faithfulWhittingham
,
—
that
I
have
not
left
you
without
resources
.
"
"
Richard
,
this
is
too
generous
!
"
exclaimed
Mr.
Monroe
,
tears
of
gratitude
trickling
down
his
cheeks
.
Whittingham
also
wept
;
and
Ellen
's
sobs
were
convulsive
—
for
she
regarded
Richard
in
the
light
of
a
dear
brother
.
"
Render
not
our
parting
moments
more
painful
than
they
naturally
are
,
my
dear
friends
,
"
said
Markham
.
"
You
cannot
understand
—
but
,
if
I
live
,
you
shall
some
day
know
—
the
motives
which
influence
me
in
joining
this
expedition
.
Mr.
Monroe
—
Ellen
—
Whittingham
,
I
have
one
last
request
to
make
.
You
are
all
aware
that
on
the
10th
of
July
,
1843
,
a
solemn
appointment
exists
between
my
brother
and
myself
.
If
I
should
perish
in
a
far-off
clime
,
—
or
if
a
prison
,
or
any
accident
prevent
my
return
,
—
let
one
of
you
represent
me
on
that
occasion
.
Should
it
be
so
,
tell
my
brother
how
much
I
have
loved
him
—
how
anxiously
I
have
ever
looked
forward
to
that
day
,
—
how
sincerely
I
have
prayed
for
his
welfare
and
his
success
!
Tell
him
,
"
continued
Richard
,
while
the
tears
rolled
down
his
cheeks
,
large
and
fast
,
—
"
tell
him
that
I
have
cherished
his
memory
as
no
brother
ever
before
was
known
to
do
;
and
if
he
be
poor
—
or
unhappy
—
or
suffering
—
or
unfortunate
,
receive
him
into
this
house
,
which
will
then
be
your
own
—
console
,
comfort
him
!
If
he
be
criminal
,
do
not
spurn
him
:
—
remember
,
he
is
my
brother
!
"
Ellen
sobbed
as
if
her
heart
would
break
as
Richard
uttered
these
words
.
There
was
something
fearfully
poignant
and
convulsive
in
that
young
lady
's
grief
.
But
suddenly
rousing
herself
,
she
rushed
from
the
room
;
and
,
returning
in
a
few
moments
with
her
child
,
she
presented
it
to
Markham
,
saying
"
Embrace
him
,
Richard
,
before
you
depart
;
—
embrace
him
—
for
he
bears
your
Christian
name
!
"
Our
hero
received
the
innocent
infant
in
his
arms
,
and
kissed
it
tenderly
.
No
pen
can
depict
the
expression
of
pleasure
—
of
radiant
joy
,
—
joy
shining
out
from
amidst
her
tears
,
—
with
which
Ellen
contemplated
that
proof
of
affection
towards
her
babe
.
"
Thank
you
,
Richard
—
thank
you
,
my
brother
,
"
she
exclaimed
,
as
she
received
back
her
child
.
The
old
butler
and
Mr.
Monroe
were
not
callous
to
the
touching
nature
of
that
scene
.
"
I
have
now
no
more
to
say
,
"
observed
Richard
.
"
I
am
about
to
retire
to
the
library
for
a
short
time
.
At
five
o'clock
the
post-chaise
will
be
here
.
Whittingham
,
my
faithful
friend
,
you
will
see
that
all
my
necessaries
be
carefully
packed
.
"
Markham
then
withdrew
to
his
study
.
There
he
wrote
a
few
letters
upon
matters
of
business
.
At
length
Whittingham
made
his
appearance
.
"
Morcar
is
arrived
,
Master
Richard
,
"
said
the
old
man
,
"
and
it
is
close
upon
five
.
"
"
I
shall
soon
be
ready
,
Whittingham
,
"
answered
Richard
.
The
old
butler
withdrew
.
Then
Richard
took
from
his
strong-box
the
mysterious
packet
which
had
been
left
to
him
by
Thomas
Armstrong
;
and
that
sacred
trust
he
secured
about
his
person
.
"
Now
,
"
he
said
,
"
I
am
about
to
quit
the
home
of
my
forefathers
.
"
And
tears
trickled
down
his
cheeks
.
"
This
is
foolish
!
"
he
exclaimed
,
after
a
pause
:
"
I
must
not
yield
to
my
emotions
,
when
on
the
eve
of
such
a
grand
and
glorious
undertaking
.
"
He
then
returned
to
the
drawing-room
.
At
that
moment
the
post-chaise
arrived
at
the
front
door
of
the
mansion
.
We
will
not
detail
the
affecting
nature
of
the
farewell
scene
:
suffice
it
to
say
that
Richard
departed
with
the
fervent
prayers
and
the
sincerest
wishes
of
those
whom
he
left
behind
.
Morcar
,
the
gipsy
,
accompanied
him
.
"
Which
road
,
sir
?
"
asked
the
postillion
.
"
Canterbury
—
Deal
,
"
replied
Richard
.
And
the
post-chaise
whirled
him
away
from
the
home
of
his
forefathers
!
By
a
special
messenger
,
on
the
same
day
when
the
above-mentioned
incidents
took
place
,
the
following
letter
was
despatched
from
London
:
—
"
To
Her
Serene
Highness
the
Grand
Duchess
of
Castelcicala
.
"
I
have
the
honour
to
inform
your
Serene
Highness
that
the
measures
which
I
adopted
(
and
which
your
Highness
condemned
in
the
last
letter
your
Highness
deigned
to
address
to
me
)
have
enabled
me
to
ascertain
the
intentions
of
the
conspirators
.
The
three
vessels
purchased
by
them
are
now
completely
equipped
and
manned
.
One
has
already
arrived
in
the
Downs
,
where
the
Chiefs
of
the
rebels
are
to
join
her
.
A
second
sailed
from
Hull
four
days
ago
:
and
the
third
left
Waterford
about
the
same
time
.
They
will
all
three
meet
at
Cadiz
,
where
they
are
to
take
in
stores
and
water
.
Twelve
hundred
exiled
Castelcicalans
are
on
board
these
three
ships
,
which
are
ostensibly
fitted
out
as
emigrant
vessels
for
North
America
.
So
well
have
General
Grachia
,
Colonel
Morosino
,
and
Mr.
Markham
planned
their
schemes
,
that
I
question
whether
even
the
English
government
is
acquainted
with
the
real
destination
of
those
ships
,
and
the
object
of
their
crews
.
"
Beware
,
then
,
noble
lady
!
The
last
meeting
of
the
Chiefs
of
the
expedition
was
held
last
evening
;
and
I
was
present
in
my
presumed
capacity
of
a
stanch
adherent
to
the
cause
of
the
conspirators
.
The
reasons
which
I
adduced
for
not
proceeding
with
them
on
the
enterprise
,
and
for
remaining
in
London
,
were
completely
satisfactory
;
and
no
one
for
a
moment
suspected
my
integrity
.
Indeed
,
the
confidence
which
Mr.
Markham
has
placed
in
me
from
the
beginning
,
in
consequence
of
the
share
which
I
had
in
saving
his
life
(
an
incident
to
which
I
have
alluded
in
preceding
letters
to
your
Highness
)
on
a
certain
occasion
,
annihilated
all
suspicion
as
to
the
sincerity
of
my
motives
.
"
At
the
meeting
of
which
I
have
just
spoken
,
it
was
resolved
that
the
descent
upon
Castelcicala
shall
be
made
in
the
neighbourhood
of
Ossore
,
which
,
I
need
scarcely
inform
your
Serene
Highness
,
is
a
small
sea-port
about
thirty-five
miles
to
the
south
of
Montoni
.
"
And
now
I
have
discharged
what
I
consider
to
be
a
faithful
duty
.
If
I
have
fallen
in
your
Highness
's
good
opinion
by
betraying
those
with
whom
I
affected
to
act
,
I
fondly
hope
that
the
importance
of
the
information
which
I
have
thereby
been
enabled
to
give
you
,
will
restore
me
to
your
Highness
's
favour
.
"
But
remember
,
my
lady
—
remember
the
prayer
which
I
offered
up
to
your
Highness
when
first
I
wrote
concerning
this
conspiracy
,
—
remember
the
earnest
supplication
which
I
then
made
and
now
renew
,
—
that
not
a
hair
of
Richard
Markham
's
head
must
be
injured
!
"
I
have
the
honour
to
subscribe
myself
your
Serene
Highness
's
most
faithful
and
devoted
servant
,
"
FILIPPO
DORSENNI
.
Oct.
16th
,
1840.
Thus
was
it
that
Mr.
Greenwood
's
Italian
valet
provided
,
to
the
utmost
of
his
power
,
for
the
safety
of
Richard
Markham
,
in
case
those
whom
he
improperly
denominated
"
conspirators
"
should
fall
into
the
hands
of
the
Castelcicalan
authorities
.
CHAPTER
CLXXIV
.
CASTELCICALA
.
The
Grand-Duchy
of
Castelcicala
is
bounded
on
the
north
by
the
Roman
States
,
on
the
south
by
the
kingdom
of
Naples
,
on
the
east
by
the
Apennine
Mountains
,
and
on
the
west
by
the
Mediterranean
Sea
.
It
is
the
most
beautiful
,
the
best
cultivated
,
and
the
finest
portion
of
the
Italian
Peninsula
.
The
inhabitants
are
brave
,
enlightened
,
and
industrious
.
Castelcicala
is
divided
into
seven
districts
,
or
provinces
,
the
capitals
of
which
are
Montoni
(
which
is
also
the
metropolis
of
the
Grand
Duchy
)
,
Abrantani
,
Veronezzi
,
Pinalla
,
Estella
,
Terano
,
and
Montecuculi
.
Each
province
is
governed
by
a
Captain-General
(
the
chief
military
authority
)
,
and
a
Political
Prefect
,
(
the
chief
civil
authority
)
.
The
principal
city
,
Montoni
,
stands
at
the
mouth
of
the
Ferretti
,
and
contains
a
hundred
thousand
inhabitants
.
It
is
built
on
both
sides
of
the
river
,
has
a
fine
harbour
,
spacious
dockyards
,
and
extensive
arsenals
,
and
is
one
of
the
principal
trading-ports
of
Italy
.
It
is
strongly
fortified
on
the
system
of
Vauban
.
The
entire
population
of
the
Grand-Duchy
of
Castelcicala
is
two
millions
.
Its
revenues
are
three
millions
sterling
;
and
the
annual
income
of
the
sovereign
is
two
hundred
thousand
pounds
.
From
these
details
the
reader
will
perceive
that
Castelcicala
is
by
no
means
an
unimportant
country
in
the
map
of
Europe
.
We
shall
now
continue
our
narrative
.
It
was
the
middle
of
November
,
1840
,
and
at
an
early
hour
in
the
morning
,
before
sunrise
,
when
three
vessels
(
two
large
brigs
and
a
schooner
)
ran
in
as
close
as
the
depth
of
water
would
permit
them
with
safety
,
on
the
Castelcicalan
coast
a
few
miles
below
Ossore
.
The
boats
of
these
vessels
were
immediately
lowered
;
and
by
the
time
the
sun
dawned
on
the
scene
,
nearly
twelve
hundred
armed
men
were
landed
without
molestation
.
This
force
was
divided
into
two
columns
:
one
of
seven
hundred
strong
was
commanded
by
General
Grachia
;
the
other
of
five
hundred
was
led
by
Colonel
Morosino
.
Richard
Markham
,
as
Secretary-General
of
the
Constitutional
Chiefs
,
and
attended
by
Morcar
,
accompanied
General
Grachia
.
The
chiefs
and
their
staff
were
all
provided
with
horses
.
The
army
presented
a
somewhat
motley
aspect
,
the
officers
alone
appearing
in
uniforms
.
The
entire
force
was
,
however
,
well
provided
with
weapons
;
and
every
heart
beat
high
with
hope
and
patriotism
.
The
banners
were
unfurled
;
an
excellent
brass
band
struck
up
an
enlivening
national
air
;
and
the
two
columns
marched
in
the
direction
of
Ossore
.
It
was
deemed
most
important
to
possess
this
sea-port
without
delay
;
as
its
harbour
would
afford
a
safe
refuge
for
the
three
ships
to
which
the
Constitutionalists
(
as
the
invaders
termed
themselves
)
could
alone
look
for
the
means
of
retreat
,
in
case
of
the
failure
of
their
enterprise
.
But
of
such
a
result
they
entertained
not
the
slightest
apprehension
.
And
now
the
peasants
in
the
farm-houses
and
hamlets
near
which
they
passed
,
were
suddenly
alarmed
by
the
sounds
of
martial
music
:
but
the
rumour
of
the
real
object
of
the
invaders
spread
like
wild-fire
;
and
they
had
not
marched
three
or
four
miles
,
before
they
were
already
joined
by
nearly
a
hundred
volunteer-recruits
.
The
hearts
of
the
Constitutionalists
were
enlivened
by
this
success
;
for
while
the
male
inhabitants
of
the
district
through
which
they
passed
hastened
to
join
them
,
the
women
put
up
audible
prayers
to
heaven
to
prosper
their
glorious
enterprise
.
Ossore
was
in
the
province
of
Abrantani
,
which
had
for
nearly
a
year
groaned
under
the
tyranny
of
the
Captain-General
,
who
governed
his
district
by
martial
law
,
the
jurisdiction
of
the
civil
tribunals
having
been
superseded
by
the
odious
despotism
of
military
courts
.
The
Constitutionalists
,
therefore
,
entertained
the
strongest
hopes
that
Ossore
would
pronounce
in
their
favour
the
moment
they
appeared
beneath
its
walls
.
The
Constitutionalists
were
now
only
three
miles
from
Ossore
,
which
was
hidden
from
their
view
by
a
high
hill
,
up
the
acclivity
of
which
the
two
columns
were
marching
,
when
the
quick
ear
of
General
Grachia
suddenly
caught
the
sound
of
horses
'
feet
on
the
opposite
side
of
the
eminence
.
Turning
to
one
of
his
aides-de-camp
,
he
said
,
"
Hasten
to
Colonel
Morosino
—
tell
him
to
take
that
road
to
the
left
and
possess
himself
of
yonder
grove
.
Our
landing
is
known
—
a
body
of
cavalry
is
approaching
.
"
These
words
were
delivered
in
a
rapid
but
firm
tone
.
The
aide-de-camp
galloped
away
to
execute
the
order
;
and
General
Grachia
proceeded
to
address
a
few
brief
but
impressive
words
to
the
patriots
of
his
division
,
telling
them
that
the
moment
to
strike
a
blow
was
now
at
hand
.
"
Markham
,
"
said
the
General
,
when
he
had
concluded
his
harangue
,
"
we
shall
have
hot
work
in
a
few
minutes
.
"
Scarcely
were
these
words
uttered
,
when
a
large
body
of
cavalry
made
its
appearance
on
the
summit
of
the
hill
.
A
general
officer
,
surrounded
by
a
brilliant
staff
,
was
at
their
head
.
"
That
is
Count
Santa-Croce
,
the
Captain-General
of
Abrantani
!
"
exclaimed
Grachia
,
drawing
his
sword
.
"
Parley
with
him
were
vain
—
he
is
devoted
to
the
Grand
Duke
.
My
friends
,
before
us
lies
death
or
victory
!
"
The
Constitutionalists
gave
a
deafening
cheer
in
answer
to
the
words
of
their
commander
.
Then
,
like
an
avalanche
bursting
from
its
rest
on
the
Alpine
height
,
and
rolling
with
dread
and
deafening
din
in
its
precipitate
path
,
the
ducal
cavalry
thundered
down
the
hill
.
But
they
were
well
received
;
and
a
terrific
contest
ensued
.
The
ear
was
deafened
with
the
report
of
musketry
and
the
clang
of
weapons
.
Bullets
whistled
through
the
air
;
and
as
the
serried
ranks
on
either
side
poured
forth
volumes
of
smoke
,
—
the
Constitutionalists
with
their
muskets
,
and
the
cavalry
with
their
carbines
,
—
the
shouts
of
the
combatants
and
the
groans
of
the
dying
announced
the
desperate
nature
of
the
conflict
.
But
,
alas
!
the
Constitutionalists
were
doomed
to
experience
a
sad
blow
!
General
Grachia
,
—
a
patriot
whose
memory
demands
our
admiration
and
respect
,
—
was
slain
at
the
commencement
of
the
battle
.
He
died
,
fighting
gallantly
at
the
head
of
his
troops
;
and
not
before
the
enemy
had
felt
the
weight
of
his
valiant
arm
.
Almost
at
the
same
moment
the
ensign
who
bore
the
Constitutional
banner
was
struck
to
the
earth
;
and
an
officer
of
the
ducal
cavalry
seized
the
standard
.
But
scarcely
had
he
grasped
it
,
when
Richard
Markham
,
who
had
vainly
endeavoured
to
protect
his
chief
and
friend
from
the
weapons
of
the
enemy
,
spurred
his
steed
with
irresistible
fury
against
the
officer
,
hurled
him
from
his
seat
,
and
snatched
the
banner
from
his
grasp
.
Then
,
waving
the
flag
above
his
head
with
his
left
hand
,
and
wielding
his
sword
in
the
right
,
Richard
plunged
into
the
thickest
of
the
fight
,
exclaiming
,
"
Vengeance
for
the
death
of
our
general
!
"
The
moment
that
Grachia
fell
,
a
sudden
panic
seized
upon
the
Constitutionalists
of
his
division
;
and
they
were
already
retreating
,
when
that
gallant
exploit
on
the
part
of
Markham
rallied
them
with
galvanic
effect
.
"
Vengeance
for
the
death
of
our
general
!
"
was
the
cry
;
and
our
hero
was
instantly
backed
by
his
faithful
Morcar
and
a
whole
host
of
Constitutionalists
.
The
conflict
was
desperate
—
both
sides
fighting
as
if
all
idea
of
quarter
were
out
of
the
question
,
and
victory
or
death
were
the
only
alternatives
.
Fired
by
the
loss
of
General
Grachia
,
—
conscious
of
the
desperate
position
in
which
defeat
would
place
the
invaders
,
—
and
inspired
by
the
image
of
Isabella
,
Richard
fought
with
the
fury
of
the
Destroying
Angel
.
He
who
had
only
been
looked
upon
as
possessing
an
able
head
in
administrative
matters
,
now
suddenly
appeared
in
a
new
light
,
—
a
gallant
warrior
,
who
by
his
bravery
had
succeeded
in
rallying
a
panic-struck
army
.
Already
were
the
ducal
cavalry
retreating
;
—
already
had
the
Captain-General
,
who
surveyed
the
conflict
from
the
summit
of
the
hill
,
disappeared
with
his
staff-officers
on
the
opposite
side
;
—
already
were
the
Constitutionalists
of
Richard
's
division
shouting
"
Victory
,
"
—
when
Colonel
Morosino
's
corps
,
which
had
been
engaged
by
another
body
of
cavalry
,
was
observed
to
be
in
full
retreat
—
dispersing
in
disorder
—
flying
before
its
triumphant
foes
.
The
rumour
that
Colonel
Morosino
himself
was
slain
,
and
that
a
strong
body
of
infantry
,
provided
with
cannon
,
was
already
advancing
from
the
opposite
side
of
the
hill
,
now
spread
like
wild-fire
through
the
ranks
of
Richard
's
division
.
Vainly
did
Markham
endeavour
by
his
example
to
inspire
the
troops
with
courage
.
A
panic
seized
upon
them
:
they
exclaimed
that
some
villain
had
betrayed
them
;
and
the
disorder
became
general
.
The
ducal
cavalry
which
were
so
lately
in
full
retreat
,
rallied
again
:
their
charge
was
irresistible
;
they
literally
swept
the
slope
of
the
hill
down
which
they
rushed
.
Backed
by
a
small
but
gallant
band
that
scorned
to
retreat
,
and
well
seconded
by
Morcar
,
Richard
fought
with
a
desperation
which
was
truly
marvellous
in
one
who
had
never
wielded
a
hostile
brand
until
that
day
.
But
a
pistol-bullet
disabled
his
right
arm
;
and
he
was
taken
prisoner
,
together
with
Morcar
and
several
others
.
The
Constitutionalists
were
completely
defeated
;
five
hundred
fell
upon
the
field
of
battle
;
the
remainder
were
dispersed
or
captured
.
But
scarcely
three
hundred
succeeded
in
saving
themselves
by
flight
.
And
almost
at
the
same
moment
when
this
unfortunate
expedition
was
thus
overwhelmed
with
ruin
,
a
Castelcicalan
frigate
,
which
had
put
out
from
Ossore
harbour
,
shortly
after
the
landing
of
the
Constitutionalists
,
captured
the
three
vessels
which
were
the
last
hope
of
those
patriots
who
had
escaped
from
captivity
or
carnage
.
From
the
summit
of
the
hill
,
whither
he
was
conducted
into
the
presence
of
the
Captain-General
of
Abrantani
,
Richard
beheld
the
three
vessels
strike
their
colours
to
the
Castelcicalan
man-of-war
.
"
Treachery
has
been
at
work
here
,
"
he
said
within
himself
;
"
or
else
how
arose
these
preparations
to
receive
us
?
"
He
was
not
,
however
,
permitted
much
time
for
reflection
—
either
in
respect
to
his
own
desperate
condition
,
or
that
of
the
unfortunate
fugitives
whose
last
hope
was
thus
cut
off
by
the
seizure
of
the
ships
;
for
the
Captain-General
—
an
old
man
,
with
white
hair
,
but
a
stern
and
forbidding
countenance
,
—
addressed
him
in
a
haughty
and
savage
tone
.
"
Know
you
the
penalty
that
awaits
your
crime
,
young
man
?
"
he
exclaimed
;
"
for
in
you
I
doubtless
behold
one
of
the
chiefs
of
this
monstrous
invasion
.
"
"
I
know
how
to
die
,
"
answered
Richard
,
fearlessly
.
"
Ah
!
"
ejaculated
the
Captain-General
.
"
What
traitor
have
we
here
?
Some
foreign
mercenary
perhaps
.
He
is
not
a
Castelcicalan
,
by
the
accent
with
which
he
speaks
our
native
tongue
.
"
"
I
am
an
Englishman
,
my
lord
,
"
said
Markham
,
returning
the
proud
glance
of
defiance
and
scorn
which
Count
Santa-Croce
threw
upon
him
.
"
An
Englishman
!
"
thundered
the
Captain-General
.
"
Then
is
a
military
death
too
good
for
you
!
What
brings
a
wretched
foreigner
like
you
amongst
us
with
a
hostile
sword
?
You
have
not
even
the
miserable
subterfuge
of
patriotism
as
a
palliation
for
your
crime
.
Away
with
him
!
Hang
him
to
yonder
tree
!
"
"
I
have
one
favour
to
implore
of
your
lordship
,
"
said
Markham
,
his
voice
faltering
not
,
although
his
cheek
grew
somewhat
pale
:
"
I
am
prepared
for
death
—
but
let
me
not
perish
like
a
dog
.
Plant
your
soldiers
at
a
distance
of
a
dozen
paces
—
let
them
level
their
muskets
at
me
—
and
I
promise
you
I
shall
not
die
a
coward
.
"
"
No
—
you
are
a
foreigner
!
"
returned
the
Captain-General
ferociously
.
"
Away
with
him
!
"
Markham
was
instantly
surrounded
by
soldiers
,
and
dragged
to
the
foot
of
a
tree
at
a
little
distance
.
An
aide-de-camp
of
the
Count
was
ordered
to
superintend
the
sad
ceremony
.
"
Have
you
any
thing
which
you
desire
to
be
communicated
to
your
friends
in
your
native
country
?
"
asked
the
officer
,
who
was
a
generous-minded
young
man
,
and
who
,
having
beheld
Richard
's
bravery
in
the
conflict
,
could
not
help
respecting
him
.
"
I
thank
you
sincerely
for
the
kindness
which
prompts
this
question
,
"
replied
our
hero
;
"
and
all
I
have
now
to
hope
is
that
those
who
know
me
—
in
my
native
land
—
may
not
think
that
cowardice
or
dishonour
closed
the
career
of
Richard
Markham
.
"
"
Richard
Markham
!
"
ejaculated
the
officer
.
"
Tell
me
—
is
that
your
name
?
"
"
It
is
,
"
answered
our
hero
.
"
Then
there
is
hope
for
you
yet
,
brave
Englishman
!
"
cried
the
officer
;
and
without
uttering
another
word
,
he
hastened
back
to
the
spot
where
the
Captain-General
of
Abrantani
was
standing
.
Were
we
to
say
that
Richard
was
now
otherwise
than
a
prey
to
the
most
profound
suspense
,
we
should
be
exaggerating
the
moral
strength
of
human
nature
.
We
have
no
wish
to
make
of
our
hero
a
demigod
:
we
allow
him
to
be
nothing
more
than
mortal
after
all
!
It
was
,
therefore
,
with
no
little
anxiety
that
Markham
saw
the
officer
approach
the
Captain-General
of
Abrantani
,
and
discourse
with
him
for
some
moments
in
a
low
tone
.
The
aide-de-camp
appeared
to
urge
some
point
which
he
was
anxious
to
carry
:
Count
Santa-Croce
shook
his
head
ominously
.
"
Beloved
Isabella
,
"
murmured
Richard
to
himself
:
"
shall
I
never
see
thee
more
?
"
His
eyes
were
still
fixed
upon
those
two
men
who
appeared
to
be
arguing
his
life
or
death
.
At
length
the
Captain-General
took
a
paper
from
the
breast
of
his
profusely-laced
blue
uniform
coat
,
and
cast
his
eyes
over
it
.
Richard
watched
him
with
breathless
anxiety
.
This
state
of
suspense
did
not
last
long
.
Count
Santa-Croce
folded
the
paper
,
replaced
it
where
he
had
taken
it
from
,
and
then
gave
a
brief
command
to
the
officer
.
The
latter
hurried
back
to
the
spot
where
Markham
was
hovering
as
it
were
between
life
and
death
.
"
You
are
saved
,
sir
!
"
cried
the
Castelcicalan
his
countenance
expressing
the
most
unfeigned
joy
.
"
Generous
friend
!
"
exclaimed
Richard
:
"
by
what
strange
influence
have
you
worked
this
miracle
?
"
"
That
must
remain
a
secret
,
"
answered
the
aide-de-camp
.
"
At
the
same
time
I
can
take
but
little
merit
to
myself
in
the
transaction
—
beyond
a
mere
effort
of
memory
.
You
have
powerful
friends
,
sir
,
in
Castelcicala
:
otherwise
his
lordship
the
Captain-General
,
"
he
added
in
a
whisper
,
"
was
not
the
man
to
spare
you
.
"
"
To
you
I
proffer
my
most
heart-felt
thanks
,
generous
Italian
!
"
cried
Richard
;
"
for
to
you
I
am
clearly
indebted
for
my
life
.
Let
me
know
the
name
of
my
saviour
?
"
"
Mario
Bazzano
—
junior
aide-de-camp
to
Count
Santa-Croce
,
the
Captain-General
of
Abrantani
,
"
was
the
answer
.
"
But
we
have
no
time
to
parley
,
"
he
continued
rapidly
:
"
the
good
news
which
I
have
already
imparted
to
you
in
respect
to
your
life
,
must
be
somewhat
counterbalanced
by
the
commands
which
I
have
received
regarding
your
liberty
.
"
"
Speak
,
Signor
Bazzano
,
"
said
Markham
.
"
You
saw
that
I
did
not
flinch
from
death
:
it
is
scarcely
probable
that
I
shall
tremble
at
any
less
severe
sentence
which
may
have
been
passed
upon
me
.
"
"
My
orders
are
to
conduct
you
to
Montoni
,
where
you
will
be
placed
at
the
disposal
of
a
higher
authority
than
even
the
Captain-General
of
Abrantani
,
"
returned
the
aide-de-camp
.
"
But
,
in
the
first
place
,
my
lord
's
surgeon
shall
look
to
your
wound
.
"
Then
once
more
did
the
generous-hearted
Castelcicalan
hasten
away
;
and
in
a
few
minutes
he
returned
,
accompanied
by
the
Count
's
own
medical
attendant
.
Richard
's
arm
was
examined
;
and
it
was
discovered
that
a
bullet
had
passed
through
the
fleshy
part
between
the
elbow
and
the
shoulder
.
The
wound
was
painful
,
though
by
no
means
dangerous
;
and
the
surgeon
bandaged
it
with
care
and
skill
.
"
Now
,
Signor
Markham
,
"
said
Bazzano
,
"
it
is
my
duty
to
conduct
you
to
Montoni
.
I
do
not
wish
to
drag
you
thither
like
a
felon
—
because
you
are
a
brave
man
:
at
the
same
time
I
am
answerable
to
the
Count
and
to
another
who
is
higher
than
the
Count
,
for
your
person
.
Gallant
warriors
are
usually
honourable
men
:
pledge
me
your
honour
that
you
will
not
attempt
to
escape
;
and
we
will
proceed
to
Montoni
alone
together
.
"
"
I
pledge
you
my
honour
,
"
answered
Richard
,
"
that
so
long
as
I
am
in
your
custody
,
I
will
not
attempt
to
escape
.
But
the
moment
you
are
released
from
your
charge
of
my
person
,
my
vow
ceases
.
"
"
Agreed
,
signor
,
"
said
Bazzano
.
The
aide-de-camp
then
ordered
his
own
and
another
horse
(
for
Richard
's
steed
had
been
sorely
wounded
in
the
conflict
)
to
be
brought
to
the
spot
where
this
conversation
took
place
.
"
Signor
Bazzano
,
"
said
Richard
,
"
you
have
behaved
to
me
in
so
noble
and
generous
a
manner
that
I
am
emboldened
to
ask
another
favour
of
you
.
A
young
man
accompanied
me
as
my
attendant
in
this
unfortunate
enterprise
:
he
has
a
wife
and
child
in
his
native
land
;
his
parents
are
also
living
.
Should
aught
happen
to
him
,
four
others
would
thereby
be
plunged
into
the
depths
of
misery
.
"
"
Where
is
this
person
to
whom
you
allude
?
"
inquired
Bazzano
.
"
He
is
a
prisoner
yonder
.
There
—
he
is
seated
on
the
ground
,
with
his
face
buried
in
his
hands
!
"
And
Richard
pointed
in
the
direction
where
the
poor
gipsy
was
plunged
into
a
painful
and
profound
reverie
at
a
little
distance
.
For
the
third
time
the
aide-de-camp
,
—
who
was
a
tall
,
active
,
handsome
,
dark-eyed
young
man
,
—
hurried
away
.
Count
Santa-Croce
had
mounted
his
horse
and
repaired
,
with
his
staff
,
to
view
more
closely
the
spot
where
the
conflict
had
taken
place
,
and
to
issue
orders
relative
to
the
interment
of
the
killed
and
the
disposal
of
the
prisoners
.
Mario
Bazzano
did
not
therefore
dread
the
eagle
glance
of
his
superior
,
as
he
hastened
to
perform
another
generous
deed
and
confer
another
favour
on
Richard
Markham
.
"
Young
man
,
"
he
said
,
addressing
himself
to
Morcar
,
"
rise
and
follow
me
.
You
are
to
accompany
your
master
.
My
good
friend
,
"
he
added
,
speaking
to
the
sentinel
who
stood
near
,
"
I
will
be
answerable
for
my
conduct
in
this
instance
to
his
lordship
the
Captain-General
.
"
The
sentinel
was
satisfied
;
and
Morcar
followed
the
officer
to
the
spot
where
Richard
and
the
Castelcicalan
soldiers
who
had
charge
of
him
,
were
standing
.
A
third
horse
was
procured
;
and
in
a
few
minutes
the
aide-de-camp
,
our
hero
,
and
Morcar
rode
rapidly
away
from
the
scene
of
carnage
,
towards
Ossore
.
It
were
a
vain
task
to
attempt
to
describe
the
joy
which
succeeded
Morcar
's
grief
and
apprehension
,
when
he
discovered
that
his
own
and
his
master
's
lives
were
beyond
danger
,
and
that
Mario
Bazzano
was
evidently
so
well
inclined
to
befriend
them
.
"
As
I
do
not
wish
to
keep
you
in
an
unpleasant
state
of
suspense
,
signor
,
"
said
the
aide-de-camp
to
Richard
,
"
I
must
inform
you
that
you
have
little
to
dread
at
Montoni
.
You
have
powerful
friends
there
.
A
short
imprisonment
—
or
some
punishment
of
a
slight
nature
,
will
be
all
the
penalty
you
will
both
have
to
pay
for
your
mad
freak
—
or
else
I
am
much
mistaken
.
But
more
I
dare
not
—
cannot
say
.
"
"
Whatever
be
our
fate
,
"
exclaimed
Richard
,
"
my
heart
will
cherish
until
death
the
remembrance
—
the
grateful
remembrance
of
your
noble
conduct
.
But
tell
me
,
my
generous
friend
—
what
will
become
of
those
unfortunate
prisoners
?
"
"
The
chiefs
of
the
enterprise
have
fallen
in
the
conflict
,
"
answered
Mario
;
"
else
the
fate
of
traitors
would
have
been
in
store
for
them
.
As
for
the
mistaken
men
whom
they
have
led
to
these
shores
,
imprisonment
—
a
long
imprisonment
in
the
citadels
of
Abrantani
,
Pinalla
,
and
Estella
,
will
doubtless
be
the
penalty
of
their
treason
.
"
The
severe
terms
in
which
the
young
aide-de-camp
,
who
was
evidently
devoted
to
the
Grand
Duke
's
cause
,
spoke
of
the
Constitutionalists
,
pierced
like
a
dagger
to
the
heart
of
our
hero
;
but
delicacy
and
gratitude
towards
one
from
whom
he
had
received
such
signal
obligations
,
prevented
him
from
making
any
comment
.
In
a
short
time
the
little
party
reached
Ossore
,
at
which
town
they
proceeded
to
an
hotel
,
where
they
obtained
refreshments
.
There
,
also
,
plain
clothes
were
procured
for
Markham
,
in
order
that
his
uniform
(
which
was
different
from
that
of
the
Castelcicalan
officer
)
might
not
create
unpleasant
notice
on
his
arrival
at
Montoni
.
Morcar
had
no
uniform
to
change
.
When
the
repast
was
terminated
,
Lieutenant
Bazzano
ordered
a
post-chaise
and
four
;
and
in
a
short
time
the
little
party
was
whirling
rapidly
along
the
high
road
to
the
capital
.
During
the
journey
Richard
and
the
aide-de-camp
rose
higher
in
each
other
's
esteem
,
the
more
they
conversed
together
;
and
by
the
time
they
reached
their
destination
,
a
sort
of
friendship
,
which
circumstances
had
tended
to
invest
with
unusual
interest
,
already
existed
between
them
.
Bazzano
assured
our
hero
that
the
contemplated
invasion
of
the
Constitutionalists
had
been
communicated
some
time
previously
to
the
Captain-General
of
Abrantani
;
but
whence
that
information
had
emanated
the
young
officer
was
unable
to
state
.
Preparations
had
,
however
,
been
in
existence
for
at
least
a
fortnight
to
receive
the
invaders
when
they
set
foot
on
the
Castelcicalan
territory
.
These
assurances
confirmed
Richard
in
the
opinion
which
he
had
already
formed
,
that
treachery
had
existed
somewhere
on
the
side
of
the
patriots
.
CHAPTER
CLXXV
.
MONTONI
.
It
was
nine
o'clock
at
night
when
the
post-chaise
entered
the
capital
of
Castelcicala
.
In
spite
of
his
unfortunate
position
,
—
a
prisoner
,
defeated
in
his
grand
aims
,
and
with
all
his
hopes
apparently
blasted
,
—
Richard
could
not
help
feeling
a
glow
of
pleasure
when
he
thus
found
himself
in
the
sovereign
city
which
was
the
birth
place
of
his
well-beloved
Isabella
.
But
,
oh
!
in
what
a
state
did
he
now
enter
its
walls
!
Instead
of
accompanying
a
victorious
army
to
proclaim
Alberto
Grand
Duke
of
Castelcicala
,
—
instead
of
the
society
of
the
patriotic
Grachia
and
the
heroic
Morosino
,
—
instead
of
hearing
the
welcome
voices
of
a
liberated
people
echoing
around
,
—
the
young
man
was
in
the
custody
of
a
subaltern
,
and
,
for
aught
he
knew
,
on
his
way
to
a
dungeon
!
Then
—
Grachia
,
Morosino
,
and
the
other
chiefs
of
the
enterprise
—
where
were
they
?
Numbered
with
the
dead
—
or
captives
in
the
hands
of
a
savage
conqueror
!
Oh
!
how
were
Markham
's
fondest
hopes
blasted
!
how
were
his
elysian
dreams
dissipated
by
the
mocking
reality
of
disaster
and
defeat
!
Now
,
too
,
how
much
farther
than
ever
was
he
removed
from
the
sole
object
of
his
toils
,
—
the
only
hope
of
his
existence
,
—
the
hand
of
Isabella
!
Her
father
,
who
had
all
along
discountenanced
the
projects
of
the
Constitutionalists
,
but
who
would
naturally
have
pardoned
them
had
they
succeeded
,
could
not
for
a
moment
be
expected
to
forgive
the
survivors
of
that
terrible
defeat
!
All
these
gloomy
ideas
annihilated
in
a
moment
the
temporary
glow
of
pleasure
which
our
hero
had
experienced
on
entering
Montoni
.
The
chaise
traversed
the
southern
part
of
the
metropolis
,
crossed
the
Ferretti
by
a
noble
bridge
,
and
entered
the
most
fashionable
and
imposing
quarter
of
that
portion
of
the
city
which
stands
on
the
northern
side
of
the
river
.
At
length
it
stopped
at
an
hotel
.
"
We
shall
alight
here
,
"
said
Mario
Bazzano
.
"
But
this
is
not
a
prison
!
"
exclaimed
Richard
.
"
I
never
told
you
that
you
were
on
your
way
to
such
a
place
,
"
returned
the
aide-de-camp
,
laughing
.
"
Did
you
not
hint
at
imprisonment
,
signor
?
"
said
our
hero
,
surprised
at
the
kind
forbearance
shown
towards
him
—
captured
,
as
he
had
been
,
with
arms
in
his
hand
against
the
reigning
Prince
.
"
That
may
,
or
may
not
happen
,
"
replied
Bazzano
.
"
At
all
events
,
here
we
will
alight
:
and
,
remember
,
while
in
my
charge
,
you
are
on
your
parole
.
It
is
not
necessary
to
let
the
gossips
of
this
tavern
know
who
you
are
,
or
why
you
are
here
with
me
.
"
"
My
honour
is
pledged
,
and
the
vow
will
be
punctually
fulfilled
,
"
said
Markham
.
They
then
descended
from
the
vehicle
,
and
were
conducted
to
a
private
apartment
in
the
hotel
.
Bazzano
ordered
refreshments
:
then
,
as
soon
as
he
himself
had
drunk
a
glass
of
wine
and
eaten
a
mouthful
of
food
,
he
left
the
room
,
simply
observing
,
"
I
may
be
absent
nearly
an
hour
;
but
I
will
thank
you
not
to
retire
to
rest
until
my
return
.
"
Markham
bowed
an
acquiescence
with
this
request
;
and
,
as
soon
as
the
door
had
closed
behind
the
aide-de-camp
,
he
exclaimed
,
"
If
Signor
Bazzano
be
a
fair
specimen
of
the
Castelcicalans
generally
,
they
are
a
glorious
race
!
"
"
Some
kind
power
seems
to
protect
you
in
this
country
,
Mr.
Markham
,
"
observed
Morcar
.
"
I
candidly
confess
that
I
am
at
a
loss
to
interpret
these
occurrences
,
"
returned
our
hero
.
"
At
the
moment
when
the
cord
is
round
my
neck
,
the
mention
of
my
name
saves
my
life
,
and
converts
an
enemy
into
a
stanch
friend
.
Even
the
ferocious
Captain-General
of
Abrantani
relaxes
all
his
natural
severity
in
my
behalf
.
Then
,
instead
of
being
chained
,
I
am
scarcely
guarded
:
instead
of
being
placed
between
two
soldiers
with
loaded
muskets
,
I
am
allowed
to
remain
upon
parole
.
He
who
has
charge
of
me
,
leaves
me
for
an
hour
,
with
a
simple
request
not
to
retire
to
rest
until
his
return
!
Yes
—
some
secret
power
protects
me
.
It
is
true
that
a
few
years
ago
I
once
met
her
who
now
occupies
a
seat
on
the
Grand-ducal
throne
,
"
he
continued
,
rather
musing
to
himself
,
than
addressing
his
words
to
Morcar
;
"
but
she
can
scarcely
remember
—
or
,
even
if
she
do
—
could
not
be
supposed
to
interest
herself
in
one
so
obscure
,
so
humble
as
I
!
"
Then
he
paced
the
room
—
lost
in
conjecture
,
and
giving
way
to
the
immense
variety
of
reflections
which
his
position
was
calculated
to
engender
.
In
an
hour
the
young
aide-de-camp
returned
.
"
Signor
Markham
,
"
he
said
,
"
you
will
have
the
kindness
to
accompany
me
whither
I
shall
conduct
you
.
You
,
"
he
added
,
addressing
himself
to
Morcar
,
"
must
await
our
return
here
.
"
Richard
signified
his
readiness
to
follow
Bazzano
;
and
they
left
the
hotel
together
.
It
was
now
past
eleven
o'clock
;
and
,
though
the
shops
were
all
closed
,
the
streets
of
Montoni
were
resplendent
with
the
lustre
which
streamed
from
the
windows
of
the
cafés
,
restaurants
,
and
club-houses
.
Markham
could
not
help
observing
to
his
companion
that
there
appeared
to
be
numerous
patrols
of
military
moving
about
in
the
capital
,
and
that
the
sentinels
were
posted
along
the
streets
at
very
short
intervals
.
"
The
news
of
this
morning
's
invasion
reached
Montoni
several
hours
ago
,
"
answered
the
aide-de-camp
;
"
and
I
do
not
disguise
from
you
the
fact
that
until
this
strong
military
demonstration
was
made
,
the
city
was
in
an
extraordinary
ferment
.
This
I
heard
just
now
,
previous
to
my
return
to
the
hotel
.
"
"
The
reigning
Grand
Duke
seems
very
unpopular
,
"
observed
Markham
.
Bazzano
made
no
reply
:
it
was
evident
that
he
could
not
contradict
the
assertion
;
and
,
being
in
his
sovereign
's
service
,
he
could
not
with
propriety
corroborate
it
.
A
quarter
of
an
hour
's
rapid
walking
brought
our
hero
and
the
young
officer
to
an
immense
square
;
and
the
magnificent
buildings
on
two
sides
thereof
shed
a
brilliant
light
from
their
ample
casements
.
"
This
is
the
ducal
palace
,
"
said
Mario
.
Crossing
the
square
,
the
officer
led
the
way
towards
a
small
door
in
one
of
the
angles
of
the
immense
edifice
.
Mario
knocked
gently
;
and
the
door
was
immediately
opened
by
a
tall
servant
in
a
gorgeous
livery
.
Markham
followed
his
companion
into
a
small
vestibule
,
brilliantly
lighted
,
and
at
the
end
of
which
was
a
narrow
staircase
carpetted
all
over
.
Not
a
word
was
spoken
:
the
domestic
bowed
as
the
two
young
men
passed
him
;
and
Bazzano
led
the
way
up
the
staircase
,
which
was
lighted
by
lamps
held
in
the
hands
of
marble
statues
placed
in
recesses
.
On
the
landing
which
the
visitors
speedily
reached
,
an
usher
,
dressed
in
black
,
and
wearing
a
massive
gold
chain
,
advanced
to
receive
them
;
and
,
opening
a
door
,
conducted
them
into
an
ante-room
,
where
he
requested
them
to
be
seated
.
He
then
opened
another
door
on
the
opposite
side
from
which
they
had
entered
the
room
,
and
disappeared
for
a
few
minutes
.
On
his
return
,
he
desired
Markham
to
follow
him
.
Our
hero
obeyed
,
and
was
led
through
several
magnificent
apartments
,
all
brilliantly
lighted
,
but
unoccupied
at
the
moment
.
At
length
the
usher
paused
in
a
room
smaller
,
but
more
elegantly
furnished
,
than
any
of
the
preceding
ones
;
and
,
having
requested
our
hero
to
take
a
seat
,
he
retired
by
the
same
door
by
which
they
had
entered
that
room
.
For
a
few
minutes
Richard
remained
alone
with
his
reflections
.
He
was
now
in
the
Castelcicalan
palace
.
But
wherefore
had
he
been
brought
thither
?
Was
it
to
undergo
an
examination
before
the
Grand
Duke
,
relative
to
the
invasion
of
the
morning
?
was
it
to
be
overwhelmed
with
reproaches
by
that
sovereign
against
whom
,
and
without
provocation
,
he
had
borne
arms
?
Could
treachery
be
meditated
?
No
—
that
idea
was
absurd
.
He
was
so
completely
in
the
power
of
the
Grand
Duke
,
that
there
had
been
no
need
to
exercise
treachery
towards
him
,
if
punishment
were
intended
.
Then
our
hero
thought
of
the
Grand
Duchess
.
Had
she
learnt
that
he
was
engaged
in
the
expedition
?
had
she
remembered
his
name
?
was
it
through
her
he
had
received
that
treatment
from
Mario
Bazzano
which
had
so
astonished
him
?
could
it
be
possible
that
she
would
interest
herself
in
him
?
He
was
in
the
midst
of
his
reverie
,
when
a
door
opposite
to
where
he
was
sitting
,
suddenly
opened
;
and
a
lady
,
elegantly
attired
,
with
a
tiara
of
diamonds
upon
her
brow
,
entered
the
apartment
.
One
glance
was
sufficient
for
Richard
Markham
!
He
immediately
recognised
the
beautiful
woman
whom
he
had
seen
five
years
previously
,
disguised
in
male
attire
,
at
Mrs.
Arlington
's
lodgings
,
and
whose
singular
history
had
subsequently
reached
his
ears
when
he
was
imprisoned
at
the
same
time
as
herself
,
though
of
course
not
in
the
same
department
,
in
Newgate
.
Yes
—
he
recognised
her
who
was
once
Eliza
Sidney
;
and
he
now
bent
his
head
to
the
grand
Duchess
of
Castelcicala
.
Although
somewhat
pale
,
and
showing
a
slightly
deeper
shade
of
that
melancholy
expression
which
her
countenance
had
acquired
during
her
captivity
of
two
years
,
Eliza
was
still
eminently
lovely
.
Her
form
had
expanded
into
those
proportions
which
indicated
the
maturity
of
her
charms
,
but
which
gave
to
her
beauty
a
voluptuousness
that
was
only
attempered
by
the
chaste
glances
of
her
melting
hazel
eyes
,
and
the
halo
of
purity
which
dwelt
on
her
lofty
and
spotless
brow
.
And
well
fitted
was
that
pure
and
open
forehead
to
be
crowned
with
the
glittering
tiara
which
denoted
her
sovereign
rank
,
and
which
set
off
to
such
exquisite
advantage
the
large
bands
of
her
light
,
luxuriant
,
shining
,
chesnut
hair
!
Her
walk
was
a
dignified
and
yet
harmonious
motion
;
—
her
gesture
expressed
no
particle
of
hauteur
,
but
still
denoted
a
consciousness
of
the
respect
which
she
felt
to
be
due
to
her
position
as
a
Princess
,
and
to
her
character
as
a
woman
.
"
Resume
your
seat
,
Mr.
Markham
,
"
she
said
in
a
sweet
tone
,
and
with
a
manner
full
of
grace
:
then
,
placing
herself
on
a
sofa
at
a
short
distance
,
she
added
,
"
I
have
had
the
pleasure
of
seeing
you
before
;
but
little
did
I
then
suppose
that
the
next
time
we
met
,
it
would
be
under
such
circumstances
as
these
.
"
"
I
comprehend
your
Serene
Highness
,
"
answered
Markham
,
firmly
,
but
respectfully
.
"
We
meet
—
your
Highness
as
a
sovereign
Princess
,
and
I
as
a
prisoner
at
the
disposal
of
those
who
have
power
to
command
in
this
State
.
"
"
Such
is
indeed
the
fact
,
Mr.
Markham
,
"
returned
the
Grand
Duchess
,
with
a
half
smile
.
"
But
I
did
not
send
for
you
hither
to
reproach
you
.
Doubtless
you
considered
yourself
justified
in
the
proceedings
which
you
have
adopted
,
and
in
joining
the
cause
of
those
mistaken
men
who
this
morning
set
hostile
feet
upon
these
shores
;
—
for
I
have
received
from
an
agent
of
mine
in
England
assurances
of
your
honourable
nature
and
estimable
character
;
and
I
did
not
fail
some
time
since
to
issue
those
secret
instructions
to
the
various
authorities
,
which
saved
your
life
this
morning
,
and
ensured
you
good
treatment
at
the
hands
of
those
into
whose
power
you
were
doomed
to
fall
.
Moreover
,
I
learn
that
you
behaved
most
gallantly
in
the
conflict
between
your
party
and
the
ducal
troops
;
and
I
can
respect
bravery
,
Mr.
Markham
,
even
in
an
enemy
.
"
"
Your
Serene
Highness
will
give
me
credit
for
the
sincerity
with
which
I
express
my
gratitude
for
the
kindness
that
I
have
received
at
your
hands
,
"
said
Markham
;
"
especially
under
circumstances
,
which
—
whatever
opinion
I
may
entertain
of
them
—
could
not
have
served
me
as
a
very
favourable
passport
to
the
notice
of
your
Highness
.
"
"
Mr.
Markham
,
"
returned
the
Grand
Duchess
,
"
you
are
an
Englishman
—
and
that
is
one
reason
to
induce
me
to
exercise
some
leniency
in
your
case
;
for
however
profoundly
my
interests
may
be
identified
with
this
country
,
it
is
impossible
that
I
can
forget
my
own
.
Secondly
,
I
am
better
acquainted
with
your
history
than
you
imagine
.
Do
you
remember
an
anonymous
letter
which
your
late
father
received
—
some
years
ago
,
—
yes
—
it
was
in
1831
,
I
believe
,
—
warning
him
of
a
burglarious
attempt
which
was
contemplated
in
respect
to
his
abode
?
"
"
I
remember
well
the
letter
to
which
your
Highness
alludes
,
"
answered
Markham
,
surprised
at
this
mention
of
an
incident
which
had
occurred
only
a
short
time
previously
to
the
separation
of
himself
and
his
brother
on
the
hill-top
.
"
That
letter
was
written
by
myself
,
"
said
the
Grand
Duchess
,
with
a
smile
.
"
Written
by
your
Highness
!
"
ejaculated
Markham
,
more
and
more
amazed
at
what
he
heard
.
"
Yes
,
Mr.
Markham
,
"
continued
Eliza
:
"
it
was
I
who
sent
that
warning
.
Circumstances
enabled
me
to
overhear
the
discourse
of
two
miscreants
in
whose
den
I
accidentally
took
refuge
during
a
storm
,
and
whence
I
narrowly
escaped
with
my
life
.
But
enough
of
that
:
I
merely
mentioned
the
circumstance
to
show
you
that
your
name
has
long
been
familiar
to
me
.
Then
,
about
four
years
after
that
event
,
I
met
you
at
the
abode
of
a
lady
from
whom
I
have
since
received
signal
kindnesses
,
and
who
is
now
the
Countess
of
Warrington
.
"
"
I
remember
that
evening
well
,
your
Highness
,
"
observed
Richard
.
"
Afterwards
,
"
resumed
the
Grand
Duchess
,
sinking
her
voice
,
"
you
and
I
were
the
inmates
of
a
tenement
whose
severity
you
deserved
perhaps
much
less
than
I
—
though
heaven
knows
the
artifice
that
was
used
to
involve
me
in
that
desperate
venture
!
"
"
Your
Serene
Highness
has
heard
,
then
,
that
I
too
was
innocent
of
the
crime
laid
to
my
charge
?
"
said
Markham
.
"
I
imagined
so
when
I
first
learnt
the
particulars
of
your
case
at
the
time
of
its
occurrence
,
"
answered
the
Grand
Duchess
;
"
and
my
agent
in
England
has
lately
confirmed
me
in
that
belief
.
Then
,
again
,
"
she
added
,
with
an
arch
smile
,
"
I
am
not
ignorant
of
the
motives
which
induced
you
to
embark
,
like
a
gallant
cavalier
,
in
the
enterprise
whose
results
have
led
to
this
interview
.
"
"
Your
Serene
Highness
will
not
wrong
,
by
injurious
suspicions
,
an
exiled
family
!
"
said
Markham
,
well
knowing
to
what
Eliza
alluded
.
"
No
!
"
exclaimed
the
Grand
Duchess
,
solemnly
:
"
I
am
aware
that
Prince
Alberto
did
not
countenance
the
expedition
;
and
I
can
scarcely
believe
that
his
charming
daughter
,
"
she
continued
,
archly
smiling
again
,
"
could
have
been
very
ready
to
permit
you
to
embark
on
so
mad
an
enterprise
.
You
see
,
Mr.
Markham
,
that
I
am
acquainted
with
more
than
you
would
have
supposed
me
to
know
.
And
now
,
perhaps
,
you
will
be
surprised
,
when
I
assure
you
that
I
entertain
the
most
profound
respect
and
esteem
for
Prince
Alberto
and
his
family
—
although
I
have
never
seen
them
.
But
,
oh
!
"
exclaimed
Eliza
,
wiping
away
a
tear
,
"
how
great
was
my
grief
when
I
learnt
,
this
afternoon
,
that
my
friend
General
Grachia
had
fallen
in
the
conflict
of
the
morning
!
"
"
General
Grachia
invariably
spoke
to
me
in
the
most
pleasing
terms
of
your
Serene
Highness
,
"
observed
Richard
.
"
Do
not
think
,
Mr.
Markham
,
"
said
the
Grand
Duchess
,
after
a
pause
,
during
which
she
seemed
a
prey
to
deep
thought
,
—
"
do
not
think
that
I
have
been
a
party
to
all
the
instances
of
severity
and
sentences
of
exile
which
have
lately
characterised
the
political
history
of
Castelcicala
.
No
,
Mr.
Markham
—
I
would
not
have
you
think
unworthily
of
your
fellow-countrywoman
.
But
,
enough
of
that
!
You
can
well
imagine
that
I
am
not
all-powerful
here
:
—
otherwise
,
"
she
added
,
with
a
sigh
,
"
it
would
be
different
!
Time
is
,
however
,
pressing
;
and
I
have
not
yet
spoken
to
you
on
the
matter
which
ought
to
form
the
principal
topic
of
our
conversation
;
—
I
mean
your
own
position
.
You
have
heard
enough
from
my
lips
to
show
you
that
you
are
not
unknown
to
me
,
and
that
there
are
consequently
reasons
which
have
induced
me
to
interest
myself
in
your
behalf
.
But
,
as
I
ere
now
observed
,
my
power
is
not
unlimited
;
and
although
my
secret
wishes
are
commands
in
the
eyes
of
Count
Santa-Croce
and
his
officers
,
still
my
influence
is
not
sufficient
to
protect
you
from
the
vengeance
of
the
Grand
Duke
,
did
he
know
that
one
of
the
invaders
was
at
large
and
unpunished
in
his
dominions
.
It
is
true
that
I
can
soften
his
rigour
—
as
I
shall
do
in
respect
to
those
unhappy
prisoners
—
—
"
"
God
be
thanked
that
their
condition
excites
the
compassion
of
your
Serene
Highness
!
"
exclaimed
Markham
fervently
.
"
A
weight
is
removed
from
my
mind
by
this
assurance
!
"
"
Rest
satisfied
on
that
head
,
"
said
Eliza
.
"
I
can
promise
you
that
imprisonment
is
the
worst
punishment
which
shall
overtake
any
of
them
.
"
When
Eliza
had
first
entered
the
room
,
Richard
had
bowed
his
head
low
to
the
Grand
Duchess
;
but
now
he
sank
on
his
bended
knee
in
presence
of
the
humane
and
tender-hearted
woman
.
Eliza
felt
the
full
force
of
this
expression
of
feeling
:
—
it
rewarded
her
for
her
goodness
!
She
extended
her
hand
towards
him
;
and
he
respectfully
touched
it
with
his
lips
.
Then
he
rose
,
and
resumed
his
seat
.
Oh
!
at
that
moment
,
how
sweet
—
how
sweet
to
the
amiable
and
noble-minded
woman
,
—
noble
in
nature
,
as
well
as
in
name
,
—
was
the
possession
of
power
;
—
and
how
amply
recompensed
was
she
for
its
humane
use
,
by
that
spontaneous
tribute
of
respect
which
she
had
just
received
from
her
fellow-countryman
!
"
Mr.
Markham
,
"
she
said
,
after
a
pause
,
"
you
must
escape
from
Castelcicala
:
but
that
is
not
so
easy
a
matter
as
you
may
haply
imagine
.
The
Castelcicalan
steam-frigates
will
rigorously
guard
the
coast
by
sea
,
and
the
custom-house
officers
by
land
;
and
not
a
ship
will
leave
one
of
our
ports
without
being
searched
.
Orders
to
that
effect
have
already
been
issued
by
the
Minister
of
Marine
;
and
I
dare
not
interfere
to
prevent
their
full
operation
.
Are
you
bold
enough
to
strike
far
into
the
country
,
traverse
its
length
,
and
obtain
refuge
in
the
Neapolitan
kingdom
?
"
"
And
wherefore
not
in
the
Roman
States
,
my
lady
?
"
asked
Richard
.
"
Their
frontier
is
but
a
day
's
distance
from
Montoni
.
"
"
Because
the
Grand
Duke
has
concluded
a
league
,
offensive
and
defensive
,
with
the
Pope
;
and
you
would
assuredly
be
detected
in
the
dominions
of
his
Holiness
,
and
sent
ignominiously
back
to
Montoni
—
in
which
case
,
Mr.
Markham
,
I
could
not
save
you
.
"
"
And
what
chance
of
safety
do
I
possess
by
following
the
plan
suggested
by
your
Serene
Highness
?
"
"
Every
chance
,
"
was
the
decided
reply
.
"
In
the
first
place
,
Signor
Mario
Bazzano
will
procure
for
you
a
passport
:
his
uncle
is
Under-Secretary
for
the
Interior
.
This
passport
,
made
out
for
you
in
a
fictitious
name
,
will
be
dated
from
Montoni
;
and
the
various
authorities
will
never
suspect
that
one
of
the
invaders
could
possibly
have
obtained
such
a
document
from
the
capital
itself
.
Secondly
,
you
can
purchase
a
portfolio
with
drawing
materials
,
and
pass
yourself
off
for
an
English
artist
,
sent
to
Castelcicala
to
design
some
of
the
most
striking
features
of
Italian
scenery
.
By
these
means
there
will
be
an
ostensible
reason
for
avoiding
the
great
cities
and
towns
;
and
no
suspicion
will
be
excited
by
your
keeping
as
much
as
possible
to
the
open
country
.
Does
my
plan
please
you
?
"
"
How
can
I
ever
sufficiently
express
my
gratitude
to
your
Serene
Highness
for
all
this
kind
consideration
—
this
unlooked-for
generosity
?
"
cried
Markham
.
"
By
abstaining
from
plans
of
invasion
or
insurrection
in
future
,
"
answered
Eliza
.
"
Ah
!
how
can
I
pledge
myself
to
such
a
condition
?
"
exclaimed
Richard
.
"
Should
circumstances
induce
or
compel
Prince
Alberto
to
strike
a
blow
—
—
"
"
I
fully
comprehend
you
,
"
interrupted
the
Grand
Duchess
.
"
In
that
case
,
I
impose
no
conditions
whatsoever
upon
you
.
Go
,
Mr.
Markham
—
adopt
the
plan
which
I
have
suggested
—
and
you
will
soon
be
beyond
the
reach
of
danger
.
And
excuse
me
,
"
she
added
,
after
a
moment
's
pause
,
"
if
I
act
as
your
banker
,
as
well
as
your
adviser
.
Use
this
purse
;
and
,
on
your
arrival
in
England
,
you
can
liquidate
the
debt
by
affording
succour
to
any
needy
Castelcicalan
whom
chance
may
throw
in
your
way
.
"
"
Before
I
receive
this
new
proof
of
your
goodness
—
before
I
take
my
leave
,
—
your
Serene
Highness
must
permit
me
,
on
my
bended
knee
,
"
—
and
our
hero
sank
to
that
posture
as
he
spoke
,
—
"
to
declare
that
,
while
I
shall
henceforth
consider
myself
indebted
to
your
Highness
in
an
obligation
which
I
can
never
repay
,
—
while
I
shall
ever
hold
myself
ready
to
serve
your
Highness
by
day
and
night
,
and
to
dare
every
earthly
danger
in
so
doing
—
in
order
to
evince
my
gratitude
for
all
that
your
Highness
has
this
day
done
for
me
,
—
still
I
would
rather
be
delivered
up
to
the
hands
of
justice
,
—
I
would
rather
die
on
the
scaffold
to-morrow
,
or
take
my
stand
in
front
of
a
platoon
,
—
than
renounce
—
Englishman
—
foreigner
though
I
be
—
the
cause
of
Castelcicalan
liberty
!
"
"
Rise
,
headstrong
—
foolish
young
man
,
"
exclaimed
the
Grand
Duchess
,
smiling
.
"
I
seek
to
impose
no
conditions
upon
you
.
Go
;
and
when
once
you
are
beyond
the
Castelcicalan
territory
,
use
your
own
free
will
—
let
no
shackle
of
any
kind
curb
the
ardour
of
your
soul
.
At
the
same
time
,
beware
!
On
another
occasion
,
I
may
seek
to
protect
you
in
vain
!
"
"
Never
—
never
again
,
your
Highness
,
will
I
wantonly
aid
in
provoking
civil
strife
in
Castelcicala
!
"
ejaculated
Richard
.
"
Two
motives
shall
alone
henceforth
be
powerful
enough
to
induce
me
to
unsheath
the
hostile
weapon
in
this
clime
.
"
"
And
which
are
they
?
"
asked
Eliza
,
still
half
smiling
as
she
spoke
.
"
In
obedience
to
the
command
of
Prince
Alberto
—
and
then
only
if
his
cause
be
just
;
or
in
order
to
relieve
Castelcicala
from
some
foreign
invader
.
"
"
And
may
God
grant
that
neither
of
those
alternatives
shall
ever
occur
!
"
said
the
Grand
Duchess
.
"
But
our
interview
has
already
lasted
a
long
time
;
and
delay
is
dangerous
to
you
.
"
Eliza
once
more
extended
her
hand
towards
our
hero
,
who
pressed
it
respectfully
,
but
with
fervour
,
to
his
lips
.
He
then
withdrew
.
In
the
adjoining
apartment
he
found
the
usher
waiting
for
him
.
They
retraced
their
steps
to
the
ante-room
,
where
Signor
Mario
Bazzano
was
seated
,
expecting
their
return
.
In
a
few
minutes
our
hero
and
the
young
aide-de-camp
were
on
their
way
back
to
the
hotel
.
During
the
walk
,
Bazzano
said
,
"
I
presume
you
have
assented
to
the
plan
which
her
Highness
has
devised
for
your
safe
retreat
into
the
Neapolitan
territory
?
"
Markham
replied
in
the
affirmative
.
"
In
that
case
I
will
procure
passports
for
yourself
and
attendant
,
to-morrow
morning
,
"
observed
the
young
officer
.
"
But
,
for
the
present
,
we
all
three
stand
in
need
of
rest
.
"
CHAPTER
CLXXVI
.
THE
CLUB-HOUSE
.
We
