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Updated: June 29, 2025
Fra Pacifico took both Enrica's hands in his, drew an arm-chair forward, and placed her in it. "Enrica, I have sent for you to ask you a question," the marchesa spoke. At the sound of her aunt's voice, Enrica shuddered visibly. Was it not, after all, the marchesa's fault that Nobili had left her? Why had the marchesa thrown her into Count Marescotti's company?
"I think I do I think I know him better than you do," the marchesa answered, somewhat absently. She was struck by Enrica's exceeding beauty, which seemed within the last few days to have suddenly developed and matured. "The young man appreciates you, too, I do not doubt. I am told he is a lover of beauty." This was added with a sneer. Enrica grew crimson.
"What a humiliation! my own niece!" It will be observed that all this time the marchesa had never considered what Enrica's feeling might be. She was to obey her that was all. But in this the marchesa was not to blame. She undoubtedly carried her idea of Enrica's subserviency too far; but custom was on her side.
What were Enrica's relations with Marescotti? Some one had said she had accepted him. Nobili was sure he had heard this. He, Marescotti, must have approached her nearly by her own confession. He had celebrated her in sonnets, amorous sonnets damnable thought! gone with her to the Guinigi Tower then rejected her! A mist seemed to gather about Nobili as he thought of this.
He must write to her write this very night to her. And then came the question what should he say to her? Then Nobili felt, and felt keenly, how much he had compromised himself. Hitherto his love for Enrica, and Enrica's love for him, had been so full, so entire, that every thought was hers. Now there was a name he must hide from her, an hour of his life she must never know.
Several unforeseen circumstances had prevented this Enrica's fainting-fit; the discussion that ensued upon it between Nobili and the old chamberlain all this had created delay, and afforded him an appropriate opportunity of requesting a private interview.
Fra Pacifico placed Enrica's hand in that of Nobili. Poor little hand how it trembled! Ah! would Nobili not recall how fondly he had clasped it? What kisses he had showered upon each rosy little finger! So lately, too! No Nobili is impassive; not a feature of his face changes. But the contact of Nobili's beloved hand utterly overcame Enrica. The limit of her endurance was reached.
What life and joy sparkled in his bright eyes! "I am very foolish I hope you will forgive me," was Enrica's answer, spoken a little sadly. Her confidence in herself was shaken, since Count Marescotti's name had jarred between them. "Let us walk a little in the shade." "Yes. Lean on me, dearest; the morning is delicious. But remember, Enrica, I will have smiles nothing but smiles."
As she did so, Pipa pressed her warm lips upon the colorless little hand. She would have covered the hand again to keep it warm, but Fra Pacifico stopped her. "We must see that letter; it is absolutely needful I her confessor, and you, cavaliere, Enrica's best friend; indeed, her only friend."
Enrica raised her eyes to his. Such a depth of tenderness and purity beamed from them, that Nobili asked himself with shame, how he could have forgotten her. With this blue-eyed angel by his side it seemed impossible, and yet Pressing Enrica's hand more tightly, he placed it fondly on his own. "So small, so true," he murmured, gazing at it as it lay on his broad palm.
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