United States or Montserrat ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !


Pipa was straightforward and simple in her notions of matrimony, but, like a wise woman, she had held her tongue. Nobili and Enrica are alone. A furtive glance passes between them. Neither of them moves. Neither of them speaks. The first movement comes from Enrica. She sinks backward upon a chair.

"Enrica, Enrica what can she do? a child! She cannot compromise me, or my name." "Enrica has compromised both," cried Trenta, roused at last from his paroxysm of grief. "Enrica has more than compromised it; she has compromised all the Guinigi that ever lived you, the palace, herself every one. Enrica has a lover!" The marchesa bounded from her chair; her face turned livid in the waning light.

I must gaze upon you hour by hour; I must hang upon that dear voice. I must feel that angel-presence ever beside me. When will you meet me? I implore you to answer. After our next meeting I am resolved to claim you, by force or by free-will, to be my wife. To wait longer, O my Enrica, is good neither for you nor for me. My love! my love! you must be mine mine mine! Come to me come quickly.

He had kissed her her lips had clung to his; her fingers had linked themselves in his grasp; her eyes ah! those eyes had told him that she loved him. Loved him! why not? And Enrica! the thought of Enrica pierced through him like the stab of a knife. Nobili sprang to his feet, pressed both hands to his bosom, then sank down again, utterly bewildered. Enrica! He had forgotten her!

It was so vague, yet so tangible if judged by its effect on others. Others held Enrica dishonored, that was clear. Was she dishonored? He was bound to her by every tie of honor. He loved her. She had a charm for him no other woman ever possessed, and she loved him. A women's eye, he told himself, had never deceived him. Yes, she loved him.

You can retire." Teresa, swelling with anger, remained in the court. The cavaliere offered his arm to Enrica. She turned and addressed a few words to the exasperated Teresa; then, led by Trenta, she passed into the street. Upon the threshold, Count Marescotti met them. "This is indeed an honor," he said, addressing Enrica his face beamed, and he bowed to the ground.

And Pipa's heart smote her sorely, remembering the notes. "Caro Gesù! When you are to be married we must find you something to wear. To be sure, the marchesa's luggage was chiefly burnt in the fire, but one box is left. After much talk with Enrica, who only answers her with a smile, and says absently, looking at the mountains which she does not see

"I shall not leave Corellia until we are affianced. Fra Pacifico knows it I told him so last night. Cavaliere Trenta is expected to-day from Lucca. Both will speak to your aunt. One may have done so already, for what I know, for Fra Pacifico had left his house before I rose. He must be here. Is this a time to weep, Enrica?" he asked her tenderly. How comely Nobili looked!

Did the marchesa so much as tell Enrica, when she offered her as wife to Count Marescotti?" At the sound of Marescotti's name Nobili's assumed composure utterly gave way. His whole frame stiffened with rage. "Yes Marescotti curse him! And I am the husband of the woman he refused!" "For shame, Count Nobili! you have yourself exonerated her."

Enrica Guinigi is sufficient in herself so bright a jewel requires no golden settings." At these words the cavaliere beams all over. He rubs his fat hands together, then gently claps them. "Bravo! bravo, count! I see you appreciate her. Per Dio! you make me feel young again! I never was so happy in my life! I should like to dance! I will dance by-and-by at the wedding.