United States or Norfolk Island ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
The uniforms of the troops, and the kind of arms they bore, confirmed to him the conjecture of Cavigni, and he had the satisfaction to see them pass by, without even stopping to gaze upon his castle. He did not, however, leave the rampart, till the bases of the mountains had shut them from his view, and the last murmur of the trumpet floated away on the wind.
'Success to your first exploit, re-echoed the whole company. 'Noble Signor, replied Verezzi, glad to find he had escaped Montoni's resentment, 'with my good will, you shall build your ramparts of gold. 'Pass the goblet, cried Montoni. 'We will drink to Signora St. Aubert, said Cavigni. 'By your leave we will first drink to the lady of the castle. said Bertolini. Montoni was silent.
Of the several persons who had appeared in the hall, here was Cavigni alone: but Emily's alarm was soon after heightened by the steps of some one in the corridor, who, she apprehended, brought a message from the Count. In the next moment, Annette appeared. 'Ah! ma'amselle, said she, 'here is the Signor Cavigni arrived!
'Your reasons are indeed such as cannot be doubted, replied the lady, with an ironical smile. 'Any more than the discernment of the Chevalier Valancourt, added Cavigni, who stood by the chair of Madame Cheron, and had heard her arrogate to herself, as he thought, a distinction which had been paid to her niece.
His guests, who all, except Cavigni, were ignorant, that Montoni had himself assisted him to escape from Venice, replied, that he had fled in the night with such precipitation and secrecy, that his most intimate companions knew not whither.
'It is very odd! said Bertolini. 'Here is really no stranger in the room. If it is a trick, Signor, you will do well to punish the author of it severely. 'A trick! what else can it be? said Cavigni, affecting a laugh. The servants were now summoned, and the chamber was searched, but no person was found. The surprise and consternation of the company increased. Montoni was discomposed.
'This is no illusion of the fancy, said Cavigni, at length breaking the profound silence. 'No, said Bertolini; 'I heard it myself, now. Yet here is no person in the room but ourselves! 'This is very extraordinary, said Montoni, suddenly rising. 'This is not to be borne; here is some deception, some trick. I will know what it means. All the company rose from their chairs in confusion.
Montoni then came to hand Madame Cheron to her carriage, and Cavigni, with an arch solemnity of countenance, followed with Emily, who, as she wished them good night, and drew up the glass, saw Valancourt among the crowd at the gates. Before the carriage drove off, he disappeared. Madame Cheron forbore to mention him to Emily, and, as soon as they reached the chateau, they separated for the night.
'They cannot doubt it, replied Cavigni, bowing low. 'And would not that be very mortifying, Signor? 'Unquestionably it would, said Cavigni. 'I cannot endure the thought, said Madame Cheron. 'It is not to be endured, replied Cavigni. 'What can be done to prevent so humiliating a mistake? rejoined Madame Cheron. 'Alas! I cannot assist you, replied Cavigni, with a deliberating air.
Of this kind was the habit of gaming, which he had adopted, first, for the purpose of relieving him from the languor of inaction, but had since pursued with the ardour of passion. In this occupation he had passed the night with Cavigni and a party of young men, who had more money than rank, and more vice than either.
Word Of The Day