CONCLUSION OF THE HISTORY OF AGNES.
In order that the reader may understand how Agnes could perceive any
object outside the window, in the intense darkness of that tempestuous
night--or rather morning, for it was now past one o'clock--we must
observe that not only was the apartment in which Wagner and herself were
seated brilliantly lighted by the silver lamps, but that, according to
Florentine custom, there were also lamps suspended outside to the
veranda, or large balcony belonging to the casements of the room above.
Agnes and Wagner were, moreover, placed near the window which looked
into a large garden attached to the mansion; and thus it was easy for
the lady, whose eyes happened to be fixed upon the casement in the
earnest interest with which she was relating her narrative, to perceive
the human countenance that appeared at one of the panes.
The moment her history was interrupted by the ejaculation of alarm that
broke from her lips, Wagner started up and hastened to the window; but
he could see nothing save the waving evergreens in his garden, and the
light of a mansion which stood at a distance of about two hundred yards
from his own abode.
He was about to open the casement and step into the garden, when Agnes
caught him by the arm, exclaiming wildly, "Leave me not--I could not--I
could not bear to remain alone!"
"No, I will not quit you, Agnes," replied Wagner, conducting her back to
the sofa and resuming his seat by her side. "But wherefore that
ejaculation of alarm? Whose countenance did you behold? Speak, dearest
Agnes!"
"I will hasten to explain the cause of my terror," retorted Agnes,
becoming more composed. "Ere now I was about to detail the particulars
of my journey to Florence, in company with the Count of Riverola, and
attended by Antonio; but as those particulars are of no material
interest, I will at once pass on to the period when we arrived in this
city."
"But the countenance at the window?" said Wagner, somewhat impatiently.
"Listen--and you will soon know all," replied Agnes. "It was in the
evening when I entered Florence for the first time. Antonio had
proceeded in advance to inform his mother--a widow who resided in a
decent house, but in an obscure street near the cathedral--that she was
speedily to receive a young lady as a guest. This young lady was myself;
and accordingly, when the count assisted me to alight from my horse at
the gate of Dame Margaretha's abode, the good widow had everything in
readiness for my reception. The count conversed with her apart for a few
minutes; and I observed that he also placed a heavy purse in her
hand--doubtless to insure her secrecy relative to the _amour_, with the
existence of which he was of course compelled to acquaint her. Having
seen me comfortably installed in Dame Margaretha's best apartment, he
quitted me, with a promise to return on the morrow."
Agnes paused for a few moments, sighed, and continued her narrative in
the following manner:
"Fortunately for me, Dame Margaretha was a German woman, who had married
an Italian, otherwise my condition would have been wretched in the
extreme. She treated me with great kindness, mingled with respect; for
though but a poor peasant girl, I was beloved and protected by one of
the most powerful nobles of Florence. I retired early to rest:--sleep
did not, however, immediately visit my eyes! Oh! no--I was in Florence,
but my thoughts were far away in my native Germany, and on the borders
of the Black Forest. At length I fell into an uneasy slumber, and when I
awoke the sun was shining through the lattice. I arose and dressed
myself, and to my ineffable delight found that I was no longer to wear
the garb of a page. That disguise had been removed while I slept, and in
its place were costly vestments, which I donned with a pleasure that
triumphed over the gloom of my soul. In the course of the morning rich
furniture was brought to the house, and in a few hours the apartments
allotted to me were converted, in my estimation, into a little paradise.
The count arrived soon afterward, and I now--pardon me the neglect and
ingratitude which my words confess--I now felt very happy. The noble
Andrea enjoined me to go abroad but seldom, and never without being
accompanied by Dame Margaretha; he also besought me not to appear to
recognize him should I chance to meet him in public at any time, nor to
form acquaintances; in a word, to live retired and secluded as possible,
alike for his sake and my own. I promised compliance with all he
suggested, and he declared in return that he would never cease to love
me."
"Dwell not upon details, Agnes," said Wagner; "for, although I am deeply
interested in your narrative, my curiosity is strangely excited to learn
the meaning of that terror which overcame you ere now."
"I will confine myself to material facts as much as possible," returned
Agnes. "Time glided rapidly away;--months flew by, and with sorrow and
shame must I confess that the memories of the past, the memories of the
bright, happy days of my innocence intruded but little on the life which
I led. For, though he was so much older than I, yet I loved the Count of
Riverola devotedly. Oh! Heaven knows how devotedly! His conversation
delighted, fascinated me; and he seemed to experience a pleasure in
imparting to me the extensive knowledge which he had acquired. To me he
unbent as, doubtless, to human being he never unbent before; in my
presence his sternness, his somber moods, his gloomy thoughts vanished.
It was evident that he had much preying upon his mind; and perhaps he
loved me thus fondly because--by some unaccountable whim or caprice, or
strange influence--he found solace in my society. The presents which he
heaped upon me, but which have been nearly all snatched from me, were of
immense value; and when I remonstrated with him on account of a
liberality so useless to one whom he allowed to want for nothing, he
would reply, 'But remember, Agnes, when I shall be no more, riches will
constitute your best friend, your safest protection; for such is the
order of things in this world.' He generally spent two hours with me
every day, and frequently visited me again in the evening. Thus did time
pass; and at length I come to that incident which will explain the
terror I ere now experienced."
Agnes cast a hasty glance toward the window, as if to assure herself
that the object of her fears was no longer there; and, satisfied on this
head, she proceeded in the following manner:
"It was about six months ago that I repaired as usual on the Sabbath
morning to mass, accompanied by Dame Margaretha, when I found myself the
object of some attention on the part of a lady, who was kneeling at a
short distance from the place which I occupied in the church. The lady
was enveloped in a dark, thick veil, the ample folds of which concealed
her countenance, and meandered over her whole body's splendidly
symmetrical length of limb in such a manner as to aid her rich attire in
shaping, rather than hiding, the contours of that matchless form. I was
struck by her fine proportions, which gave her, even in her kneeling
attitude, a queen-like and majestic air; and I longed to obtain a
glimpse of her countenance--the more so as I could perceive by her
manner and the position of her head that from beneath her dark veil her
eyes were intently fixed upon myself. At length the scrutiny to which I
was thus subjected began to grow so irksome--nay, even alarming, that I
hurriedly drew down my own veil, which I had raised through respect for
the sacred altar whereat I was kneeling. Still I knew that the stranger
lady was gazing on me; I _felt_ that she was. A certain uneasy
sensation--amounting almost to a superstitious awe--convinced me that I
was the object of her undivided attention. Suddenly the priests, in
procession, came down from the altar; and as they passed us, I
instinctively raised my veil again, through motives of deferential
respect. At the same instant I glanced toward the stranger lady; she
also drew back the dark covering from her face. Oh! what a countenance
was then revealed to me--a countenance of such sovereign beauty that,
though of the same sex, I was struck with admiration; but, in the next
moment, a thrill of terror shot through my heart--for the fascination of
the basilisk could scarcely paralyze its victim with more appalling
effect than did the eyes of that lady. It might be conscience qualms,
excited by some unknown influence--it might even have been imagination;
but it nevertheless appeared as if those large, black, burning orbs shot
forth lightnings which seared and scorched my very soul! For that
splendid countenance, of almost unearthly beauty, was suddenly marked by
an expression of such vindictive rage, such ineffable hatred, such
ferocious menace, that I should have screamed had I not been as it were
stunned--stupefied!
"The procession of priests swept past. I averted my head from the
stranger lady. In a few moments I again glanced hurriedly at the place
which she had occupied--but she was gone. Then I felt relieved! On
quitting the church, I frankly narrated to old Margaretha these
particulars as I have now unfolded them to you; and methought that she
was for a moment troubled as I spoke! But if she were, she speedily
recovered her composure--endeavored to soothe me by attributing it all
to my imagination, and earnestly advised me not to cause any uneasiness
to the count by mentioning the subject to him. I readily promised
compliance with this injunction; and in the course of a few days ceased
to think upon the incident which has made so strange but evanescent an
impression on my mind."
"Doubtless Dame Margaretha was right in her conjecture," said Wagner;
"and your imagination----"
"Oh, no--no! It was not fancy!" interrupted Agnes, hastily. "But listen,
and then judge for yourself. I informed you ere now that it was about
six months ago when the event which I have just related took place. At
that period, also, my noble lover--the ever-to be lamented Andrea--first
experienced the symptoms of that internal disease which has, alas!
carried him to the tomb."
Agnes paused, wiped away her tears, and continued thus:
"His visits to me consequently became less frequent;--I was more
alone--for Margaretha was not always a companion who could solace me for
the absence of one so dearly loved as my Andrea; and repeated fits of
deep despondency seized upon my soul. At those times I felt as if some
evil--vague and undefinable, but still terrible--were impending over me.
Was it my lord's approaching death of which I had a presentiment? I know
not! Weeks passed away; the count's visits occurred at intervals growing
longer and longer--but his affection toward me had not abated. No: a
malady that preyed upon his vitals retained him much at home;--and at
last, about two months ago, I received through Antonio the afflicting
intelligence that he was confined to his bed. My anguish now knew no
bounds. I would fly to him--oh! I would fly to him:--who was more worthy
to watch by his couch than I, who so dearly loved him! Dame Margaretha
represented to me how painful it would be to his lordship were our
_amour_ to transpire through any rash proceeding on my part--the more
so, as I knew that he had a daughter and a son! I accordingly restrained
my impetuous longing to hasten to his bedside:--I could not so easily
subdue my grief!
"One night I sat up late in my lonely chamber--pondering on the
melancholy position in which I was placed,--loving so tenderly, yet not
daring to fly to him whom I loved,--and giving way to all the mournful
ideas which presented themselves to my imagination. At length my mind
grew bewildered by those sad reflections; vague terrors gathered around
me--multiplying in number and augmenting in intensity,--until at length
the very figures on the tapestry with which the room was hung appeared
animated with power to scare and affright me. The wind moaned ominously
without, and raised strange echoes within; oppressive feelings crowded
on my soul. At length the gale swelled to a hurricane--a whirlwind,
seldom experienced in this delicious clime. Howlings in a thousand tones
appeared to flit through the air; and piercing lamentations seemed to
sound down the black clouds that rolled their mighty volumes together,
veiling the moon and stars in thickest gloom. Overcome with terror, I
retired to rest--and I slept. But troubled dreams haunted me throughout
the night, and I awoke at an early hour in the morning. But--holy angels
protect me!--what did I behold? Bending over me, as I lay, was that same
countenance which I had seen four months before in the church,--and now,
as it was _then_, darting upon me lightning from large black eyes that
seemed to send shafts of flame and fire to the inmost recesses of my
soul! Yet--distorted as it was with demoniac rage--that face was still
endowed with the queen-like beauty--the majesty of loveliness, which had
before struck me, and which even lent force to those looks of dreadful
menace that were fixed upon me. There were the high forehead--the proud
lip, curled in scorn,--the brilliant teeth, glistening between the
quivering vermilion,--and the swan-like arching of the dazzling neck;
there also was the dark glory of the luxuriant hair!
"For a few moments I was spell-bound--motionless--speechless. Clothed
with terror and sublimity, yet in all the flush of the most perfect
beauty, a strange--mysterious being stood over me: and I knew not
whether she were a denizen of this world, or a spirit risen from
another. Perhaps the transcendent loveliness of that countenance was but
a mask and the wondrous symmetry of that form but a disguise, beneath
which all the passions of hell were raging in the brain and in the heart
of a fiend. Such were the ideas that flashed through my imagination; and
I involuntarily closed my eyes, as if this action could avert the
malignity that appeared to menace me. But dreadful thoughts still
pursued me--enveloping me, as it were, in an oppressive mist wherein
appalling though dimly seen images and forms were agitating; and I again
opened my eyes. The lady--if an earthly being she really were--was gone.
I rose from my couch and glanced nervously around--expecting almost to
behold an apparition come forth from behind the tapestry, or the folds
of the curtains. But my attention was suddenly arrested by a fact more
germane to worldly occurrences. The casket wherein I kept the rich
presents made to me at different times by my Andrea had been forced open
and the most valuable portion of its contents were gone. On a closer
investigation I observed that the articles which were left were those
that were purchased new; whereas the jewels that had been abstracted
were old ones, which, as the count had informed me, had belonged to his
deceased wife.
"On discovering this robbery, I began to suspect that my mysterious
visitress, who had caused me so much alarm, was the thief of my
property; and I immediately summoned old Margaretha. She was of course
astounded at the occurrence which I related; and, after some reflection,
she suddenly remembered that she had forgotten to fasten the house-door
ere she retired to rest on the preceding evening. I chided her for a
neglect which had enabled some evil-disposed woman to penetrate into my
chamber, and not only terrify but also plunder me. She implored my
forgiveness, and besought me not to mention the incident to the count
when next we met. Alas! my noble Andrea and I never met again.
"I was sorely perplexed by the event which I have just related. If the
mysterious visitress were a common thief, why did she leave any of the
jewels in the casket? and wherefore had she on two occasions
contemplated me with looks of such dark rage and infernal menace? A
thought struck me. Could the count's daughter have discovered our
_amour_? and was it she who had come to gain possession of jewels
belonging to the family? I hinted my suspicions to Margaretha; but she
speedily convinced me that they were unfounded.
"'The Lady Nisida is deaf and dumb,' she said, 'and cannot possibly
exercise such faculties of observation, nor adopt such means of
obtaining information as would make her acquainted with all that has
occurred between her father and yourself. Besides--she is constantly in
attendance on her sire, who is very, very ill.
"I now perceived the improbability of a deaf and dumb female discovering
an _amour_ so carefully concealed; but to assure myself more fully on
that head, I desired Margaretha to describe the Lady Nisida. This she
readily did, and I learnt from her that the count's daughter was of a
beauty quite different from the lady whom I had seen in the church and
in my own chamber. In a word, it appears that Nisida has light hair,
blue eyes and a delicate form: whereas, the object of my interest,
curiosity, and fear, is a woman of dark Italian loveliness.
"I have little more now to say. The loss of the jewels and the
recollection of the mysterious lady were soon absorbed in the
distressing thoughts which the serious illness of the count forced upon
my mind. Weeks passed away, and he came not; but he sent repeated
messages by Antonio, imploring me to console myself, as he should soon
recover, and urging me not to take any step that might betray the
existence of our _amour_. Need I say how religiously I obeyed him in the
latter respect? Day after day did I hope to see him again, for I knew
not that he was dying: and I used to dress myself in my gayest
attire--even as now I am appareled--to welcome his expected visit. Alas!
he never came; and his death was concealed from me, doubtless that the
sad event might not be communicated until after the funeral, lest in the
first frenzy of anguish I should rush to the Riverola palace to imprint
a last kiss upon the cheek of the corpse. But a few hours ago, I learned
the whole truth from two female friends of Dame Margaretha who called to
visit her, and whom I had hastened to inform that she was temporarily
absent. My noble Andrea was dead, and at that very moment his funeral
obsequies were being celebrated in the neighboring church--the very
church in which I had first beheld the mysterious lady! Frantic with
grief--unmindful of the exposure that would ensue--reckless of the
consequences, I left the house--I hastened to the church--I intruded my
presence amidst the mourners. You know the rest, Fernand. It only
remains for me to say that the countenance which I beheld ere now at the
window--strongly delineated and darkly conspicuous amidst the blaze of
light outside the casement--was that of the lady whom I have thus seen
for the third time! But, tell me, Fernand, how could a stranger thus
obtain admission to the gardens of your mansion?"
"You see yon lights, Agnes!" said Wagner, pointing toward the mansion
which, as we stated at the commencement of that chapter, was situated at
a distance of about two hundred yards from Fernand's dwelling, the backs
of the two houses thus looking toward each other. "Those lights," he
continued, "are shining in a mansion the gardens of which are separated
from my own by a simple hedge of evergreens, that would not bar even the
passage of a child. Should any inmate of that mansion possess curiosity
sufficient to induce him or her to cross the boundary, traverse my
gardens, and approach the casements of my residence, that curiosity may
be easily gratified."
"And to whom does yon mansion belong?" asked Agnes.
"To Dr. Duras, an eminent physician," was the reply.
"Dr. Duras, the physician who attended my noble Andrea in his illness!"
exclaimed Agnes. "Then the mysterious lady of whom I have spoken so
much, and whose countenance ere now appeared at the casement, must be an
inmate of the house of Dr. Duras; or at all events, a visitor there! Ah!
surely there is some connection between that lady and the family at
Riverola?"
"Time will solve the mystery, dearest sister, for so I am henceforth to
call you," said Fernand. "But beneath this roof, no harm can menace you.
And now let me summon good Dame Paula, my housekeeper, to conduct you to
the apartments which have been prepared for your reception. The morning
is far advanced, and we both stand in need of rest."
Dame Paula, an elderly, good-tempered, kind-hearted matron, shortly made
her appearance; and to her charge did Wagner consign his newly-found
relative, whom he now represented to be his sister.
But as Agnes accompanied the worthy woman from the apartment, she
shuddered involuntarily as she passed the frame which was covered with
the black cloth, and which seemed ominous amidst the blaze of light that
filled the room.