United States or Réunion ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Nevertheless, there was something so meek so patient and so resigned in the expression of the old and persecuted Israelite's countenance, that Ibrahim Pasha's soul was touched with a sentiment of pity in his behalf. "But these are not all the prisoners," exclaimed the grand vizier, turning angrily toward the duke; "where is the Countess Giulia of Arestino?"
Silence, and calmness, and moonlight were without the walls of the Arestino villa; for the goddess of night shone sweetly but coldly on the city of Florence, and asserted her empire even over the clouds that ere now had seemed laden with storm.
Flora staggered back sick at the dreadful sight; and she would have fallen to the ground had not the Marquis of Orsini suddenly sprung forward to sustain her. "This is no place for you, young lady," he said. "Permit me to conduct you back to the companionship of the Countess of Arestino."
The old woman assured me that her son Antonio, who was a valet in the service of the Count of Arestino, would be able to procure me such a messenger as I desired, and in the course of the day that individual was fetched by his mother to speak to me on the subject.
And having made a low bow to Giulia, he quitted the room not by the private door, be it well understood, but by that which had ere now admitted the Count of Arestino. The moment the door had closed behind the Marquis of Orsini, the count approached his wife, and said in a cold, severe manner: "Your ladyship receives visitors at a late hour."
The Count of Arestino will imagine that his wife has perished in the ruins of the convent; and hence her temporary concealment in the city will be easily effected." "Well, my lord," said Stephano, "it is not for me to dictate nor to advise.
"You are acquainted with the young, beautiful, and wealthy Countess of Arestino, Isaachar?" said the bandit. The Jew stared at him in increased alarm, now mingled with amazement.
And he handed to the marquis the document which he had compelled the Countess of Arestino to sign. Manuel read it with astonishment. "Then she has the diamonds in her possession!" he exclaimed; "and you must have seen her since I was there!" "My lord," replied Stephano, as he received back the paper, "I was at the Arestino Palace ere now, at the same time, and in the same room, as yourself.
Suddenly the door opened, and Sister Alba, who presided over the chamber of penitence, appeared on the threshold. "Come forth, daughters!" she exclaimed; "and behold the punishment due to female frailty." The Countess of Arestino and Flora Francatelli mechanically obeyed this command; and a strange a heart-rending sight met their eyes.
You may rely upon the fulfillment of this promise, let the Count of Arestino do his worst. Thus assured, I quitted the worthy pleader, and proceeded to visit Father Marco, who, as I had happened to learn when in conversation with your highness' aunt, was the family confessor.
Word Of The Day