with much
expence and magnificence suitable to her taste and inclination.
'To
conceal Laurentina from the knowledge of the Contessa, was a matter which was
attended with but little difficulty; since her mind was too pure for suspicion
and jealousy, and it was easy for a less able dissembler than myself to deceive
her. Independent of this, I had also an experienced assistant in the Conte, who
frequently, in her presence, delivered a lecture upon the wise government of
wives; in which there was something so smart, and yet so unoffending, that it
was impossible not to be pleased with him.
'But when
my absences became still more frequent, the mild dejection of her looks testified
her uneasiness at my conduct, whilst I was compelled to hide the pang of
distress and the stingings of remorse, under an affected appearance of gaiety.
'When
nearly two years had elapsed, I found my expenses were so materially increased,
having also lost many considerable sums at the gaming-table, that I began to be
seriously alarmed. Laurentina, under a character which she had artfully assumed
for the accomplishment of my destruction, disguised many of her sex's
frailties: she was passionately fond of equipage and shew, and was not only
elegant, but magnificent in her attire. The profusion of jewels she demanded
were adequate to the expenses of my household; and finding that my situation
was becoming desperate, I hinted the affair to De Pietro, who advised me to
forsake Laurentina.
'Though
from the uneasy sensations I had experienced ever since the commencement of my
folly, a separation would assuredly have been desirable; but there appeared a
degree of cruelty in this method of proceeding which I could not immediately
reconcile to my feelings. The Conte anticipated my meaning, and took some pains
to convince me, that amours of that kind did not require that delicacy of
sentiment which I believed to be requisite; for having made a settlement upon
the Signora, her person and accomplishments, he added, would easily procure her
another lover; and she might possibly be a gainer by the change.
'The idea
of her encouraging the addresses of another, my passion was not sufficiently
cooled to reflect upon without emotion, and I replied, with some warmth, that I
did not believe it possible that the affections of Laurentina could be
transferred; and having been the means of wounding her reputation, I considered
myself indisputably bound to protect her. The Conte regarded me with a look of
surprise and dissatisfaction, and then asked, with an assumed gravity of
appearance, whether I did not suppose Laurentina had other admirers, who were
equally favoured with her attention?--I was too much irritated by this question
not to betray somewhat of anger; and assured him, with a degree of impetuosity
too natural to my character, that nothing less than ocular demonstration should
convince me that she ever admitted any other visitors.
'The
violence of my emotions during this discourse, too plainly evinced that I was
still the slave of an unfortunate attachment; and De Pietro, with his usual
address, finding the subject was a painful one, endeavoured to change it; but
that which he introduced was foreign to my heart, and I could not join in it.
'When
again alone, I began to reflect upon my situation with redoubled energy; and,
after much consideration, resolved immediately to visit Laurentina, and to
inform her, that the immense sums she had squandered, threatened me with the
most serious consequences; and that it was necessary for her sake, as well as
for my own, that new measures should be adopted.
'Thus
determined, I was hastening to execute my design when, having arrived within a
few steps of the door, I was agreeably surprised on meeting with my old travelling
companion, Signor Berlotte, who expressed much pleasure at this unexpected
event.
'He had
not been many hours in the city; and having been informed at Venice, where he
was detained some time on business of an important nature, that I had quitted
Naples, he had not yet, he added, extended his enquiries respecting my present
place of residence; but as it was now his intention to remain some months in
that city, his happiness, he assured me, would be materially augmented by my
society.
'Though,
in the early part of my life, I entertained no very high opinion of the
character of Berlotte, knowing that his sentiments were mean, and his abilities
contracted; yet allowing that years and reflection might have refined the one,
and expanded the other, though I did not express myself on this occasion with
equal warmth and ardour, I was not insensible to his professions of friendship,
or undesirous of cultivating it.
'Having
walked with him as far as the hotel, I requested that his visits might be
frequent and without ceremony; and, after giving him my address, hasted back to
Laurentina.
'Not
expecting me at so early an hour, my visits being usually nocturnal ones, I was
told she was absent. Believing that she was only gone on some trifling
business, without regarding the answer, and meaning to wait her return, I
walked on to the saloon.
'Having
entered this room, the first object that engaged my attention was a small
miniature portrait, suspended over the chimney-piece by a chain of gold: It was
the figure of a young Signor in a military habit, of a noble and dignified
appearance. The countenance was fine, open, and impressive, and had at once an
air of grandeur and of sweetness. That this was some favoured lover of
Laurentina's was an idea that instantly occurred, and brought with it all the
tortures of jealousy and resentment. The words of De Pietro returned to my
recollection, who I now believed was acquainted with her inconstancy, and was
only prevented from disclosing it by an unreasonable warmth, which determined
me, on a next interview with him, to interrogate him concerning her.
'When the
first emotions of surprise and anger had subsided, I again took the picture
from its place, and was gazing upon it attentively, when Laurentina entered.
'She
started in visible confusion on observing me; but in a moment recollecting
herself, assumed an appearance of composure that filled me with astonishment,
since the miniature was still in my hand, which I considered as a testimony of
her falsehood;
'This,
however, she seemed not to regard; but was advancing towards me with one of
those fascinating smiles, which had so often deceived me, when I demanded, in
an authoritative tone, for whom that portrait was designed? She was too able a
practitioner in the art of dissembling, to suffer the least hesitation to
betray her, and replied emphatically, her brother. I regarded her earnestly as
she spoke, but the undaunted serenity of her countenance was unchanged; and
having expressed my surprise that I had never heard her speak of her brother,
she informed me that he had entered into the service of his country very early
in life, and having been some years abroad, he had sent her that picture as a
memento, which had lately been conveyed to her by Signora Bairdiella.
'There was
too much of the appearance of truth in this recital to justify suspicion, which
made me anxious, by the gentleness of my manners, to atone for the want of
confidence I had betrayed, as well as to reward the patience with which she had
supported it.
'This was
no time for expatiating on the necessity of adopting a plan of economy, being
too much humbled by her artifice to propose any thing on that subject; and
having an engagement at the villa, I left her with many expressions of
tenderness, and hasted to fulfil it.
'The
circumstance of the picture, and the conversation of the Conte, in spite of all
my efforts to the contrary, would frequently return to my memory, and awaken
unpleasant surmises. There was indeed nothing improbable in the story of its
being the portrait of her brother, nor had I any reason, at present, to doubt
her veracity; yet it by no means amounted to conviction.
'Berlotte
was now frequently at the villa, and generously made one in our parties, on
private as well as public occasions, though he was far from being a general
favourite. There was indeed nothing prepossessing in his appearance; and he was
justly suspected of shallowness and affectation.
'My wife,
who was candour itself, could not sometimes forbear uttering something to his
disadvantage; his confidence distressed her, and his conversation at once
wounded her feelings, and excited disgust.
'I now
anxiously sought an opportunity of questioning the Conte concerning Laurentina;
and was not long before I succeeded. I found that nothing material could be
alledged against her; but I was still chagrined and unhappy. De Pietro observed
my uneasiness, and being convinced that a state of suspense is, of all others,
the least supportable, asked me if I would submit to a stratagem, that would at
once either remove or realize my suspicions. Having assured him that I would
gladly embrace any means that could be adopted with honour, he proposed, that
when I next visited Laurentina, I should inform her that business of importance
made me under the necessity of quitting Naples for a few weeks. That on the
supposition that I had put my intentions in execution, she would consider
herself at liberty to follow her own inclinations; and in the mean time,
avoiding detection, I might observe her actions in those places of public
resort to which she was the most attached.
'This
proposal was no sooner made than agreed to; and having acquainted Laurentina
with my design of leaving the city for a few weeks, on an affair of importance,
I became a spy upon her conduct.
'The
masquerade was, I knew, a favourite diversion; and as this was one of which the
Contessa never partook, and a place of more security than any other, I
frequently spent my evenings there with Laurentina, and determined to make my
first trial there.
'I had not
been long in this place before a number of dominos entered the room. To
ascertain her by her dress was I knew impossible, as she seldom appeared twice
in the same. But a figure of more than ordinary elegance, who entered leaning
upon the arm of a young Signor in a blue domino, soon attracted my regard; and
this, on a near view, I conceived to be the object of my search. The jewels
that braided her hair, which I had lately presented to her, convinced me of the
truth of the conjecture; and the suspicion that the person who attended her was
a lover, was soon lost in conviction.
'It was
with much difficulty that I was enabled to forbear discovering myself to her,
and of upbraiding her with the infamy of her proceedings.
'My
endeavours to overhear any part of the conversation were unsuccessful, as it
was invariably delivered in a whisper; yet I still followed, in hopes of
hearing something of which I might openly accuse her, till the rest of the
company unmasking, they suddenly retreated.
To be continued
