THE ORPHAN OF THE RHINE
PART 10
Chapter 3
Know'st thou not.
That when the searching eye of heav'n is hid
Behind the globe, and lights the lower world.
Then thieves and robbers range abroad unseen.
In murders and in outrage, bloody here?
But when from under this terrestrial ball
He fires the proud tops of the Eastern pines.
And darts his light through ev'ry guilty hole.
Then treasons, murders, and detested sins.
The cloak of night being pluck'd from off their backs.
Stand bare and naked, trembling at themselves.
--SHAKESPEARE
'The various
emotions of rage, jealousy, and remorse that the conviction of her falsehood
had awakened, for some time deprived me of the power of action; and in a frame
of mind little short of distraction, I returned again to the villa.
'The ruin
to which her artifice was leading me, now flashed upon my mind; the altered
looks of the Contessa added keenness to my affliction, and I felt all the
miseries of guilt and anguish.
'Several
days passed before I had fixed upon any mode of proceeding respecting Laurentina;
in which time the agitation of my mind was so great, that my situation was
thought to be alarming.
'Affairs
were in this train when a Monk of the Crucifix Order arrived at the villa, who
having intimated that his business was of moment, requested an audience.
'Being
admitted into a private apartment, after strictly enjoining me to secrecy as to
what he was about to relate, in a manner not less singular than impressive, he
proceeded to inform me of a piece of treachery, which had been unfolded to him
at the confessional of the Order of the Holy Cross.
'Who the
penitent was by whom the confession was made, was, he added, unknown to him;
and even could it have been ascertained, the rules of the church absolutely
forbade a discovery. But that a female had attended on the preceding day, who
appeared to suffer much from the horrors of an awakened conscience; and, after
an endeavour on his part to console her with promises of forgiveness on a
candid avowal of her sins, she began to disclose the cause of her remorse.
'She had,
she said, yielded to the solicitations of a young man, that was employed by a
courtezan, whose name was Laurentina Bertola, to administer poison to the
Contessa della Croisse. That he had addressed her as a lover, and had so far
insinuated himself into her affections and wrought upon her by his promises,
that she had finally consented. Since which time she had suffered such
dreadful, such uneasy sensations, that she was resolved to abandon the project.
And the idea of having agreed to participate in a crime of such magnitude,
returned so forcibly upon her mind, that she had hasted to the Confessional, at
once to disburthen her conscience, and to obtain absolution.
'As it
appeared probable to the Father that, without timely interference, some other
person would be employed to commit this atrocious murder, he had, he continued,
taken the earliest opportunity of apprizing me of it.
'He then
repeated his former injunctions respecting my secrecy in what he had unfolded;
since, if known, not even the necessity of the case would excuse his
disobedience to the ecclesiastical laws: the nature of a confession never being
permitted to be made public, unless the priest to whom it is made, is called
upon by the Courts of the Inquisition to prove something which cannot otherwise
be known in cases where, for capital offences, the culprit is either punishable
according to the severe rules of that institution, or is given lip to the civil
powers, as in cases of murder, or of any other crime not bearing the imputation
of sacrilege.
'Surprise,
horror, and resentment almost deprived me of utterance; but when the first
tumults had subsided, and the Monk had quitted the villa, I loaded the
authoress of my misfortunes with the most bitter invectives; and having already
formed a resolution never more to enter her doors; but to make an assignation
with her that I might convince her I was not ignorant of her perfidy and
ingratitude, I repaired to an hotel.
'From this
place I wrote a billet, in which I desired that she would meet me in a retired
spot in the evening, having something of importance to communicate to her in
private. In this I avoided mentioning her name, and having given it to my
valet, with orders for him to convey it immediately as directed, hastened to
the Conte de Pietro's.
'He was
from home, and finding that he was not expected till the evening, I was for
some time irresolute how to dispose of myself, not being sufficiently tranquil
to be able to see Helena, who expressed much anxiety about my health, without
adding to her distress; which determined me, after some consideration, to
return again to the hotel, and to wait there the hour in which I had appointed
to meet Laurentina.
'Never
shall I forget with what sensations I quitted this place, when I went to
fulfill the engagement--when I went to accuse the fair cause of all my griefs
and inquietude of premeditated guilt, and, by one desperate exertion, to tear
myself from her presence for ever.
The
destined spot was near the borders of the sea; it yet wanted some minutes of
the time, and seating myself upon a fragment of rock, in a state of mind not
easy to describe, I listened to the moaning waves of the ocean with divided
attention, till the murmur of voices at a distance roused me from my place. I
started, without considering that it was unlikely that she would bring an attendant;
and, before I had time for conjecture, perceived that the voices approached
nearer to the spot, and soon afterwards distinguished these words, which were
pronounced in low and tremulous accents:
'His
frequent visits have distressed me more than I can express; and I must, if
possible, be released from them. You know how much I have suffered, and that he
is now more than ever my aversion.
'The
answer was nearly lost in the flutter of the breeze; but I could easily
discover it was the voice of a man.
'In a few
moments the female advanced towards me; I did not suppose it could be any other
than Laurentina, though her features were not perceptible, for her veil and the
deepening shades of the twilight completely concealed them from my view.
'Having now
a fresh proof of her ingratitude, as I felt assured that I was the subject of
their discourse, my rage increased to such a height at the idea of having been
so long the dupe of an infamous designing woman, that nothing less than the
death she meditated against the most amiable of her sex, seemed adequate to her
crime. Thus being worked into a fit of desperation by the violence of
contending passions, without reverting to the cause, I obeyed the impulse of my
feelings, and instantly drawing my stilette from my cloak, plunged it into her
heart.
'She
fell!--but just Heaven! what was the horror of my situation when I heard my own
name pronounced, in a voice which was not Laurentina's, but which I immediately
recognized as that of my wife, my much-injured Helena!
'This
dreadful conviction was succeeded by a state of insensibility, from which it
was long before I awoke to a sense of my irremediable crimes and misfortunes;
when I did, I found myself in the hotel which I usually frequented, attended by
Dc Pietro and the Marchese de Montferrat.
'As soon
as the powers of recollection were returned, I asked eagerly for my wife; their
looks told me she was no more; and I relapsed into a state little short of
distraction.
'My death
was hourly expected, but the measure of my woes was not yet full, and I
recovered. I then declared the fatal mistake which had occasioned this mournful
catastrophe, and found, from the confession of a servant, who sometimes carried
letters to Laurentina, that he had received a bribe from Berlotte to deliver
the next into his hands; who having artfully altered it, to suit it better to
his purpose, inclosed it in a cover, and directing it to the Contessa della
Croisse, ordered it to be conveyed to the villa.
'She had
expressed her surprise at this strange appointment in the presence of her
brother, the Marchese de Montferrat, who offered to accompany her, in a
carriage, within a few yards of the place, as to walk so far in her weak state
was impossible, and to wait her return at a convenient distance.
'This
accounted for the voices I had heard, and the subject of the discourse;
doubtless Berlotte, who had long secretly endeavoured to insinuate himself into
the affections of Helena, as the most effectual way, attempted to convince her
of my falsehood.
'When the
violent effects of overwhelming distress had in some degree subsided, I found,
upon enquiry, that this melancholy affair had been managed with so much secrecy
by the Conte and Marchese de Montferrat, that it was not generally understood.
The rumour that prevailed was, that the Contessa della Croisse was assassinated
when walking unattended by the Bay of Naples, and it was supposed, though the
cause could not be investigated, that it was perpetrated by one of those
inhuman wretches who are too frequently hired for that dreadful purpose.
'It was
long before I had courage to enquire for my children; when I did, I learned
that Vescolini, my son, was placed under the care of one of his mother's relations
in Germany; and that my daughter was entered as a boarder in a neighbouring
convent.
'The grief
of the Conte de Pietro, who considered himself as the primary cause of my
misfortunes, though it was more calm, was but little inferior to my own. What he
before termed innocent amusement, and attempted to palliate by the appellation
of youthful levities, he now discovered might lead to the most serious
consequences, and be productive of the most fatal effects. A short time after
this event, which had so materially affected his peace, he formed the design of
entering into a monastery of Carthusians, and soon afterwards put it into
execution.
'I would
gladly have retired with him from the world, and have submitted with him to the
severe discipline of the Holy Fathers, and had once adopted the resolution, but
it was shaken by the entreaties of the Conte.
'He bade
me to consider my children, to watch over their educations, particularly that
of my son; and to guard him from those fatal errors which had caused such
severe calamity, and which inevitably lead to lasting misery.
'During my
illness he attended me with the greatest care and humanity, never allowing
Laurentina or any thing relative to the subject to be mentioned in my hearing,
till I was sufficiently recovered to bear it with calmness; and then informed
me that she was, by his orders, conveyed to her former place of residence, and
that the settlement which she demanded, he had ordered to be paid.
'Persisting
in his resolution of abandoning the world, he began to make every necessary
preparation; and having wrested a promise from me not to avenge myself on
Berlotte or Laurentina, but to leave them to the tortures of a guilty
conscience, he hastily quitted Naples, which was become no longer supportable,
and endeavoured to take refuge from inquietude in the gloom of a monastery.
'When my
health was so far re-established as to enable me to leave my room, and dismiss
my physician, I began to form some plan for my future conduct. Society was now
become irksome to me; every object reminded me of her I had lost, and I finally
resolved to quit the scene of my guilt and my sorrows, and to bury myself in a
castello situated amid the solitudes of the Apennines. This to me appeared more
eligible than even a monastic life, since here I should find interesting
companions in my children, who were all that could make life desirable.
'This
resolution being fixed, I acquainted the young Marchese with my intention,
whose recent rectitude of conduct had considerably exalted him in my esteem. At
first he objected to the plan with some warmth, but finding, from a second
review of the subject, the propriety of the measure, he offered his assistance
in the regulation of my affairs.
'The
immense debts I had contracted during my connection with Laurentina, I found,
upon enquiry, had been discharged by the Conte de Pietro previous to his
seclusion; and, also, that he had settled the greater part of his princely
fortune upon my son, which was made over to a person, selected as a guardian in
trust, till he should arrive at years of maturity.
'Fearing
that, by coming to the knowledge of this affair, I should endeavour to
frustrate his generous design, he had left Naples precipitately, without even
informing me, or any of his associates, of his place of destination.
'Vescolini
being still in Germany, I wrote to acquaint his relation with the plan I had
projected, and to request his return; but the arguments he made use of to
prevail upon me to permit him to remain under his protection, at least for the
present, were so persuasive that I consented to his wishes.
'My
daughter, my little Helena, whom I had not seen since the commencement of my
misfortunes, I ordered to be conveyed from her convent; and soon afterwards,
attended by a small number of domestics, we proceeded on our journey by slow
and easy stages, till we arrived at this long forsaken mansion, which had been
for many centuries the abode of the Contes della Croisse.
'Here many
years passed in uninterrupted retirement. My son's visits, though not frequent,
were long; the education of my daughter employed much of my leisure; and though
moments of dejection would occasionally intrude, my griefs in some measure had
yielded to the influence of time, and I began to taste something like
tranquillity.
'The
Marchese de Montferrat having finished his minority, took possession of the
Castello St Aubin; and some time after this event, Vescolini being on a visit
to this relation, accidentally saw a young beauty that was under the care of
Madame Laronne, a widow of quality, who occupied a chateau in the neighbourhood
of Turin, with whom he became instantly enamoured. Her charms were also too
powerful for the Marchese to withstand, who soon became a passionate admirer.'
Here
Madame Chamont heaved a deep sigh, and covered her face with her handkerchief,
to hide the blushes and tears this narration excited, whilst La Roque
proceeded:
'I knew
that during my son's residence in Germany he had embraced what is sometimes
termed the Reformed Religion; and found, upon enquiry, that the lady he
addressed was a Catholic, which had instigated her to discourage his attention,
and finally to reject the alliance. Being at too great a distance from Turin to
obtain a thorough knowledge of the affair, and having previously determined not
to influence my son in a matter of such importance to his future happiness, I
awaited the result without further enquiry.
'But,
merciful Heaven! what was my grief and my astonishment when I was informed that
Vescolini was assassinated in the streets of Naples by one of the Lazarone;
whither he had repaired to arrange his affairs before his intended marriage.
'Who was
the author of this bloody deed was for some time unknown; but being at last
discovered by an inhabitant of that city, through the confession of the wretch
employed, I was informed that the villain who had stooped to this base, cruel,
and dishonourable method of gratifying an unconquerable passion, was the
Marchese de Montferrat.'
Madame
Chamont, being now no longer able to restrain her emotions, sobbed aloud;
whilst La Roque, who was unacquainted with the cause, regarded her with
redoubled tenderness, and hastily drying the tears that fell in torrents from
his eyes, continued his recital.
'Scarcely
could I credit the assertion, till undeniable proofs rendering unbelief
obstinacy, I could no longer be deceived.
'In the
desperation of the moment I resolved to see him immediately, and publicly
accuse him of these infamous proceedings; but a fever, the consequence of
extreme agitation of mind, prevented my design. Yet though disabled from
verbally declaring my resentment, as soon as I had regained strength enough for
the purpose, I wrote to assure him that the crime he had committed was of too
great magnitude to sink into oblivion, and that it called aloud for justice.
'This
menace had the effect I might have expected; he had satisfied the
Ecclesiastical Powers, and having of course nothing to fear from the Civil, now
vowed vengeance against his accuser. Soon after this I received a letter from a
person whose name was concealed, but who I supposed was the Marchese's former
steward, because I knew him to be a benevolent character, informing me that my
life was in danger so long as I continued in my present abode; and that if I
was anxious to preserve my existence, I must take another name, and remove my
family from the Apennines, without further delay.
'Having
availed myself of this intelligence, I assumed the name and character of a
Frenchman, the better to disguise me from notice; I hastened with my daughter
into Germany, meaning to have taken refuge in a convent.
'With the
circumstance of our being assaulted by banditti you are already acquainted; and
it was from your bounty we were enabled to proceed, which I hope soon to have
an opportunity of doubly repaying.'
Madame
Chamont having assured him that she would never allow him to repay the trifle
it gave her so much pleasure to bestow, requested that he would relate what
happened to them after having quitted the inn; and inform her, since he had so
long escaped the vigilance of those who were in pursuit of him, by what strange
chance he had at last fallen into the hands of his persecutors.
Chapter 4
To thee, yon Abbey, dark and lone.
Where ivy chains each mould'ring stone.
That nods o'er many a martyr's tomb.
May cast a formidable gloom;
Yet some there are, that free from fear.
Could wander through these cloisters drear.
And dauntless view, or seem to view.
As faintly flash the lightnings blue.
Thin shiv'ring ghosts from yawning charnels throng.
And glance, with silent sweep, the shaggy vaults along.
--MASON
'Having,
madame,' continued La Roque, 'by the assistance of the physician, whom you
benevolently ordered to attend me, sufficiently recovered from my indisposition,
with the addition of a servant we set off from the inn, and for several days
performed our journey with ease and safety; till my daughter, whose
constitution was ever delicate, began to experience some symptoms of the
disorder with which I had lingered. In the evening she became so much worse
that I began to be alarmed, and we were compelled to stop once more at a small
cottage on the road.
'A few
days, however, so far recovered her, that we were enabled to pursue our
journey; and being anxious to retrieve the time we had lost, we travelled with
all imaginable speed till we arrived at the edge of a forest, whose woods
seemed as if destined for the abode of banditti; when night closing in upon us,
we had not courage to proceed.
'We were
now at too considerable a distance from the last inn to be able to return, and
no other human habitation appearing to offer us shelter, we were for some time
undetermined what course to pursue. At length the sky became suddenly overcast
with unusual darkness; the wind rising in sudden gusts, swept along the
mountains, and seemed to portend an approaching storm.
'In a few
minutes the thunder rolled awfully over our heads, the forked lightnings ran
dreadfully along the sky, and convinced us of the danger of continuing exposed
to the fury of the elements, or of taking refuge in the woods.
'We were
in this alarming situation when a sudden light from the heavens discovered to
us what seemed to be the remains of an Abbey, which was not sufficiently in
ruins to deny us an hospitable shelter.
'Elated by
the hopes of finding safety in this desolate abode, which appeared to have been
long forgotten by humanity, we hastened to the spot. Having entered the
gate-way, our path was obstructed by large fragments of the broken edifice,
which lay either hurled from the summit by the fury of the winds, or scattered
by the decaying hand of Time; but our case was too desperate to remain long
irresolute, and we ventured to proceed.
'Having
burst open the door, which was too old to make a formidable resistance, we
entered a spacious hall, the roof of which was so exposed to the severity of
the tempest as not to wear an appearance of safety.
'We then,
with fearful steps, hastened through a long aisle; and, at the end of this,
perceived, by a sudden flash of light that darted through the half decayed
casements, a flight of steps. This was a discovery that afforded us much
consolation, and we advanced with alacrity, till having descended them, we
found ourselves involved in total darkness, there being no grate to admit even
a partial glimmering of light. The mournful obscurity that veiled us, the loud
blasts that howled dismally around the pile, and the thunder that echoed
amongst the rocks, filled us with terrifying apprehensions, making us unable
either to return to that part we had quitted, or to continue our pursuit.
'The
fortitude of Helena, which had hitherto so wonderfully supported her, now
almost forsook her; and Nicola, our affrighted servant, joined with her in
entreaties for us not to proceed.
'Having
felt about the walls, which were dropping with the damps, I at last perceived a
door, which opened without difficulty into a place that offered an asylum from
the violence of the storm.
'Here we
remained till it gradually abated, and at last entirely subsided, and then
ascended the steps.
'It was
long past midnight when we left our subterranean abode, and we waited with some
degree of impatience the approach of morning. At length the grey mists stole
meekly over the summits of the mountains; all nature seemed restored to its
accustomed serenity; and the rising sun, bursting from the glowing horizon in
unusual splendour, animated our drooping frames, and restored us to new life
and vigour.
'On
examining our new situation, I found that a considerable part of it was still
habitable, and that there was also a sufficient quantity of furniture for our
immediate use, though much impaired by time, and covered with dust and cobwebs.
'This was
an asylum that promised peace and security to unfortunate fugitives like us;
and, upon mature consideration, I determined if there was any town or village
that could supply us with food, within a few miles of the place, to remain
there for the present. This scheme I imparted to Helena, whose looks told me
that she had not so effectually quieted her fears as to relish the proposal;
but, as she always submitted her will to my judgment, she did not seriously
oppose it, and I persisted in my intention.
'Having
cautiously provided ourselves with a quantity of provisions before we proceeded
from the post-house, we had yet suffered nothing from the attacks of hunger;
but the principal thing remained yet to be proved, which was, whether more
could be procured at a convenient distance. It was also a matter of doubt,
whether it would be better to send Nicola on this expedition, or to go myself,
as it was possible that the blunders of a servant might betray us; yet should
it be a town of any eminence, it might be imprudent to venture there myself.
'I was yet
irresolute what course to pursue, when walking thoughtfully along the gallery,
I observed a door in the corner, which I did not recollect having entered
before. Curiosity induced me to explore this part of the building, which I
found upon examination opened into an entire suite of rooms, containing nothing
like furniture except a large iron chest.
'This
object immediately engaged my attention, and brought with it the idea that it
probably contained the booty of robbers, till having lifted up the lid, I
beheld to my astonishment the complete habit of a monk; which consisted of a
white cassock, a scapulary and hood of the same colour, a plited cloak, a cowl,
and a pair of sandals.
'Having
examined these different articles of dress, which were all perfect, though they
seemed to have remained for some years in their present situation, I
determined, in the evening, to cloak myself in these newly acquired vestments,
and to sally forth in quest of provisions.
'My first
step was to take a view of the face of the country from one of the neighbouring
mountains, that I might be assured there was some town or village within a few
miles of the Abbey; as, should there be none, it would be proper to defer the
execution of my design till the succeeding day.
'Having
reached the summit of a rocky acclivity, which promised an extent of prospect,
I found that a great part consisted of forest ground, intermingled with woods
and lakes, but in general wild and uncultivated; inhabited chiefly by fishermen
and goatherds, whose simple cottages just peeping beneath the deep foliage of
the trees, added much to the beauty of the landscape.
'The other
side of the country was more fertile: several towns, villages, and monasteries
appeared within the reach of vision, which, from contrast, received additional
grandeur and beauty; but a little hamlet that skirted a lonely precipice, which
seemed to be but a few miles from our abode, chiefly engaged my attention. It
appeared to have no connection with any other town from the distance at which
it was placed from all others, and to be distinguished for the loneliness of
its situation.
'Pleased
with the observations I had made, which flattered me with peace and security, I
hastened to put my intentions into practice. Having invested myself in my new
habiliments, I ordered my mule to be prepared; and, taking an osier-basket upon
my arm, I threw the cowl over my face, and proceeded towards the village.
'I had no
difficulty either in finding the place which I sought, or in procuring food;
but I could not help observing that the inhabitants seemed to be somewhat
alarmed at my appearance, and felt the awkwardness of my situation.
'There was
certainly nothing very extraordinary in the figure of a white friar; but the
circumstance of being mounted on a mule, and coming in quest of food to a
village so little frequented, and so totally uncivilized, was sufficient to
awaken curiosity, and to lead to conjecture.
'As soon
as my business was dispatched I returned again towards the abbey, so well
satisfied with my expedition, that I resolved not to leave it; and having again
mentioned the affair to Helena, who began to be more reconciled to the plan,
she soon acceded with pleasure to the proposal.
'It was
not long before I discovered that the forest contained a large quantity of wild
fowl and venison, which we esteemed delicacies; and that it also abounded in
chamoix and wild goats, whose flesh and milk were very acceptable in our
retirement; and having provided myself with a gun, we were soon amply supplied
with provision.
'Some years
had passed in uninterrupted quiet, till an unexpected adventure occasioned a
change of situation.
'As we
were partaking of the morning's refreshment, in an apartment adjoining the
hall, we were alarmed with the cry of hounds, and in a few minutes, before we
had time for resistance, a stag darted into the room.
'This
circumstance so much alarmed Helena, that she screamed and fell lifeless into
my arms; before I could recover her, two of the hunters, who were in pursuit of
the animal, entered the place in which it had taken refuge, attended by a
number of dogs, whose cries resounding through the building, recalled Helena to
life.
'If I was
surprised at the appearance of strangers, they were no less astonished to find
the abbey was become once more the abode of humanity; and, with many apologies
for their intrusion, flew to the assistance of Helena.
'The
amiable solicitude they discovered for my daughter could not be returned with
indifference, and I requested them to accept of some refreshment. They gladly
acquiesced in the proposal; and, in the pleasure that their conversation
diffused, I lost for the moment the fears of detection.
'I soon
discovered that they were people of rank, as their conversation was elegant,
and their deportments dignified. Having acquitted themselves with infinite
grace and propriety, they asked permission to repeat their visit; which being
unreluctantly acceded to, they departed.
'Though in
cultivating an acquaintance of this kind, there appeared some probability of
its leading to a discovery, I felt an irresistible inclination to gratify
myself in this particular, and was resolved to run some hazard to obtain that
pleasure.
'In a few
days they availed themselves of the permission I had so willingly granted, and
again arrived at the abbey.
'Helena
being engaged in her household concerns, was not present; but as the youngest
of my guests enquired after the health of my daughter, I observed a blush steal
across his cheek, and a degree of hesitation in his manner, which convinced me
that the beauty of Helena, though seen only in the languor of illness, was not
beheld with indifference.
'I did not
know whether to be pleased or otherwise at this discovery, till I found that he
was one of the first private Noblemen in Germany; that the gentleman who
accompanied him was his guardian; and that they were not only men of rank, but
of unsullied reputation.
'At
present I had hinted nothing of my rank, neither had I related any thing of my
story, but only that I was unfortunate, and from some wayward circumstances,
was compelled to remain in obscurity.
'It was
not long before I perceived that the insinuating manners of Count Saalfield,
which was the name of the stranger, had won the affections of my daughter; and
I beheld it with concern, till he requested the honour of her hand, and engaged
me to plead in his behalf.
'As this was
an opportunity of settling my child eligibly in life, by uniting her to a
person equal to her in rank, superior in fortune, and every way worthy of her
regard, I could not reasonably object to it; and a time was soon fixed for
their nuptials.
'It was not
till the eve of the day appointed for the celebration of this event, that I
informed the Count to whom he was going to be united; which intelligence seemed
to excite more surprise than pleasure; for it was the virtues of my daughter
that had won his esteem, and this could not be augmented by a knowledge of her
rank and connections.
'Before
this marriage could be solemnized, we were necessitated to quit the hospitable
retreat which had so long afforded security. Custom had long reconciled me to
its solitudes, and I left it with regret.
'The
length of time which had elapsed since I retired from the Apennines, seemed to
justify the supposition that time had quieted the fears and softened the
resentment of the Marchese de Montferrat; and I was less afraid of mixing with
the world than before; though I cautiously avoided dropping any hints which
might lead to the knowledge of my family and connections, and was still known
only by the name of La Roque.
'Having
drawn a considerable sum out of the hands of my banker immediately on my
arrival at Augsburg, which was the residence of Count Saalfield, I took a small
seat at a convenient distance from his castle, where I remained near two years,
experiencing more tranquillity than I ever expected to enjoy; till walking one
evening in the city, unarmed and unattended, I was attacked by two ruffians,
one of which I soon discovered to be Paoli, who having fixed a gag upon my
mouth to prevent my crying for assistance, placed me in a vehicle ready
stationed for the purpose, which conveyed me with inconceivable rapidity to
this place.
'As soon
as I was consigned to the dungeon, I was informed that I must die; and the only
indulgence that would be allowed me, was to chuse the means.
'Dreadful
as was the prospect of perishing by famine, I chose this in preference to any
other death that was offered me; and was vainly endeavouring to reconcile
myself to my destiny, when the arm of Providence graciously interposed in my
defence, and sent you, Madame, for my deliverer.'
To be continued
