_Violetta_’s Appointment, and the Count wou’d needs accompany Monsieur
_Frankville_ in this Assignation, saying, he had an acknowledgment to
pay to that Lady, which he thought himself oblig’d, in good Manners and
Gratitude, to take this Opportunity to do; and the other being of the
same Opinion, they went together to St. _Peter_’s.
When Prayers were done, which, ’tis probable, _One_ of these Gentlemen,
if not _Both_, might think too tedious, they stood up, and looking round,
impatiently expected when the promis’d Signal shou’d be given; but among
the great Number of Ladies, which pass’d by them, there were very few,
who did not stop a little to gaze on these two Accomplish’d _Chevaliers_,
and they were several times Tantaliz’d with an _imaginary_ Violetta,
before the _real_ one appear’d. But when the Crowd were almost dispers’d,
and they began to fear some Accident had prevented her coming, the long
expected Token was let fall, and she who threw it, trip’d hastily away
to the farther end of the _Collonade_, which hapned to be entirely void
of Company: The Count and his Companion, were not long behind her, and
Monsieur _Frankville_ being the Person chiefly concern’d, address’d
himself to her in this manner; With what Words, Madam, said he, can a Man
so infinitely Oblig’d, and so desirous to be Grateful, as _Frankville_,
sufficiently make known his admiration of a Generosity like yours? Such
an unbounded Goodness, shames all Discription! Makes Language vile, since
it affords no Phrase to suit your Worth, or speak the mighty Sense my
Soul has of it. I have no other Aim, reply’d she, in what I have done,
than Justice; and ’tis only in the proof of your sincerity to _Camilla_,
that I am to be thank’d. _Frankville_ was about to answer with some
assurances of his Faith, when the Count stepping forward, prevented him:
My Friend, Madam, said he bowing, is most happy in having it in his Power
to obey a Command, which is the utmost of his Wishes; but how must I
acquit my self of any part of that Return which is due to you, for that
generous Care you have been pleas’d to express for the preservation of my
Life? There needs no more, interrupted she, with a perceivable alteration
in her Voice, than to have _seen_ Count _D’elmont_, to be interested in
his Concerns--she paus’d a little after speaking these Words, and then,
as if she thought she had said too much, turn’d hastily to _Frankville_,
the Letter, _Monsieur_, continu’d she, the Letter,---’tis not impossible
but we may be observ’d,---I tremble with the apprehension of a Discovery:
_Frankville_ immediately deliver’d it to her, but saw so much Disorder in
her Gesture, that it very much surpriz’d him: She trembled indeed, but
whether occasioned by any danger she perceiv’d of being taken notice of,
or some other secret Agitation she felt within, was then unknown to any
but herself, but whatever it was, it transported her so far, as to make
her quit the Place, without being able to take any other Leave than a
hasty _Curtisie_, and bidding _Frankville_ meet her the next Morning at
_Mattins_.
Here was a new Cause of Disquiet to _D’elmont_; the Experience he had of
the too fatal influence of his dangerous Attractions, gave him sufficient
Reason to fear this young Lady was not insensible of them, and that his
Presence was the sole Cause of her Disorder; however, he said nothing of
it to _Frankville_ ’till the other mentioning it to him, and repeating
her Words, they both joyn’d in the Opinion, that Love had been too busy
in her Heart, and that it was the feeling the Effects of it in herself,
had inclined her to so much Compassion for the Miseries she saw it
inflicted upon others. The Count very well knew that when Desires of
this Kind are springing in the Soul, every Sight of the beloved Object,
encreases their growth, and therefore, tho’ her generous manner of
Proceeding had created in him a very great Esteem, and he wou’d have
been pleas’d with her Conversation, yet he ceas’d to wish a farther
Acquaintance with her, lest it should render her more Unhappy, and
forbore going the next Day to Church with _Frankville_, as else he wou’d
have done.
VIOLETTA fail’d not to come as she had promis’d, but instead of dropping
her Handkerchief, as she had done the Evening before, she knelt as close
to him as she cou’d, and pulling him gently by the Sleeve, oblig’d him to
regard her, who else, not knowing her, wou’d not have suspected she was
so near, and slip’d a Note into his Hand, bidding him softly, not take
any farther notice of her: He obey’d, but ’tis reasonable to believe,
was too impatient to know what the Contents were, to listen with much
Attention and Devotion to the remainder of the Ceremony; as soon he was
releas’d, he got into a Corner of the _Cathedral_, where, unobserv’d he
might satisfy a Curiosity, which none who Love, will condemn him for, any
more than they will for the thrilling Extacy which fill’d his Soul at the
Reading these Lines.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
To Monsieur FRANKVILLE.
_For fear I should not have an Opportunity of speaking to you,
in safety, I take this Method to inform you, that I have been
so Successful in my Negotiation, as to make CAMILLA repent
the Severity of her Sentence, and wish for nothing more than
to recall it: you are now entirely justified in her Opinion,
by the Artifice which was made use of to Deceive you, and she
is, I believe, no less enrag’d at CIAMARA, for depriving her
of that Letter you sent by the COUNT, than she was at you for
that unkind one, which came to her Hands. She is now under less
restraint, since BRIONE’s Report of her Behaviour to you, and
the everlasting Resentment she vow’d, and I have prevail’d on
her to accompany me in a Visit I am to make, to morrow in the
Evening, to DONNA CLARA METTELINE, a Nun, in the Monastery of
St. AUGUSTINE, and if you will meet us there, I believe it not
impossible but she may be brought to a Confession of all I have
discover’d to you of her Thoughts._
_The COUNT’S Letter was of no small Service to you, for tho’
without that Evidence she wou’d have been convinc’d of your
Constancy, yet she wou’d hardly have acknowledged she was so!
and if he will take the Pains to come with you to morrow I
believe his Company will be acceptable, if you think it proper;
you may let him know as much from_
Violetta.
P.S. _I beg a thousand Pardons both of you and the COUNT, for
the abruptness of my Departure last Night; something happen’d
to give me a Confusion from which I cou’d not at that time
recover, but hope for the future to be more Mistress of my
self._
Monsieur _Frankville_ hasted to the _Count_’s Lodgings, to communicate
his good Fortune, but found him in a Humour very unfit for
Congratulations; the Post had just brought him a Letter from his Brother,
the Chevalier _Brillian_, the Contents whereof were these.
[Illustration]
_To Count_ D’ELMONT.
MY LORD,
_’Tis with an inexpressible Grief that I obey the Command you
left me, for giving you from Time to time an exact Account
of MELLIORA’s Affairs, since what I have now to acquaint you
with, will make you stand in Need of all your Moderation to
support it. But, not to keep your Expectation on the Rack, loth
as I am, I must inform you, that MELLIORA is, by some unknown
Ravisher stolen from the Monastery----The manner of it, (as I
have since learn’d from those who were with her) was thus: As
she was walking in the Fields, behind the Cloyster Gardens,
accompanied by some young Lady’s, Pensioners there as well as
her self, four Men well mounted, but Disguis’d and Muffled,
rode up to them, three of them jump’d off their Horses, and
while one seiz’d on the defenceless Prey; and bore her to
his Arms, who was not alighted, the other two caught hold of
her Companions, and prevented the Out-cries they would have
made, ’till she was carry’d out of sight, then Mounting again
their Horses, immediately lost the amaz’d Virgins all Hopes of
recovering her._
_I conjure my dearest Brother to believe there has been nothing
omitted for the Discovery of this Villany, but in spite of all
the Pains and Care we have taken in the search; None of us have
yet been happy enough to hear the least Account of her: That my
next may bring you more welcome News, is the first wish of_
My Lord,
Your Lordship’s most Zealously Affectionate Brother,
and Humble Servant
_Brillian_.
P.S. _There are some People here, Malicious enough to Report,
that the Design of carrying away MELLIORA, was contriv’d by
you, and that it is in ROME she only can be found. It wou’d be
of great Advantage to my Peace, if I cou’d be of the Number of
those who believe it, but I am too well acquainted with your
Principles to harbour such a Thought. Once more, my dear Lord,
for this Time, ADIEU._
After the Count had given this Letter to _Frankville_ to read, he told
him, he was resolv’d to leave _Rome_ the next Day, that nobody had so
great an Interest in her Recovery as himself, that he would Trust the
Search of her to no other, and swore with the most dreadful Imprecations
he could make, never to rest, but wander, _Knight-Errand_ like, over the
whole World ’till he had found her.
Tho’ Monsieur _Frankville_ was extreamly concern’d at what had happen’d
to his Sister, yet he endeavour’d to disswade the Count from leaving
_Rome_, ’till he knew the result of his own Affair with _Camilla_; but
all his Arguments were for a long time ineffectual, ’till, at last,
showing him _Violetta_’s Letter, he prevail’d on him to defer his Journey
’till they had first seen _Camilla_, on Condition, that if she persisted
in her Rigour, he shou’d give over any further fruitless Solicitations,
and accompany him to _Paris_: This _Frankville_ promis’d to perform, and
they pass’d the time in very uneasy and impatient Cogitations, ’till the
next Day about Five in the Evening they prepar’d for the Appointment.
Count _D’elmont_ and his longing Companion, were the first at the
Rendezvous, but in a very little while they perceiv’d two Women coming
towards them: The Idea of _Camilla_ was always too much in _Frankville_’s
Thoughts, not to make him know her, by that charming Air (which he so
much ador’d her for) tho’ she was Veil’d never so closely, and the
Moment he had sight of them, Oh Heaven (cry’d he to _D’elmont_) yonder
she comes, that,----that my Lord, is the divine _Camilla_, as they came
pretty near, she that indeed prov’d to be _Camilla_, was turning on one
Side, in order to go to the Grate where she expected the _Nun_. Hold!
Hold _Donna Camilla_, cry’d _Violetta_, I cannot suffer you shou’d pass
by your Friends with an Air so unconcern’d, if Monsieur _Frankville_ has
done any thing to merit your Displeasure, my Lord the Count certainly
deserves your Notice, in the Pains he has taken to undeceive you. One
so much a Stranger as Count _D’elmont_ is, answer’d she, may very well
excuse my Thanks for an explanation, which had he been acquainted with
me he would have spar’d. Cruel _Camilla!_ Said _Frankville_, is then the
knowledge of my Innocence unwelcome?---Am I become so hateful, or are you
so chang’d, that you wish me guilty, for a justification of your Rigour?
If it be so, I have no Remedy but Death, which tho’ you depriv’d me of,
the last time I saw you, I now can find a Thousand means to compass; he
pronounc’d these Words in so Tender, yet so resolv’d an Accent; that
_Camilla_ cou’d not conceal part of the Impression they made on her, and
putting her Handkerchief to her Eyes, which in spite of all she had done
to prevent it, overflow’d with Tears; talk not of Death, said she, I am
not Cruel to that degree, Live _Frankville_, Live!----but Live without
_Camilla!_ Oh, ’tis impossible! Resum’d he, the latter part of your
Command entirely destroys the first.---Life without your Love, would be a
Hell, which I confess my Soul’s a Coward, but to think of.
The Count and _Violetta_ were Silent all this Time, and perceiving they
were in a fair way of Reconciliation, thought the best they cou’d do to
forward it, was to leave ’em to themselves, and walking a few Paces from
them; You suffer my Lord, said the, for your Generosity in accompanying
your Friend, since it condemns you to the Conversation of a Person, who
has neither _Wit_, nor _Gaiety_ sufficient to make her self Diverting.
Those, reply’d he, who wou’d make the Excellent _Violetta_ a Subject of
Diversion, ought never to be blest with the Company of any, but such
Women who merit not a serious Regard: But you indeed, were your Soul
capable of descending to the Follies of your Sex, wou’d be extreamly
at a Loss in Conversation so little Qualify’d as mine, to please the
Vanities of the Fair; and you stand in need of all those more than
_Manly_ Virtues you possess, to pardon a _Chagreen_, which even your
Presence cannot Dissipate: If it cou’d, interrupted she, I assure your
Lordship, I shou’d much more _rejoice_ in the happy Effects of it on
you, than _Pride_ my self in the Power of such an Influence--And yet
continu’d she with a Sigh, I am a very Woman, and if free from the usual
Affectations and Vanities of my Sex, I am not so from Faults, perhaps,
less worthy of forgiveness: The Count cou’d not presently resolve what
reply to make to these Words; he was unwilling she should believe he
wanted Complaisance, and afraid of saying any thing that might give room
for a Declaration of what he had no Power of answering to her wish; but
after the consideration of a Moment or two, Madam, said he, tho’ I dare
not Question your Sincerity in any other Point, yet you must give me
leave to disbelieve you in this, not only, because, in my Opinion, there
is nothing so contemptibly ridiculous as that self sufficiency, and vain
desire of pleasing, commonly known by the Name of _Coquetry_, but also,
because she who escapes the Contagion of this Error, will not without
much difficulty be led into any other: Alas my Lord, cry’d _Violetta_,
how vastly wide of Truth is this Affection? That very foible, which
is most pernicious to our Sex, is chiefly by _Coquetry_ prevented: I
need not tell you that ’tis Love I mean, and as blamable as you think
the _one_, I believe the _other_ wou’d find less favour from a Person
of your Lordship’s Judgment: How Madam, interrupted the Count, pretty
warmly, have I the Character of a Stoick?---Or do you, imagine that my
Soul, is compos’d that course Stuff, not to be capable of receiving,
or approving a Passion, which, all the Brave, and generous think it
their glory to Profess, and which can only give refin’d delight, to
Minds enobled.----But I perceive, continu’d he growing more cool, I am
not happy enough in your Esteem, to be thought worthy the Influence of
that God. Still you mistake my Meaning, said _Violetta_, I doubt not of
your Sensibility, were there a possibility of finding a Woman worthy
of Inspiring you with soft Desires; and if that shou’d ever happen,
Love wou’d be so far from being a weakness, that it wou’d serve rather
as an Embelishment to your other Graces; it’s only when we stoop to
Objects below our Consideration, or vainly wing our wishes to those
above our Hopes, that makes us appear ridiculous or contemptible; but
either of these is a Folly which,----which the incomparable _Violetta_,
interrupted _D’elmont_, never can be guilty of: You have a very good
Opinion of my Wit resum’d she, in a melancholly Tone, but I shou’d be
much happier than I am, if I were sure I cou’d secure my self from doing
any thing to forfeit it: I believe, reply’d the Count there are not many
things you have less Reason to apprehend than such a Change; and I am
confident were I to stay in _Rome_ as many _Ages_, as I am determin’d
to do but _Hours_, I shou’d, at last, leave it, with the same Esteem
and Admiration of your singular Vertues, as I now shall do. _Violetta_
cou’d not prevent the Disorder these Words put her into, from discovering
it self in the Accent of her Voice, when, How! My Lord, said she, are
we then to lose you?---Lose you in so short a Time? As the Count was
about to answer, _Frankville_ and _Camilla_ joyn’d them, and looking on
_Frankville_, if any Credit, said he, may be given to the Language of
the Eyes, I am certain yours speak Success, and I may congratulate a
Happiness you lately cou’d not be persuaded to hope; had I a thousand
Eyes, cry’d the transported Lover, a thousand Tongues, they all wou’d be
but insignificant to express the Joy!----the unbounded Extacy, my Soul
is full of,----but take the mighty Meaning in one Word,----_Camilla_’s
mine---for ever mine!---the Storm is past, and all the sunny Heaven
of Love returns to bless my future Days with ceaseless Raptures: Now,
my Lord, I am ready to attend you in your Journey, this Bright! This
beauteous Guardian Angel, will partake our Flight! And we have nothing
now to do, but to prepare with secrecy and speed fit means for our
Escape. As soon as _Frankville_ had left off speaking, Count _D’elmont_
addressing himself to _Camilla_, made her abundance of Retributions, for
the happiness she gave his Friend, which she receiving with a becoming
Chearfulness, and unaffected Gaiety, I am afraid said she, your Lordship
will think a Woman’s Resolution is, henceforth, little worth regarding;
but, continu’d she, taking _Violetta_ by the Hand, I see well, that this
unfaithful Creature, has betray’d me, and to punish her Infidelity, will,
by leaving her, put it out of her Power to deceive my Confidence again:
_Violetta_ either did not hear, or was not in a condition to return her
_Raillery_, nor the Praises which the Count and Monsieur _Frankville_
concurr’d in of her Generosity, but stood motionless and lost in Thought,
till _Camilla_ seeing it grow towards Night, told the Gentlemen, she
thought it best to part, not only to avoid any Suspicion at Home of their
being out so long, but also that the others might order every thing
proper for their Departure, which it was agreed on between _Frankville_
and her, should be the next Night, to prevent the Success of those
mischievous Designs she knew _Ciamara_ and _Cittolini_ were forming,
against both the Count and Monsieur _Frankville_.
Matters being thus adjusted to the entire Satisfaction of the Lovers, and
not in a much less proportion to the Count, they all thought it best to
avoid making any more Appointments till they met to part no more; which
was to be at the Wicket at dead of Night. When the Count took leave of
_Violetta_, this being the last time he cou’d expect to see her; she was
hardly able to return his Civilities, and much less to answer those which
_Frankville_ made her, after the Count had turn’d from her to give him
way; both of them guess’d the Cause of her Confusion, and _D’elmont_ felt
a concern in observing it, which nothing but that for _Melliora_ cou’d
surpass.
The next Day found full Employment for them all; but the Count, as
well as _Frankville_, was too impatient to be gone, to neglect any
thing requisite for their Departure, there was not the least particular
wanting, long before the time they were to wait at the Wicket for
_Camilla_’s coming forth: The Count’s Lodging being the nearest, they
stay’d there, watching for the long’d for Hour; but a little before it
arriv’d, a Youth, who seem’d to be about 13 or 14 Years of Age, desir’d
to be admitted to the Count’s presence, which being granted, pulling a
Letter out of his Pocket, and blushing as he approach’d him: I come my
Lord, said he, from _Donna Violetta_, the Contents of this will inform
you on what Business; but lest the Treachery of others, shou’d render me
suspected, permit me to break it open, and prove it carries no Infection:
The Count look’d earnestly on him while he spoke, and was strangely
taken with the uncommon Beauty and Modesty which he observ’d in him: You
need not give your self the trouble of that Experiment, answer’d he,
_Donna Violetta_’s Name, and your own engaging Aspect, are sufficient
Credentials, if I were liable to doubt; in saying this, he took the
Letter, and full of Fears that some Accident had happen’d to _Camilla_,
which might retard their Journey, hastily read over these Lines.
[Illustration]
_To the Worthy_ Count D’ELMONT.
My LORD,
_If any Part of that Esteem you Profess’d to have for me, be
real, you will not deny the Request I make you to accept this
Youth, who is my Relation, in Quality of a Page: He is inclin’d
to Travel, and of all Places, FRANCE is that which he is most
desirous of going to: If a diligent CARE, a faithful Secresy,
and an Unceasing watchfulness to please, can render him
acceptable to your Service, I doubt not but he will, by those,
Recomend himself, hereafter: In the mean Time beg you will
receive him on my Word: And if that will be any Inducement to
prejudice you in his Favour, I assure you, that tho’ he is one
degree nearer in Blood to my Father, he is by many in Humour
and Principles to_
Violetta.
P.S. _May Health Safety and Prosperity attend you in your
Journey, and all the Happiness you wish for, crown the End._
The Young _Fidelio_, for so he was call’d, cou’d not wish to be receiv’d
with greater Demonstrations of Kindness than those the Count gave him:
And perceiving that _Violetta_ had trusted him with the whole Affair
of their leaving _Rome_ in private, doubted not of his Conduct, and
consulted with him, who they found knew the Place perfectly well, after
what manner they should Watch, with the least danger of being discover’d,
for _Camilla_’s opening the Wicket: _Frankville_ was for going alone,
lest if any of the Servants shou’d happen to be about, one Person would
be less liable to suspicion, than it a Company were seen; the Count
thought it most proper to go all together, remembring _Frankville_
of the danger he had lately scap’d, and might again be brought into;
but _Fidelio_ told them, he wou’d advise that they two should remain
conceal’d in the _Portico_, of the Convent of St. _Francis_, while
himself wou’d watch alone at the Wicket for _Camilla_, and lead her
to them, and then afterwards they might go altogether to that Place
where the Horses and Servants shou’d attend them; the Page’s Counsel
was approv’d by both of them, and the time being arriv’d, what they had
contriv’d was immediately put in Execution.
Every thing happen’d according to their Desire, _Camilla_ got safely to
the Arms of her impatient Lover, and they all taking Horse, rode with
such Speed, as some of them wou’d have been little able to bear, if any
thing less than Life and Love had been at Stake.
Their eager wishes, and the goodness of their Horses brought them, before
Day-break many Miles from _Rome_; but tho’ they avoided all high Roads,
and travell’d cross the Country to prevent being met, or overtook by any
that might know them, yet their desire of seeing themselves in a Place of
Security was so great that they refus’d to stop to take any Refreshment
’till the next Day was almost spent; but when they were come into the
House where they were to lye that Night, not all the fatigue they had
endur’d, kept the Lovers from giving and receiving all the Testimonies
imaginable of mutual Affection.
The sight of their Felicity added new Wings to Count _D’elmont_’s
impatience to recover _Melliora_, but when he consider’d the little
probability of that hope, he grew inconsolable, and his new Page
_Fidelio_, who lay on a _Pallet_ in the same Room with him, put all
his Wit, of which he had no small Stock, upon the stretch to divert
his Sorrows, he talk’d to him, sung to him, told him a hundred pretty
Stories, and, in fine, made good the Character _Violetta_ had given him
so well, that the Count look’d on him as a Blessing sent from Heaven to
lessen his Misfortunes, and make his Woes sit easy.
They continu’d Travelling with the same Expedition as when they first
set out, for three or four Days, but then, believing themselves secure
from any Pursuit, began to slacken their Pace, and make the Journey more
delightful to _Camilla_ and _Fidelio_, who not being accustomed to ride
in that manner, wou’d never have been able to support it, if the strength
of their _Minds_, had not by far, exceeded that of their _Bodies_.
They had gone so much about, in seeking the By-roads, that they made it
three times as long before they arriv’d at _Avigno_, a small Village on
the Borders of _Italy_, as any, that had come the direct way wou’d have
done; but the Caution they had observ’d, was not altogether needless, as
they presently found.