t/j'€ ::>ii;t lo ^n " '/i i>ii>I iUi v< V.' PREFACE. C>S Count Rosen suggested the story of Konigs- p mark to me, as one of great interest, and ^^hich might, by blending historical facts no with some imaginary scenes, make an inter- esting novel. He recommended to me the Life as given in the English "Causes Celebres," x^and I inmiediately took that book as my >^pilot. I am here proud to acknowledge the '^ information I received from that work, and N ^^own how very far inferior my pages appear in ^comparison with the racy writing of the author ^f that excellent compilation. ^ The account of the Lapland witches has been gleaned from several authors of great IV PREFACE. repute, and the description of their ceremonies put together with great care. The strange story of the ring does not belong to the Konigsmark family, but to the Barnekows. The ring was acquired in the manner here described ; and when, in the riots occasioned by Ankerstrom's murder of his sovereign, the OAvner of this ring was killed by the populace — the ring which he had never been able to take from his hand, could not be found after his death. I am quite aware that, in this age, the story of a ghost may be charged with puerility. But there is not a Swede who is not conver- sant with the anecdote of Barnekow's ring; and I leave the sceptical to laugh at the credulous, merely adding, with Dr. Johnson, that concerning ghosts, appearances are much in their favour. The Author. Jtdyy 1845. . COUNT KONIGSMARK, CHAPTER I. And be these juggling fiends no more believed^ That palter ^^^th us in a double sense ; That keep the word of promise to our ear, And break it to our hope." Macbeth, Act v. Scene 7. " It is of little use our discussing the ques- tion. I tell you, from the age of ten I have read book upon book ; I have studied the sub- ject ; I have consulted the opinions of learned and of pious men, and I believe in witchcraft. You sneer — ^but you do not convince me of my error. And, although ridicule is the test of truth, still my arguments remain unshaken." VOL. I. B 2 COUNT KONIGSMARK. " How is it possible, my master, without at once acknowledging these Lapland witches to be of a superior class of mortals — to be gifted with supernatural power — and to be enabled to call to their aid powers either of darkness or of light — how is it possible to credit such absurdities T^ " Absurdities, Yratz ! Look at the prose- cutions carried on daily in England against these witches. Have they not witchfinders ? Do not their judges, men famed for their incorruptibility, preside at trials, and con- demn them from their own mouths? Would these beings, knowing the dreadful death which awaited them, persevere in declaring them- selves gifted with this supernatural power, and thus court the flame and the stake, if, by declaring themselves innocent, and submit- ting to the trial, they could evade the worst, the most horrible death human nature in its most savage humour ever imagined ?'^ " What trial? — what proof could convict a witch? Your very arguments are strongest against yourself; and common reason would suggest a flight of a few thousand miles upon COUNT KONIGSMARK. 3 your fabulous broomstick, to evade justice. If these old ladies had the power to transport themselves so easily beyond the reach of the law, very few would be found willing to become martyrs at the stake, for so very unenviable a fame as that of djing a witch." " Look you, Vratz; have they not in open court weighed the witch against the church Bible,* and, finding the book weigh heavier than the accused, convicted and executed her ? And has it not been proved by the clearest evidence, which no ridicule can overthrow, that out of the many burnt for this crime, not one could repeat the Lord's Prayer without some omission ? Nay, even when it was read to them, and although they never hesitated at the same place, still the whole Prayer could never, without some error, be repeated. Would the marks on their breasts, from which the imps gained their cursed nourishment, be con- sidered evidence, excepting that, in the unna- tural state of these unnatural beings, the place was always raw, and when subjected to pressure, emitted always drops of blood?" * Provincial Glossary. b2 4 COUNT KONIGSMAHK. .^ ^ And I should like to know, if you had a raw anywhere, and I squeezed it, if blood would not follow ! and as for the light weight of the witch, or her bad memory or terror at her trial, which made her hesitate at the Lord's Prayer, I see nothing astounding. I doubt very much, if I were going to be grilled for the amusement of the public, if I could say the Lord's Prayer without very con- siderable hesitation." " Kidicule it as you like, can you gainsay it? Was it not proved that a witch could only shed three tears from her left eye, and none from her right eye? and was not this considered by the witch-finders and the judges a substantial proof? and have not thousands been present at the swimming of a witch, and been satisfied?'' "Ah, that," said Yratz, "is above me. I never heard of swimming a witch, excepting in a sieve, and then, as the English poet says, they jogged along ' like rats without a tail.' " " I assure you," said Konigsmark, " that it was a popular ordeal, witnessed by hundreds. COUNT KONIGSMAEK. 5 The accused was stripped naked, and crossbound, her right thumb being tied to her left toe, and vice versa. Thus bound, she was thrown into a pond or river ; if guilty, she could not sink ; for, having by her compact with the devil renounced the benefit of the water of baptism, that element in its turn renounced her, and refused to receive her into its bosom." " Upon my life, master, I see nothing in this but the proof of a very old adage, that those who are born to be burnt will never be drowned." " Nay, nay, Yratz, why joke upon that which I can shew you was admitted as evi- dence against a person s life, and would sacri- fice it? Look, again, at the ordeal of the stool. The witch was placed in the middle of a room upon a stool or table, cross-legged, or in some uneasy posture ; thus she was watched and kept without meat or sleep for twenty- four hours, for in that time it was known the imp must come for sustenance. A hole was made in the door for the imp to come in at ; and lest it should come in some less discern- ible shape, they that watched were taught ever 6 COUNT KONIGSMARK. and anon to sweep the room, and if they saw any spiders or flies, to kill them." " They might have left the spiders to kill the flies," said Yratz, interrupting Konigs- mark, " and killed the spiders afterwards ; it would have saved some trouble." " If they could not kill them," continued Konigsmark, " then they were known to be imps. Nay, so accurately has this subject been investigated, that it is ascertained be- yond a doubt that witches rarely confessed but on a Friday ; and that every hair was obliged to be shaved from their bodies, or imps con- cealed themselves, and rendered the dam ob- durate and silent. Nay, when the first writers against witchcraft were stigmatized as atheists, though they only attempted to prove the im- becility of persons accused, and the infatuation or the knavery of the accusers, did not Bodi- nus, a French lawyer, in his Demonomania, urge the confession of witches themselves as overthrowing all arguments ; and did not Wierus, Larchemar, Godelman, and Ewichius, join all their talents to make witchcraft intel- ligible?" COUNT KONIGSMARK. 7 " Eimcliius^' said Yratz, " had a capital name for such undertakings. But tell me, of what use is all this learning ? Supposing there are witches, what then?" *^ They are able," said Konigsmark, " to shew us our future life ; they trace, as upon paper, the very chart and map of our doings ; our destiny is from them to be obtained, and to-morrow you will accompany me to their abode. I have read, until I am convinced even against my own judgment. To-morrow I will learn from these witches either the good or the ill which threatens me ; and then, with the assurance of my fate, will my ambition or my enthusiasm increase. If I am doomed to misfortune, I shall school my mind to bear that which is inevitable, and look forward to my fate undismayed, as it is unavoidable." " And pray, my master, where may your very wicked and iniquitous friends reside ? Here have you made me accompany you to Lapland ; you are only eighteen years of age ; you have gone mad upon the subject, and I am bound to you like a keeper ; and now, on the banks of the Tornea, and having had quite 8 COUNT KONIGSMARK. enough of this dreary waste and villanous cold, I beg with all submission to ask of you, the mad guide I have so foolishly followed, where we are to make acquaintance with your ugly friends?" '' We are close to the island, and already the deep shades of evening have obscured the treacherous path. There is hard by here a hut, built by the witches for those who come to consult them. Can you doubt such people? Does not the word Lappi, in the Finnish language, mean sorcerer?* although it is un- certain if the name of the art comes from the name of the people ; but it is incontestable that no nation has been more famous than the Laplanders for the exercise of that art, in which I for one most religiously believe." ^' Perhaps if you said most irreligiously, the term would be more appropriate. Yonder, upon my soul, stands a hut, and as I am very fatigued, not only with the subject, but with carrying our sustenance, which 1 trust none of the blood-sucking imps will make free with, I propose we stay all further arguments until ♦ Recherches de Mons. Porthan. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 9 we have stayed our appetites ; and the sooner we get under shelter from this snow storm the better.'' " I feel neither cold nor heat," replied Konigsmark. " I am destined to make some figure in this world beyond the general run of mankind, and until I have fathomed my destiny, I care not to eat or to drink. See, the hut is close; there is the pile of wood, and within we shall find all the necessaries for lighting a fire and cooking our meal. On that island the witches reside, and we are now in their power; for, according to all ac- counts, whatever is raised by their hands, or stands within the circle which they occupy, becomes subject to their power." " I care very little for their circle or their power," said Vratz; ''but I hate snow, and dislike fasting; nothing ever alarmed me in my life but hunger ; I would face a regiment of witches mounted on broomsticks. I re- member reading in some childish book that these hags gave themselves up to the devil, body and soul, the devil engaging, on his part, as one of the high contracting powers, that he 10 COUNT KONIGSMARK. would avenge tliem on all their enemies — give tliem an imp or familiar spirit to be ready at all calls, and to do whatever was directed ; and by such assistance the hag becomes enabled to mount her broomstick and attend the general meetings of the sisterhood, at which, of course, as grantor of the powers conferred, the devil always presides. So, my dear master — not that I care one straw about the devil or the witches myself — I think it right to bring to your memory that you have, without force or compulsion, crossed the boundary, and volun- tarily placed yourself, according to your own idea, under the power, guidance, and protec- tion of the devil." As Yratz finished this specimen of lore on the subject of witches, he entered the tent without any alarm, took off his knapsack, in which the provisions and raiment were care- fully packed, and sitting down on the dried lichen which covered the ground, and which appeared to have been mowed, so evenly had it grown, and so soft did it feel to the tread, he began to strike a light and prepare COUNT KONIGSMARK. 11 a fire. During all this time a certain degree of fear had overcome Konigsmark, for he believed in the power of the witches, and became alarmed in proportion as he placed himself more under their protection, or in their power ; and although he ventured into one of their huts, he seemed very anxious to avoid during the night, any intercoui'se with his future ac- quaintances. " Give me the old horseshoe, Yratz," said Konigsmark; " you will find it in the doublet." " Oh, certainly," rejoined his bold com- panion ; " and I hope it will keep your friends out until after supper. What an insignificant idea you must have of the power of witches, if you suppose a horseshoe can keep them out." Having carefully hung up this guard against all ingress on the part of the witches, Konigs- mark entered the tent, and divesting himself of his snow-covered cloak, he threw himself carelessly on the lichen, on which travellers have reposed as on a bed,* and in silence watched the progress of the cookery, and * Acerbi's Travels 12 COUNT KONIGSMARK. listened to the remarks of his friend, whose character is best gleaned from his observa- tions. " Pleasant work for a man who is obliged to follow his master. Here am I, a retainer in the service of Count Konigsmark, obliged to cook his dinner in a hut built by witches, or perhaps by the black gentleman himself! Now these witches have the power to transform themselves into cats, and inflict diseases, and they sometimes come in as fleas, flies, or spiders ; if I find any one of these insects here, in this cold weather, I shall be apt to change my opinion, for nobody ever yet saw a fly in a Lapland winter. Then comes the Count, only eighteen years of age, and bothers me with the wisdom of our ancestors. ' The belief,' he says, * that certain persons were endowed with supernatural power, and that they were as- sisted by invisible spirits, is very ancient. The augurs of the Romans were sorcerers, and those are only the lieutenant-generals of witches, or superior officers from long stand- ing ; for it is evident a witch could only have existed since the introduction of Christianity, COUNT KONIGSMARK. 13 as the heathens had no knowledge of a Chris- tian devil ; so putting this and that together, I have not the slightest doubt but that I am much nearer the devil than ever I wished to be, and very likely to have a witch dip- ping a long spoon into our soup. I know, if the old adage is true, that ' a man ought to have a long spoon to take soup with the devil,' and if his majesty is here, I shall be apt to burn my mouth. Now, Count." Konigsmark took a small bowl of the soup, and cautiously sprinkled, three times, some salt therein ; he made no remark, but ate in silence, whilst his companion devoured the bread and the broth, and seemed, now that his hunger was appeased, to be quite free from any alarm of an invasion ; he handed the brandy-bottle and horn first to his master, who made a sign of the cross on the bottom of the horn before he poured any of the spirit therein, and having drained the last di'op, handed it back to Vratz, who, having observed this superstitious proceeding, smiled as he filled the horn, and remarked that he should very much like to see the witch who would drink his brandy ; but as he raised the 14 COUNT KOXIGSMAEK. horn to his mouth, the tent was drawn aside and a man appeared. " You are no witch," said Vratz, "or the horseshoe would have fallen upon you ;" and without betraying the smallest fear, he drained the last drop. Konigsmark started to his feet, and grasped his sword, whilst Vratz, having finished his brandy, stood up and eyed the stranger; then turning to his master, remarked, with much coolness, that he had never seen such a little, ugly monster in his life, or one less to be dreaded. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 15 CHAPTER 11. " Whate'er thou art, for thy good caution, thanks ; Thou hast harp'd my fears aright." Macbeth, Act iv. Scene 1. The stranger who for one second only had checked the draught of Yratz was of diminu- tive size, scarcely exceeding four feet in height. His features were disgustingly ugly; his head seemed far too big for his body ; the eyes were dark, deep-seated, and narrow ; the cheek- bones high; the mouth wide and unsightly; the lips thick as a negro's, and the complexion swarthy and unwholesome ; his hair was cut short, and his dress was of the commonest 16 COUNT KONIGSMARK. kind. On seeing the tent inhabited, the stranger looked astonished ; but without making any remark, he sat down by the fire^ and taking the spoon which Yratz had relin- quished, began very unceremoniously to help himself. " 'Tis the custom of the country,'' said Ko- nigsmark, as his flushed cheek gradually lost its colour. " The whole population are small, and hospitality is taken, not solicited. He is a harmless man, but frightfully ugly, and his presence most unwelcome." Konigsmark spoke in Swedish, to which country both he and Yratz belonged, and which it was evident was not understood by the stranger. " Speak to him, Vratz, in his own language, and be civil." " Well, little man," said Vratz, in the Fin- nish tongue, " where do you come from? You don't carry your provisions with you ; and you seem like a double-nosed dog, able to scent out the only food within many a mile." The stranger, in a voice resembling a deep growl, answered, " That in his country, whatever one possessed, was shared by the stranger. I come," said he, " from the Sacred COUNT KONIGSMARK. 17 Island, which stands on the Torneatrask, the large lake on the borders of which you found this hut." " It is the place whither I am going," said Konigsmark, deeply interested. " I thought the inhabitants never left the island, but, in the deep seclusion of solitude, devoted their lives to the study of magic." " You are right," replied the stranger. " A wish to know my destiny took me to the island. I am returned ; and oh ! how miser- able a fate is it to know that inevitable misfortune comes nearer to us with each second !" " It does not seem to take away your appe- tite, little man," said Vratz. " And this comes of your wishing to know when you are to be hung, of which inevitable fate you might as well have remained in ignorance, until the executioner put the rope round your neck. The subject's a ticklish one. How preciously pale you have become." " Avoid the knowledge of your destiny," said the stranger ; '' for if it be fortunate, every moment seems an age until the period VOL. I. c 18 COUNT KONIGSMARK. arrives, and life is wasted in anticipations. If, like mine, your future years are to be passed in wretchedness, until a fearful death in a strange land is to end your woes, no pleasure can soothe, no intoxication lull to sleep the vision of the days to come." " All weak minds," said Vratz, " are super- stitious, and invariably run into extremes ; and I presume, little man, you are just as weak in mind as you are stunted in growth. I never pay compliments, and therefore do not be much annoyed at my words ; but I can tell you how to avoid your destiny, and prove all these witches, sorcerers, or the devil him- self, wrong and ignorant." "How?" asked the stranger, with much energy. *' Hang yourself before your time. I'll trouble you for that horn. You are a fool to believe that these people can dive into pre- destination — that they can unrol the book of life and death, and tell the fate of the eight hundred millions of people who walk upon the earth; but if you can stop my master from making as great a fool of himself as you have COUNT KONIGSMARK. 19 made of yours, I shall consider myself your debtor, and be happy to contribute to chase away your fears by the assistance of another bottle of brandy, "which I cautiously put up for fear one should leak out." " Have you no belief in these people? Can all the world be in error ? and have the stories of the magi of old been merely in the imagina- tions of men ?'* " I suspect, little man, you are no Lap- lander ; your accent and your wisdom betray you. Of what country are you? for, although like the Finns, you are yet a foreigner." " I am a Polander; my history would little interest you. I have lived long amongst these people, and in a rash moment, wishing to know if ever I should revisit my country again, I have learnt more than I wished; urged on by insatiable curiosity, I provoked the knowledge which I now regret." ** And your name?" asked Yratz. " Borosky," replied the stranger. " One fit for any deed, since the more cruel the act, the more certain am I to meet my fate, which now the sooner it comes the better. The c2 20 COUNT KONIGSMARK. night is far advanced; let me seek some re- pose, and I hope my dreams may not babble my secret." The stranger threw himself upon the soft bed formed by the lichen. Konigsmark had already fallen asleep; and Yratz having be- stowed the compliment of " a pair of fools'^ upon his companions, closed the tent carefully, and wrapping himself up in his cloak, soon fell into a profound sleep. In the morning the stranger had departed, and had quite deceived the expectations of Vratz, who, being sure his little friend was destined to be hung, was surprised he had not made his first step towards the gallows by committing a theft. Konigsmark was also absent. Vratz, in his usual careless manner, little heeded this ; but blowing the embers of the almost-extinguished fire, began to think of breakfast, and prepared his stomach for its reception by fortifying it with a horn of brandy, which having drunk, he looked out of the tent for his master, and not seeing him, he sat quietly down, and settled in his own mind that Borosky was nothing more nor less COUNT KONIGSMAEK. 21 than the devil in disguise, and that Count Charles John Konigsmark had gone out to make the best bargain he could for his soul. Having come to this conclusion, and that he himself would ride home again upon a broom- stick without any locomotive trouble, he ate some dried salmon, and fell asleep again. It was at the first dawn of day that Konigs- mark rose from his rude bed. Borosky was awake; his fears kept him sleepless. Both arose together ; and Konigsmark, beckoning Borosky to follow him, left the tent. He began by making himself intelligible by dumb show ; but the Polander told him he understood his language, and that caution had kept him from appearing to comprehend Vratz's strange remark at his entrance. " Where is the place?" said Konigsmark. '' Yonder," said Borosky, " is the Eiver Tornea; it Hows from the large lake Tornea- trask, and forms that grand cataract called the Darra. Look yonder and remark the iris, which the rays of the rising sun lifts into heaven, as tlie spray is driven by the wind. Between the cataract and the river 22 COUNT KONIGSMARK. you see a small island ; reach but that island, and you have no more to learn from me. But beware ! it is beset with dangers and difficul- ties ; the strong currents rush over the hidden rocks, and in the whirlpools formed by the many eddies lies the great difficulty of your voyage. Keep on to yonder stunted fir, which has struck its roots into the rocks, and seems to defy the ravages of the storm or the power of the lightning. I fastened the boat to its trunk last evening, and no one dares to use that boat but those who seek their destiny. And remember that all your strength will be required at the last moment, for the waters seem to rise up against the unnatural desire of diving into futurity, and rush round the shores with a fearful force and noise, as if to scare you from your determination. No bird was ever seen to dip its wings in the lake, nor has any one hitherto been bold enough to tempt the fish from their deep re- treat. I have shewn you the island; I have prepared you for the only dangers ; but once more let me warn you, as a friend, from seek- ing to pierce into futurity. Best contented COUNT KONIGSMARK. 23 with the knowledge each day affords, and let hope, the greatest blessing of God to man, still cheer you to the last ; nor cast aside its cheerful influence by a knowledge which renders it powerless, leaves nothing to the imagination, chills every blossom of apparent expectation, crushes the risings of ambition, and destroys even the blessings of friendship and the endearments of love. Let me entreat you to return, nor seek to know your fate. You are too young, of high birth, evidently, from your dress, enjoying the blessings of this life. Seek not to ruin your hopes or blight your prospects." " I answer with the great poet of the world," said Konigsmark — " ' Whate'er thou art, for thy good caution, thanks.* We shall meet again. I have preserved your name. Farewell; my resolution is fixed; un- alterable. Before the sun has set, I will know my destiny. Once more, my thanks. Fare- well!" 24 COUNT K0NIGSJL4.EK. CHAPTER III. " How now, you secret, black, and midnight hags, What is't you do ?" Macbeth, Act iv. The country surrounding the Torneatrask is as wild as the inhabitants, but far more grand and imposing. Throughout this part of Lapland the men are extremely diminutive and ugly ; and the description of Borosky, as given in the preceding chapter, although that of a Pole, may be taken as a speci- men of the population. High jutting moun- tains rear their heads around this lake; the approach to its shores is rugged and unde- fined; the whole district has a wild and COUNT KONIGSilARK. 25^ savage appearance. Here no arts flourish; no husbandman tills the ungrateful soil ; no abodes of wealth are seen ; but the whole aspect of the country is barren, dreary, and desolate, as it may be supposed to have been left when the mighty waters receded from it after the great deluge. In vain had the advice of Borosky been offered. Konigsmark's mind was predeter- mined; superstition had early taken root in him ; and so blindly did he follow its impulse, so resolutely did he shut out the light of reason, that the remark of Skjoldebrand seemed written alone for him, — ^' Le principe de toute superstition est, que pour bien voir, il faut fermer les yeux, et que pour bien penser, il faut enchainer la raison." Konigsmark had read of witches until he believed in their power, but he never called to his aid the arguments of reason to overthrow the insig- nificant evidence on which his belief was grounded. He watched Borosky until a sudden turn in the narrow path shut him from the sight ; then drawing his sword, he examined the- 2Q COUNT KONIGSMARK. blade ; his pistols underwent the same in- spection ; and lastly, a knife used by hunts- men, which in those days was carried near the knee, and secured much in the same man- ner as the Mexicans to this hour preserve the weapon, to cut a lasso which may be thrown over them. Winding up his courage — for superstition is always timid — the young Swede walked resolutely towards the fir-tree. The snow had fallen much during the night, and his were the first human feet which left their impress on the spotless way. Far on the right was the tent ; before him appeared a barrier of rocks; to the left was the wide lake, and the Darra ; whilst behind him a chain of rugged mountains seemed to enclose the magical district. On arriving at the fir- tree, he found the boat, and jumping suddenly in, as if to avoid the slightest parley with his fears, he cast her ofi", and pushed into the stream. The island appeared in the distance, low and flat, with the exception of one moun- tain, exactly in the centre. It was covered with pine trees, which in spite of the snow shewed their hardy and unchanged trunks. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 27 For a time, Konigsmark made great pro- gress; but he soon became aware that he was being swept by the current round the island. To obviate this, he changed his direction, and kept his eye upon the fir-tree, to see whether by allowing the current to take him on the bow, he maintained his position whilst the rush of water drifted him across the lake. He remem- bered the counsel of Borosky, and was sparing of his energy, until the bubbling tide seemed to hold him at the same distance from the island ; he then used his utmost strength, and forcing the boat through the stream, she touched the shore. It is only a superstitious mind which can comprehend the feeling with which he landed on the island, dedicated solely to the study of magic. On this spot no human being re- sided but those who had mastered the dark art ; and if these people were associates of an evil spirit, and through him endowed with supernatural power, or if they were souls sold and damned for the knowledge they had obtained ; or if, in seeking out his destiny, he was doomed to behold unearthly objects and 28 COUNT KONIGSMARK. "beings of another world, he cared not to inquire. The bandage of superstition ob- scured his vision, whilst the courage of the fanatic urged him forward. He secured the boat to a small rock, which formed one of the many shelters to the little cove in which he had landed ; and giving one look towards the tent, he placed his hand on his sword, and resolutely advanced in his search. Xot a sound disturbed the air, and the slight breeze which had ruffled the lake, and which rendered his progress to the island more difficult, seemed to have died into an unnatural calm as soon as he had landed. Xo bird screamed as it dived for its prey ; there was an awful, solemn stillness, which struck a chill upon his heart. On leaving the shore, he followed a narrow path which seemed cut with as many turnings as the Cretan labyrinth ; the dark green of the fir looked sombre and dismal, when con- trasted with the snow on the ground ; and often and often Konigsmark turned to observe the marked path he had trodden, and which would serve to guide him on his return. Suddenly he came upon a statue — it was COUNT KONIGSMARK. 29 evidently an idol — it stood about the lieiglit of a man, horrible in form, rudely carved, and of a disgusting character. From this idol ran in a circular direction a deep trench, as if to mark that all within was holy ground; to the right and on the same line, stood another statue, and beyond that, again, another and another. They were the five statues reared to the god Seita, his wife, his sons, and his daughter. Konigsmark stopped to examine this strange figure ; it was meant to imitate the human form in horrible distortion; and yet, with all the writhings of agony well imagined, the sculptor had made even pain ridiculous by placing a kind of hat upon the god. " Strange worship," said Konigsmark, as he surveyed the idol ; " and yet a hundred-fold more worthy of adoration than the little god Thor, which is preserved at Upsala, and which, independently of its ridicu- lous appearance, is so diminutive and so insigni- ficant, that one wonders the giant mind of man could ever bow before this miserable re- presentation of nothing earthly, cut from a small piece of wood. Those who worship these statues," he continued, " are in all the 30 COUNT KONIGSMARK. horrible darkness of paganism, and yet I, a Christian in creed, come here to ask my destiny — believing that by some agency unknown to us of more extended information, these heathens have acquired a supernatural power ! Pshaw ! Yratz was right ; I am enthusiastic, super- stitious, and I will avail myself of this dawn of reason to retrace my steps and abandon my project." As these thoughts were passing in Konigs- mark's mind, and he was on the point of depar- ture, a low, plaintive voice, which with a soft and graceful melody seemed to blend an earnest and impressive prayer, came upon his ear with all the sweet intonation of music before the air has been disturbed by other sounds. It was like the notes from a well-filled flute at the first dawn of day, mellowed by the water on which it is played ; the tone was clear, dis- tinct, melodious, and beautiful. It arrested his thoughts, and his eyes were turned in the direction of the sound, which came from an invisible being. So sweetly beautiful was that voice, in all the silvery intonation of youtli, that, with the curiosity which prompted his COUNT KONIGSMARK. 31 every action, Konigsmark leaped across the trench, in order to fathom the mystery. A scream seemed uttered as his noiseless footstep fell upon the snow. A loud sound, as if from a drum, succeeded, and before him stood a tall,, powerful man. With all the eager impetuosity of youth, Konigsmark drew his sword; but the placid countenance of the stranger reassured him, and^ as if ashamed of his fears, he forced the weapon back in its scabbard and followed the figure, which beckoned him forward, and which had already assumed over him the power which those who come prepared to believe in magic ever feel in the presence of the magician. Konigsmark followed : his heart beat quicker, but the heart of a Konigsmark never fluttered with fear, nor was a blanched cheek, or pale, bloodless lip the character of the family from which he was descended. *' I have begun," he said to him- self, " and if it lead me to the chasm of hell, and jump down it, I will follow, to hear again that voice — that sweet, melodious, strain — I would brave a greater danger than attending 32 COUNT KONIGSMARK. the council at which yon being's master pre- sides." Passing through a high cluster of trees, Konigsmark found himself suddenly upon a smooth bed of lichen, a thick, soft moss which covers the ground, of a pale yellow colour. On this spot there was not a vestige of snow; the trees formed the background to a raised circular mound; and the regularity of the lichen, and the uniform manner in which it grew, gave it the appearance of a huge carpet. In the. centre stood a kind of altar, and near this were raised several seats covered with dry fern. Being directed by his guide to the lowest of these, Konigsmark obeyed the inti- mation, and seated himself. " You come to know your destiny ?" said the stranger. " You have not been forced to this step ; you come voluntarily ; and it is by your own free will alone that you are prompted?" " Even so," replied Konigsmark; ^' but before I call upon you to draw aside the veil of futurity, and unfold the ills or blessings which aix to make my life dreary or happy, I COUNT KONIGSMARK. 3eS would ask whence you derive the power to do so ? what statue is this ? and where I may find the bright being whose melodious voice still strikes upon my ear?" "When the charm is prepared, a vision will pass before me ; that will be your life. We de- rive our authority and power — for we are many — from Odin ; and you will find in the Edda, that his revelations, during the state of his ma- gical exhaustion, were the same as ours. This altar is the place where the charm is begun. And if, after what I unfold, you are still curious to pursue your destiny, the voice which has thrilled your soul may yet be heard again." " Proceed," said Konigsmark, *' my soul's on fire. I care not what I hear, so that I see the person from whom that voice came. What am I to do? " Listen, and be silent. Observe — yet fear not. Come." At this command, six other persons, all dressed exactly like the one who had been Ko- nigsmark's guide, came into the circle, and he then remarked that every place was occupied, VOL. I. D 34 COUNT KONIGSMARK. The faces of all were covered so closely that not a feature was discernible, and each took his seat, holding both hands firmly clasped together, and raised above his head. In this position they remained, whilst their leader walked round the altar seven times, at the conclusion of which he drew from the base a kind of drum; upon producing it, the six raised one sudden ejaculation — a sharp single sound; and then, releasing their hands, held down their heads, as if afraid to gaze upon this sacred instrument. With a curiosity strongly excited, and a mind prepared for the marvellous, yet still without the slightest fear, excepting always that curious, undefinable creeping which comes over us on witnessing any ceremony said to be religious, Konigsmark examined the drum. It appeared to be made of pine,* or fir split in the middle, and hollowed on the flat side, where the drum was made. The hollow was of an oval figure, and was covered with a skin ♦ See "Witchcraft : " Encyclopaedia Britannica ;" and the *' Vojage Pittoresque au Cap Nord," par Skjoldebrand. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 35 clean dressed and painted with figures of various kinds, such as stars, suns and moons, animals, plants, countries, lakes, and rivers. The acts and sufferings of the Saviour and his apostles were depicted. All the figures were separated by lines into three regions, or clus- ters. Besides these multitudinous drawings, Konigsmark observed a kind of index, over which was a large hammer. The index ap- peared to be a bundle of brass and iron rings, to the largest of which the others were ap- pended. The hammer was made of the horn of a reindeer, and both drum and hammer, the former of which more resembled a tambourine, were placed with great care at the foot of the altar. ^ No sooner was this done, than one of the seven men arose, and made all manner of extravagant contortions; he twisted his body into incredible and disgusting attitudes; he .leaped in the air, shouted, and kicked, until Konigsmark smiled, and almost repented of not having forced Vratz to accompany him. In- stantly another and another arose, until the last man, he who presided at the drum, placed d2 36 COUNT KONIGSMARK. the hammer in Konigsm ark's hand, and bid him strike it hard seven times, waiting about seven seconds between each stroke, and making the seventh the hardest of all. At the first stroke, the whole seven magi- cians broke into a wild, but not unmusical song. It appeared an invocation to their gods, ac- cording to the several degrees of power they were believed to possess. Konigsmark heard the deity Beivi, or the sun, (a god, according to Grotius, very unjust to them, as, for many months, he is almost unseen or unfelt by the Laplanders,) invoked. At the second sound, the Saivo Olmak, or gods of the moun- tain, supposed to be oracular, were suppli- cated. At the third, Radien, who dwells in the starry heavens, was called; and to each beat, a new divinity was named; until, at the seventh, Horangalis, or the Thunderer, was shouted, and the seven magicians fell on their faces; the hammer fell from Konigsmark's hand, and, as a death-like silence succeeded the loud scream to the god, he felt a creeping fear come over him, his breathing became short, and with a noiseless step — for that magnifi- COUNT KONIGSMARK. 37 cent carpet of liclien, thick, soft, and regular, rendered a footstep inaudible — lie shrank from the altar, and sat down upon the place formerly allotted to him. The seven magicians now rose simultaneously, and surrounded the magical drum; the rings marked the progress of Konigsmark's life ; every state, or station, or danger, or pleasure seemed watched with intense anxiety, until the last was examined ; then each voice was raised in n song to the Saivo Olmak. A wild dance suc- ceeded ; the same horrible contortions and con- volutions followed, until, fatigued with the exer- tion, the seven beings fell prostrate on the earth, and in this state of exhaustion, a dream of the future life of Konigsmark passed before them. The sweet voice which had lured him to the desperate leap across the sacred confines of the place now faintly warbled — " Open now thine eager ears, Banish hope, and banish fears. Hark ! they weave the web of life, Scenes of pleasure, scenes of strife. Whatsoe'er thy fate may be. Listen to thy destiny," With ears as attentive as those of the watch- 38 COUNT KONIGSMARK. dog, which is sensible of a strange footfall, did Konigsmark listen to his fate. The high priest of these mysteries, after having again and again thrown himself into every fantastic position, fell down, apparently fainting, whilst the vision of Konigsmark's life passed rapidly before him, and was as rapidly conveyed to the inquirer. As each scene of strife, of pleasure, or of love was recounted, the young man's eyes bright- ened into greater animation, his ears seemed standing out like those of the animal to which his attention has been likened; and when it drew near the closing scene, he crept nearer and nearer the sorcerer, whose voice grew fainter and fainter, until, at the pictured death of Konigsmark, he fell exhausted, and ceased to speak. The dead silence which prevailed was broken by Konigsmark, who, leaping upon his feet, said, " Let me see her, let me behold her form but in a vision, and I will bless you, though your arts are those of the devil. I will not leave this ground until, by your magic power, you shew me her who is thus to rule my destiny." COUNT KONIGSMARK. 39 The sweet voice was again heard, as it war- bled the following words to a plaintive melody — " Hark ! he calls ; obey, obey; Sister spirits, come away, Leave the dark pine's gloomy shade, Leave the groves in which you prayed, Leave our master's solemn rites, Leave the council of the sprites. Leave the toiling for our food, Leave the victim in his blood. Bring with you, to cheer his soul, The Lapland witches' magic bowl. My call obey. Awake ! Arise ! And make her pass before his eyes." As the incantation ceased, Konigsmark heard a rustling noise behind him, and in a moment he found the place of the seven men occupied by seven women. One taller than the rest held in her hand a large rude carved bowl, which she placed on the altar. If anything could have frightened Konigsmark, it would have been the hideous appearance of the unearthly beings who sat in silence upon the seven seats around him, and who had obeyed the in- cantation of the silvery voice. It was at that season of the year when the day scarce lives before the sun retires, and leaves the long twilight. The frozen alps 40 COUNT KONIGSMARK. which compose the chain of mountains called Severnor were tinged with the last rays of that bright luminary, whilst the huge con- geries of frightful rocks and stupendous moun- tains which crowd this miserable land assumed a dark and dreary appearance. It seemed to Konigsmark as if all the world were shut out from the circular lawn, the thick forest and apparently insurmountable precipices, enclosing the beings around him. Not one of the hideous figures in his pre- sence was of the height of five feet, and their withered and skeleton carcasses seemed strug- gling to escape from their flimsy envelopements of dress. ISTo kind of drapery flowed around their shapes. They wore a species of panta- loon which reached to the shoes. Their doublets fitted to the figure. A leather girdle encircled the waist of each, to which was hung a mass of rings. Fantastic-looking handkerchiefs covered a part of the head, and great care was exhibited in the profusion of ornaments which hung round their scraggy necks, or dangled from their brown and leather-like ears. An in- ordinate desire for finery and dress, which, COUNT KONIGSMARK. 41 according to the genius of Hindostan, is one of the six inherent failings of the sex, was evident even in the embroidery manufactured from brass wire, which was profusely lavished over every disposable part ; and these attempts at ornament made the skeleton dwarfs look still more horrible, A low mumbling incantation was kept up ; the voice seemed to pass through throats dried by age, and hoarse from continued mutterings ; the long skinny fingers, dabbling in the pro- fusion of rings, contributed to render the sound more striking, whilst the continued bowing of the head and prostration of the body, gave a superstitious horror to the scene. This con- tinued for some time, when one more hideous than the rest gave the Count a leathern pitcher filled with water. He was desired to walk round the bowl seven times, and at the last, to pour out the contents into the magical vessel. As he completed each round, the melody, or the mumbling, seemed to change ; and when he had finished his gyrations, the voices by one accord ceased. With a steady hand he poured the contents 42 COUNT KONIGSMARK. of the leathern jug into the bowl, when each witch in her turn advanced ; and after spread- ing her hands over the water, dropped into it ring, as she muttered something unintelligible to the Count, and nearly inaudible. When this part of the ceremony was completed, a sort of dance succeeded, in which they held each other's hands, and kept beating time to a quick mea- sure with their feet. They made seven turns round the bowl ; then releasing their hands, and shouting, as if afraid of the presence of some great power, they fell with their faces upon the ground, and endeavoured to hide every part of their features. Thus they remained in silence, and almost immoveable, whilst Konigs- mark, left alone outside of the group which had encircled the magic bowl, anxiously awaited some communication. Presently the same sweet voice, which now seemed to come from another direction, was heard again, repeating the following lines : — *' By all the power of magic art, Which lives and reigns in every heart — By that above the world's control, Which strikes with awe each mortal soul — COUNT KONIGSMARK. 43- Swift as the wind which skims the seas. Or howls around our barrier trees, Come to my call ! Appear ! appear ! He who invokes thy name is here. Hark, the bubbling water moves. And yet no air disturbs our groves, Its surface npw is clear and calm. Arise ! complete the magic charm !*' At this line the seven witches suddenly rose, and dropping each a bean into the bowl^ retreated hastily into the woods. He then heard the words— " Mortal, approach the bowl, and see The maid who rules thy destiny." Konigsmark instantly stepped forward, and looked into the magic vase : plainly, distinctly, and clearly he saw therein the figure of a child of about ten years of age. Scarcely had he turned to survey its features, which were not of a superior beauty, when the water became agitated ; as his eager eyes were fixed upon the object, it seemed, as it were, to dissolve away ; and when the same placid mirror appeared in the returning calm, nothing was visible, not even a ring, a bean, or the spirit he had invoked. 44 COUNT KONIGSMARK. The hoarse breeze of the evening now mur- mured in the grove; the twilight seemed darker than usual ; not a human being was nigh, and all assumed a solemn, awful appear- ance. With a heart not unmoved by what he had witnessed, and with a noiseless step, as if fearful of the very sound he might create, Konigsmark quickly left the place. The foot- marks on the snow pointed out the road through the labyrinth of windings, and conducted him to the boat. He cast off from the shore, and with apparent facility reached the fir-tree ; and having secured the boat as he found it, he gave a deep and heavy sigh, and hastening with his utmost speed, burst into the tent, where he had left his companion, and fell sense- less on the fern. coorr KoxiGSMABK. 45 CHAPTEE lY. Xow entertain oonjectaie fiv a Time.** He>-et T. Act IT. Chaeles Joh5 Yon Konigs^iauk was bom at Xvborg, in the Isle of Funen, in 1659. He was a Swede by birth, but spnmg origi- nally from a German family. Thronghout the seventeenth century no name stands higher in the military annals of Sweden than that above-mentioned ; and from before the end of the reign of Gustavns Adolphns down nearly to the commencement of that of Charles XII.^ the name of Konigsmark was a passport to every court in Europe. Charles John was the son of Conrad Christopher, Count 46 COUNT KONIGSMARK. Konigsmark, the Minister-general of the Artil- lery of Sweden, and was nephew of Otho William, Count Konigsmark, who entered the French service, and was made a marshal by Louis XIY. On the breaking out of the general war in 1672, he was recalled by Charles XL and was made governor of Swed- ish Pomerania ; in 1688, he entered the service of Venice ; fought against the Turks in the Morea, under Morosini; distinguished himself in every action, and was ultimately swept to his grave by a violent fever in the same year. He left behind him a great name as a soldier, and not an indifferent one as a poet ; his last effort was in the publication of some German hymns, much celebrated for their piety and harmony, in Stockholm, in 1682. The early days of our hero, Charles John, or as he was styled TJce Konigsmark, were devoted to the general education of the times, and he early manifested a love of the romantic : his mind became imbued with certain super- stitious notions, and no one at his tender age was more instructed in sorcery and magic. The scene which has just been described had COUNT KONIGSMARK. 47 convinced Konigsmark that some credit was to be attached to the alleged power of these super- natural beings ; for it must be remembered that at the time when he lived, the Laplanders were mostly pagans, and obtained great reputation as sorcerers, even up to the year 1743. Hog- strom* remarked, " that a great portion of the Laplanders in secret adored their idols." The conviction in Konigsmark's mind that he had associated with those who were supported by the devil, arose from the presence of the women ; for, in the orthodox idolatry of Lap- land, no woman of the age of puberty was ever admitted within the sacred confines dedi- cated to their gods. It is expressly mentioned by Skjoldebrand that at all the sacrifices, which consisted chiefly in offerings of bones and the horns of the reindeer, no woman was ever admitted, lest inevitable and immense calamity should follow. Men alone approached the idols. They commenced their ceremony by uncovering their heads, and bowing many times towards the god. They then prostrated * Hogstrom was a missionary and curate of Gillivare, in Lapland, in 1745. 48 COUNT KONIGSMARK- themselves, and after walking on their hands and knees to the foot of the idol, they made their oiferings. If a dog appeared, the god was wroth, and the prayers and the offerings were unheard and rejected. Thiermes, or Thor, was the greatest of all their gods, and was generally represented by a part of the trunk of the birch-tree ; the root of which bore some resemblance to a human figure. The original Thor in Upsala is of this descrip- tion, and is cocked up a cheval on a large nail. Horangalis is the Thor of the Swedes and the Jupiter of the Greeks; the god of thunder ; the presiding deity over the health, life, and death of man : and before this statue, or within the sacred precincts, the witches had prepared the charm of the magic bowl, and had called to their presence, and at their command, the child who at that moment was in England, but had become visible to Konigs- mark. As Konigsmark advanced beyond the age of twelve, his time had been spent in reading of those who were supposed to rule the destiny of man. Often had he inwardly COUNT KONIGSMARK. 49 vowed to visit them in their own abode ; and the general credence was, that these unhal- lowed beings skimmed through the air, moaned in the breeze, and embodied themselves in cats. Those must be little versed in the history of Lapland who are ignorant of the fact, that each family maintained a black cat, to which they talked as to a rational being, and com- municated their greatest secrets. They con- sulted it on all occasions, and it was their com- panion in all their hunting excursions. Each night, Konigsmark would try to watch the wind, and see if some substance rode upon the blast. Each noise which to his tender mind was unaccountable, was imagined to be the deep sighing of some witch imprisoned in a leaf, or enclosed within a flower ; and to such a height had his young imagination carried him, that he had devised thousands of spells to raise the devil ; and had night after night tried every method recorded in books, by which man might be enabled to converse with the great enemy of the human race. The daring spirit of Konigsmark had been VOL. I. E 50 COUNT KONIGSMARK. the theme of general admiration amongst his school-fellows, on whom he looked down as narrow-minded bigots, incapable of judging, directed by any master mind, subservient to every fear, and checked by every apprehension. Konigsmark left his useless studies at the age of sixteen, and entered the army. At eighteen, he left that profession ; and having some money at his command, he determined to travel north, accompanied by his retainer Vratz, and pay a visit to the island on which historians had fixed as the residence of those who held unhallowed meetings with the devil, and who, by blasphe- mous incantations, and mysterious ceremonies, could call the dead from the grave. " Here's a nice business," said Vratz, as he started up on seeing his master fall ; " there will not be a drop of that brandy left if I am to keep pouring it down his throat until he thinks fit to speak. This comes of going amongst devils, and seeking to find what we are sure to know quite soon enough. A pest upon all knowledge excepting that by which we learn to distil generous liquors, or to cook a reindeer in as many manners as the French are said to cook COUNT KONIGSMARK. 51 eggs." Here Yratz poured some water on the forehead of his master, and stretching him out flat on his back, began to rub his breast, as he said — "I'll try this first; the witches never sell spirits, and brandy is scarce." As Konigsmark recovered, he began to mutter something about the girl ; and when he said — " She cannot be more than ten years of age," Tratz lost his little patience, and said — " Then you ought to be ashamed of yourself to think of any child of that age." By degrees, Konigsmark recovered, and Vratz proceeded, at his desire, to prepare some dinner; for no one could consult these powers if they had eaten since the preceding midnight, and although curiosity had been satisfied, hunger had not been appeased. " Did you find out. Count, if I was to be hung, or yourself beheaded?" said Vratz, with a sneer — " and how many marks does it require to have a conversation with the devil?" " Give me some brandy, sirrah," said Ko- nigsmark, sharply. " Pack up the knapsack, and when I have dined, we'll depart. Never e2 oH^^^^^^'i^«^ 52 COUNT KONIGSMARK. ask me a question about what I have heard, or what I have seen, or you'll repent of it.'' Vratz could not help remarking the excited manner of his master, and he very prudently assisted the Count in lightening the bottle. " Now, Vratz, be quick; we cannot stay under this tent after seven o'clock." " Then I apprehend the black gentleman will be here to dinner before we can make room for his majesty, for it wants but a minute of that now. This is hospitality with a ven- geance. There's the wind roaring like an en- raged lion. The snow, I dare say, will soon begin again to fall ; there is no track to direct us, and we are at least two honest Swedish miles from the nearest hut ; there, of course, we shall find that ugly ape, Borosky, who, if he has money enough, will have taken possession, and we shall have to turn out again." " Quick, quick, Vratz; the tent begins to feel the wind ; it is on the strike of the hour ; we i^have not a moment.'' And scarcely had they cleared the entrance when a sudden gust, in which Konigsmark thought he recognised the silver-toned voice, even in the hoarse blus- COUNT KONIGSMARK. 53 tering of the storm, swept past the travellers, and the tent was blown away. " I have heard of that before," said Yratz, with unconcerned coolness. " Witches always take their houses with them for a land voyage, and they ride in sieves when they go to sea." " And after this, you pretend to say you have no faith in these beings ?" "Not I, Count; all you can say is, 'it is a strange coincidence of circumstances.' You gave a hint that the tent would be blown away at seven, and so it was ; well, you have guessed rightly; but I see no reason why this should not have happened, more especially as the wind was high." " And having accomplished that one pur- pose," said the Count, " see how calm it is." " That often happens in squalls of wind," retorted the retainer; " before a hurricane, it is always calm, and the gale frequently ceases as suddenly as it began. I never will believe in witchcraft until they can distil brandy from salt water ; and I'll never put my faith in them until they give me a ride on a broomstick, or save me some work by carrying my burthen; 54 COUNT KONIGSMARK. and they are not fond of hiring themselves ont as porters to a young man with a full purse, in search of adventures." " Talk on, but walk quickly, Vratz; yonder is the hut." COUNT KONIGSMARK. 55 CHAPTER V. " What is your sex's earliest, latest care, Your soul's supreme ambition ? — to be fair. For this, eyes, feet, and hands are put to school, And each instructed feature has its rule." Ltttleton, In the month of October, 1677, the infant daughter and heiress of the house of Percy, the Lady Elizabeth Percy, then at the tender age of eleven, was seated by the side of her grandmother, the widow of Earl Algernon, in a large and magnificently furnished room at Petworth. When the Countess of Northumberland con- tracted a second marriage with JVIr. Ralfe Montagu, the English ambassador at Paris, 56 COUNT KONIGSMARK. lier only child (the Lady Elizabeth Percy) was given over to the charge of Lady Alger- non, who resided principally at the ancient mansion of the Percies, Petworth ; and under her care the education of this extraordinary girl was conducted. The child had not been relinquished by its mother without deep regret ; but Montagu, who hated the idea of watching over the cares of another man^s child, and who wished his beautiful wife to live for him alone, persuaded the Countess, that although the child was the richest heiress in England, she would still increase her fortune by the arrangement, as the old Dowager Countess of Algernon had offered, if the child were given up to her, to settle upon her the large estates she possessed as one of the two co-heiresses of her father, the late Earl of Suffolk. No woman resisted the arguments of Ealfe Montagu, and the young and beautiful Coun- tess — for she was only twenty-four when she married the ambassador — yielded with blind subserviency to his wishes, and the Lady Eliza- beth Percy was made over to the care and COUNT KONIGSMARK. 57 guardianship of the Dowager Countess of Algernon, in 1673, she being at that time- eight years of age. " Above all things, my child, remember," said the Countess of Algernon, " to maintain a proper pride ; never seek for the society of those below you ; they will court yours ; but remember, with the exception of your sove- reign, no one is higher by birth, or more noble by descent, than yourself. I have told you of this for four years." "Is it for this, grandmamma, that you never will allow me to play with other girls of my own age. I should be so happy if I was only the daughter of a common gentleman, for then I might be with other children, and laugh and play as they do." "Foolish child!" said the Countess. " Can I never make you understand your posi- tion? When your father, the eleventh earl of Northumberland, died, the male line of the Percies, which for nearly three hundred years preceding had been Earls of Northumberland and Barons Percy, became extinct. Yes, the 58 COUNT KONIGSMARK. €arldom and all the other titular honours of the family are extinct ; but the extensive domains over which your ancestors ruled two hundred years before the Norman conquest have de- scended to you. You are the richest heiress in Europe, and you must strive not to disgrace the name by forming alliances, acquaintances, friendships, and companionships with those beneath you. Now, let me see you hold your cards as I taught you, and we will practise a game of ombre. Tradrille, you understand. Remember that every action of your life should be a studied elegance, and that people of noble birth and aristocratic manners may always be recognised even by their mode of entering their carriage, or in the easy management of a fan. My husband, during the Civil War and Commonwealth, was called^the * wary and reserved piece of nohility;^ a^d even in those times, when the lowest dregs rose to the highest situations, he maintained to the last his perpendicular on the slippery stage, and died, God rest his soul ! a nobleman and a gentleman, they say. Pride made the angels * Clarendon. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 59 fall, but a woman who has no pride falls to a certainty. Let the cards slip elegantly off as you deal them, and do not make a noise. * Slow and low, slow and low,' should be your motto as to conversation, and as to dealing at cards." ** Oh, grandmamma !" said the child, " how I do hate cards ! And then that horrible minuet de-la cour — to call that dancing ! why, it is a slow march with everlasting curtseys. How I envy you, grandmamma, for now you are not obliged to move about to music." " I avoid, child, as much as possible to in- terfere with those who are younger than my- self, but I am unfortunately obliged to accept a partner now and then." Here the venerable lady drew herself up, as she remarked, " It is a tax beauty is compelled to pay, for no lady of birth should be guilty of an incivility. Let me see you walk through the minuet. No, no, child, like this — now, move gracefully, as I do — now an inclination — now slide. Look at me — hold your head more uprightly — now the curtsey. Ah, that is well and ele- gantly done. Now, my dear, amuse yourself 60 COUNT KONIGSMARK. as a lady of rank should do ; walk in the gar- den, and take care your two attendants are at a respectful distance from you ; let them pluck the flowers you select; and do not risk the pain a thorn might create. Holy Virgin ! where are you? Why, as I live, I could have sworn you disappeared for a second. Pray God, it be no' bad omen, no devilish witchcraft. There, go, child, whilst I repose for an hour. Perhaps when I keep awake, I may think of a husband for you ; you are eleven, and in a year or two we shall see who is looking for the rich heiress of all the wealth of the Percies.'' * Trained to subserviency, and instructed to pay the blindest obedience to the wealthy heiress, her attendants waited on her during her walk, and obeyed her childish wishes ; and the familiarity of long servitude in the family was denied even to her grey-headed nurse. * Mrs. Jameson has sketched the character of the Dowager Countess of Algernon as a " meddling and jealous old woman, who, having got her long-descended and amply-dowered grand-daughter completely in her hands, made her the subject of constant intrigues with men of power who wished for wealth, and rich men who wished for rank and power." COUNT KONIGSMARK. 61 Thus was pride engendered, all tlie delights of youth crushed, and the mind formed to regard nobility more than affection, and to esti- mate wealth before friendship. All the little en- dearments of childhood were repulsed, the play- ful carelessness of the infant was checked, and a studied elegance was practised. The dowager received her when she entered the apartment with all the studied form and etiquette of a duchess of sixty; the attendants never ven- tured near her person ; and when she rode in her carriage, the number of running footmen were increased, it being intimated to her that a lady of her wealth should always go properly protected and attended. In the evening, when the dowager indulged in her favourite ombre, only those of the first families were admitted, and the Lady Elizabeth, dressed in all the absurdity of the day, con- verting, as far as dress could work the miracle, the child into the woman, was always present ; she|sat by the side of her grandoiother, and received instruction as the game progressed. But at Petworth the company was carefully culled from the London society ; few of the 62 COUNT KONIGSMAKK. county ever intruded beyond a morning's visit. Amongst all the dowager's friends, only one who had not nobility of descent, but who had the much higher qualification of the highest aristocracy of talent, was admitted to an inti- macy, and that one was John Locke ; and even he, although the wonder of his age, would not have forced through the barrier of pride, had he not travelled with the parents of Lady Elizabeth Percy; for in 1679, the Earl and Countess of Northumberland, after the loss of a daughter, went to Paris, to wean themselves a little from the grief of so heavy a bereave- ment, and took John Locke with them, as their attendant physician. After a very short residence in Paris, the Earl, leaving his Countess and physician in Paris, proceeded alone to Italy ; where, after imprudently tra- velling in very hot weather, at that period of the day when he should have reposed in quiet, he was seized with a fever, and before intima- tion of his indisposition could reach his Countess, he died, almost unattended and alone. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 63 Locke had watched the growth of Lady Elizabeth with a parent's eye; he was much devoted to her, for often, before the Countess of Algernon instilled her foolish pride into the child's mind, the great philosopher relieved the intense labour of his brain by some juve- nile pastime, making her his companion, and entering with spirit into all her amusements ; the giant unbended his strength and reposed in all the listlessness of childhood. Such repose was requisite, and the great master of the hu- man mind felt that he did not disgrace his talent when he laid down on the grass for the child to cover him with hay, or when he gave his instructions by implanting in his pupil's memory the never-forgotten melody of Jack and Gill. Henry the Fourth of France was not discomposed when the Spanish ambassador found him romping with his children ; nor was that great minister above joining in the frolic. " I have," said Locke, as he bowed to the Countess of Algernon, " received a letter to- day from the Countess of Northumberland, making particular inquiries concerning her daughter, and from an enclosure of Mr. Kalfe •64 COUNT KONIGSMARK. Montagu, it seems that already some proposi- tion of marriage for the Lady Elizabeth has been made." " Who," said the Countess, as the natural colour of her cheeks put to shame the artificial :flush, " dare negotiate for her hand without my being first consulted ? Neither do I consider it complimentary that I should receive the in- telligence from a third person, and one, al- though attached to, by no means related to the family." '^ For that," said Locke, with much modesty, and with a low inclination of his head, " I am indebted to the friendship of the Countess of Northumberland, and to the insignificancy of my own birth." It was evident to the dowager that she had hurt the feelings of the physician, for in that light, and as a paid menial she regarded him ; and caring little for the pang she inflicted, she continued — " As all the family arrange- ments seem destined to pass through strange hands, may I ask who is the adventurer who seeks to enrich himself by a marriage with the Lady Elizabeth Percy?" COUNT KONIGSMARK. 65 " Excuse me, madam/^ said Locke, " if I object to become a meddler. I could not refuse to read Mr. Montagu's letter, nor to deliver his message ; but since I find my motive may be misunderstood, I shall beg his excellency to convey his own wishes to your lady- ship.'' *' His wishes, Mr. Locke, at any rate with me, shall be of no avail. I marvel not that the man who could be bold enough to squeeze the queen's hand, should have wit enough to have persuaded the Countess of Northumber- land to marry him ; but I am too old to be won by words, and my granddaughter has sense enough to be directed by one who has made her a rich heiress." At this moment, the young Lady Elizabeth entered the room ; the door had been opened by two servants, who bowed as she passed. Lady Algernon made a low curtsey, and the girl, tutored to her part, returned with laughable gravity the stately salute. Nature then over- came all restraint, she ran to Locke; and to the indescribable horror of her grand- mother, sat upon his knee, and kissed his cheek, VOL. I. F 66 COUNT KONIGSMARK. looking at him with all the fondness and affec- tion of a daughter. "Lady Elizabeth Percy! Lady Elizabeth Percy !" ejaculated Lady Algernon, *' has all my care been bestowed upon you in vain — the acts and elegancies of society at once over- thrown? The heiress of the house of Northum- berland should have too much pride to sit upon a physician's knee !" " Xever," said Locke, as he seemed not to heed the insult, " never attempt by education, or by the cold restraint of art, to stifle the affections of nature. You may make the Lady Elizabeth a popinjay, but, God be praised, you cannot alter the warmth of her heart, or era- dicate the memory of past fondness. What did you mention. Lady Algernon, concerning the queen and Montagu? Your ladyship re- peats anecdotes with so much humour, that the most laborious mind would cease from its studies to be refreshed by your conversation." Lady Algernon was won over in a moment. It was her weakness to believe she was un- rivalled in anecdote, and she immediately re- plied — "It was not Ealfe Montagu, but his COUNT KONIGSMARK. 67 elder brother, Edward, who was dismissed as chamberlain to Queen Catherine. She, poor silly woman, had never had an admirer before, and knew very little of love, and Edward wishing to establish himself permanently in her favour, and being an adept, after having conveyed his intention by his eyes, used to squeeze the queen's hand. Not understanding the hint — for she was a cold woman — she asked the king one day, ' What people meant by squeezing one by the hand ?' The king an- swered, ' Love.' ' Oh, then,' replied the queen, ^ Mr. Montagu loves me mightily !' " Locke smiled as he played with the small hand of the heiress. " Your health," he said, " is improved by this Sussex air, and your eyes seem animated with intelligence. Pray God, that all the fantastic arts of fashion may not warp and distort the most innocent mind in Christendom. Why, child, they have made a woman of you in dress before you have laid aside your doll ! And the idea of marriage ! I shall beg his excellency to write to your lady- ship." " I pray you, stay a moment. Lady Eliza- r2 68 COUNT KONIGSMAKK. betli, I recommend you to your garden." Here the old lady curtseyed, and the child making a low inclination to her grandmother, and smiling at Locke as if she were aware of the folly, walked slowly and gracefully from the room. " Excuse any former impetuosity and rudeness. I am willing to listen to your intel- ligence ; it is a duty you owe to society to for- give the irritability of age." Locke penetrated her intention at a glance ; but as it suited his purpose, he replied, *' It is a match not unworthy the house of North- umberland." Here he produced the letter, and read — " It will yield us much gratifica- tion, if our much respected Lady Algernon would give her consent to this union." "You should have mentioned before, Mr. Locke, that my consent ivas asked; it changes the affair much, for I see I am considered with all respect, and am consulted. Pray proceed." " She is a lady of acknowledged quickness, shrewdness, and kindness, having the interest of my wife's daughter much at heart, and I would not for a diadem form any matrimonial COUNT KONIGSMARK. 69 connexion for the Lady Elizabeth without having the benefit of her experience, and her most unqualified consent." (Here followed what was not read.) "Eead this to the old patch-worm ; Q'ead it. Women are easily de- ceived when their talents and their power are eomplimented and courted." During the time Locke read the letter, Lady Algernon fanned herself gently and gracefully, and her hand was moved as if to stop the over- whelming tide of flattery. She gave a deep sigh as the physician concluded; adding, " Pray God my poor weak judgment may be directed aright. It is a great cnarge which has devolved on me, but I will give my opinion to the best of my poor ability. Proceed, good Mr. Locke. Ralfe Montagu writes well; he is a shrewd observer." " You will mention to her with all respect, that Henry Cavendish, Earl of Ogle, the only son of Henry, Duke of Newcastle, has spoken of an union with the house of Northumberland. In our humble opinion, the alliance would not disgrace the family; and if Lady Algernon, who is better informed than any lady alive of 70 COUNT KONIGSMARK. the exact merits of the case, and who traces each family with all the accuracy of the biographer and the truth of the historian, seems disposed to forward this alliance, we should be gratified, and her charge not im- properly wedded." Here the letter was care- fully placed in the huge pocket worn in those days ; and Locke, giving a profound bow, asked if he was to have the honour of communicating h^r ladyship's answer, or if Ealfe Montagu should have the greater pleasure of receiving it from the hand-writing of her ladyship. " I will write it myself, good Mr. Locke ; and now I would fain ask your opinion of my granddaughter — I mean as to her education. I have carefully instructed her in the proper bearing and manner of a lady. She plays ombre well, is quick in tradrille, and graceful in the minuet de la cour ; but I have rather dulled her wish to exhibit in the sprightly rigadoon, for anything approaching to fatigue is improper." " She is, of course, well read in history," said Locke, " and has the female accomplish- ments of music and of drawing? She has a COUNT KONIGSMAEK. 71 sweet voice, and would sing marvellously, for lier ear is quick." " If her memory is retentive, she should be well informed. I have a poor gentleman, who reads to her every day the descent of each family, which is true history ; and I avow it on the honour of a Christian lady, that she has menials who play to her whenever she is drowsy, and would be lulled to sleep; and one of gentle blood, cunning in the pencil, often presents her with drawings. She has thus the best instruction, and is very conversant with these arts and sciences." *' Does she not prove her excellence, in these agreeable accomplishments of playing and singing ?" "I cry you mercy, good doctor," replied the Lady Algernon; "would you so far dis- grace the blood of the Percies as to see the heiress of that family scratching a mandoline, thumping a spinet, or using her delicate voice to amuse strangers. Those of high blood should liberally reward others who gain a liveli- hood by such arts: but no lady should de- grade herself by any exhibition in public. In 72 COUNT KONIGSMARK. her own room I hear her singing to her doll ; and now, as you mention it, I have remarked that her voice is rather sweet ; but her stately bearing, the gravity of her step, the elegance of every motion, and careless arrangement of her fan, are evident." *' If, madam," said Locke, with much earnest- ness, " you expect that child to fathom the intentions of men, or to guard against the wiles and wickednesses of this world, without acquiring knowledge, or without a proper re- gard to religion, you will be mistaken, and she will be miserable. Nothing which is instruc- tive degrades the mind, and no one is despicable who is not ignorant." "Blessed saints!" said the old lady, "has she not a splendidly illuminated Prayer Book ! I should think as you do, if she were as igno- rant as our king, who trusts in astrology, and employs ^lontagu to consult the magician. The Lady Elizabeth has all the education a lady of rank should have ; she is pretty also, Mr. Locke. What say you, is she not very pretty?" " The tastes of men fortunately vary, or we COUNT KONIGSMARK. 73 should all love one object. She is endearing, affectionate, of a comely person ; but the pencil of Lely will never make her resemble her beautiful mother, who attracted the king's notice, and wisely retired to France, retaining her virtue unsullied, and resisting even the addresses of her monarch." "Yes, yes," said Lady Algernon, smiling; "she would not have asked the king what squeezing a hand meant. I see you have lived long enough with her and Ealfe Montagu to disguise your thoughts. But Lely shall make her as beautiful on canvas as he has made her mother; or by my faith I see no use in riches, if they cannot make all the world, and above all a painter, flatter a woman. I crave your pardon, good doctor, I must pre- pare for dinner." Here a very stately curtsey was executed, and Lady Algernon, rustling her silks, and shewing the high red heels of her shoes, pat- tered out of the apartment. 74 CO0NX KONIGSMAEK, CHAPTER VI. Things done well And with a care, exempt themselves from fear ; Things done without example, in their issue Are to be feared. " Henrt vin. " I USE the freedom," said Montagu, as he read aloud from a letter, " which my situation may warrant, as governor of Pomerania, to present to your notice and kind protection my nephew, the Count Charles John Von Konigs- mark, who is pursuing his travels in various parts of Europe, and intends visiting Paris. I pray you to direct him well ; those acts of hospi- tality and kindness which your excellency may extend to him, shall be remembered as offered to myself, and gratefully retained in my heart. He is young, enthusiastic, noble; his COUNT KONIGSMARK. 75 high birth and lineal descent rank him fore- most in Sweden, where he has been much noticed by his sovereign. If your excellency should be consulted by any of your friends as to the safest route through the country I govern, I pray you direct him to me, and he shall not fail in finding the wherewithal to make his travels agreeable." " Bid the messenger take this note," said Montagu to the page in attendance, as he wrote requesting Konigsmark to honour him with his company at dinner that day. " Who is with the Countess ?" " The Earl of Ogle and the Colonel Brett.'' " Tell the Colonel I would speak to him alone ; and mention to the Countess, that she will receive at dinner to-day the Count Yon Ko- nigsmark. I have named three o'clock." The page bowed and retired, and in a few minutes the Colonel entered. " Tou may convey your- self," said Montagu to the page, " without our hearing ; close that door, and retire to the cor- ridor. Be seated. Colonel. Now, how stands it with Cavendish ? Is the affair so far arranged that we can rely upon him, or does he hold his 76 COUNT KONIGSMARK. purse-strings with a niggard hand? By my faith, unless he comes up to our demand, he shall not marry the Lady Elizabeth." " We can mould him to our wish," replied Brett. "He is as keen upon the marriage as any dog upon the scent of a fox; he says he will speedily raise ten thousand pounds, and give the money on the day of the signature. He is a gentleman of his word." " You shall have a portion, Brett, which shall re-establish your finance. Now mark me : to-day a Swede of high birth dines here ; it has struck me that we might speak greatly of the Lady Elizabeth, so as to excite his cupi- dity, and by establishing a rival, make Caven- dish more eager to secure our best exertions ; as he becomes clamorous, we may become exor- bitant, or raise our demand a little higher." " It is a thought worthy of the king^s am- bassador at Paris." " Again, Brett, I have another prospect. You know the king has quarrelled with his old mistress, the Duchess of Cleveland; she has arrived in Paris, and dines here also to-day. I would win this woman, for she will continue COUNT KONIGSMARK. 77 to correspond with the king, and by her speak- ing much of the magnificence of my style, of living, may procure me further salary ; the king changes so often, that he may retain her as a friend, although at present his love, if Charles can love, is made over to the French- woman." " Never was there a shrewder man for his own interest than his excellency the British ambassador,'' said Brett. " How can I serve you?" *' By drawing my wife. Cavendish, and the Swede into a conversation concerning the Lady Elizabeth, while I devote a quarter of an hour to the Duchess ; I shall not need a longer time ; women are easily won by those who know the sex." " That is true, as regards yourself; you seem to have a charm as irresistible as the fascination of the snake ; the women, like the birds, are captivated by the sparkling of your eyes, and fall as powerless, and as surely, into the jaws of the destroyer. Witness your pre- sent wife — she who mourned for her first hus- band with such sincerity." 78 COUNT KONIGSMARK. " She is of provokingly good health, Brett. Some people die young, and it often pleases death to take a beauty ; my wife, too, is reli- gious ; it is said, ' those whom the gods love, die early f how strange it is, the saying is not realizedin her." *^ She is young, beautiful, rich, of good temper, and of exquisite manners; surely, if ever man could be happy in marriage, it would be with one of her accomplishments and dis- position." " I tell you, Brett, ever since Pope Inno- cent III. invented the shackle which binds man and woman together by a religious cere- monv, marriap^es have become much oftener matters of convenience than the result of love or of friendship. I would marry the devils daughter if she only had a great dowry; a wife's beauty soon fades in the eyes of a hus- band. Go and get ready for dinner." If history is to be trusted, never was there a more profligate man than Ralfe Montagu, and never was there a more successful one. "I am delighted, Count," said Montagu, *' to have this opportunity of presenting you COUNT KONIGSMARK. 79 to my wife, and of acknowledging my gratitude to your uncle for this introduction to your- self." Konigsmark bowed, and Montagu's quick eye surveyed him in a moment — he was seldom deceived in either sex. Konigsmark appeared dressed in the very height and extravagance of the prevailing fashion; he wore his long light hair flowing over his shoulders ; his sword hilt was of great value, and every part of his attire bespoke a man of rank; whilst his manner was graceful and elegant, and his words were well selected and fluent. On the entrance of the Countess of Northumberland, a slight flush sufiused his face, and he so far forgot his usual guarded manner as to scrutinize her features, as if he had seen them previously ; he recovered him- self in time to witness the entrance of the Duchess of Cleveland, and remarked the elegant approach of Ralfe Montagu ; he was pre- sented to each, and the Countess engaged him in conversation concerning his future travels. " I am uncertain of my destination," said Konigsmark, as he harmonized his voice into a musical key. " Count Otho William 80 COUNT KONIGSMARK. my uncle, has been very liberal of his intro- ductions, and I am fearful that the gay fasci- nations of Paris might tempt a stronger mind than mine to loiter in its enchantments ; but I confess, although I had intended going into Spain, I feel an irresistible desire to visit Eng- land." " You shall not want for good introduc- tions," replied the Countess; '' it is a coun- try well worth the scrutiny of the stranger, and we boast a rivalry with the world in the beauty of our women." Konigsmark conveyed more by his eyes, in answer to this remark, than the most studied lan- guage could have spoken; a slight and beautiful blush covered the cheek of the Countess, and the traveller felt his own glow with a warmth he would fain have concealed. This little affair had not been unnoticed by Colonel Brett, who seized the first opportunity of mentioning the existence of Lady Elizabeth Percy, who, al- though at the age of eleven only, and by no means as handsome as her mother, still was reckoned like her. Lord Ogle joined in this, and the plan proposed by Montagu succeeded COUNT KONIGSMARK. 81 well; he was in close conversation with the Duchess, and was unobserved even by his wife, who was very jealous of him, and who had been won, with all her large fortune, by the irresist- ible manner — the easy, affable, lively, clever conversation of this money-hunting minister. During the dinner and afterwards, the con- versation most coveted by Lord Ogle and Ko- nigsmark was of the heiress, the likeness of the child to its mother, and the idea of which Konigsmark could not divest himself, that the features of the Countess resembled those he had seen in the magic bowl ; then large fortune and liigh birth, besides the assurance that a person of the exact age of the child was to be the star of his destiny, prompted him to the resolve of leaving Paris without delay.* Brett care- fully let drop some of the venom of jealousy. He told the Swede that already propositions of marriage had been made by Lord Ogle, but that the Lady Elizabeth was self-willed in many respects, although under some restraint of the Lady Algernon; he vividly sketched the character of the latter, insinuated that VOL. I. G 82 COUNT KONIGSMARK. even at her age the tender speeches of a young and handsome man might be well received, and that a formal manner, great observance of etiquette, with a certain pride of oneself, and reverence for her, would insure a good recep- tion. With the tact of an able general, Brett then turned to the magnificence of Petworth, and recommended Konigsmark to see this im- posing edifice; he promised to procure him letters to Lady Algernon; and by a skilful return, apparently unpremeditated, to the heiress, he so far excited the curiosity of the Swede, that Konigsmark^s mind was made up to leave Paris almost immediately. Whilst Brett and Konigsmark were thus employed. Lord Ogle was urging his suit with the Countess. " To what, then, can you object?" said Ogle, earnestly. " Not to your birth, my good lord, your family, or yourself — but I cannot, as a mother, consent to the marriage of my daughter, not yet eleven years of age.'' " Kings," replied Lord Ogle, " are sometimes COUNT KONIGSMARK. 83 betrothed in their cradles ; and although Lady- Elizabeth is young, others as young as herself have been married. In Persia it is common." " The manners of other nations of warmer climates, and where children are forced into women, can be no guide for me. I confess my willingness to receive you as a son-in-law. I know that I am unable, from Montagu's dislike to children, to bestow upon my child a mother's care, and I am certain that in a year or two, the strict manner of Lady Alger- non — her pomp — her worldly grandeur — will render Lady Elizabeth but ill at ease at Pet- worth. I therefore could wish to see her settled; but at her age the very act would engender ridicule, and might mar the child's prospects in regard to her grandmother's intentions. Leave it, Lord Ogle, for the present. I pledge myself that no other shall be entertained before you; and I have no hesitation in saying, that no family could be more acceptable to me than that of the Duke of Newcastle." " I must abide by your ladyship's desire g2 84 COUNT KONIGSMARK. under the conviction that I am at liberty, when your daughter is older, to resume my proposition?'^ " Certainly, my lord. And in this desire I feel I do not deprive you of any affection, or render you miserable by my prohibition, as I believe you have never seen my daughter.'' Brett, who was on the watch to keep all parties engaged, seeing Lord Ogle likely to terminate the conversation and leave the Countess more at liberty to watch her hus- band, now brought up Konigsmark, and men- tioned his desire to see Petworth. " Kings," said Montagu, to the Duchess, in a low, tremulous whisper, (his eyes sparkling with vivacity, and his lips quivering with pas- sion,) " are more inconstant than other men; few women can ever retain their affections. The easy access of a monarch to any beauty, and that beauty believing herself honoured by his ap- proach, renders a permanency of favour to any one precarious ; in fact, monarchs bestow their favours with as boundless a liberality as they sprinkle silver coin (provided by their sub- jects) on Maunday. You must not, fair and COUNT KONIGSMAEK. 85 beautiful Ducliess, take to heart the temporary displeasure of your sovereign, and as I am his representative here, I trust you will prove your constancy to royalty, even to the imita- tion of it." "For shame — for shame, Mr. Montagu," the Duchess replied. "Is it so very common, this inconstancy, that even you — not six months married to that beautiful woman — would whisper love in my ears ? " " Think how surely I can restore you to the favour of the inconstant monarch — if to return to him be your object. I hold a charm which is infallible, and when I find the Ducliess of Cleveland inclined to repose on my honour and my affection, it will not be withheld from her." " I do not blush to avow, although the wife of another, that my monarch's love is my greatest wish. It is true he is estranged from me, and I believe in the difficulty of retaining his affection ; but with his love is gone also the power I held — all the liberality with which I dispensed places and pensions. In speaking to you, Mr. Montagu, I speak to one long used 86 COUNT KONIGSMARK. to the court, its scandals, and its pleasures. Again to regain my position and my power, I would venture far." "It is as much as prudence would say. I beg you to be very wary before the Countess ; her jealous eyes are quick as the eagle's, and her revenge would follow a discovery. I will visit you to-morrow at your hotel, and I shall take care that you are a constant visitor here. It is strange that such supreme beauty — such unrivalled excellence of God's fairest work — could not retain King Charles's love. It doth appear marvellous in my sight, for I am daz- zled nearly to blindness in beholding you ! What sparkling eyes are those — what symme- try of form is there — and how tapered in transparent whiteness is this ungloved hand which glows to my touch." " Mr. Montagu," said the Countess, rising and leaving Lord Ogle, "it is time for us to attend the court;" then bowing formally to the Duchess of Cleveland, whose indiscretion she had witnessed, she said, " If Montagu kisses your grace's hand, it will be only a duty, to one who lived so near his sovereign." COUNT KONIGSMARK. 87 CHAPTER YII. That you may, fair lady, Perceive I speak sincerely, and high notes Ta'en of your many virtues, the king's majesty Commends his good opinion to you." Henry VIII. Stung by the sarcastic remark of the Countess of Northumberland, the Duchess of Cleveland determined to be revenged upon her, and casting aside all modesty of thought, even in the solitude of her chamber, she pre- pared to hurt her where she was most vulnerable — in her husband's love. Montagu cared for nothing but gold and power, yet was he jealous of his honour as a husband; for when his sovereign deigned to visit his bride in Eng- land, quick of apprehension, he instantly returned to his embassy, before even the tar- 88 COUNT KONIGSMARK. nish of a court whisper assailed the purity of his wife. It was pride — not love — which dictated this; he would have sold her for money ; but he would have considered himself overreached if she fell and he were not bene- fitted. But he was fondly, truly beloved. The Countess of Northumberland had been blinded by his talents, and charmed by his discourse ; she saw in him only his excellence, and she bandaged her eyes to his faults ; she knew his general admiration of the sex, and believed that the civility or attention shewn by him to the Duchess arose more from a wish to do that which he believed would be gratifying to the king, than from any inconstancy. " She is a woman who may serve me much,'^ said Montagu to his wife. " True, at my father's death, I shall become Lord Montagu, but I would ascend a higher round of the great ladder of life. She corresponds with the king, and by a well-timed civility on our part, we may bend her to our purpose. Fear not that in this slight task my heart can waver with inconstancy — your love is the only love I COUNT KONIGSMARK. 89 cherish — your affection the blessing of my existence." " I fear you not, dear Montagu," she replied ; " whatever you do, I am sure will be right and honourable." *'I have received," said the ambassador, *' a letter from the king, which betrays the feeling of his heart; now she has left him, he regrets her ; and from the whole bearing of the letter it is evident he wishes us to uphold her here, so as to give the lie to the base tongues which would ruin her in public estimation. Our countenance will support her bravely, and we must see her often. I leave this generous act to your discretion. She has very wisely also brought over her daughter, the Countess of Sussex, the poor child who was married at twelve years of age, and is now but four- teen. You know this lady is supposed by the king to be his own daughter, and he made Dacre Earl of Sussex, in consideration of the marriage. We shall do wisely if we act generously. There is an old saw — ' Who gives to worth receives a benefit ;' we are not pan- 90 COUNT KONIGSMARK. dering to powerless ones, but to those ho- noured and protected by our sovereign." "Your wishes, Montagu, are more than those of my sovereign. Were it not for the situation you hold, and the power this woman yet commands, I would not receive her within my doors, for we should uphold the virtuous and the good, and not support the base and the profligate. I see, however, only with your eyes in this affair ; it is a tax upon our great- ness, to serve and follow the wishes and desires of our sovereign." " I own it most repugnant to my feelings, this patronage of the king's mistress ; but the world has learned to look with a lenient eye on his majesty's foible, and although we should stand higher in our own estimation by steadily refusing her acquaintance, yet we might lose our situation, and become the laughter of those who, with less pure motive, would make our political death the stepping-stone to their greatness. I feel the immorality, whilst I acknowledge the necessity of the act ; your purity cannot be assailed, and I am safe in your love." COUNT KONIGSMARK. 91 Montagu said this with so plausible an air, and with so much apparent sincerity of manner, that a wiser woman than his wife might have been deceived. He rose, and kissing the Countess, begged her " not to consider the duty imposed by the king as any degradation to their own purity ; it was their business to obey ; and even," he continued, " if jealousy should assail your heart, you would banish the monster by one moment's reflection of your looking- glass. I forget in this business a civility I owe to another ; Konigsmark is going to Eng- land — will you present him handsomely to Lady Algernon? Brett talked of Petworth in so high a strain, that the Swede is anxious to see it. Do me this favour, my love, for I am overwhelmed in business." '' ISTow, Brett," said Montagu, as he entered his chancellerie, " give me the letter. All goes on well, I find; my wife, acting by my advice, has checked a little the aspiring scheme of Ogle, who will but gallop the faster for this sudden bridling. Konigsmark's visit will gall him, and he will come to us as his only friends. We have time enough now before us. What said the Duchess to my letter?" 92 COUNT KONIGSMARK. "She read it and smiled; and, telling the Lady Sussex she had important business with your excellency at one, ordered the carriage a little before that hour, and bade her daughter drive towards Versailles, to inhale a purer air than that of the capital." " Good ; tell me, Brett, have you laid a train in the Swede's heart which Lady Algernon may light? have you prepared him well for the person he will meet ? Faith, man, we could not have fallen on a better person ; he has as much formality as the king's guard on parade ; each motion seems ordered. Go to the Coun- tess, get the letter I desired her to write, take it to Konigsmark, and with your most subtle art inflame both his heart and his curiosity. Page, bid the state carriage to the door, and let there be some additional footmen. It wants but a quarter of one o'clock; be expeditious, for I am hurried." The Duchess of Cleveland was an able match for the ambassador, and her great art was evi- dent from her engaging such a man as Montagu. She was aware it could scarcely be for her personal charms, if such were put in competi- COUNT KONIGSMARK. 93 tion with those of his wife ; but, still clinging to vanity, she satisfied herself with the reflec- tion that she was more conversable, and had acquired a great reputation as a beauty, which even time had spared, and which divers cos- metics, if they could not restore entirely, might somewhat maintain. " I wonder much, Mr. Montagu, how a wife, so jealous of her husband, could trust him abroad in this immoral world without a guardian." "She knew well, fair lady, the power of your charms, but consoled herself with the assurance that the Countess of Sussex would be present. I was careful not to inform her that so well did we understand each other, that the guardian of morality was changing the air towards Versailles, the plan having been ar- ranged by the Duchess of Cleveland. I will avail myself of our position to implant a kiss of respect upon that hand, which I hail as a relic of my sovereign." " You spoke to me, yesterday, of a power you possessed which would restore me to my king.' 94 COUNT KONIGSMARK. '^ It is no magical fluid distilled in the pre- sence of a black cat, nor is it an intoxicating draught to lull him to sleep, and enable you to enter his apartment unseen; but it is a grave secret, such as must be won by the best art of woman from my lips, which, as yet, it never has passed. I almost doubt even the power of the Duchess of Cleveland to fathom it." " Am I a woman of such green age as to be deceived by such folly, which, mayhap, might gull a girl of sixteen? It is the boundless curiosity of our sex which is our ruin, and it is the belief we have in the grave and sincere manner of yours which inspires our confidence, which, being won, we are led by easy descent to our fall. I believe in no secrets. Of what kind is it — political? That would scarcely interest me. Of court intrigue ? "What care I for that now. Is it of a new rival sent from the court of France ? Alas ! that would scarcely interest me. Or is it the avowal of an im- proper passion in Kalfe Montagu?" " Oh, I hope your grace was aware of that last night; one, such an adept, could hardly COUNT KONIGSMARK. 95 misunderstand the tender pressure of thehand^ wliicli even my wife detected." The very allusion to this inflamed the veno- mous hatred of the Duchess. She felt the keen- ness of the sting, and revenge was the only antidote. She but piqued Montagu to make him more pressing in his suit, and the inter- view was managed with so much tact by the Duchess, that the ambassador remained some- what puzzled to comprehend his exact position. He had kept the secret of such value to the Duchess, and had not mentioned that the king's letter contained a particular injunction that the Duchess should be kept abroad, and assured of his majesty's displeasure. Montagu knew exactly when to mention such unwelcome com- munication. " I could not well misconstrue your mean- ing, Mr. Montagu, neither could I well with- stand the attacks of one so noted in the pages of gallantry, but for the love I still bear the king. For his love I sacrificed the dearest treasure of a woman's heart — my virtue : and be it called now, shame, despair, regret, re- morse, ambition, or power, I love him still. I 06 COUNT KONIGSMARK. will be more frank with you than I would be with another, for somehow I feel emboldened to speak without reserve to you, knowing the passion of the king for your wife. I thought both you and her the best persons to restore me to him, lest, in pursuing his purpose on the Countess, you both might suffer from his caprice." ^' I thank you much, fair lady, for your kind consideration ; but I knew of this a year ago, and withdrew my wife from England to avoid the honour of a king's family. You have already suffered by his caprice — remain in France, and relinquish his love." " Never ! I know he loves me, or else why does he command my correspondence ; to re- gain that love I care not what I do, so that I am not betrayed." " It appears that we are animated in a com- mon cause — you to secure the king, and keep him constant to you, and I to forward this desirable end, in order to preserve my wife's honour. It shall be agreed between us to use our utmost endeavours to effect this. COUNT KONIGSMAEK. 97 The greatest confidence must be established, and love — love is the greatest cementer of confidence." " Alas, Montagu ! that you, the favourite of our sex, should be so blind to your own happiness. You have a wife who tenderly, sincerely loves you; her jealousy is the best proof, for jealousy is the ofi*spring of love. Why risk your domestic felicity for the gratifi- cation of a transient passion ? Think of the bitter misery you entail upon her by a dis- covery ; think of the certainty of the discovery, for there is a secret parlance in the eyes, whicli lovers use, believing it only understood by themselves, but which a woman reads distinctly, and which none but an unfledged boy mis- understands; and that I — I, who adore the Countess, should be the unhappy object of your attention — the cause of her misery !" " Boys of twenty — soldiers, whose coats captivate more than their persons — hot and incautious youths, ever watching a door, or walking beneath a window, may, by their eyes, betray their success; or in sighing over a letter, forget to destroy it. But I am not of VOL. I. H 98 COUNT KONIGSMARK. that class. The name of a woman never passed my lips. Enough of this; you will trust me ; nor will I be wanting in confidence to you. The king, so far from loving you, is tired of you; he cannot abide in constancy, but, like a butterfly, must change from flower to flower, sipping the sweets of each, and con- taminating all by his touch. Have you not the common pride of your sex? Would you, the high Duchess of Cleveland, sink to the level of a girl in a sultan's harem, to be chosen for a moment, and neglected for a year? I tell you his wish is to avoid you for the future ; another shares his momentary love, and you his gratified indifference." " You say but this to win me to yourself; nor will I credit it." " Swear to me to be as secret as the grave, and as devoted to me as you are to the king, and I will prove it. Consent to receive the affection I offer, and I will make all the pride, all the feelings of wounded honour rise and rebel against the sovereign, and, like a disaffected people, unite in a neglected heart to dethrone the unworthy object." COUNT KONIGSMARK. 99 " What is this rapid throbbing of my heart, which, like the beating in a coward's breast, sickens my very frame, and makes it tremble with apprehension? He dare not avow his hatred; he cannot be so mean — so abjectly mean — as to have blazoned his indifference. I will consent, even to my greater disgrace — I will treasure the secret guarded in my heart — I will do all — all you have asked, or dared to hope — to share your confidence.'' " You swear upon the honour of a woman.'' " I swear." "Peruse this letter; it is, you know, the king's own hand- writing. Now," continued Montagu, as he turned away, " I have won the woman, and have betrayed my sovereign." The Duchess's eyes seemed vivid fire as she read the secret despatch — not a tear fell — not a burning drop bedimmed her sight ; but, with the rapidity of lightning, the sheet was pe- rused. " ' Above all, your excellency will keep the Duchess of Cleveland in Paris by every art you can invent. I do not want her near me. You know under what circumstances I protected her. She must not return, for I h2 100 COUNT KONIGSMAEK. would not be forced to convince her of my in- difference — of my disgust/ Your excellency may preserve the letter," said the Duchess, with apparent unconcern, ^^and it remains with, yourself to guard the affection which a king disdains." COUNT KONIGSMABK. 101 CHAPTER YIII. " Mv foot shall fight with all the strength thou hast ; And if mine arm be heaved in the air, Thv grave is digged already in the earth." Henbt VI. *^ Be quiet as thought, good Yratz. I have as many bright visions passing before me as bilious men see of stars when they resolutely close their eyes. The Lapland witches prove true ; and the penalty is far off. Quick ! I remove to London this night ; and the horses must be ready by eight of the clock. Let my other servants be kept in this hostelrie until my return. Well armed, and with youth and courage, we have little to fear from interrup- tion by the way." 102 COUNT KONIGSMARK. " The devil most unceremoniously take all Lapland witches and all hair-brained counts," said Yratz, as his master left the room, and he began his unwilling task. '^ What a night of pleasure I had planned ! By Thor himself, (and that's a rash oath for a doubtful Chris- tian,) I believe I would sell myself, as my master has done, to half the powers of darkness, to stay here a month! On the very night of the fete, and only having rested eight-and-forty hours, to go bumping in a hard saddle from dark to daylight, and daylight to dark, while Eugenie and Clementina are dancing and revel- ling with those, who, more fortunate than my- self, ray master does not care about !" " Is the Count Konigsmark within?" said a stranger in a loud voice. *' If Count Charles John Yon Konigsmark," replied Yratz, " were within, and not deaf or dead, he might hear the question and answer for himself. He must be dreaming of witch- craft, or he would hear that noise. What business have you with my master ?" *' Business that concerns him, and not you, sirrah. Tell him that Colonel Brett, the friend COUNT KONIGSMARK. 103 of the English ambassador, desires his conver- sation for a short time." " This is the king's jester," said Yratz, as he looked at him. " He's come to Paris to learn manners; and it's not much he seems to have benefited as yet. This way, and that door ! Faith, as I am my master's best friend and travelling companion, I wish he would select better company." " His excellency has commanded me to put this letter into your own hands," said Brett, when he was shewn into the apartment of Ko- nigsmark; " it will present you properly to the Lady Algernon. With her resides the richest heiress in Europe. You had better make dili- gent inquiries at Montagu House; for she may be in London. His excellency begs of you to re- gard the daughter of the Countess with much scrutiny; for he has heard lately that her health was somewhat impaired, and on your retui'n, his excellency solicits the further honour of your acquaintance. I see your retainers are preparing for your departure. This thought was somewhat sudden?" " Even so; but I had intended a visit to 104 COUNT KONIGSMARK. England. Pray does the Earl of Ogle intend passing the sea ? You English fear not the passage, which to us is uncomfortable." ** Within a week it is the Earl's intention to Tisit the Lady Algernon and her ward. You will have the start," continued Brett, with a smile; *' and being younger and much better favoured, may win a girl's heart before a rival can estab- lish himself. I will not detain you." " Commend me kindly to his excellency, and further oblige me by saying that I shall not fail in all he has desired. Farewell ! I am much your debtor for this civility." As the Colonel bowed with much politeness, the end of his sword touched Yratz's ear, who, taking up the remark his master had last made, said, " It is more than I am." The Colonel, who, like his friend the ambas- sador, had a motive in everything he did, touched Yratz again ; and as the Count retired, he put a Louis d'or in his hand. Yratz nodded his head familiarly, and said, " By my soul, you are right to put it in honest keeping ! You seem to know how to apologise for an insult. I pray heaven, it be not a false coin." COUNT KONIGSMARK. 105 That night, Konigsmark and Yratz left Paris for England. The Count rode a small, sturdy horse, being well armed and prepared at all points himself. Yratz followed close behind, riding another, and driving before him the one which was laden with the baggage, amusing himself by whistling and cursing ; the first being a French cazonette ; the second, continued ana- themas against witchcraft and all who believed in it. It was a long journey; for in those days travelling was in its infancy; the rapid growth of its manhood came many years after- wards. The inns were miserable hostelries; the roads bad and somewhat dangerous; and people commended themselves to heaven before they undertook a journey, and made their wills, like desperate men, about to encounter danger. Travellers took the road as prepared for battle, as the soldier who lands on an enemy's coast ; children embraced their parents, and wondered if ever they would return ; wives kissed their husbands, and felt relieved by the thought that every preparation had been made for a long voyage ; and unfaithful lovers felt assured 106 COUNT KONIGSMARK. they could not be mutually surprised by any sudden re-appearance. It was necessity made men travel ; few did it for pleasure. A stran- ger was followed in the streets as idle boys ac- company punch. Men's minds were narrowed ; and, like the Spaniard of Mexico to this day, they believed all the world under the dominion of their own monarch, or looked down upon other countries as trivial or worthless. Englishmen were much the same before the continent was open to them ; and a farmer in Essex discredited the statement that the French ate beef or reared sheep ; frogs were supposed to be their universal diet, and cats admitted as a luxury into the paltry list of their comestibles, which French cookery made palatable. On the other hand, El Dorado existed in South America, and children were taught to believe there was one town where the streets were paved with two- penny loaves, and the houses tiled with pan- cakes. Konigsmark did not travel with his eyes shut, as the Spanish courier, Eafael, galloped from Vera Cruz to Mexico ; neither did Vratz allow many minutes to elapse without forcing COUNT KONIGSMARK. 107 a conversation. Every man, woman, or child whom they passed became subjects for his re- marks. " There goes another girl, clattering in wooden shoes, and thanking G-od for a good dinner as she eats bread and gnaws an onion. French consciences and French stomachs are easily satisfied. And thatfellow is a walking lie, for he wears contentment as a mask, whilst he swallows sour apples and eats a hard loaf. Holy Virgin! how I hate people who have not courage enough to grumble." "It is an article, Yratz, in which you are not deficient. From the day we left Stock- holm until now, I believe you have existed on contradictions and brandy." " And a good reason why I should grumble. I was taken through cold and snow to sit out a whole day by myself, whilst you were selling your soul to the devil. And no sooner do I get to a Christian-like place, where the girls are pretty and the brandy excellent, than I am desired to pack up, and away we go on another wild-goose chase." *^ Not so, Vratz; we are going now in chase of a woman." 108 COUNT K,ONIGSMARK. " Then Heaven protect us, and grant us a good supply of money. It will be a weary while before I ever see Sweden again. How far may it be to Calais?'^ " We have yet a couple of days' journey be- fore us. But why should distance annoy you? Do we not rest every night? And is there not at every town a beautiful church in which you may say your prayers at daylight ? Then as we travel along, does not the view — " *' I crave your patience, good master, rather than you should rob me of mine. View! By all the witches at Torneatrask, it is the ugliest country in Christendom. The snows and rocks of Finland are more romantic than these miserable, uncultivated plains ; and from Paris to Abbeville we have not met one spot or one piece of scenery which has made you so lively that you said, ' Villain Vratz, look in that direction.' Go on, ye sorry jade ! Master's luggage and my sack will never weigh down the straight legs of a horse. Are you thinking you carry a bishop's provender? It's plain you would rather be in a stable eating corn COUNT KOXIGSMARK. 109 than honoured by carrying the court suit of Charles John Yon Konigsmark." " There, villain," said the Count, " look at that view. Is not that beautiful ?" It was the imposing sight from the high land of Montreuil, which had excited this remark. Far, far before them appeared a well-wooded country ; and here and there spires of churches were visible, whilst the smoke of distant vil- lages rose through the trees. The undulations of the ground gave a romantic cast to the scenery; and the last rays of the setting sun tinged the " unnatural hue which autumn plants upon the perished leaf." Konigsmark stopped to admire the view, and seemed to find great pleasure in scrutizing the landscape; whilst Vratz, impatient of delay, warned him that the sun would soon be down, and that there was no moon. Even in tracing the road from the hill it was already shaded and indistinct, whilst the lowing of the cattle as they disturbed the silence was declared by the unsentimental servant to be a howl for the lost daylight. " Some people," said Vratz, " always go mad 110 COUNT KONIGSMARK. about scenery ; but to my eyes one hill is very like another ; and a tree, whether in France or in Sweden, is much about the same thing. I have heard young ladies talk of bold rocks and jut- ting promontories, and weep over the recollec- tion of hills and dales, trees and waterfalls, quite forgetting that it was not the mountains which enchanted them with all they saw, but the beam- ing eyes of those they loved, and who loved them, which brightened all around, and made the barren rocks and snow-topped mountains an earthly paradise. Whenever I hear young women talking of splendid scenery, I always ask how many men were of the party, and how many have been since married. It grows dark. Count, and we had better leave off sigh- ing for the sun, and spur on to the next hos- telrie." Konigsmark started at his servant's hint. Together they slowly descended the hill, and soon found that the rest of the journey must be performed in the dark. Spurring forward his horse, the Count bade his servant do the same, and drive on the one which carried the luggage. It was a calm evening, and soon be- COUNT KONIGSMARK. Ill came dark. Yratz heard the clatter of his master^s horse, and folloAved the sound, whilst the Count, cheering up his mind by a song, pro- ceeded merrily along. Not far, however, had they got in the wood, when a shrill whistle was heard, and Konigsmark stopped short for Vratz to come close up to him. " Did you hear the whistle?" said the Count in a low voice. " Not being deaf, I'll warrant I did," said Vratz, as he screwed himself into a comfortable position; " it's perhaps a shepherd returning home who is whistling his dog." " Do you think, you obstinate boar, that it was the dog who whistled from the other side of the road in return ? I owe you this reproach for the just one you gave me as I loitered on the hill observing the view. We may be beset here, and it would be an awkward occurrence." " It would be an awkward occurrence, with a vengeance; for, if these freebooters took your court dress and scanty wardrobe, not to mention the little money that's left, you would cut but a sorry figure with your love the witches have found for you. I dare say now, you think it my duty to be killed for 112 COUNT KONIGSMARK. your spangled jerkin. By my soul ! I hear them coming I and I'm glad of it. A little fight will quite restore my good-humour. I'm by your side, Count." Konigsmark drew his long rapier, and called out for the party advancing to stand, or give an account of themselves. To this no an- swer was given, but the quick pace of at least four horses was heard. Konigsmark called to Yratz to keep off the road, with the intention of allowing the advancing party to ride past them. Then regaining the road, it was his purpose to spur on, in order, if possible, to clear the wood before he was attacked. Yratz had drawn his sword, and having placed the luggage animal be- tween him and the coming foe, he gave a tender remembrance in favour of the blessed Virgin, and prepared for his peculiar fancy — a fight. Anon came four men armed to the teeth, at a gallant pace. Konigsmark had left the road, and the party passed him. Yratz cheered the coming thieves and flourished his long sword. The luggage horse stood with its ears pricked up, undaunted at the charge, which threw the poor animal down, tumbling COUNT KONIGSMARK. 11.3 over it one of the four. The rest instantly endeavoured to stop; but Konigsmark was behind them, and spurred to the assistance of his servant, who had set upon the nearest man, and who, calling on Thor and the Virgin, dealt most unwholesome wounds. The other two of the thieves, in turning to their comrade, rode over their friend who was sprawling on the ground, and the horse of one swerving at the fallen animal, nearly unhorsed his rider ; before the latter could recover himself, Konigsmark had dealt him a blow which put him hors de combat. " Yield, ye devil !" said the second man, as he rode against Yratz, and struck him a tre- mendous blow with a weapon not unlike a modern life-preserver, but the ball of which was of iron, with small spikes protruding. The arm of the Swede was rendered powerless ; the sword fell from his nerveless grasp. Ten thousand stars seemed shooting before his eyes ; a sickly sensation weakened his limbs, and he tottered in his saddle. The strong arm which had inflicted this blow was again raised to repeat VOL. I. I 114 COUNT KONIGSMARK. it, when the limb was paralysed by the sword of Konigsmark, and the ruffian disabled. There were but two now on horseback, for Yratz, yielding to the stunning effect of the blow, fell forward on his horse and fainted. The darkness almost rendered objects invisible. The last thief, believing the victory on his side, swept from right to left his huge sword, shouting to his companions; whilst Konigs- mark, keeping close to Yratz, called loudly to his servant, in the hope of restoring him, and keeping his sword on the guard, moved to the side whence came the shout. Both riders met, and each struck fiercely. The swords met — the steel was broken, and each remained unarmed. Konigsmark seized his adversary by the collar, and tried to unhorse him; but he found a stub- born enemy of great strength, who gripped him by the doublet. Each now strove to overcome his adversary, and loud were the curses, and heavy the blows bestowed by the hand. The horses swayed with their riders, and every nerve was strained to gain the advantage. Konigsmark, young and vigorous, felt himself overpowered. COUXT KOXIGSMABK. 115 In vain he struggled with his powerful anta- gonist : he seemed like a centaur — a piece of his horse — and was immoveable. Gradually his strength began to fail, and he felt the more powerful grasp of his adversary as he rocked him in his saddle. " Yratz !" he called; " Yratz! to the rescue!" Scarcely had he spoken, when he felt his antagonist let go his hold, and heard him faU on the ground. •' That^s for my headache/' said Vrr^tz. '• Xow, up, ye sorry jade,'* he said, as he raised the luggage horse. " Here's a spare sword, Count, and the sooner we trot away the better." " Thanks, Yratz; this service will not be forgotten. " 12 116 COUNT KONIGSMARE. CHAPTEE IX. -What is this That rises like the issue of a king, And wears upon its babj brow, the round And top of sovereignty ?" Macbeth. " This letter, my dear Lady Algernon, will 1)6 presented to you by Count Yon Konigsmark, u man of high birth in Sweden, and nephew to the governor of Pomerania. It is his wisb» to form some idea of the higher classes of society in England, and of the beauty of the vast domains of the aristocracy. I cannot, therefore, do better for him than to present him — for the first, to yourself; and for the latter, to Pet worth. He has been well re- ceived in Paris, to the society of which he COUNT KONIGSMARK. 117 added an ornament. His courtly manners will recommend themselves to you. Lord Ogle is still with us, impatient to receive your answer as to the proposition we made relative to my daughter, through the kindness of Mr. Locke. Be well assured that no marriage will be sanctioned by me that has not your approval, neither shall I flatter any man's proposition which meets not with your fuU encouragement. " The Count will give you all details as to our movements, of which he is well aware ; but do not be misguided by him relative to the Lord Ogle, as there seemed a jealousy between them, arising from the unbridled use of man's worst enemy — his wit. I pray you commend me lovingly and affectionately to my daughter, who, I trust, follows your injunctions rigidly kand implicitly. She wants but a very few years to be of that age when the Countess of Sussex was married. Montagu desires his profound respects; and I have no words to express the gratitude of the " Countess of Northumberland." " Is the gentleman here who brought this letter?" 118 COUNT KONIGSMARK. " He awaits your ladyship's answer at the inn. His servant mentions that he was rudely assaulted in France, and is much fatigued, moreover." "Peace! peace! — you chatter with the garrulous tongue of age. Give this note to the Count's servant, and let him not lack the hospitality of an English house. Kemember, Herbert, that this is a foreigner who has heard much of my country — let him not go hence scoffing at the falsehoods of historians or travellers." The servant bowed respectfully, and with- drew. " This letter pleases me much," said Lady Algernon, as she re-perused it. "I can have no fears from the Count in respect to my grand- daughter; and from him I may glean how far^ Lord Ogle is of an age and bearing to befit him for the splendour of the proposed alli- ance." Having folded the letter again, she gave orders for the Lady Elizabeth to be dressed earlier than usual, for the reception of the Count, and she prepared herself for the meeting COUNT KONIGSMARK. 119 l)y an additional quantity of paint, and an extra mouche or two upon her face. " It is a magnificent chateau," said Yratz, as he returned; " and by my faith, that En- glish ale is a becoming beverage, for I have a better colour in my face since I quaffed it. I saw about a score of footmen, a dozen pages, and maidens with rosy cheeks and demure looks without number. Some fellows there chinked money, and played at shuffle-board." "You must not appear to want that," said the Count. " Take liberally, and play. If you lose, take care not to lose with it your temper ; but let the dross go, as if it were plentiful at home, and only required the time to fetch it. I look not on you, Yratz, as my servant, but as my companion. I am indebted to you for my life, and I only use you now as my retainer, because otherwise I should not appear with an attend- ance worthy my station." " You saved my life, good Count, and mine is more than ever at your disposal ; the time may yet come when I may venture it again for your welfare. How can I serve you now?" " There is a child, a daughter of the ambas- 120 COUNT KONIGSMARK. sadress in Paris : mention that you heard her much spoken of in that city ; then be discreet of further words, but carefully retain in your memory whatever may fall from the tongues of others. When the discourse shall turn upon other things, appear to follow the strain, but be sure to lead it back to her. I know when your tongue is unbridled you speak loosely: beware of mentioning the witches." '' Not for the world, good Count! for people are burnt here who even know their names. If that ale and cake do not betray my tongue or cloud my memory, I will not forget your commands." " Above all things, Vratz, endeavour to commune with the coy maidens. Be lavish of your flattery; and with the tongue of one accustomed to travel, declare them superior to all others in the world. Here are some Swed- ish trinkets, valuable from their rarity. Give to each as far as you can ; but to her who is most communicative give this ring. Say it has the charm of securing to the bearer the man she most wishes to captivate — say it was given by a cunning woman of Finland, but COUNT KONIGSMARK. 121 that you hold another more powerful — excite their curiosity — pamper their credulity — but let all your mind be set upon the one object — the child. Tell the maids they are beautiful, and you need not fear returning without having learnt something. How do I look, Vratz?" said the Count, as he fastened his sword, the handle of which was richly stud- ded, and was an beir-loom. Its antiquity was a charm, and a warrant of birth. " Does the dress become me? for I scarcely know myself in this French garb. This waistcoat is richly embroidered, and the lace of my ruffles of immense value. I fear me that my hair does not look so neatly arranged as I could wish, and my fashion of not using powder may appear at first the result of obstinate conceit." ^' There are few women," said Yratz, " who can withstand that face and that tongue." Lady Algernon received him proudly, but courteously ; and Konigsmark, already in- formed of the person with whom he was deal- ing, bowed with great deference, and using the manner of his countrv, inclined one knee, 122 COUNT KONIGSMARK. and kissed the hand of the hostess ; then re- tiring a step, he again bowed, and in be- coming words expressed his gratitude to the Countess of Northumberland for having thus met his wishes by admitting him to the pre- sence of the Lady Algernon, of whose suavity of manners and princely hospitality he had been well informed. The Lady Algernon was captivated at once by his address, and with a slight colour, which made the artificial one more evident, she with- drew her eyes from Konigsmark's, and taking the Lady Elizabeth by the hand, presented her with much gravity to the Count. The child, with all the stiifness of her grandmother, and the dignity of a queen, curtsied lowly, whilst Konigsmark's face flushed a bright crimson and his words became inarticulate ; he felt all his power gone, for it was the child — nay, even to the very dress, that had been shewn him. That child, as if urged by some inward, indescribable feeling, flushed also ; and with an eye such as we see in those who love us, she met his gaze, and then timidly withdrew to her chair. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 123 Kecovered from the sudden paralysis of his powers, Konigsmark addressed himself to the Lady Algernon, who, apologising for the bash- fulness of the Lady Elizabeth, begged that the Count would make Petworth his abode, until the solitude of the country and the irksome- ness of its company might make him eager to seek a gayer residence in the metropolis. The invitation was eagerly accepted, and Yratz and his master became the inmates of Petworth. Locke had been suddenly sent for to London, and the Duke of Monmouth had unexpectedly been recalled. That evening was spent in con- versation. Konigsmark feeling satisfied that this rich heiress was the star of his destiny, was fluent of his words, and with consummate tact never complimented the Lady Elizabeth directly. At her request, he traced back the events of his life from his earliest remembrance. His mind, always romantic, was stored with all the poetry of his country. So faithfully did he picture its scenery, and so vividly did he paint its in- habitants, that every act and every landscape came before the listener's eyes ; and never did he allow one opportunity to escape him, when 124 COUNT KONIGSMARK. he paralleled the manners and customs of either nation, of paying a handsome, well- turned compliment to the Lady Algernon; whilst his eyes, glowing with animation, often met the abashed look of the Lady Elizabeth, who, like a bird fascinated by the snake, could not withdraw her gaze. Neither did he seek to win his way by merely complimenting the vain woman who thus hospitably received him. He spoke of his wish to travel, consulted her as to the country most profitable in resources, and bowed with deference to her judgment. Young as he was, he was well tutored in love's ways. He knew that to succeed he should always make the object attacked apparently superior to himself, whilst he took care to place himself so highly in the woman's estima- tion, that she raised herself as it were to his level when her opinion was consulted. Scenes of adventure, all of desperate bravery, and all to shield the innocent and defend the oppressed, were coined to allure the attentive ears of Lady Elizabeth — hasty sketches of wars, even from the time of Gustavus Yasa — anecdotes of COUNT KONIGSMARK. 125 sacrifices scarcely credible in nations strug- gling into independence — the bright scenes of the French court, and the manners of that trivial people, succeeded each other in inexhaustible rapidity; and when the hour came for the retirement of the Lady Elizabeth, although restraint dictated the formal curtsey, nature prompted a more generous salute, and the young girl, quite enamoured of the handsome stranger who had beguiled the hours usually tediously long, into those, alas! too rapidly fleeting, offered her hand, saying that she trusted the Count Von Konigsmark would so far be pleased with Petworth and its hospitality as to stay long enough to conclude his account of Pomerania and of his uncle's deeds in war. No sooner had the Lady Elizabeth retired, than Lady Algernon made inquiries respecting Lord Ogle. Konigsmark did not seek directly to undervalue him ; he praised his appearance, whilst he slightly depreciated his more ster- ling qualities ; and whilst giving him the cha- racter of a man of high ton and fashion, did not fail to notice his greedy avarice, easily recognised in his disposition for play ; and he 126 COUNT KONIGSMARK. whispered away his talents, whilst he appa- rently applauded his wit. But these were trivial in Lady Algernon's eyes, for Konigs- mark could not attack his birth, and Lady Algernon thought, as many other silly women think, that a stupid nobleman was far better than an intellectual parvenu — that money will weigh down talent, and " repentance in a coach-and-six" is far preferable to the har- monious interchange of love in a retired nook in the country. Supper was served with great splendour, and the room lighted as if to receive a hun- dred guests. Well-schooled in the world, Konigsmark made no allusion to the gorgeous display, but seemed to regard it as that to which he had been accustomed. This was not lost on Lady Algernon, who traced in it the proof that he had from his infancy been the inmate of a palace. A week passed rapidly away, during which time Konigsmark had travelled many a mile on the Downs of Sussex ; and whilst in reality improving his own mind, and becoming as- sured of the growing greatness of the nation, COUNT KONIGSMARK. 127 the sterling qualities of its yeomen, the mark of the freeman stamped upon the countenance, and the becoming pride of all who claimed to be Englishmen, he forgot not the star of his destiny, and spent many an hour in ingratiat- ing himself with her ; and so far improved his opportunities, that the child, reposing all con- fidence in him, groaned over her isolated cap- tivity, and sighed for a more cheerful life, when the companionship of her own class would not be withheld from her. Dangerous was it to Lady Elizabeth to listen to the ser- pent tongue of Konigsmark, who on all occa- sions entered into her views, and sighed when he thought so beautiful a girl should be mar- ried not to the man of her choice, but to the man selected by others. These seeds of insub- ordination were sown in whispers ; for Lady Elizabeth was never alone, either two or three attendants were within call, or Lady Algernon herself was present. When such a familiarity is established that the woman listens to a whisper, she is preparing her own downfal, and allowing the undermining power of vice to assail her totterinsr virtue. What is said 128 COUNT KONIGSMARK. in a wliisper, speaks more to the heart than the loudest voice, supported by truth or sin- cerity. It was on the seventh day that Konigsmark heard that Lord Ogle had left Paris, and was on his road to Petworth. He was to be joined by his father, the Duke of Newcastle, in Lon- don, and was then to be received in great state by Lady Algernon. Lady Elizabeth had been told that the Earl of Ogle was her destined husband, provided he met with the approba- tion of her grandmother, and this approbation was nearly certain, as he was the eldest son of the Duke, and no higher rank could be ob- tained. Secretly did the Lady Elizabeth, who loved that which was nearest to her, whisper at intervals her detestation of the man for whom she was destined ; and Konigsmark never lost the opportunity of poisoning her mind, by likening the beautiful and intellectual girl, as he falsely called her, to a handsome suit of em- broidery, sold to the highest bidder, who would wear her as an ornament, until it was convenient to cast it aside; and on the last day before his departure, when he culled a flower and COUNT KONIGSMARK. 129 presented it to her, lie felt her young hand return the pressure of his, and her eves sparkled with emotion as he expressed, in the dangerous whisper, his ardent hope that the w^arm hand then again and again pressed might one day be his. A sudden blush crim- soned the child's cheek, and as she lifted her eyes to his, he read at a glance all the satis- faction they expressed. Yratz's information, culled from the very best sources, the lady's attendants, was not such as would heighten a lover's fire. The Lady Eli- zabeth was, according to the information obtained, as proud as the old woman who pro- tected her. She never had a favourite; not even a dog was fondly patted by her delicate hand. She was cold, formal and conceited ; and with the arrogance of supposed superiority, treated all around her with contempt and indifference. !N'ot one spoke well of her; she was declared pettish and perverse; and only condescended to smile when everything was in accordance with her wishes. Moreover, even in Konigsmark's eyes she was not handsome. Her hair was red; her eyes were neither of VOL. I. K 130 COUNT KONIGSMARK. the dark clearness of the Spanish, nor the mild blue of colder climates. She was short for her age, and even the rash adventurer could not help feeling the greatness of the sacrifice he was about to offer at the shrine of lucre. " Still, Yratz," he exclaimed, after a brief pause, " she is prodigiously rich, and I am abominably poor; indeed, if it were not for an occasional turn of fortune's wheel at the gaming table, we might before this have been lodged in the cold palace of my uncle, or have been condemned to march about as sol- diers, to be shot at for a mark a day. I will leave the impression I have made to work its own way, and returning to Paris, recruit my finances somehow before I visit Spain. As yet, the girl cannot be married; she is too young ; and we have time enough before us." COUNT KONIGSMARK. 131 CHAPTER X. " I know you all, and will awhile uphold The unyoked humour of your idleness," Henry IV. It was the second day after the departure of Konigsmark from Paris that Montagu amused his wife with reading aloud the follow- ing letter from Lady Algernon, but he took good care that neither Brett nor Lord Ogle should be present. " Your letter, Mr. Montagu, addressed to Mr. Locke, was read to me, as far as certain parts of it which related to myself and my granddaughter. It would have been more be- coming in you to have written to me; for, however flattered I may feel from the, I hope, K 2 132 COUNT KONIGSMARK. just encomiums bestowed upon me in your letter, wliicli seemed to give great pleasure to Mr. Locke in reading, yet I think in all matters relative to my granddaughter's interest, the secresy would be better maintained if the sub- ject were only known to the family. The Duke of Newcastle (remember he is only the second duke) can in no way pretend to the lofty birth of the heiress of the house of Percy ; and although the Earl of Ogle is his son, he may never succeed to the title, in which case it would be a lamentable affair, as the Lady Elizabeth would not be a Duchess. In point of fortune, there can be no comparison, and, therefore, as we have the superiority of birth and wealth on our side, the marriage must be considered a great condescension on our parts. I think, therefore, it should be agreed on the other side that all their interest should be used (and our promises be retracted should it fail) to induce the king to give away the bride. The Duke of Monmouth would be honoured by so doing ; but the king's conde- scension would, in a slight degree, confer some little honour upon the affair. I pray you send COUNT KONIGSMARK. l^o over this Earl of Ogle, that I may look at him. I hope he is well favoured, and has the manners and bearing of the high court party of France; and he can bring with him the newest modes of ladies' apparel, for in the making of these our milliners are sadly defi- cient, and somewhat barbarous. I hope I have written this letter so clearly that it can- not be misunderstood, for I am as yet in no wise disposed to give my consent to the match ; and I shall of course take the greatest care that all my granddaughter's fortune is tightly settled on herself. Present me kindly to your lady ; and if the Earl of Ogle is near you, ac- quaint him that I may be reconciled to his visit to Pet worth if he comes accompanied by his father, the second Duke of Newcastle." " There," said Montagu, " is a letter that would puzzle the most subtle diplomatist of Europe; what with the contradictions, the honours, fortunes, and fashions, I doubt if the Duchess of Cleveland herself could unravel the meaning of it." " That hated woman, Montagu, that cast- off mistress of a loose monarch, is for ever on 134 COUNT KONIGSMARK. your lips. I would she were absent from France with her child, and I thus saved from the pain of seeing mj husband necessarily associated with so disreputable a character.'^ " Jealous already," said Montagu to himself. " I wonder much she is so quick sighted as to see that I prefer the mother to the young and prettier daughter. What are we to do with Ogle? — are we to send him to this cross-grained guardian of the Percies? Look you, Brett,'^ he said, as he left his wife, without waiting her reply, "' Ogle must give more ; the Lady Algernon resolutely withholds her consent. Look, here is the letter." And he shewed the few words in which the guardian had expressly stated her non- consent. " Go to him, and with your most cunning speech instil into his ears that it can still be done ; and that if he raises his price a few thousands more, I pledge myself that within a week he shall be on his way, with letters that shall ensure the attainment of his object. Inflame his jealousy of the Swede : you are an adept at that, and worthy of the embassy. I am annoyed, Brett, and feel how insignificant I am, for I cannot disguise my feelings. An COUNT KONIGSMARK. 135 ambassador should be a walking lie ; he should appear calm and unmoved even when thwarted in his views ; his countenance should never be the index of his heart ; and his hand should grasp that of his avowed foe with all the sin- cerity of true friendship. Quick, Brett, and serve me as the right hand of my own body. We must have money ; the expenses of the Duchess are enormous, and the Earl of Sussex contributes to her daughter's wants with a most niggardly and parsimonious hand." The Earl of Ogle, who had never seen the heiress of all the Percies, soon fell into Brett's views; the requisite sum was promised to be paid, and when all was signed, Montagu informed Brett of the trick he had practised. Brett was liberally rewarded, and the Earl of Ogle was dispatched with proper letters from the Countess, who, in reality, was not privy to the scheme her husband had adopted, but saw in her future son-in-law a very proper match for her daughter, who, although too young for marriage, might be affianced, and in a year or two would be as old as the young Countess of Sussex. 136 COUNT KONIGSMARE. On Lord Ogle taking his departure from Paris, he received many instructions from Montagu as to his behaviour with Lady Alger- non ; for a person not prepared to adopt the most insincere line of flattery, could never suc- ceed with her. Montagu was anxious for this match himself, as he saw in the bridegroom a man by no means competent to cope with him, and who could easily be wheedled into a very necessary liberality ; and money was his object. Even the immense fortune which he had obtained by his marriage with the Coun- tess of Northumberland, and his large salary as minister, were insufficient for his expendi- ture ; for he kept a noble house, was a man much given to society, and supported the dig- nity of his country by the splendour of his entertainments. A poor man should never be an ambassador, although his alliance and birth may rank him amongst the highest of sub- jects ; for, abroad, the country is represented by its minister, and the splendour of an embassy contributes much towards the entertainment of a proper respect for it. The quick eye of the Countess of North- COUNT KONIGSMARK. 137 umberland soon witnessed the various changes of her husband's countenance. It is true, in the time of Charles II., immorality was some- what of a recommendation; the licentious monarch was too liberal in his notions to bar the progress of others who followed his ex- ample. Montagu was, therefore, a great fa- vourite^ although he did remove his hand- some wife, and Charles had confided to him a secret, which he would have been loth to entrust to the mind of another. Whilst it was kno^vn to Montagu alone, he knew where to avenge himself if that confidence were be- trayed. Directly two people are entrusted with a secret, it ceases to be one. Charles was a very superstitious, gay, and immoral monarch. It appears that, before the Eestoration, he had consulted an astrologer, who predicted, with some accuracy, the time of his return. Weak minds are always cre- dulous, and Charles is another proof of the truth of the saying. Ever since his return, he had constantly sent over to Montagu, to cause the astrologer to re-consult his horoscope ; and with all the blindness of the Persian monarch, 138 COUNT KONIGSMARK. who takes physic only when there is a fa- vourite or favourable conjunction, Charles took his different mistresses in accordance with the state of Venus and Mars, or rather as the astrologer predicted. This was the great secret of Montagu, and it was evidently the most powerful he could possess, by which to retain or get rid of the Duchess of Cleveland. She, although now the actual mistress of Montagu, and living almost openly under his protection, corres- ponded with the king, and was incessant in her endeavours to return to him. As long, therefore, as it suited the variable love of Montagu, the king was informed that the astrologer had consulted the stars, that his separation from the Duchess was inevitable, and that a future conjunction under the pre- sent aspect of the heavens would be followed by great and disastrous events, to the great prejudice of the monarch, and to the loss of the affections of his subjects ; and Charles be- lieved it to the utmost letter. As yet, Mon- tagu had not told the Duchess this; he had succeeded through his cautious manner of COUNT KONIGSMARK. 139 exciting her curiosity on another subject, and now so enamoured had he become of her, that he scarcely ever left her. Who can speak the throbbings of an affectionate heart? Who can describe the chilling blight of indifference, which crushes the fond hopes of a dutiful, an affectionate wife? Who can fathom the misery of her who, wrapt in one object — seeing in it a being in her estimation far above others — loving it with all fervour, adoring it in secret, and worshipping it with eyes radiant with love, feels the first pang of doubt, which, like the poison of the envenomed dart, rushes with icy coldness through her blood? There are none to witness her tears shed in solitude ; none can feel that sickening of the heart which overwhelms all her energies ; none can hear the deep-drawn sighs, and none witness the sudden starts occasioned by horrid dreams which haunt the couch of the neglected victim. True love repines in solitude; it withdraws itself from all intercourse but with its own heart ; and the tears which spring from that heart, as from a fountain, alone prevent its 140 COUNT KONIGSMARK. breaking, by relieving it of those waters of bit- terness which would otherwise overwhelm it. The Countess of Northumberland sincerely loved Montagu, and that love directed her aright. She felt the cold indifference with which he listened to her. He became irregu- lar in his habits ; and to each reproach, if love can ever reproach the object it adores, she was answered, that business of state, unfit to be mentioned even to his wife, necessarily with- drew him from her society. This, with every outward shew of annoyance, he regretted, as it debarred him, he said, from the pleasure he had always experienced near her; and thus, with the cunning of the experienced falconer, he threw out the lure of love to charm her to his arms again. Nor was he unsuccessful; for much too rejoiced was the Countess to cheat herself for one moment, and to enjoy once more all the belief, all the certainty of his un- altered affection. Montagu was unrivalled in the art ; for although he roamed about from flower to flower, sipping the sweets of each, and constant to none, yet he was aware of the COUNT KONIGSMARK. 141 blessings of borne, wbere tbe eyes of one brigbt- ened at bis coming, and ber cbeek was ever burning to receive tbe kiss of seeming affec- tion : for be was wise enougb to endeavour to deceive tbe public, before wbom, at bis own bouse, be was ever kind and obliging to bis wife. Sbortly after tbe departure of Lord Ogle, tbe Countess, witb a careless air, asked bim wbere be bad been, tbat be bad so long delayed bis coming bome. Tbe question was put appa- rently witb a desire to give Montagu an open- ing for bis sprigbtly conversation. "I am just returned from Versailles, wbere I bave been nearly tbe wbole day. Tbere were crowds anxious to tbrust tbemselves upon tbeir sovereign. After my reception, I walked in tbe gardens, and am but tbis instant re- turned." Montagu, as be gave tbis trivial account of bis time witb all tbe apparent sincerity of trutb, never beeded tbe eyes of tbe Countess, wbicb at first were fixed upon bim, but wbicb soon filled witb tears as be continued bis 142 COUNT KONIGSxMARK. details ; at last, overcome, in spite of all exer- tions to resist it, she gave one sob, rose, and left the table. " The Countess is somewhat indisposed to- day," remarked Montagu, "and we must endeavour to surmount our grief at her absence ; the weather, I suppose, has over- come her, and the atmosphere promises a thunder-storm." " I think it does," said Brett, who, with the liberty of one tolerated for his useful services, gave an intelligible meaning to his words by the cunning cast of his eye. " I trust, however," said Montagu, " that her indisposition will soon pass away, and that she may be enabled to meet the friends who are coming to her reception. Has there been anything new, Brett, since my departure?" "Nothing, but the return of the Swede, who, it appears, arrived last night, and in his desperate hope endeavours to increase his means, was very successful at play. He desired his best regards to your excellency, and mentioned that the Lady Elizabeth was in perfect health, as was also the Lady Alger- COUNT KONIGSMARK. 143 non ; moreover, he begged me to excuse liim to your excellency, as business of much importance obliged him immediately to leave Paris for Ma- drid. His room was covered with rich dresses, and money seemed very plentiful with him, as it was liberally distributed. It is his inten- tion, if he does not leave Paris to-night, to be present at her excellency's reception, but his eagerness to set out on his journey denies me the hope of his coming.'^ Splendid was the soiree of the Countess — all of high note in Paris attended — all the beauty, all the elite were there, and amongst them the Duchess of Cleveland and the Coun- tess of Sussex. The latter attracted much attention from her youth and beauty, and her infantine manners. The chilling manner of the Countess of Northumberland, as she bowed formally to the Duchess of Cleveland, was remarked by many; nor was the haughty glance of the Duchess unnoticed. To the Countess of Sussex more condescension was evinced ; but beyond the coldest recognition, not a word passed. Montagu saw it, and Brett was aware 144 COUNT KONIGS^IARK. it would happen — lie attributed the sudden illness of the Countess to the right cause. Most studiously did the Countess avoid her guest ; and quite in vain did Montagu endea- vour to reassure the Duchess. She sat in all her brilliant display of the richest jewellery, the wonder and the admiration of many; whilst some, whose envy and jealousy could not be concealed, reviled her publicly, and vented their impatient objections to her society, whilst their own lovers were within hear- ing. Still she was beautiful. As Mrs. Palmer, she had been admired — as a Duchess, she was courted — and as the personal friend of her sovereign, she ranked, in her own estimation, as more favoured than the Countess. When all the cold formality of the evening was past — when the hollow expressions of friend- ship or regard had been interchanged — when lovers had ceased their importunities, and the voice of passion had died in the eager ears of mistresses — Montagu entered his room. On his table was a letter : it ran thus — '' Un^l this day I believed every word which fell from COUNT KONIGSMARK. 145 jour lips. Unwillingly am I undeceived. I saw you, myself, enter the hotel of the King^s mistress at eleven o'clock — I passed as you came out at two o'clock — at four, you were there again — you were in this house at six — how could you have been at Versailles ? Alas I I am now as miserable as even the heartless object of your love could wish. She has es- tranged the affections of my husband, and I have lost my confidence in him for ever, since I have heard his own lips pronounce a cold, ■deliberate falsehood." YOL. I. 146 COUNT K0NIG3MAEK. CHAPTER XI. " On him ! on him ! Look you how pale he glares ! His form and cause conjoined — preaching to stones "Would make them capable " Hamlet. "I WOULD rather be the companion of a pedlar, and walk through Poland in the hopes of cheating a Jew of Varsovie, than I would ride by the side of a man who believes in witches, and who talks of the star of his des- tiny. Have we not," continued Vratz, as he addressed Konigsmark, "ridden far enough to-day, that we must still continue our onward course, without one word to break the mono- tony of the journey? Are you going to the Pillars of Hercules — to reside on the summit COUNT KONIGSMARK. 147 of the Gib-al-taric,* where the apes are so plentiful, that they reach from the top to the bottom by holding on each other's tails — or are you going to Morocco to buy a black mistress?" Eight days had now elapsed since Konigs- mark left Paris, and he had many a weary mile to travel before his journey would be ended. He had scarcely spoken a word, for his mind was fixed upon the Lady Elizabeth, who he was convinced" resembled the girl seen in the magic bowl, and who, he was well aware, was much pleased with his society, for she had given the best proof a child could give, by straining her ears to catch each anec- dote he told. As Vratz asked his question in a louder voice than usual, Konigsmark answered him. "We are neither going to Gibraltar nor Mo- rocco — though it may be that before we return to Sweden we shall have seen both. We are on our road to Italy, and I hope to return you to your countrymen, singing a happy song, with * The proper name of Gibraltar. l2 148 COUNT KONIGSMARK. your finances plentiful, and with every comfort to confer on a wife." '* I'll have no wife," said Vratz. " Marriage is a pair of horses pulling along the heavy lumbering vehicle of life: unless you both pull together, one gets galled, and frets, whilst the other fattens in idleness, or kicks, out of mischief. If I had not attached myself to you, good Count, I should have been at home now, instead of here, following your inclination rather than my own." " You will see the world, Vratz, and rub off some of your barbarous notions. What can you want more than you have? Name it; and if I can give it you, you are certain of it." " I want to go to sleep. Can you give me that ? I want to rest my back, which is bent double from fatigue. I want to feel sound where I am raw. I want some strong spirits to brighten my own." Konigsmark was now on the borders of Italy : before him was a lone post-house, and as he had changed his horses at every post, he thought of doing so here. On arriving at the door, he called loudly COUNT KONIGSMARK. 149 for the host, and after having been summoned several times bv Konigsmark, and cursed most seriously by Yratz, a thin, sharp-featured man appeared. " Did the witches tell you of this animal?'^ said Yratz. "By the blessed Virgin! I think my eyes never rested upon worse features than those, saving always Charles Borosky, who was manufactured expressly to shew how con- summately ugly a man might be, and yet be human." Yratz's opinion of the host was shared by Konigsmark. The man before them ap- peared the veriest anatomy which a heart could animate. He was small in stature, his face was ugly in the extreme, and his small, red, ferrety eyes seemed alive only with an unearthly vengeance. The scowl of the crea- ture was frightful, and there did not appear one touch of benevolence in his features. " I think," said Konigsmark, as he listened to the remark of Yratz, " that you will not feel much inclination to sleep here, or to rest your back either." " I should be afraid," replied Yratz, " to be 150 COUNT KONIGSMARK. in that fellow's company for five minutes ; he would either cut my throat, or I should cram him into one of my boots, and trample him to death. Let's move on. This is man's bad spirit, placed here to seize all travellers." " Horses, directly," said Konigsmark. " I wish to get on to Turin to-night, or, if pos- sible, to get to some decent inn before the storm overtakes us." " Can you ride those you have any farther, think you? Is mercy so much a stranger to your heart, that you would kill the animals who have borne your heavy weight thus far?" " They are as tired of us, good man," said Yratz, *' as I am of you. Order the horses, whilst I unlade this poor creature, whose shaking tail and extended nostrils shew his fatigue." " You cannot," said the postmaster, address- ing Konigsmark, " go further on your own, and you shall have none of my horses. In an hour that storm will burst ; then neither you nor the impudent varlet who accompanies you could save my cattle from the floods, or from the colds they would catch. Here is my house. It looks COUNT KONIGSMARK. 151 but little calculated to afford a sufficiency for so great a man as you would pretend to be, or as your insolent serving-man aspires to be.'' " Listen, little toad," said Vratz; " if you cannot keep a civil tongue, I will save you the trouble of getting any further beatings, by cut- ting out the member which is made to articulate your impertinence. Get the horses, or by the Virgin, I'll put the saddle on your skeleton- back, and make you carry a heavier burthen than your own lantern carcase." The postmaster took no notice of Yratz's threat, but quietly remarking that he had given the only answer he intended to give, he pointed to an empty shed, and returned to the house, leaving Konigsmark to follow the bent of his own inclination. " We have nothing for it, Yratz, but to make the best of this for the night. It wants but an hour or two of sunset, and after dark I am not inclined to tempt fortune. "We have had one adventure, which is quite sufficient; and these Italian brigands are sharp hands at the stiletto, and strike in the dark without asking for the money first." 152 COUNT KONIGSMARK. " As you like, Count; but I will say an extra prayer or two, and sleep with a cravat which would defy a razor. It's a coffin ready made — a grave ready dug. I never cast eye upon a more villanous hovel, with starvation as a moving sign in the host. Go on, nags. But, by my soul, I will have one hand upon my rapier and the fire-arms ready." " Can we have anything to eat?" said Ko- nigsmark, addressing the host, who was seated near a table opposite to a woman who still retained some marks of beauty, but which age had greatly contributed to obliterate. " If you can buy it, and cook it," replied the man, " you may eat it; we have nothing here but that which is sufficient for ourselves. We are seldom honoured by great men's presence^ and if it were not that I feared an accident to my horses, I would rather be without it now." Konigsmark now adopted a different tone;. he spoke of his readiness to pay handsomely, and to share his supper with those who so kindly sheltered him during the inclement weather, which had already begun to burst. His manner had an evident effect upon the COUNT KONIGSMARK. 15^ woman ; and after some few words exchanged in a language quite foreign to Konigsmark's ears, or uttered with such rapidity and such strange pronunciation as to render it unin- telligible, he was asked if he wished it imme- diately, or could wait an hour ; because if the latter, it would be better in quality and more in quantity. Yratz, who entered at the moment, voted lustily for waiting, adding to his master in Swedish — " These vermin only live upon their friends — dead cats, distempered dogs, or half-starved rats and mice." It was therefore agreed to wait, and Konigsmark and Yratz soon conveyed the scanty luggage into a room which was destined as the sleeping apartment of the Count, Yratz being told by the host that he might find out the softest plank, and stretch his menial limbs thereon. Konigsmark, ever alive to the privileges of the softer sex, began to pay some well-timed compliments to the hostess, who was now alone, the miserable anatomy having left the hovel, and directed his steps along a narrow pathway, which passed over the summit of a rising ground behind the house. Yratz, in the mean- 154 COUNT KONIGSMARK. time, examined well every hole or chink he could find ; he stamped upon the floor to test its firmness, and occasionally ran his rapier point through any crevice ; he moved the hed, and cautiously scrutinized every chair and every article of furniture ; he ascertained that the wall of the Count's room formed the outside of the house, and that the chamber was only accessible by one door; he examined also the panelling, and having some doubts as to its thickness, ascertained the impossibility of its forming a concealing place, by passing his sword through it, and going to the other side to look at the point. The windows fastened well on the inside, and the different apertures were too small to admit of any one creeping in; but resolving to make security doubly sure, and re- membering how very thin the landlord was, he placed some of the luggage on a table, and entirely blocked up the window. The only thing he could not guard against was the door- way, for there was no door to the room. On all other points he was satisfied ; and when he considered the insignificant height and strength of the landlord, and the benevolent expression of COUNT KONIGSMARK. 155 his wife's countenance, he wondered why he had taken so much trouble when so much fatigued. Konigsmark could glean but little from the lady, for in a short time the landlord returned, bringing with him a side of mutton and some eggs : one or two bottles also were hung to his girdle, and from a sack which he carried he produced some bread and some vegetables. The fire soon burnt briskly, and a grill began to rejoice the eager nose of Vratz. In the cookery both landlord and landlady assisted ; one looked to the eggs, which were poached with much care and cleanliness; and between the intervals of turning the meat on the grill, a cloth was laid, and a degree of comfort began to appear. Vratz never took his eyes from off the landlord once, for he anticipated some perfidy, it being quite evident to him that such a man could not be honest. The landlady wore on her countenance a certain degree of resignation and mildness, which assorted strangely with the sharp, revengeful features of the ferret-eyed landlord. It was now about six o'clock, and the dark- ness had set in ; the wind howled without, and 156 COUNT KONIGSMARK. the rain fell in torrents ; floods of water rushed by the hovel, which seemed in danger of being swept away from its resting-place ; a flash of lightning was followed by a tremendous and instantaneous roar of thunder, thus announc- ing that it was in the immediate vicinity. Apparently accustomed to these magnificent outbreaks of nature, the host continued the cookery without the slightest emotion or alarm, until all was prepared, and his guests were seated at table. " An honest man's intentions," said the landlord, *'are often misinterpreted. Had I allowed you to proceed, the present storm would either have swollen the rivers to such a height as to have rendered them impassable^ or the road would have become so slippery, that the horses could not have advanced. Instead of this comfortable shelter, you might have been rolling in mud, or struggling in a cataract." This was said in so plausible a manner^ that a stronger-minded man than Konigsmark might have been deceived; but Yratz could not be changed from his opinion — which was COUNT KONIGSMARK. 157 more confirmed by the supper — that the host perceived they were travellers of some note, rather scantily protected, and had there- fore resolved to feed them well, in order to induce sleep, and then to cut their throats, and share the plunder with some other gentleman' whom he expected every moment to arrive. " The wind,'' said the woman, " is very high ; we had better secure the doors before it gets worse ; no other travellers can arrive now, for the road is impassable, and these gentlemen will amuse themselves better when all is snug and secure." "Now, then," said Vratz, to his master, "they are going to nail down the coffin-lid, and I will take care it is made secure enough for them, as well as for us. Let me assist you, signor," saidYratz; "I am accustomed to work, and like to see all safe before I go to bed. None but devils or brigands would be abroad in such a night as this ; and as we are not partial to such company, we will decline the honour of a visit from either." " I can do it myself," said the host; " but as you seem particularly anxious to get wet, 158 COUNT KONIGSMARK. pray accommodate yourself — you will find all that is requisite prepared to your hand." Yratz, not caring about the storm, fastened the shutters on the outside, and then return- ing, made them equally secure within. Having done this, he took a long and deep drink of wine, and gave himself up to those plea- sant reflections which come over a traveller in a lone place, where his throat may be cut, and he may be buried and be forgotten in five minutes. Konigsmark carried on the conversation with much spirit. The hostess related anec- dotes of the various nobility who lived in the vicinity ; and at every pause — and some occa- sioned by a louder gust of wind or an. in- creased pattering of the rain — the host, with that air of triumph worn always by a true prophet, looked cunningly at Vratz, as much as to say — " A pretty night for any human being to be abroad in ! — ah ! but much mischief will be done, and some travellers may be lost even when they think themselves most secure." Vratz was not addicted to any particular COUNT KONIGSMARK. 159 moderation in either wine or brandy ; but being unable to divest himself of the notion that some mischief was abroad, he drank cautiously ; whilst Konigsmark, who had scanned the pleas- ing countenance of the hostess, and who flattered himself he had made some impression not unfa- vourable, forgot his alarm, and occasionally helped himself, and passed the bottle to Yratz. " One might drown himself in that wine,'^ said Yratz, "before he could get intoxicated; but much as I relish its rich taste, I will not touch another drop. The time has crept on, Count, and if we are to get any sleep, we had better prepare for it now." Konigsmark rose, and wishing the host and hostess a good night, and expressing him- self pleased with the fare so liberally supplied, he retired to his room. *' Now, Count, we will make every prepara- tion for a siege," said Yratz ; " it is a lone place, and no assistance can we get ; we must fight behind our own walls, and make this miserable chair a fortification. God send us a happy delivery, as the judges say when they are going to try a nobleman. I wonder if they 160 COUNT KONIGSMARK. bury us far from the door, or cut us up into small pieces, and carry us out in baskets.'^ Whilst he thus ran on ruminating, he placed his master's drawn sword by his side, arranged the fire-arms to be ready and convenient, and finding it impossible to make any sure defence for the entrance to the room — for door there was none — he drew his long rapier, and lying himself down with the saddle bags as a pillow, and with the saddles arranged behind the solitary chair, he said his prayers most de- voutly, and fell asleep. Yratz had well contrived his defence, at any rate, to give his master warning, for no one in the dark could have entered without tumbling over the faithful retainer; and as both had some little misgivings, their sleep was light, and liable to be disturbed by the smallest noise. All human sounds had now ceased; the wind whistled round the house, occasionally shaking the fastenings of the windows; whilst now and then a flash of lightning blazed in the room, and the thunder roared without. It was an a,wful night. Not once, but twenty times, COUNT KONIGSMARK. 161 had Yratz sprung upon his feet and seized his rapier, as a squall of wind gave movement to the shutters. At last, tired of these sudden alarms, and being satisfied that the wind was his fancied enemy, he fell into a sound sleep, and gave notice of it by snoring. It was now close upon midnight, and the scanty lamp already began to flicker ; all was hushed; the wind died suddenly away, and such was the stillness, that the lightest-footed animal which nature has adapted to live by stealth, would have created a sound in its motion. The deep breathing of Vratz was now louder than any sound without, for the storm seemed to have lulled into a calm ; by degrees, the light grew fainter and fainter, until the first stroke of the clock as it sounded the hour of midnight, when it suddenly went out. As the last stroke sounded, a bright light startled Konigsmark, and he sat up in his bed; he called aloud to Yratz, but no noise disturbed his repose. " What are you?" said Konigsmark — " whence come you? — and why at this hour of night, and in this lone and dreary abode? — do you seek to perpetrate some horrid crime?" VOL. I. M 162 COUNT KONIGSMARK. As he said this, he seized his fire-arms, and pointed them at a figure which stood close to the foot of the bed. There was an awfully supernatural appearance in all and everything around. The room was light as day, and yet no lamp was burning ; the figure, human to all appearance, had gained admission without dis- turbing the precautions of Vratz, and the sound of Konigsmark's voice was bounded in its power; there seemed a magic circle through which it could not break; whilst the storm, which had raged in noisy violence, had ceased, and the stillness of death had taken its place ; even as Konigsmark spoke, the words appeared to return to him, and his voice seemed power- less even to extend itself beyond the narrow limits of his bed. " I seek not to harm you," replied the figure ; " and neither would I frighten you. I come not to you with stony, glassy eyes, or dead and livid cheeks ; neither come I, glaring forth the im- mortality of hell, frenzying your intellect by my appearance ; but here, as I lived and moved not yet one month ago, do I come from my COUNT KONIGSMARK. 163 near abode, to urge a worldly retribution. Put down those arms, and let that sword lie quiet ; you could not kill the dead, neither could you wound the immaterial body which appears to your eyes, but which is nothing to the touch." *' Yratz, awake — awake ! and witness that I am mad, or that I see a ghost, which paralyses every nerve, and makes me weak and timid as a frightened child. Yratz, I say ! — awake, and to the rescue !" "Why call on those who cannot hear?" continued the phantom — " why startle with fear, when none would frighten you? Here all is the calmness of the grave, and your voice is powerless, whilst mine is heard ; the breath of the dead can hush even the violence of the storm. I come not to upbraid you, but I come to warn you of those who, denying me the blessing of existence, murdered me in that bed in which you lie, and under which I am buried ; it was your living weight disturbed the silence of my tomb, and bound me, as it were, closer to the cold earth : none has ever slept here since I was foully, brutally mur- M 2 164 COUNT KONIGSMARK. dered, and to the fii'st I appear, to call for "worldly justice." Konigsmark, who cared nothing for danger, and who feared no living man, gradually felt his icy blood resuming its warmer current. The aspect of the being before him had nothing terrible in it, the mild, plaintive manner of its speech appealed to his kindness rather than his fears, and his courage, checked for a moment by the unnatural glare, now re- turned to him. He placed aside his fire-arms and rapier, and fixing his now undaunted look upon the phantom, said — " Speak, and Count Konigsmark swears to do as you desire, if such is not against his conscience as a Christian, and his feelings as a man. Speak, I am prepared to hear." " Those with whom you supped have hands dark with human blood, and she whose mild and once lovely face attracted your eyes, did this! Look at the deep wound her greedy dagger made, and see, as if doubting the re- sult, how, again and again, she drove the sharp point into my very heart; whilst, as if the voice of one dying could reach the furthest COUNT KONIGSMARK. 165 extremity of the world, (for a guilty conscience fears reproach at unmeasured distance) the miserable thing who now usurps my place, held over my mouth that very pillow on which your head has rested. My grave is unquiet — no holy offices hallowed my funeral, and, until justice is done, my restless spirit is condemned to visit this room at the hour of midnight, chilling itself in the cold air, unnaturally living." " What would you have me do — how can I serve the dead?" " By making the living atone for their crime, and by having this poor earthly frame, which once lived and breathed as you do now, restored to holy and consecrated earth. It is reported, and credited, that on my return from Turin, during a dark night, I was set upon and murdered by bandits, that my wealth, which I then carried with me, was stolen, and my body buried in the deep recesses of the wood, and is yet unfound. Francesca gave it to her paramour, and his fate is bound up with hers, but under this bed my body shall be found, when you reveal the truth." " How shall I know that, to-morrow, when I 166 COUNT KONIGSMARK. awake, this has not been all a dream — that the stomach overloaded with unwholesome meal has not produced a horrid nightmare — or that the wine, of which perhaps I have too freely par- taken, has not caused a restless sleep, and that dreams, bringing with them unearthly shapes and most unnatural phantoms, have been the result?^ " There shall be a sign which you shall never lose — there shall be a token which shall never be removed — there shall be that which no human hands made, and which none shall imitate or possess, for none shall ever see its every part at the same moment. Sleep on now in security; those who did this deed never sleep, and each gust of air brings with it all the apprehension of tardy justice coming on the wings of retribution; their existence is one horrid foreboding, and they clutch each other, fearing one moment's darkness. They will do no further murder, for they have not the courage to step from their beds and listen to their own footfall. Farewell; I credit your word. Sleep in security, for the dead shall watch over you. I go." COUNT KONIGSMARK. 167 A sudden gust of wind announced the re- turning storm. Again all the tumult of the elements burst upon the ear, the room was left in total darkness, and Yratz jumped up, and called to the Count, to warn him that the light was out. " Sleep, sleep, good Vratz !" said Konigs- mark; *'we have nothing to fear but the violence of the storm ; the old house seems to shake with its fury, and the gale comes sweep- ing along, howling in its force ; but sleep in security, it will not move the monument of the murdered." " I thought you partook immoderately of the wine, in which perhaps these villanous people have infused some poisonous drugs." Then Vratz added to himself, " What shall I do with a mad master, without a horse ? I'll just look, or rather listen, in the other room, to find how far our throats are safe. Curse on the cur that gave a lamp which would not burn ; and yet, perhaps, the wind, which is not civil enough to remain outside, may have blown it out." Vratz crept through the room in which they had supped, and returning, satisfied that 168 COUNT KONIGSMARK. all was still, he ran against the table, upset it, broke the empty bottles, and got back to his hard bed, shaking at the very noise he had occasioned. Not even this disturbed the host and hostess — at least, they never spoke or moved ; and Vratz lay down, satisfied that murders were so common in the house that no one took any notice of them. Having recovered his fright, and moved his long rapier round and round him, in order to feel for his foe, and run its sharp point once or twice in the casement, and against a chair, he made himself over to the guardianship of the Virgin, and once more fell asleep, his master evidently having done the same. The first streak of day disturbed the slumbers of Yratz, and he looked out of the window which he himself had fastened: the morning was dark and lowering, but the wind had some- what abated. Having crossed himself de- voutly, and felt his throat once or twice, he girded on his rapier, threw a huge cloak over his shoulders, and folding it round him, went to inspect the horses. On his return, no one COUNT KONIGSMARK. 169 was stirring : his master was fast asleep, and the host and hostess remained quiet. As the sun rose, the clouds began to clear away, and Vratz, who was by n© means anxious to remain longer than was necessary, awoke his master, and stared at the look of astonishment with which Konigsmark seemed to inspect the room. " It's very strange," he said, " and it must have been a dream. I see no sign or token, — all is the same as when I slept." Vratz felt his pulse, passed his hand over his forehead; the first beat quickly, and the last was hot and feverish ; he drew his rapier, and then, taking his garter, began to bind his master's arm. "What now, idiot?" said Konigsmark, as he looked at him. " If I let him blood a little," said Vratz, " I may yet restore his senses. Lord protect us! how wild he looks — how he examines everything — he turns his rapier as if he did not know it, and feels his neck and hair as if some one had played him a pleasantry. What now, I wonder !" 170 COUNT KONIGSMARK. '^ Hah l" ejaculated Konigsmark — ^* 'tis here ; by my Maker, it was no dream. Look, Vratz, you believe me mad, and I might have been so but for this. You know all the orna- ments I ever wore about my person — you have known from my infancy all I ever possessed — I have had no secret from you. Look at this — has this ring ever been mine until now ? See, how it is placed behind my signet; look, man, examine it closely. Did a man of my bearing and rank ever carry a plain iron ring like this ? Stay — there are some figures, but they seem worn away with time. Speak, fool, is this mine? Take it from my finger, for it seems to burn me." In vain Vratz tried, the ring was immove- able, and the retainer, believing this was a gift of the devil's, declared he felt an electric shock, and would try it no longer; whilst Konigsmark, no longer anxious to remain, lest he should betray himself, desired Vratz to order the horses. " Here," said he, " take my purse, and pay. I will walk slowly on, and beware you put the money on the table, and touch not their hands, good Vratz — touch COUNT KONIGSMAEK. 171 not their hands, for there is blood upon them — ay, blood upon them !" " I wonder," said Vratz to himself, " if the Count is a lunatic or a maniac !" 172 COUNT KONIGSSUEK. CHAPTER XII. " His purse is empty already ; all his golden words are spent." — Hamlet. Veatz was not long in obeying his master's orders, but he was very fearful of losing sight of him ever since the affair with the witches. The retainer considered the Count somewhat deranged, although his appearance and accom- plishments had enabled him, when in Paris, to become distinguished in the highest of the court circles, and he had added much to the reputa- tion of the name of Konigsmark, young as he then was, by his learning and his conversation. They now journeyed onwards toward Eome, and Konigsmark, who was well recommended, COUNT KONIGSMARK. 173 soon became known in the highest society. Lost in the giddy and intoxicating round of pleasure, and fearful lest ridicule should be attached to him, the Count for some days kept the secret in his own bosom, until he found himself unable to sleep, from the continued irritation produced by the ring, which, often and often, he had tried ineffectually to remove, and which, directly he began to doze, became tightened and uncomfortable. He therefore made up his mind to brave even the shout of ridicule, and satisfy the desire of the ghost. He told the story to the proper authorities, exactly as he saw and heard it himself. He shewed the ring, and produced Vratz as evi- dence that when he went to bed that night he did not possess it, and he defied any one present to remove it. This done, he retired, and heard the subdued laughter of those to whom he had confided his secret. But there was one of that number less in- credulous than the rest. He, being in au- thority, despatched some men to examine the house and make certain inquiries. Under the bed was found the body of the man stabbed 174 COUNT KONIGSMARK. as Konigsmark had described. It was proved upon a trial which afterwards took place that the murdered man had not been seen at Turin on the day he was missed; and upon the strongest circumstantial evidence, the small thin anatomy of a man and the once handsome woman were both executed. As the circumstances of this case brought Konigsmark more before the public than was his desire, he resolved to depart, and made preparations to sail for Malta. Vratz was particularly anxious that both his master and himself should be blessed by the pope, more especially as it was generally affirmed that ghosts only appeared to heretics, and that the souls of all who associated with witches were decidedly damned; the pope alone being able to remove the curse. On the day that his emi- nence blessed the horses and the asses, Vratz and his master being present, shared in the general absolution, and started forward with lighter hearts and easier minds. " Although not of that faith exactly," re- marked Yratz, " I feel better for the blessing. Every wise man seeks to have a friend in every COUNT KONIGSMAEK. 175 place; and we can be none the worse for it." "And not much the better, Yratz. We are' well out of that sink of iniquity, and I breathe more freely myself The friends of those with whom we supped might have re- venged themselves upon us by means of the stiletto, which no one can avoid. Here, at Naples, we are safe for a day or two; to- morrow the boat sails for Messina, and we must trust ourselves to the seamanship of these men, who bask in the sunshine and swallow maccaroni, rivalling the lazzaroni, who only awake to eat. Faith, they are but indifferent looking sailors! — but we will trust ourselves to their protection." When Yratz was safely on board the Santa Maria de Compostella, and the anchor a-weigh, he followed the religious observances of his shipmates, and as they passed a huge crucifix he knelt down and crossed himself, whilst Konigsmark, who knew that in the event of any disaster occurring it would be attributed to the heretics, averted all chances of such a calamity by doing the same, and furthermore 176 COUNT KONIGSMARK. acted the hypocrite by asking Vratz, aloud, if he had confessed before he sailed. " And had the blessing of the holy father himself," replied the retainer. " The voyage will be prosperous, for I burnt six candles to the Virgin, and I thought I saw her smile upon me.'' " Whenever we are in a strange country, Vratz, it's just as well to follow the manners and the customs of the people. It is a folly to court danger when it can be shunned. We shall have plenty of opportunities of exhibiting our valour without running into difficulties which, by a few words and signs, may be avoided. So to-night, at vespers, do as the rest do. We can offer up our own prayers on our knees, and the sign of the cross will con- vince them we are catholics." " I should like very much to know what I am," said Vratz, " for I never could clearly convince myself, and have unfortunately been dubbed a heretic by both parties." The wind was fresh and fair, and the small vessel, reeling under her huge lateen sail, went briskly through the water. Konigsmark and COUNT KONIGSMARK. 177 his retainer felt all the chilling horrors of sea- sickness, and the day and night were passed in overcoming the most oppressive of all maladies, which, in spite of the million of nostrums sold to conquer it, has ever maintained its power over almost all who trust themselves upon that in- constant element — the sea. The next day the Lipari Islands were passed : Stromboli smoked, and the clouds curled beneath its summit. The Pharo of Messina was made during the night, and the dangers of Scylla and Charybdis being avoided, the vessel, in smooth water, made good progress towards her port. Konigsmark remained on deck, for the night was fine ; he passed his time in survey- ing the high land of Calabria, and of arguing with himself on the probability of an earthquake having severed Sicily from the main land ; and, being learned in Virgil, he recalled to his mind the many passages on the subject, and refreshed his memory by the quotations. Time flies quickly when the mind is em- ployed ; and those who have stored their memo- ries when young seldom have to resort to vice to be relieved from the heavy oppression of VOL. I. N 178 COUNT KONIGSMARK. idleness. He who can bring to his mind the sayings of the ancients, and, as he passes the spots to which they refer, can recal them instantly, is a merry voyager and a good companion, improving others as he refreshes himself: but he who is ignorant of all that has been written by them, is but a blank sheet of paper, ready to take any impression, and generally retains the most striking objects, to the utter exclusion of the most interesting and useful. It ap- peared scarcely half an hour from the time the vessel entered the straits until she anchored within the rude Mole, which then protected the harbour of Messina. As Konigsmark intended surveying the ruins of Catania and Agrigentum, and seeing the sun rise from the summit of Mount Etna, he had meditated a stay of some weeks in Sicily ; but he was the child of circumstances, and obeyed every impulse of his sanguine mind. " Here's fire and fury, war and murder v/ithin reach of us," said Vratz. " Heaven's blessings are showering upon us fast, and every man of us may cut the throat of an infidel within forty-eight houi's of this lucky moment. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 179 The Ejiights of Malta intend to chase from their island some Turkish vessels which have lately hovered on the coast, and in this harbour a great activity prevails. Many are animated by religious hatred in this affair ; and if you could feel the same zeal, Count, it would be well for both of us in a religious point of view; and plunder and riches, which I feel a great desire to practise and to grasp, might assist us in a worldly way." " When do they put to sea, Yratz? Make diligent inquiries. It is an adventure I court ; for I loathe the sluggish life of the traveller. Quick! — get all intelligence! — and the first vessel which hoists her sail to the wind shall bear us to Malta. What shout is that?" " That is the shout of a man who has made a fortunate hit. Opposite to our hotel is a place of public resort. The usual occupation of the rich and great goes on, and although it is now one of the clock, the gamblers chink their money, and laugh or curse away the night." " I will be with them on the instant. In the meantime go you to the port. Look well to the condition of each vessel about to sail. n2 180 COUNT KONIGSMARK. Eemark that one which is manned, and which has her sails hanging to her yards, and where the greatest activity prevails. There give notice of my intentions, and tell the Captain that I pay handsomely when well accommo- dated. Look you, Vratz — let this sailor be assured that I bear letters from the pope. It is a religious frenzy which inspires them; and this innocent falsehood will ensure our passage. You will find me in the opposite house." The rage of gambling was universal in the year of our Lord, 1677. Men played away their fortunes, and then retrieved them by the sword, or avenged their loss by seeking a quarrel with the more fortunate player, and killing him in the duel. Forests were felled to pay for one night's excitement ; and wood was called " an excrescence of the earth pro- vided by God for the payment of debts." Konigsmark delighted in this excitement, for in Paris he had recruited his almost exhausted finances, and some slight assistance, in order to maintain his rank, became now somewhat necessary. Failing in this, he intended to COUNT KONIGSMAEK. 181 enter fully into Yratz's views, and try the effects of plunder and rapine. In a room not magnificently furnished, and standing round a large table, were about forty men, all busy in the hope of increasing their wealth. Some, whose haggard eyes and clenched hands betrayed how heavy were their losses, looked idly on: they had been ruined, but still clung to the spot, fascinated even in destruction. Others laughed loudly, and made the merry jest ; whilst some, with sanguine expectation, threw the dice violently, cursing and smiling as Fortune was cruel or auspicious. Dice have been found in the ruins of Pompeii. They have contributed to suicide and plunder for years and years ; and were in- vented by the devil to mar the happiness of man. Even those most employed in this ruinous speculation could not refrain from remark- ing Konigsmark. His dress and manner be- spoke him a stranger, and the courteous Sicilians immediately invited him to approach. He bowed gracefully in acknowledgment of the compliment, and with the careless air of one accustomed to play, and with a countenance 182 COUNT KONIGSMARK. well schooled not to betray an emotion, he drew from his pocket a handful of Louis- d'ors, and carelessly placed them on the table. They were swept away, and were soon re- placed by others. The most inveterate game- sters watched the movements of Konigsmark. He lost continually: not once did Fortune favour him ; and at last even he bit his lip, and murmured out an oath. As he continued losing, each player, with the superstition of a gambler, avoided the side on which he played, seeing that the stream ran strong against him, and that nothing but immense riches could stem the tide of misfortune. At last, not one coin remained. In vain he felt in the huge pockets from which he had so carelessly drawn forth his money. There was none. The sword he wore was of value; it had been bought in Paris, when he first purposed his visit to Lady Elizabeth Percy. It was much more for shew than for service. With the reckless spirit of a gamester, he offered it. At first, it was ob- jected to; but a gentleman who had much admired the Count's personal appearance, and who wondered much that one so young could COUNT KONIGSMARK. 183 SO well control liis temper under such circum- stances, proposed to buy the weapon at a hand- some price. It was agreed to, and the money staked, with which he won. Fortune now began to exhibit her inconstancy to her victim : sometimes he won, sometimes he lost, but he neYer gained; until, at last, wearied of the frivolous fluctuations, she again became adverse, and Konigsmark offered his rings for sale. The iron ring attracted more notice than the gold one ; but, as he could not remove it from his finger, he staked hand, coat, and all, at a fair equivalent, and was successful. From that moment he began a steady run of good fortune ; and if, when the tide was adverse he had played cautiously, he now courted the favour- ing breeze, and played most desperate stakes. He recovered his sword for nearly double the price he had sold it ; and he now found him- self rolling in gold. At the time of his master's greatest pros- perity, Yratz entered the room, and taking him aside, announced that in a quarter of an hour one of the vessels would sail; that 184 COUNT KONIGSMARK. the luggage was embarked, the sails hoisted , and men placed by the hawsers to free the galley. " I must wait, Yratz. Fortune has favoured me mightily, and these impoverished Sicilians expect a continuance of play." " Then disappoint them, Count, and, making your bow to fortune, walk off with what you have gained. Besides, your luggage ; you can- not stay and let that depart." " Eight, Yratz. Take this handful of gold and play once. If you win, keep the profits for your services. If you lose, the loss shall be mine." *' By the Pope, who blessed me, I should like to play on those terms for a fortnight ! Here's a prayer for Fortune's aid, and there's the money." Vratz won, and like a prudent man was contented with the stake. He bowed to the surrounding gamesters, and said, with much gravity, " I hope, good signors, that on our return you will be equally inclined to pay for our establishments, and when I next quaff a glass, I will remember you in my toast." COUNT KONIGS^IARK. 185 These foolish words led to a serious affray. Those who had lost spoke indignantly at the uncourteous insult ; and Yratz, ever ready to rush into a quarrel, placed his hand on his rapier. Some favoured the side of Konigs- mark, as he was a stranger. The tables were upset, and the lights extinguished, and, in the confusion which followed, Konigsmark seized his retainer by the hand and forced him from the room, leaving the Sicilians to find out that the man who was laden with money, and the attendant who had insulted them, had escaped, by this speech of Yratz's, the assassi- nation in the street, which some desperate players had meditated, and the robbery they had attempted to commit upon them. " Now, Count," said Yratz, " our discretion is best shewn in the valour we exhibit in run- ning away, and leaving those idiots to abuse us as cowards. Yonder is the vessel — I hear the seamen shouting. We must use our feet to the best advantage." As Konigsmark stepped on the deck, the hawser was cast off, the vessel felt the in- fluence of the sails ; and as she cleared the 186 COUNT KONIGSMARK. Mole Head, voices still familiar to the ears of the adventurers were heard, and curses loud and deep were shouted against the cowards who first drew their swords, and then feared to fight the battle. Yratz called aloud to them to go to bed, and to recollect that, in many cases, the cool- ness which suggested the retreat was a greater proof of courage than staying in the streets to be stilettoed, and that on his return he would fight the whole forty. The seamen gave a loud shout of laughter, and encouraged Vratz to continue his inso- lence; and whilst even the captain joined in the mirth, Konigsmark retired to the cabin, and secured the gold he had won, keeping about him but very little more than was re- quisite to pay his passage. The small vessel made good way ; the snowy top of Mount Etna became visible, and at day- light the travellers in search of adventures were off Cape Passaro. By the evening of the following day, the vessel was close to the entrance of Yaletta harbour, having narrowly COUNT KONIGSMARK. 187 escaped being captured by a Turkish vessel, which very nearly cut the Sicilian off; for the latter, being indifferently manned and armed, must have fallen an easy prey to those marauders, who then infested the seas. 188 COUNT KONIGSMARK. CHAPTER XIII. " An honourable murderer, if jou mil ; For nought I did in hate — but all in honour." Othello. The harbour of Yaletta bustled with ani- mation; the bells of St. John's continued their never ceasing tinkling ; every church vied in producing that noise; shouts from the mariners, as thej continued their work, re- sounded through the port ; boats with the re- tainers and soldiers of the Knights of Malta passed to and fro, and the whole presented a scene of great exertion to equip the different galleys and row boats, in order to make a grand attack upon the Turkish flotilla, w^hich occa- COUNT KONIGSMARK. 189 sionally stood near to the entrance of the harbour, and cut off the communication between Sicily and Malta. ISTever did those gallant knights exert themselves more than in this religious war- fare ; the crescent waved within sight of them ; and those who wore the cross of St. John saw with shame and confusion that they were blockaded in their own port, and unable to assist the friends who ventured from Sicily to increase their force. The boat which conveyed Konigs- mark was the only one which made good her passage for fourteen days. Konigsmark and Vratz — who was now no longer permitted to wear the badge of servi- tude, but was equipped from his master's ward- robe — instantly volunteered their services, which were as readily accepted. They spurned vfiih indignation the proposition of emolument from the knights ; and Konigsmark observed that if he increased his riches, it would be by making his enemies pay for his services — that the cause of religion animated him, and that the blessings of the Church were a sufficient recompense. Vratz re-echoed these sentiments in public, 190 COUNT KONIGSMARK. but ventured to suggest in private to the Count, that the Church was very liberal of its blessings, and that food and raiment were much more comfortable things in this world. ** It's well," he continued, " to have an easy conscience ; but a full stomach and a well covered body are great requisites to the quiet and ease of the mind. I have no objection to fighting ; but I should like to understand if plunder is allowed, and if every one is to keep what he has courage to seize?" " If you were to die in this service, Yratz, your soul would be saved." " And if I survived it, my body might be starved. I have not the least objection to fight for religion, providing those who benefit by the victory pay the soldiers. I am just heretic enough to think that the Sicilian coin is more beneficial than the Pope's blessing; and as all Turks are fair game, I'll venture to borrow all I can from them, if we succeed." This was an adventure quite in accordance with the untamed spirit of Konigsmark. Ex- citement was requisite to him ; and bold, daring, and reckless, he rejoiced at this opportunity COUNT KONIGSMARK. 191 of rushing headlong into the affray, caring very little for the results. Vratz, on the contrary, was cold and cautious, excessively attached to the Count, and ready to follow him through any desperate struggle, provided always he was remunerated for his services. One fought for the love of adventure, the other for the hope of reward. In the course of the week, not fewer than twenty small vessels were equipped and manned, and it was judged advisable by the knights to risk an engagement, in order to relieve the island from the blockade, and thus not only afford the Sicilians an opportunity of supplying reinforcements in arms and vessels, but likewise to enable them to pour in provisions. During the night a vessel was dispatched to Syracuse, and information was given that, on the Monday following, the fleet would leave Malta harbour, and a general action would take place. Great activity pre- vailed at Syracuse and Messina, and ten vessels were already armed and in readiness for sea. The Turkish fleet amounted to thirty- five vessels. Some were large galleys, crowded 192 COUNT KONIGSMARK. "vvitli men ; others row boats ; whilst one or two respectable sized ships looked like the parents of the strange brood. Sunday was a day of fasting and prayer. The crews of the different vessels received absolution, and were blessed. Eeligious fana- ticism stilled every feeling of humanity. The followers of Mahomet were cursed as dogs, and reviled as beasts ; and if those of the Crescent who fell in battle were promised a heaven suited to their wishes, and if they were told the Houris were waving their handkerchiefs to welcome the warriors who fell in the combat, the Knights of St. John declared, on the other hand, that the Mahommedans were one and all accursed heretics, to be slaughtered in this world and damned in the next, whilst those of the Cross who fought bravely in the right faith should meet with everlasting happiness. In this way each party animated its own soldiers, and each in all probability conscientiously believed in the rewards it promised, and in the utter debasement and ignorance of its opponent. Konigsmark's enthusiasm rose in proportion to the religious fervour of those who excited COUNT KONIGSMARK. 193 the Maltese, whilst Vratz, much more philo- sophical than his master, was heard to mut- ter, "It's all fair enough. Those turban- coYered marauders are in all probability abus- ing us just as loudly and just as fervently." On Monday morning a bright look-out was kept in the direction of Sicily ; it was so clear that Mount Etna was plainly visible. To the eastward of the harbour the Turkish squadron lay nearly becalmed ; their red flags and pen- nants hardly indicated the slightest breeze, and the vessels were in some disorder as to position. Everything in the harbour of Ya- letta denoted desperate resolves. The women crowded the shore, and waved their hands, and many knelt down and prayed aloud for success. Everything was ready, and they awaited only the signal from the Grand Master to put to sea. Towards noon a light breeze sprang up, and the enemy stood towards the harbour, whilst from the watch tower ten ves- sels were seen under sail, coming from Sicily. No sooner did the Turks perceive these, than they altered their course, and stood in pursuit ; and at that instant a flag was shown from the VOL. I. 194 COUNT KONIGSMARK. summit of St. Jolin's church. One loud shout proclaimed the signal ; every galley spread its sail, and the narrow entrance of the harhour seemed crowded, as each vessel endeavoured to pass its companion and be first in the affray. On clearing the harbour, the vessels took up their respective stations, and a chase ensued. There was no one who lent a stronger or a more willing hand than Konigsmark; and even Yratz, who was by no means animated by any religious fervour, and who merely fought for plunder, occasionally assisted the rower, and rebuked him for " not being in a greater hurry to get killed." Xo sooner did the Turks perceive the coming foe, than they used every exertion to overtake the Sicilian squadron, in hopes of destroying their enemies in detail. But the latter at once comprehending the manoeuvre, edged away more towards Goza, which, from the situ- ation of the Maltese squadron, placed the Turks in such an angle as to be neared by those who pursued them, whilst, in the event of any misfortune, it gave the Sicilians a COUNT KONIGSMARK. 195 chance of running their boats on shore, and at any rate escaping capture. It was an animated sight. Each party was confident of success ; the turbaned host viewed with contempt the exertions of the Christian, and the latter, who respected the Turks as enemies, despised them as men. Never did the sword of religious fanaticism wave brighter than on that day, and both parties solicited in prayers the aid and protection of their God. The Turks, finding that they were being led too close to the shore, turned round boldly to face the Maltese ; and the Sicilians, animated more by the hope of plunder than religion, instantly pursued the Turks. " Now for it, Yratz !" said Konigsmark. " In this motley group of half- Arab half-Italian bastard breed, it's hard to select a man in whom a stranger can repose any trust ; do you, therefore, be close to me, and you will not be the last on board. Now, Captain, that large vessel is the most difficult to capture — let us have the honour of attacking her." '' We can make sure of that smaller vessel ,'' o2 196 COUNT KONIGSMARK. said the Captain, who, although veiy clamor- ous in his appeal to Heaven, seemed somewhat to have lost his confidence. " If every one attacked the smaller vessel," said Konigsmark, with disgust, " the best part of the prey would escape. ' An eagle does not stoop at flies/ No, no — alongside the largest vessel, and I'll try the temper of my Swedish steel against the bright scymitar of Damascus. They fire without an aim already, and the smoke is our best ally." Animated by the manner of Konigsmark and the coolness of Yratz, the crew determined to try their success at the larger vessel, the Captain, hailing one of the other vessels, mentioning his intention, and calling upon him for support, with loud shouts the galley was propelled alongside. Instantly a general rush was made to board, and the Turks as resolutely resisted the attempt. Konigsmark, in spite of guns and pikes and swords, made good a landing on the deck, and Vratz followed him closely. They were assailed by numbers, and boldly and resolutely they faced their foes, COUNT KOXIGSMAKK. 197 thus giving time for others to ascend the side and form a front. " Now, for our God and victory!" shouted Konigsmark. " Forward — forward, men!" " Allah, il Allah!" shouted the Turks, and rushed upon their foes. It was a hand-to-hand fight, and each inch of the deck was nobly defended. The Turks, who had seen the insignificant numbers which had boarded, made a desperate rush, and forced the Maltese back to the taffrail. Animated by this success, they shouted louder and louder to their prophet, and attempted to follow up their advantage, and rid themselves of all their troublesome intruders. At this moment the boat which had been hailed boarded on the starboard bow, and the Turks, finding an enemy in their rear, became somewhat alarmed^ and hesitated in their attack. " Forward — forward !" shouted Konigsmark, and dashed in amongst them. " Follow me ; a Konigsmark — a Konigsmark !" The word acted with talismanic efiect, and the seamen rushed to the fight. Konigsmark 198 COUNT KONIGSMARK. forced his way through the Turks, and in the desperate attempt to open a line for the rest to follow, his sword broke in his hand. He instantly rushed upon a Turk and grappled him ; whilst another, seeing the giant disarmed, ran a pike through his leg, and nearly pinned him to the deck. The Turk grappled his foe with all the courage and the resolution of a predestinarian, strong, young, brave, and in- ured to fatigue. The Mahomedan held the short, stout Swede at bay, and relieved him- self of the first grip which was at his throat. His sword, which had been sharpened for the affray, and with which he could divide a silk handkerchief as it floated in the air, for- tunately fell from his hand, and Konigsmark, disabled by the wound, made a last effort to cling to his stronger adversary. So hotly were the others engaged, and now so equal were the numbers, that these two struggled alone. Vratz had seen the captain of his galley killed, and instantly replaced him, standing over his body, and fighting like an enraged devil; and Konigsmark, whose undaunted soul could never yield, brought all his energies against the firm COUNT KONIGSMARK. 199 Turk, who grappled with him in all the con- sciousness of overpowering strength. In vain, however, he attempted to rid himself of the wounded Swede; nothing could shake him free of the resolute grasp ; and thus struggling and struggling, each unarmed, and each practising every art to throw his adversary, they were carried unintentionally to the open gangway. Konigsmark's strength, but not his spirit, now began to fail, and the Turk found the strong grip somewhat relaxed. Availing him- self of his superior power, he dragged the Swede forward, and attempted to throw him overboard. With one hand he struck him a tremendous blow on the head, and twisted h!m over with the other. Konigsmark fell, but in the fall contrived to trip up his adversary, and both went overboard. In the sudden shock they separated; and Konigsmark being an excellent swimmer, came up from his immer- sion free from his opponent, who, being un- practised in that art, stretched out his brawny arms to grasp his fortunate adversary. Konigs- mark was clear of his reach, and the uncon- quered Turk sunk into the deep, his last look 200 COUNT KONIGSMARK. directed at his enemy, and his last endeavour at reaching him, in order to drag him downwards with him. Konigsmark swam to the rudder, and soon was on the deck. The sword which had fallen from his late adversary now became his arms ; and at the very moment when the Turks again had rallied, and were beating back their enemies, he rushed into the midst, shouting aloud, ^'A Konigsmark — a Konigsmark!" he turned the tide of victory ; and, leading on the almost dispirited Maltese, drove the Turks to the fore part of the vessel, and slaughtered them with unsparing hand. Vratz was not idle in this affair. Naturally cruel, and with a dis- position to revenge, he did not balk himself of his pleasure. Blood once shed, when reli- gion is the war cry, is not easily stanched. They were but Turks — unbelieving Mussul- men — heretics without the pale of mercy ; and Christianity, forgetting the mildness of its tenets, and its injunctions to forgive, cut doAvn the unarmed, defenceless, and exhausted Ma- homedan, exulting in the murder, and rejoicing in the deed. ** Bind up my leg, good Vratz, with that COUNT KONIGSMARK. 201 dying Turk's turban, and we will soon be ready to assist our friends. This wound is cruelly painful now I have time to feel; but in the struggle and the swim I never heeded it. The salt water makes it smart intensely." " Now, good Count, every man for himself, and God for us all. We have done our duty, and we will reap the reward. First on board, first to the plunder." "Don't talk of plunder, whilst yet a red pennant is flying. I would not lose one moment of the fight for all the jewels of the Sultan's diadem. A Konigsmark — a Konigs- mark!" he shouted, as he rushed forward; and as the vessel touched another one of the Turkish squadron, he leapt from the bow, and led on the men to a fresh conquest. " Every man according to his own disposi- tion," said Vratz, having cut a few throats, and prepared a few Turks for the place his eminence at Eome declared ready for them. *'I'll now take care of my worldly interest, my eternal welfare being considerably increased from this day's holy work and pious occupa- tion. I have got large pockets, and Turkish 202 COUNT KONIGSMARK. sequins are nice, handy, and very excellent coin." Having finished his soliloquy, and seeing the vessel left entirely to his command, he jumped below, and began the work for which he had so long yearned, and for which he was so admirably qualified. Here he found more even than his cupidity had anticipated. Money was not so abundant as metal less easily concealed. Silver-headed scymitars, pistols magnificently mounted, and some jewels, were admired and purloined. But in the midst of his quiet enrichment, he was startled at a sound which appeared to come from beneath the deck. It came like a low hollow groan, and Yratz thought he heard words which were familiar to his ear. ^' This is rather awkward," said Vratz, to himself; " and is worse, if possible, than being disturbed at dinner. I thought I had got all these good things to myself. By the Virgin ! here are gold fiUagree saucers, with which these unbelieving scoundrels saved their fingers from the hot coffee-cups. A groan and a sigh ! — an Ave Maria, and a sob I It must be a woman, one of the Turk's seraglio, embarked COUNT KONIGSMARK. 203 to be drowned at discretion." Here Yratz, who was nearly bent double with the weight of his plunder, after groping about, discovered a hatch, which he lifted up, and he beheld, rising from her reclining posture, a beautiful young woman. He gave her his hand, and raised her to the cabin deck; he then placed her on an ottoman, and having retired a few steps, began to think that she was his, in right of conquest, and was a recapture from the Turk. There is a certain expression of the eye which a woman never mistakes, and the beauti- ful captive saw at a glance all the devil of Vratz's heart. She forestalled the few words which he meditated, and began — " Surely a Christian will respect what even a Turk has left uninjured. I hailed you as my deliverer — let me not curse you as my murderer ! I am a miserable captive whom you have liberated. Oh, make me not to hate the hour of my freedom !" '' Have you ever been blessed by the Pope, and had your sins forgiven by a con- fessor ?" said Yratz. " Do you know the rights of war, and the privileges granted to the con- 204 COUNT KONIGSMARK. queror when a town is given up to plunder ? Do you think I fight to give up all I gain? By the Virgin ! those charms might well entice a Turk to place them in security ; but they are mine by right, and I will avail myself of all the privileges of war. Cease your useless tears, for Vratz's heart never was softened by anything but gold, and that I have got, more than I can well carry." " Spare me — spare me ! and I'll bless you, and pray for you." ^' The Pope's blessed me, fool! and the priest has prayed for me. Come, let me taste the beauties of those lips, and learn to yield, when tears are useless and prayers unavail- ing." " Unhand me, rash man!" said the captive, as she vainly struggled in the powerful grasp of the ruffian — " or I'll plunge this dagger in your heart !" " Have you ever seen the sparrow fight the hawk, and escape?" said Vratz, as he twisted the dagger, which the captive had snatched from his belt, from her hand. " Can the lamb resist the eagle, or the fly the spider COUNT KONIGSMARK. 205 when in its web? Shriek and scream — it is a woman's privilege ; but, for the attempt on your deliverer's life, a crown should not save you from my embrace." "For one moment, forbear!" said the girl. " I feel I am overpowered, and resistance use- less. I will save all I hold dear by one last effort. I know where the gold of the Turks is con- cealed; spare me until to-morrow, and I will laden myself with it for your use. Those use- less arms are by comparison worthless; throw them away ; fill your pockets with other plun- der, and I will carry all this weak frame can bear, and be your slave. Proceed as you wished, and no power on earth shall make me betray the place of the treasure, and the next comer shall be enriched; besides this, my prayers " " Oh, never mind your prayers and pious offerings! On the agreement that you are mine — that your honour is pledged to that — that you show the treasure, and laden yourself for me^ I release you from my grasp, and you have done more than any other woman ever did with Yratz." 206 COUNT KONIGSMARK. The cupidity of the Swede was satisfied ; he threw away the silver-mounted arms, and filled his pockets with more useful gold. This done, he took his companion on deck at the moment others came to commence their plunder. One, who preferred woman to wealth, rushed at the girl, but Yratz swept his long rapier to protect her, and risked his life to save her virtue ; — this, at least, was believed by the generous girl, who little knew the inward workings of his heart. He fought for her, because she was laden with all he worshipped — gold; and he meditated selling her to Konigsmark for more. The ruffian who now fought him for the girl, was preparing for a grand attack. Vratz held her by the left arm, whilst, with his right, he stood at guard, ready to resist. He was saved the risk, and gained an equal reputa- tion. Konigsmark had returned to the vessel, and seeing the disposition of the Maltese soldier, he seized him by the neck, and swinging him rudely on the deck, placed his foot upon his breast, and threatened to thrust his sword into his lascivious heart. The day was vion ; the Turks, slaughtered or COUNT KONIGSMARK. 207 drowned, had met a harder fate than they would have bestowed, as life would have been saved to have been worked out in slavery. A gentle breeze swelled the sails, and before sunset the captured vessels rode at anchor in Valetta harbour. The bells rang their unceasing notes — loud shouts welcomed the victors — and Konigsmark, accompanied by Yratz, who kept firm hold of his captive, landed, and gained the hostel. Here the plunder was exhibited, and the captive Isabella released of her promise ; for Konigsmark vowed his loudest vengeance against his retainer, if he dared to shew treachery to the girl he had rescued ; nay, more, he seized the plunder as his right, for Yratz was his servant. This was restored. The Grand Master himself claimed the honour of be- stowing thanks upon Konigsmark; his name became a password of bravery on the island ; and Yratz, sharing in his master's tide of glory, was made a captain, released from his servitude, enriched by the plunder, and ad- mired by the girl he had saved, for his bravery in defending her from others. 208 COUNT KONIGSMARK. CHAPTER XIV. ^' At any rate, Count," said Yratz, " I hope this black-eyed Isabella is not the star of your destiny. I won her fairly, but at your desire I liberate her. Now, what is to be done with her ? for I do not like to part with her, and I would not wed Diana herself to have her dangle after me, and call herself my wife — half of me — a legal participator in all spoils. Who invented marriage?" " One of whom you know little — Cecrops; and Pope Innocent HI. made it a holy cere- mony amongst Christians. Before that time (the eleventh century) men took wives as they COUNT KONIGSAIARK. 209 did their garments, wearing tliem, and putting them away, as either caprice or necessity sug- gested." " And the man who altered this pleasant fashion they call Innocent ! By my faith ! he was guilty of the greatest folly and injustice — making both parties slaves, and calling it a happy union.'' '' How would the grateful Isabella suit you for a partner? She loves you, because you offered your life to save her honour, which you would have stolen yourself. We cannot un- derstand the sex ; but you are a stout man — not ill-favoured — ^bold and daring. Women ever love such !" " Then I'll not marry her, for she must love 1/ou. Women love men who are warriors ; and how should I feel when every rascally fellow who wears the cross upon his arm, betokening him a soldier, shouted out * a Konigsmai'k,' as the crusaders did ' a Godfrey,' or ' a Richard ?' I would not wed her, to have you preferred to myself — for all the women love you !" " We need not pay each other compliments . Let us entice the fair maiden here, and by VOL. I. p 210 COUNT KONIGSMARK. artful means draw forth her history. There is a graceful manner in her walk, that be- speaks her of gentle blood, and she must be cared for and respected. Fair lady," said Konigsmark, as he tapped at her door, " the brave man who released you demands the grace of your company." Isabella instantly appeared. She was, in- deed, of graceful symmetry ; her hair was dark as night, but her eye made compensation, and brightened all around her; never did whiter teeth peep from between more rosy lips. A sad smile rested on her cheeks, like a tint of sun- ray on the heavy and over-burthened cloud bursting with a thunder-storm. She advanced to Yratz, and would have spoken, but she burst into tears, which choked her utterance. " This makes my heart jump like a tennis- ball," said Vratz. "I feel as sick as when fii'st I crossed the Baltic, and my lips tremble like a frightened child's. Drink of this wine, fair lady ; it was your companion ; for although Mahomedans abjure it openly, they are strongly addicted to it in secresy. Fear nothing from •us, but too much attention and respectful love. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 211 Your release from captivity lias released me from servitude, and although henceforward I will accompany the Count through all his scenes of active life, and all his daring deeds of adventure ; although for him I will peril my life in flood or field, in weal or woe ; yet am I freed from him as a retainer; and your liberty, which I grant most freely, is the heavy sum I have to pay to gain my own emancipation." " And if a grateful heart — all a poor maiden can offer, excepting her prayers," said Isabella, as she chased away the quick-falling tears, "can, with your freedom that the generous Count has given, make amends for the loss of so poor a slave as myself, God is my witness you shall have the full measure of all that is mine to offer and to give — my gratitude, my ceaseless prayers." " But I would have more than you offer, fair lady," said Konigsmark. "Xay, blush not. What I ask, a maiden may unblushingly give — your history. How came you in that vessel?" " Mine is the life which proves truth p 2 212 COUNT KONIGSMAKK. stranger than fiction. Those who have saved me have a just claim upon me for that which, from the hour of my birth until this moment, has been disastrous, and has brought ruin upon all who sheltered and protected me. May yours, noble sirs, be a better fate ! If I shall not weary your ears by the repetition of that which is sorrowful and sad, I will at once gratify your desires." " Speak, black-eyed angel !" said Vratz. " By my freedom, her words penetrate my very heart, and my eyes are fixed upon her as if she charmed me. Pray God she be not a witch ; for it is written ' a witch shall surely die,' and she has already bewitched me. I listen." " Of my very early life I know nothing. I have been often told that I was born in Ca- labria ; nor will I disguise from you that I fear my father gained a dishonest livelihood, by deeds not countenanced by the laws. His name was Antonio Marvelli, and I have since my earliest recollection borne the name of Isabella Marvelli, and I bear upon my left arm the letter M. I have a very faint recollection of one scene of my early childhood. A great COUNT KONIGSMARK. 213 booty having been captured, the party, of whom my father was the leader, quarrelled about the distribution of the plunder, when one of the men pointed to me, and said, ' Why not return that black-eyed child to her parents? The ransom offered is fair a one, but you and your wife seek to detain her for your own purposes, whilst we, the honest participators, may be shot as thieves, or kept from the spoil.' ** As it appears I listened with much atten- tion, my mother caught me up and put me into an adjoining room. By-and-by the quarrel grew hotter, and I heard the clash of swords and the shrieks of men. I can well recollect the violent words which were used, and the noise which followed. I was so frightened that I cried, and I fell asleep exhausted. " Early the next morning, we left our hut, which stood in the deep recesses of a thick wood, and which sometimes now appears before me. My mother complained of the heavy bur- then she carried, whilst my father, whose right arm was bound in a sling, comforted her, and relieved her occasionally of one bundle, about which they seemed very solicitous. We passed 214 COUNT KONIGSMARK. through brake and briar ; the mountain path was narrow and slippery, and harsh words were used to make me walk faster. As well as I was able I ran, and three or four times I fell. Once, when my father cursed me for detaining them, my mother said, ' If we could dispose of her now, it would be better for us.' My father rebuked her, saying, * Zitto 1 Zitto ! the child will live to remember this, for she is quick in all but walking. How could we dispose of her now? The castle is far off, the Count is at Rome, and our time is short. By noon we shall be pursued ; and if the boat is on the Sicilian side of the strait, we must make free with the fii'st we can find.' I soon became wearied and fatigued, and being unable to continue, I sat down and cried. I re- member the stripe of my father, and the deep curses of my mother — each was unavailing. My father at last passed round my waist, the leathern strap with which he had struck me and swing- ing me like a load over his shoulder, proceeded at a more rapid pace to the shore. We arrived at the beach about nine o'clock ; how far we had come I cannot tell, nor could I ever retrace COUNT KONIGSMARK. 215 the steps. Young as I was, that night and that morning have never passed from my remembrance; neither have the words which have since led me to believe I was not born of such parents, been blotted from my memory." "Look at her delicate, tapered fingers, Count,'* said Vratz ; " those are not of low birth; those eyes are more of the eagle than of the low, thieving blackbird; and all her look is noble. By the Virgin and the Grand Master, I think she was born a princess, and will be one again." Isabella smiled ; nor could she withdraw her bright eyes from the glance of Vratz ; there WIS a deep interest in them evidently sincere ; for the glance which would deceive, wants the dejDth which only true affection gives. " The boat," she continued, " was fastened to a tree on the shore, and was afloat. In a noment my mother embarked, and I was laid down, and told to sleep. Both seemed to under- stand the sailor's art, for in an incredibly short ume a large sail was spread, and we made good our course, always keeping close to the coast of Calabria, through the pharo of Messina. 216 COUNT KONIGSMAEK. I soon fell fast asleep, and when I awoke the boat was far away from the land; the breeze was fresh, and my mother was steering. My father was fast asleep ; he had taken off the jacket he had worn, and I saw the marks of blood upon his linen. It is said children never forget the first sight of blood : I never have forgotten that. On my awaking, my mother with her spare hand caressed me ; she passed her fingers through my haii^, and in a deep and melancholy tone she said — ' Poor little child, born to happier hours than these — what now will become of you ? Many mourn for you, but / love you. Are you hungry, Bella?' I an- swered that I was, and she took a small basket, from which she gave me some bread and eggs ; there was a bottle of milk, of which I also drank ; and as I ate she continued her melan- choly strain : ^ Where shall we go to now? and how will that tender frame bear up against want and misery?' Here she sang a song which 1 had often heard my companions sing, and at the conclusion she said, ' You shall never want a mother. The wind and the snow may strike cold upon me, but I will shield you from the COUNT KONIGSMARK. 217 storm, my poor, unlucky child/ I jumped up and kissed her. My father instantly awoke^ and looking at the sun, observed that the breeze kept steady, and that we should soon gain the island. ' We have made good way,' he remarked, *for Etna is hardly visible.' I strained my eyes to see the snowy mountain^ which from that day to this was never seen by me again. *' My father now began to arrange his various bundles. I soon found that my mother had not complained without a cause, for there was much gold in the boat. When it was all arranged, my father took from round his waist a kind of band; it was dou- bled, and had as many holes as the cells in a beehive ; in each of these cells he placed money. When he had filled all, he took the helm, and then my mother filled in the same manner a belt that she also had. There was another still left ; it was large ; but as. there was still money left, my mother was told to alter it for me, so that I might be laden also. I was measured, and my mother set to work,, and as much as I could conveniently carry was 218 COUNT KONIGSMARK. laced round me. This being done, some pro- visions were produced, and we all ate again. It was during this time that I pointed my finger, and said * What is that?' " ' It is a vessel,' said my father; 'we are pursued ; and if overtaken, the rest, my dear, may be guessed. They will not leave us the chance of revenge, or listen to their old chief. We must steer steadily, and trust to the breeze; if we can escape until the night, it will not be difficult for us to evade pursuit.' " Again and again my mother pressed me to her, and took the load of gold from my back, and placed it in the boat. On my father asking why she did it, she evaded the question by saying that she had often heard her husband say that the weight in a boat, to render her of quicker speed, should always be at the bottom, and never a shifting kind of ballast. " 'Eight, right, my love,' said my father ; ' we can always put on the belts when we are nearly overtaken, so we will place ours near the centre of the boat also.' " My father's eyes seemed starting from his COUNT KOXIGSMARK. 219 head, as lie endeavoured to ascertain if the vessel astern was a boat or a ship, or if it n eared us or not ; but it only appeared like a small speck on the horizon ; and it must have been an eye of microscopic power to have satisfied his curious research. " ' Keep her steady, my love; don't yaw her about ; there is a small cloud on the larboard bow which does not move, that will be suffi- cient to steer by, and this small compass, which I never stir without, (but which would be useless to steer by,) will show us our right direction. And if the wind changes, unarmed,' he continued, musing to himself, ' incapable of resistance, our fate is easily conjectured, if we are overtaken. And that poor little girl! Well, I will do her justice at the last.' " I had nothing to amuse myself with; the endless sea to me had the same unaltered and unalterable appearance ; then I little knew of its tremendous power, and how the angry waves could dash the largest ship to atoms, and sprinkle a shore with its wreck, as easily as if it were the sand or the shingle which rolls along the beach. That day was long 220 COUNT KONIGS^IARK. indeed, and I blessed the night which added another curtain to my eyes. At sunset, both my parents became very agitated, the speck on the water had grown into a boat ; the long lateen sail could be easily distinguished ; she was following exactly in our track, and there could be no doubt but that we were the object of which she was in search. Strange as those people's lives were, they still retained some reli- gion, and I can at this distance of time call to mind the very sensation produced by the beautiful harmony of their voices, as they chanted the hymn to the Virgin. I had been taught that also, and I joined in it as I knelt down, and clasped in my tiny hands the cru- cifix I now wear. '^ But enough of this ; perhaps I weary you by the minute recital ?" *' Go on, lovely Isabella," said Konigs- mark. " Keep speaking," said the enraptured Yratz. '' By the blessed Virgin, your voice is always musical!" " The night came on, and the wind freshened when the sun went down. About half-an- COUNT KONIGSMARK. 221 hour after the darkness had come on, I was sensible, although half-asleep, that some alte- ration had taken place, for the boat leant more on one side, and the motion was more steady. As I turned about in my cramped position, I heard the low, quick conversation of my parents, and I was always the subject of it. They loved me, although I heard enough to confirm me since that I am of high birth, and not born of brigands of Calabria. " It was a night of deep interest to them; but to me it became indifierent. A large cloak was put over me, and as children always sleep, I slept soundly, without a dream, dead to the world, unconscious of all around me. I awoke shortly after day -light; both my companions were fast asleep, as quiet as if in a cradle on shore ; the sail was down, the mast unstopped, and nothing visible. " * Santa Maria di Compostella,' said my father— for I still must call him so — *our blood- hounds for once have lost their scent ; we must not lay idle here ; we must step the mast and hoist the sail.' Before this was done, I was made to look out on all sides. Nothing was in 222 COUNT KONIGSMARK. sight, and our little boat again splashed through the water. The day passed and came, and passed and came again ; but with the sixth day a gale came on. ^Ye had enough of provisions until now, and though they were, as far as I was concerned, not required. I was sick — very sick, and lay at the bottom of the boat rolling about, whilst each sea, as it increased in power, struck against the bow and flew over the little vessel. Near us, and to leeward, was the land ; it was the high mountains which mark Santa Maura, and every exertion was made to clear a point over which the sea broke, covering it with a white cloud. I wondered at the great precaution to avoid the land, which it had been their constant hope to reach; there was some great danger I did not com- prehend ; and whilst my face was beaming with joy at the near prospect of landing, and whilst with infantine delight I clapped my hands and pointed to the welcome island, their faces were white with fear, and they were trembling. " I have no more to tell you of that voyage. Sea after sea rose higher and higher, the sail was split, and my next knowledge of exist- COUNT KONIGSMARK. 223 ence was of excessive pain, and of finding myself in a bed, watched by women who spoke a language I only faintly comprehended, whose dress was different from ours, and who, to all my thousand questions relative to my parents, could not give me an answer, or would not tell me of their fate. The boat had been wrecked, the wealth had been lost, and I had been picked up on the shore to be restored to life, and learn the horrors of dependence and poverty.'* 224 COUNT KONIGSMARK. CHAPTEE XV. " It was not long," continued Isabella, " be- fore the friends who had rescued me learnt from my conversation that there was some gold lost in the boat, and diligent search was made for it. Only the belt destined for me was found ; for when, in our most perilous moment, we neared the point, both my parents lashed their belts round their bodies; and this love of gold obtained originally by fraud or violence, for which they left their companions and their country, became the means of their death; for when the boiling surf broke into the boat and filled it, their attempt to swim was frus- COUNT KONIGSMARK. 225 trated by the weight they carried, and both perished. The bodies were found on the shore without a vestige of covering, thereby proving that the ill-gotten gold was destined to pass into other hands, not scrupulous of the m^ns of obtaining it. " As I grew up, people said I grew beautiful. I was relieved from the drudgery of the vilest service, and was cautiously kept from the public gaze. At night I was permitted to walk with the wife of my master, but I was closely veiled, and only allowed to vrithdravv^ it when it was certain no one was near to see me. I frequently asked the reason of this caution, but received no answer but a sharp rebuke. I was reminded of all 1 owed to those who now sought to enrich themselves by the being they had rescued from death. I often heard the words " sultan" and "seraglio ;" but quite uninformed of the manners and cus- toms of the Padisshah, the conversation gave me little concern. At last, poverty began to make serious inroads into our cottage. The Albanians had frequently made incursions, and taxed and pillaged the people, whilst the VOL. I. Q 226 COUNT KONIGSMARK. Turkish governor strenuously exacted all that Avas requisite to maintain his splendour. Greeks — and my preservers were Greeks — were subject to every oppression in order to rai^ money for their masters. Mine was now so poor that he could not contribute a farthing. For this he was bastinadoed and cruelly beaten ; but he bore it nobly, and I honoured the thief for his disregard of pain. At last, the col- lectors grew tired of beating him, for they were satisfied he had no money. And now it came to light that his possession of foreign coins, which he had obtained from my belt, had suggested the idea that he was engaged in some clandestine trade, by which these Italian coins came into his possession. It was remembered how often he had produced them, and a search was determined upon. " He was sitting at his door one evening, enjoying the cool breeze, but too poor even to taste of the tobacco which in days gone by he had smoked through the long cherry- stick, when he sa.AV the collector, followed by two janizaries, coming towards his house. He called his wife, and bade her conceal me as usual. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 227 "^ Dog of a Greek! unbelieving hound T said the collector, * it is rumoured you have money. Give it here, or look at the fer ashes.' " ' You have beaten me often,' replied the submissive Greek. ' You know, to save my- self such pain, I would have paid every farthing.' " ' As if a Greek could suffer any pain equal to his loss of money, or a Jew of Negropont regret his skin if it saved his purse ! Go, search his house. Are you not all low, cun- ning, deceitful liars and thieves, living by contraband trade, spurning at the Prophet, and disbelievers of his law? If you had any gratitude, you should pray for the life of our governor, who allows you to live under the shadow of his protection.' '^I heard every word : for I was shut up in a kind of box, formed by the roof of the cottage, and which before had defied the vigilance of many a Turkish eye. For my own sake, I kept quiet; for badly treated as I was, I thought anything preferable to falling into the hands of unbelieving Turks and infidels; although I confess it appeared strange to me q2 228 COUNT KONIGSMARK. to hear the Mussulman use the very terms to the Greeks which the Greeks lavished, when- ever they dared, on their oppressors. Since, iiowever, I have found that a Turk is an infidel in a Christian's eyes, and a Christian the same in the Turk's ; so it is but a mutual exchange of compliments. ^' The janizaries made amost vigilant search, and at last came close to my place of conceal- ment. I held my breath, to stop the violent beating of my heart. The first man was satis- fied ; but the second remarked that the roof of the house must project beyond the apparent inner line, and he gave the frame which con- cealed me a kick; being convinced from the sound that the place was hollow, he without much ceremony tore away the planks, and beheld me. It is impossible to describe the excited features of the monsters as they viewed me, nor the flashing of their eyes as they lavished the most expressive looks upon me. I endeavoured to conceal my face, but they tore the veil from me. They spoke in earnest to each other, and as far as I could understand, both claimed me ; and in so doing, forgot how COUXT KOXIGSMARK. 229 rigid is the law which protects the sanctuary of the harem; for they imagined me to be the property of the Greek below. " The delay soon made the collector impa- tient, and they left me ; but not before they made me understand that if I said one word, my life would pay the forfeit. On their re- turn, the collector left the premises, and I with pallid cheeks and blanched lips came from my supposed concealment. " ' Speak, girl,' said the Greek ; ' what occasions that frightened look?' " I told him instantly the truth ; for I dis- dained to lie to the man who, whatever might be his intentions, had fed, housed, and clothed me. He ran to his wife, who instantly threw a veil over my face, and after making my dress appear as if it covered a deformity, I was desired to limp as if I were lame, and to follow her. I did so; and after a long and tedious journey, we arrived late at a small cottage, in which resided the most hideous exhibition of the female form. Words were interchanged, and I was sent to a miserable bed. Here I soon fell asleep. 230 COUNT KONIGSMARK. " In the morning, I was alone with my gaoler. She eyed me with a look of hatred, and spat upon me for a Christian. / I'll make money of you/ said the wretched woman. ' That dog of a Greek's soul shall be saved the sin of selling one of his own religion. It is an act of grace in me. There, there ; clean these things ; before sunset, you shall be a great lady, or men's eyes must be worse than those of age in a woman.' " In this manner she continued muttering to herself; but I soon had reason to dread the consequences, for about noon a black man arrived. Without any ceremony, he lifted the veil from my face ; he placed a handful of sequins in the withered palm of that detested^ false, vindictive hag, and pointing to the door, bade me go out. I refused, resolutely refused ; when his diabolic face grew darker, and with a gesture not to be misunderstood ^ I learnt that, to avoid an insult from this ruffian, I must comply with his desire. I wa& concealed in a cage covered over with thick gauze, and carried directly to the governor. He saw me, and waving his hand as a peculiar, COUNT KONIGSMARK. 2iM well-known signal, I was made over to the ladies of the harem. Here I sat down in a corner of the room, and became subject to the scrutiny and the jealous remarks of my rivals. From what they said, it was evident they doubted the reality of my appearance. One examined my dress, to see how much I was indebted to art for my figure ; others rubbed my cheeks, and all declared my eye-brows and eye-lashes were pencilled and dyed. It was evident I created an unfavourable sensation. I heard the Prophet's name invoked to keep the bashaw from the pollution and evil eye of a child of the devil ; and when called away in order to be dressed after my bath, according to the custom of the harem, I found that my residence with the Greek was paradise to the angry scowls which frowned upon me now. " In the midst of all this unenvied envy on my part, a whisper passed round, which turned their malice into another direction. The chief of the harem gave orders for all the women to be prepared to start that night ; the only one to remain, and to be well provided with every requisite of the first lady of the bashaw, was myself. 232 COUNT KONIGSMARK. " ' What news is this?' said one. " ' She has bewitched him,' said another. " "Tis the evil eye of Sheitan,' said a third. And each, as she began to obey the mandate of the eunuch, gave vent to some reproach upon the supposed cause of their departure. " Dressed in the Oriental costume, and cleansed from all impurities of the hovel, I came forth more beautiful than ever, and heard the accumulated curses on my head. In vain I tried to make one friend in that society ; they shunned me as their misfortune ; and had it not been for the protection of an old woman, the face which they envied would have been disfigured by these furies. " Soon, however, these malignant spirits learnt that / was not the cause of this departure. Report, with its thousand tongues, soon spread abroad that the governor, who had never been to sea in his life, was made the capitan bashaw, or Turkish admiral ; that a fleet was in the port ready to obey him, and that not an hour was to be lost in getting ready for his departure. His life would pay the forfeit of procrastination. Activity and success would COUXT KONIGSMARK. 233 crown him Avitli favours. His women he had ordered back to Constantinople; his new ac- quisition was to accompany him. Little was thought of me during the excitement which prevailed, and I was glad enough to escape €ven the glance of any eye. Before sunset, I was alone in that large room ; then did I earnestly pray that in all the horrors in store for me I might be sustained in my virtuous resolutions. " At about ten o'clock, I was approached with some respect by the very negro who had brought me to the palace. I was carefully veiled; and, with as much state as if I were a queen, I was taken to the port, and thence removed on board the vessel which conveyed me to the scene of this day's actions. '' The admiral, although a brave man, could not master that which overpowered him en- tirely — sea-sickness. To the very moment when he lost his life, he had never been free from it ; nor had he even approached me until an hour before the engagement began, when he bade me retire to a place of security, and whatever happened, to remain concealed. Tiie 234 COUNT KONIGSMARK. desire of gold brought me to your view. I am your slave ; I have told you my story ; I have concealed nothing ; and on the holy cross, I swear that, although my beauty nearly caused my ruin, my person has ever been re- spected. I am weary even of pleasing my benefactor. I crave your permission to seek some repose.'^ She waved her hand, and withdrew. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 235 CHAPTER XVI. *^ It must be so," said Konigsmark ; "either Isabella must be left here, or you must go to Calabria, and try to trace her origin. Seven- teen years cannot have effaced the memory in the parents, and women never cease to hope; until the certainty of their bereavement is ascertained, they cling to the fond recollection of their children. In this case, it appears that the Count had offered a ransom. We must do- this girl justice; and depend upon it, my honest friend Yratz, the God you worship will repay you in large proportions, if you could restore this girl.'^ 236 COUNT K0NIGS3[ARK. '^ It would be wortli tlie trial, Count," re- plied his companion ; " but I could not wander about, like a German merchant, with the woman as my pack ; neither do I wish to leave you." "Be it so. I will arrange for her care and comfort here until we return. I have volunteered to be the bearer of some communications of con- sequence to Alexandria, and to-morrow I leave the island. Speak to her of this, and remind hpr that we yet retain some of the age of chivalry ; that a beautiful woman rescued by our arms shall be protected by our generosity. Our re- turn will be within the month, and she must place that confidence in us which we repose in her honour. Speak to her kindly ; endeavour to unknit that threatening brow of yours; softly modulate the voice; and to be impres- sive and imperative, press gently her fair hand — remember that with women the eye and the hand do more than the voice. You must endeavour, whilst asking her to acquiesce, to order her to obey ; make her believe she points the way ; and by suggesting the course, prompt her as to the proposition which will COUNT KONIGSMAEK. 237 thus appear to emanate from herself. Yon are a bold fellow, Yratz ; but to guide a woman, the talent of the general more than the arm of the soldier is requisite ; and remember, her situation, as protected by us, places her within the pale of calumny." " That Count," said Yratz to himself, '^ is a wonder: he manages women as easily as a sailor feathers an oar ; and when all the arts of poetry and impassioned language fail, I have known him command a tear from his eye, and that was irresistible. I must buy a Horace and Catullus, and see what studying under such masters, with hints from the Count, can eftect. One thing seems absolutely requisite, which is, that I must make her believe she has the master mind, and that I follow her wishes, whilst she is obeying my orders. Talk of guiding the storm or stemming the cataract ! what is that to the task of managing even the softest creature in creation." Yratz succeeded admirably ; and Isabella was placed under the protection of a lady of great sanctity, with sufficient of the plunder to esta- blish her warmlv in the a&ctions of her com- 238 COUNT KONIGSMARK. panion. Money is a better pleader than the best of counsels; it is the only irresistible power which man created for the tyranny of himself. Fresh and fair blew the breeze which forced the felucca on her course to Alexandria. Anecdotes were rife of pirates and marauders who infested the Archipelago. There was no island which had not the history of some foul deed attached to it ; and a single vessel passing near the Island of Candia, and escaping, was a marvel in sailors' minds; but such was the power obtained by the great gallantry shewn by Konigsmark, that every man on board the vessel believed himself free from danger whilst he walked her deck. For weeks they cared little, having provided themselves with chalk from St. Paul's Bay, at Malta — about as certain a safeguard from such calamities as being born in a caul is a protection against misfortunes in after-life. But sailors of all nations are pro- verbially superstitious, and superstition is the offspring of ignorance : thus, to sail on a Friday — to have a black cat for a shipmate — to be without a horseshoe nailed to the foremast — COUNT KONIGSMARK. 239 to have a clergyman with a grey head — and a thousand other absurdities, have great weight ; but the most serious of all is to omit breaking the shell of an egg, after eating its contents, and which thus unharmed becomes a vessel for the safe conveyance of witches, should it be thrown into the water. Konigsmark's mind was much tinctured with this darkness and ever since the Lapland witches walked off with their own house, Yratz had imbibed his master's weakness. One object principally engrossed the minds of both — woman. Even the supernatural visi- tation of the person whose ring was worn and could not be displaced, was somewhat oblite- rated; but the Lady Elizabeth Percy, her beauty, and above all, her immense wealth, were the thought by day and dream by night of Konigsmark. Dangers and difficulties he courted for the pleasure of the excitement, but Lady Elizabeth was ever before him; and whilst, borne away by his love of adventure and travel, he had consented to undertake the hazardous communication of which he was the bearer, he had actually determined to return to England. 240 COUNT KONIGSMARK. Yratz's mind was never idle on the subject of Isabella. Eemoved from the influence which her beauty had exercised over him, he began to repent the folly he had committed in not at once having used the right of the captor, and of having created a love, which now annoyed him immensely. He was somewhat jealous of his former master, whose success with women was unequivocal. Yratz had remarked how steadily the Count's eyes were always kept upon Isabella — how modestly they fell whenever hers chanced to meet his. A thousand remarks now rose to torture him ; and the immense price of her liberation, his own enfranchisement, con- firmed him in his uneasiness, and made him regard his benefactor with a jealous and a dangerous eye. " What, always thinking of the black-eyed beauty?" said Konigsmark, as he touched the absent Yratz. " Planning, I dare to say, some splendid castle in Spain, to which you destine her to retire as the wife of the bold, aspiring Yratz. Well, such things have been ; who knows but that her parents, in gratitude for her delivery, niav endow her with a handsome fortune, and COUNT KONIGSMARK. 241 accept for their son-in-law the man who saved their child?'* " And supposing," said Yratz, " this child preferred yourself to me, what then?" *' She is a free person, privileged by her sex to vary her affections — then the chance would be mine ; and I should with all courtesy refuse the destined honour." *' Of being her husband?" added Yratz. *' Even so ; but in any other relation I should be flattered by her preference, that of course, even if she were your wife." " I feel grateful for the honour you would confer on me." " And ought to be thankful for the openness of the declaration." "Is no woman then sacred in your eyes?" " Xone; at least, those who are young and handsome. Believe me, Yratz, I am not so formidable an enemy as you may conceive ; I never interfere with any past fifty ; and for your wife to be secure against my assaults, let her be past that age, and, upon the honour of a Konigsmark, I will never even kiss her." VOL. I. R 242 COUNT KONIGSMARK. " And you never fear assassination in your daring intrigues?" "I am armed at all points — as ready to love as to fight; it^s a matter of indifference to me which. He who opposes me is my enemy ; and a brave bearing wins a woman's esteem." *' But Isabella?" ''■ Is safe whilst under my protection ; re- leased from that, and under the guardianship of her parents, then I would risk my life for an interview. I should like to scale the high wall which enclosed her ; and in the shade of night, and doubly hid by the thick foliage, pour into her ear the declaration of my love. Ah! Vratz, my worthy companion in arms, but novice in love, know that there is a charm in the pale moon-light. There is a dangerous stillness when only the nightingale's note is heard, or the chirrup of the vigilant cricket disturbs all nature's repose; it is then that the calm air conveys more clearly our words, and then that women — dear, incautious wo- men — listen with greater avidity to our de- COUNT KONIGSMARK. 243 clarations. Stars are admirable witnesses to attest our sentiments ; they look so clear and quiet all the time, and never start from their spheres to give evidence of our perfidy." " But should a star fall at the moment you pointed to it." " All the better; it would be a proof how eager it was to be your witness, and had come down for the purpose, ^lien a woman listens, you may tell her anything, and she will believe it. Isabella would believe you were in love with her, but that would not hinder her from believing me also an admirer of her beauty. Power is a woman's ambition, and she is content to exercise it on one, when she cannot get six to feel and acknowledge her sway. I know you at this moment to be under her power, but there is one thing which would break the charm. If you could sell her, and any one offered a round sum, my life to a ducat you "svould value the gold more than the maiden. Ay, Yratz, gold, gold, gold ! that is your idol, and not a bad shrine to worship at either." r2 244 COUNT KONIGSMARK. " There is some truth in this, Count, but at present, I swear I love the beautiful Isabella." " And I swear I don't believe you. Listen to my orders. We are getting close to Alex- andria; although no longer my retainer, you are still my companion, and under my direc- tions. Keep a quiet and a cautious tongue ; be reserved to every one v^ho speaks to you. What has been done, or what is doing at Malta, is unknown to you ; in short, to all questions relative to other countries, appear ignorant. Amongst these Turks we might fare but indifferently, if it were known the cause we had espoused to their discomfiture. Ah ! yonder is the land — our voyage has been prosperous; before dark, we shall reach the anchorage ; have everything ready for our departure, for the vessel will continue her course to the Isle of Cyprus directly we have disembarked ; and if a boat comes off, we shall not enter the port in the felucca. We may have much cause for all our presence of mind and cool determination. How beautifully soft the view becomes as the sun sinks, and COUNT KONIGSMARK. 245 the wind dies with the day. Yonder toils the camel, as it wends its weary way to Alex- andria, which grows fainter and fainter to the sight as the haze of the evening rises from the heated sands. There is a boat approaching. Quick, Yratz ! and bring our scanty luggage on deck." The boat came alongside, and Konigsmark and his companions jumped into her. The felucca altered her course, and glided silently along ; the breeze from the land had just sprung up, and her large sails filled to the perfumed wind, which wafted on its wings the fragrance of the land. 246 COUNT KONIGSMARK. CHAPTER XVII. KoNlGSMARK and Yratz put up that night at a caravansari, endeavouring, as much as possible, to avoid the other travellers, ^vho, with their mules, drove into the huge square, and after unloading the tired brutes, lis- tened to the song of the wandering tribes who subsist by the recital of anecdotes in verse. Shortly after dark, Konigsmark, whose dress had been changed for the Armenian costume, left the caravansari, accompanied by a boy who spoke that low Lingua Franca so common COUNT KONIGSMARK. 247 along the shores of the Mediterranean. It is a mixture of Arabic, Spanish, and Italian, and requires but little knowledge of the two latter-named to understand. He was conducted to a house, and was at once ad- mitted; his guide was instantly discharged; for Konigsmark was one of those careful ob- servers, that he never required assistance to retrace his steps. The person to whom he introduced himself, as he produced a letter, spoke fluently Italian. He examined cautiously the signet attached to the parchment, and with a keen, penetrating eye, looked at Konigsmark ; the latter met the searching gaze with all the confidence of indomitable courage, and stood in a careless attitude, apparently unconscious of the doubt- ful expression in the stranger. As yet, not a word had passed. The huge letter was opened and carefully perused. " Good," said the stranger ; *^ I understand 248 COUNT KONIGSMARK. the meaning; you can assist me, perhaps, in the details." " Of what?" asked Konigsmark. " Of this," said the stranger, pointing to the letter. " Then I shall require a vast deal of intel- ligence," replied the Count; "for I have no more idea what is in that letter than I have of the Chinese language." "You were entrusted with this letter from " "I really do not know whom," said the Count. " Enough even of this. I undertook to deliver the letter to you, and it is done." " A word before we part. You must leave Alexandria to-morrow, or to-night, if it were possible. There are the wonders of the Desert to be explored, and Cairo to be seen. Within a fortnight, a vessel shall convey you to Spain, but no trace must exist of this letter. I see you were well advised as to the dress. I will COUNT KONIGSMARK. 249 send an interpreter who can accompany you, to whom you will be known only as an inquisi- tive traveller. Can I assist you With money ?'^ " I have enough ; but you could oblige me by changing the Italian coins/' " The faithful Mahomet, who will be near you on your travels, shall meet you to-morrow sufficiently provided; and on your return, if you refuse it as a reward, you can use your own wishes as to its return. It would sadly endanger the purpose of this letter if you were seen here : and this is my excuse for the appa- rent want of hospitality. It is getting late, and our doors are closed against the stranger usually earlier than this. Konigsmark bowed, and was soon asleep. " At daylight, an old, wizened-faced Turk appeared, and became a companion of our hero. It was advised to take boat, and pro- ceed by the Nile to Boulac, the port of Cairo f and one was speedily provided by Mahomet. 250 COUNT KONIGSMARK. She was lateen-rigged, and with a fair wind, our traveller embarked, and made great pro- gress. Konigsmark carefully watched the Jhitlifal Mahomet, for he knew mankind well, young as he was ; and he thought that if no trace was to remain of the letter, Mahomet might be the faithful friend of his master, and reduce it to the certainty under the known fact that " dead men reveal no secrets." Vratz was desired to be cautious and watchful, but never to excite suspicion ; there was an apparent frankness about the interpreter which disarmed the latter; but Konigsmark trusted little to appearances. On board this boat, Vratz ate his first kabob, and the journey was performed without fatigue and without danger. At Cairo, they repaired to a caravansari. In these places there is always a large circular hall, the whole height of the building; in this is deposited all the merchandise or other stores with which the camels are laden; the camel-drivers sleep COUNT KONIGSMARK. 251 amongst the packages, and are thus the guards of their cargoes. A gallery, built about fifteen feet from the ground, runs completely round the khan, supported by pillars, and from it open divers doors into small rooms. These rooms are generally the depositary of the more precious goods, and are also not unfrequently the lodging-places of the merchants. It was proposed by Mahomet to occupy three of these, but Konigsmark was contented with two; Yratz and himself inhabiting one, and Ma- homet the other. In this splendid city every nation of the earth may be seen — Arabs, Armenians, Sy- rians, Greeks, Copt, Christian, and Jew, alike are inmates, and little observation is attached to any person. Its situation is inferior to Constantinople, but in architecture it is far superior. In life and animation it surpasses Damascus, and in everything Jerusalem is in- ferior. The large buildings are of stone, whilst those of Constantinople are generally of wood, 252 COUNT KONIGSMARK. and ill Damascus they are externally of mud. In this city, containing twenty thousand inha- bitants, and ten miles in circumference, a stranger may pass unnoticed, or at least be regarded without suspicion. The active mind of Konigsmark turned every minute to advantage, whilst Yratz pon- dered over his lost Isabella, and thought only on the means of increasing his wealth. The god Mammon was ever before him. At the southern extremity of the city, near the mosque of Sultan Hassan, stands at this present time a citadel. But a few years back it was a scene of dreadful slaughter in the massacre of the Mamalukes. From this place Mourad Bey, the only survivor, leapt his horse from the ramparts, a height of at least forty feet. In the days of Konigsmark this was only a rising mound, from which was to be seen one of the finest views in the world, from the extraordinary difference within the range COUNT KONIGSMARK. 253 of vision. To the eastward, the arid desert, yielding no sign of life or vegetation, dull, dreary, desolate, changing its hot sands into an occasional mirage. To the south and south- east, broken mounds and rocky hills (the stone quarries of Cairo) are disposed in vast masses, and with considerable grandeur. The mountains of Upper Egypt bound the horizon and terminate the desert. The eye, fatigued at the monotony, turns to the stupendous pyramids, which seem piercing the sky; and after gazing for one moment on these mighty monuments, which have, in many cases, outlived the names of those they were erected to perpetuate, droops with fatigue, and rests upon the bosom of the Nile and the tall palm trees which adorn its banks. This mimic sea, extending itself over a wide surface, pursues its rapid course, and bears upon it the thousand vessels which spread their sails to the providential breeze, which ever increases as the river becomes 254 COUNT KONIGSMAKK. stronger in its flood. It is a scene of ani- mation strangely contrasted with the silent, awful desert. There, too, between the pyra- mids and the city, are the ruins of ancient Cairo, and beyond beams in resplendent beauty the dark groves and lovely foliage of the island of Rhoda : here, again, is the wreck of time, and the verdure of spring and youth concen- trated in one glance. Beyond the river appears the town of Djisch, situated amidst the beau- tiful groves of sycamore and fig-trees. Further onwards are the pyramids, towering over the ocean of sand forming the Lybian desert, and which encircles them in grand and gloomy solitude. At your feet is the city of Cairo itself, extending to the north, and surrounded on all sides, excepting towards the river, by heaps of sand. Imagination cannot picture anything more striking than these views. Life, with the busy hum of a thousand voices, rises from the city, and reminds the traveller of his mortality, whilst the dreary solitude of COUNT KONIGSMARK. 255 the immediate neighbourhood chills him with the desolation of its withering aspect. Here is the luxuriance of vegetation gladdening the eye and delighting the heart — there, the monuments of the dead reigning in awful loneliness, amidst the vast, arid, unchanged, unchangeable desert. To a mind such as Konigsmark's, these views, so feebly described, acted powerfully ; and had the faithful Mahomet been anxious to preserve the secret within his master's breast, then was the time to have plunged his dagger in the heart of Konigsmark. Far different was the thought of Yratz, who was unconscious of the associations, and who only remarked upon the excessive folly of spending so much money to so little purpose as erecting pyra- mids. " It is strange," said Konigsmark to Maho- met, " that the pyramids should have outlived the names of their founders." " Cheops erected the first and largest," said 256 COUNT KONIGSMARK. the guide; " some of the others are of doubtful origin. What is it but destiny?" The very word made Ivonigsm ark's heart startle, and he answered, " Destiny, it is said, is wisely kept from the knowledge of man. His life, say philosophers, would be a scene of prolonged misery if his end were known to him ; and yet, without rushing head- long into this concealed knowledge, how gladly would I read some portion of my life.'' " Our sorcerers, famous in history, cannot foretel events, but they can call up the dead, or shew you in a second any living being you may demand." " When any one can see my Isabella here,'^ said Yratz, " I will believe the assertion; but," continued he to his companion, " Turks, Arabs, and Persians always were, and always will remain, liars." " I can shew you a man," said Mahomet, '' who shall call up in his presence any one you desire to see." COUNT KONIGSMARK. 257 *^ It shall not be money, or its lavish expen- diture, that shall hinder me in the gratifica- tion of my curiosity. Bring me this man, and, be he devil or saint, I care not, so that he tells me that she is alive, and that the young Lady Elizabeth Percy is still un- married." *'0h!" exclaimed Yratz, *' is it in that quarter the wind sets ! I thought he had had enough of the Norway witches and the ghost ; and, with his romantic mind, I would scarcely believe a voice from the grave, if it gave him life to reach his thirtieth year — that is, if he has much money, and I am his companion." " You will bring that man to-morrow?" ^' It must be after the sun is set," replied Mahomet. " Good! — but bring him." VOL. I. 258 COUNT KONIGSMAEK. CHAPTER XVIIL* " There are strange things in tliis world, Vratz; and men of the soundest minds and most extensive learning have shared in super- * I am indebted to Mr. John Hamlin Borrer for the con- tents of this chapter. The biographers of Konigsmark do not mention his having visited Cairo, but the letters still in exis- tence confirm the superstition of his mind, and his readiness to credit the marvellous. Mr. Borrer when at Cairo called me up. I was accurately described, and in uniform. On that very day I had on my uniform, (for I had grown somewhat stout since last in harness) preparatory to a ball at the Tuile- ries, and it was the only day I had worn it for years. The idea of calling up Vratz arose from one of ]\Ir, Borrer's party calling up one who was present, and the whole description is given exactly as it happened, and principally in Mr. Borrer's own words. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 259 stition equal to mine. Who knows that the ceed which acknowledges one good and one evil power be not correct. The ancient Chal- deans, the Jews, the Mahomedans, and the early Christians, have all more or less sought to fathom the secrets of existence by means of sorcerers." " But suppose," said Yratz, gaily, " he calls upon the devil himself, and the devil appears." " Then, my worthy companion," said Ko- nigsmark, " you will only have the honour of an introduction a little sooner than I antici- pated. I fear no devil : it is a bugbear to awe the poorer classes ; an. imaginary spectre, made palpable to guilty minds when conscience has overawed reason ; it is a being which exists only in the belief of the timid, the guilty, the superstitious." " Then, according to your own reasonings, wise men believe in the devil, and so do chil- dren, idiots, and murderers; in this hetero- s 2 260 COUNT KONIGSMARK. geneous mass you embody all creation. I'll make the sign of the cross four times, and spit over my left shoulder; if that does not balk him, he is omnipotent." Already had Yratz begun to apprehend the visit from his satanic majesty ; and Konigsmark himself, who firmly believed in everything connected with witchcraft, was prepared to see wondrous works. The sun had now touched the horizon, and the long shadows grew indis- tinct, and soon vanished with the great light which created them. Konigsmark and Yratz were seated in the largest room of the great caravansari, which they engaged, and paid for at a high price. " I would rather have seen this by day- light," said Yratz; *' not that I fear the dark- ness, but I am of opinion with a learned Frenchman, that miracles ought always to be performed in the open air and in broad day- light. Holy Yirgin ! what is this ?' COUNT KONIGSMARK. 261 It was only Mahomet wlio entered, intro- ducing the sorcerer. " Tell me, Mahomet," saidKonigsmark, "do you believe in the power of this man yourself ?" " Not the least; although I hear he borrows his powers from the Prophet, and invokes him from the Koran." " And the devil!" said Vratz. " Oh!" replied Mahomet, " we need not fear him, for it is the feast of the Eamazan." The sorcerer now entered the room, and making the oriental salaam, seated himself in the corner ; some coffee and sweetmeats were handed to him, of which he partook freely. Konigsmark eyed him with all the suspicion of a man prepared for fraud ; whilst Vratz, re- assured from seeing him eat, remarked in his own language, which Mahomet did not under- stand, that he was satisfied it was no devil, for it was a well known fact that gentleman, never drank coffee. 262 COUNT KONIGSMARK. Abdel Ckader el Mergbee — for this was the name of the sorcerer — was a man of a fine personal appearance; he was about six feet in height, stout, but not of unseemly proportion ; about seventy years of age ; his beard and whis- kers white, and his skin of a fair complexion. This last was particularly noticed by Konigs- mark ; and on his remarking it to the inter- preter, the answer from that grave personage was, "that he resembled a Mamaluke more than an Arab ; but that he was a Sheik of a tribe of Bedouins inhabiting the Nubian desert." The dignified manner of the stranger bespoke him of good origin, and acquainted with the manners and customs of the world. He took the profiered pipe without hesitation, although in these countries it is a compliment only paid to equals. In tracing his long descent, he affirmed, with all the calmness of truth, that in his veins ran the blood of those ancient Egyptians whose supernatural power had never COUNT KONIGSMARK. 263 been doubted; and, lie continued, as he ad- dressed Konigsmark, whom he recognised, in spite of his dress, as a Christian, " in your Koran do you not read of that sorceress who caused the forms of those long dead to appear to one of the governors of Syria? From these, and such as these," said the old man, as his countenance became more animated with his subject, " am I descended; and although I have only inherited a power weakened by the neglect of those through whom it has been transmitted to me, I yet retain sufficient to effect those things which none but myself can accomplish. Those who come after me of my own blood shall inherit this mystery, and the power shall not deteriorate from my neglect." Ivonigsmark, whose manner evinced the highly polished nobleman, prefaced his ques- tions with great civility, craving pardon from the sorcerer, if, in asking some few, he should unconsciously be guilty of a rudeness. 264 COUNT KONIGSMARK. " We read," said the Count, " in many of our books, tliat all those who have supernatural power, inherit it, or receive it, from that being of darkness, the fallen angel, who warred against his God.'^ " I feel quite convinced," said Vratz, " that you believe the old gentleman to be allied to the devil, or you never would have mentioned his relation in such elegant terms." " I answer you with the words of truth, as our Prophet is my judge. I have no connexion with that power of darkness, nor do I receive my power from any of his spirits. By fasting and praying that power is increased; and if any power came from him, the prayers to the Prophet and the mortification of the flesh would be but useless invocations." During this discourse, Vratz, now quite satisfied that he had nothing to fear, remarked the sorcerer's dress. He wore a light blue turban, a considerable height from his head, COUNT KONIGSMARK. 265 and ornamented in front with a large stone, resembling in appearance those pebbles worn on the shoulders in the highland costume: the folds were full, and the turban large. The outer vest, which was of a dark green colour, resembled a common dressing-gown ; it extended from his shoulders within two inches of the ground ; the under garment was of mixed colours, of Damascus silk. He wore round his waist a Syrian scarf; his legs were bare from about six inches above the ankle, to which point they were covered by white trousers ; and in conformity with the general gaudiness of the dresses of those countries, there was intermixed in the scarf and the under vest, red, green and yellow coloui's. His slippers were red. There was a pleasing and benevolent expression of countenance, but he retained the oriental gravity, and throughout the long interview never smiled once. 2QQ COUNT KONIGSMARK. " To raise the dead," said Konigsraark, " is to possess a power beyond credence. The greatest miracle which confirms our creed is that which a God alone could effect; and to depute this power to another, and to one whose religion is in direct opposition — whose exter- minating sword would have swept the heresy from earth, and founded the crescent on the ruins of the cross — surpasses comprehension. I am incredulous, and must doubt the evidence of my own senses." " Ask him, good Count,'* said Vratz, " in those horrid expressions of yours, if he can raise the devil?" Konigsmark shaped the question with all the delicacy of the gentleman, and was answered *'that fallen angels were beyond his power, which was limited alone to human beings." " We will proceed with the charm," said the sorcerer. " Have you here any boy who has not arrived at the age of puberty ?** COUNT KONIGSMARK. 267 " Ko," replied Konigsmark; " but Maliomet can soon find one." " Bring any one from the bazaar," said the sorcerer; " it is immaterial who it is, so long as his age is not beyond that I have indicated." *' I will go myself," said Konigsmark, " and then I shall be sure that no connivance can take place. Stay here, Yratz, and watch with the eye of suspicion and curiosity." •During Konigsmark's absence, the sorcerer remained apparently in prayer; but the ab- sence was of short duration, for the Count soon returned, bringing with him a young, wild-looking Bedouin, whose whole dress con- sisted of a kind of sack, with sleeves ; round his waist was passed a rope, and he wore the same article wound round his head, in imita- tion of a turban; the magician noticed him as he entered, inclined his head in token of approbation, and then motioned that he was about to bedn. 268 COUNT KONIGSMARK. A large pan of charcoal was ordered to be placed in the centre of the room. He re- quested a sheet of paper, and a pen, and some ink. Taking the paper, he wrote upon it seven sentences from the Koran, each sentence occu- pying one line. The seven lines were then care- fully cut from the paper separately; and taking one of these, he placed it in some white powder, then crumpling the paper in his hand, he threw it on the charcoal; immediately a thick white column of smoke rose to the lofty ceil- ing, the arabesque carving of which presented a strange and striking appearance, as it be- came discernible through the thin veil which at first concealed it. At this moment, the magician became impressive in his prayers, and fenvently invoked his familiar spirit. The words were treasured by Mahomet, and trans- lated instantly to Konigsmark. The burthen of the invocation was, that " the veil might be torn from his eyes, and that the sight that hour might be clear and penetrating." COUNT KOXIGSMARK. 269 Two seats were now placed close together, the sorcerer occupying one, and the boy the other ; then drawing the charcoal close to him, he took the boy by the hand, and after gazing on him steadfastly for some moments, he proceeded to draw a double square on the palm of his hand, (two lines across each side, making eight lines in all;) in the small spaces or squares at each corner he placed hieroglyphics, which Mahomet remarked were not Arabic nor any language he understood. The boy was now desired to gaze fixedly on his hand, and on no account to lift his head. The magician, standing up, held his hands on the back of the boy's head, uttering incan- tations with great fervour, appearing com- pletely absorbed in his occupation. He then crossed himself,* and Yratz, whose eyes * In crossing himself, he did nothing unworthy of a true believer. The cross is revered by Mahomedans ; they look upon Jesus and Moses as prophets, inferior only tO' Mahomed. 270 COUNT KONIGSMARK. were starting from his head, immediately did the same; whilst Konigsmark, catching some- what the apprehension, or the religious feeling of his companion, imitated the movement, the former whispering to the Count, " He is pro- viding a friend from both places." The magician now raised his eyes to the ceiling, and taking the boy's hand in his own, poured on the palm a smallquantity of ink, which he spread carefully over the hand with his finger, when, overpowered and exhausted, he sunk down upon his seat and remained motionless. A creeping fear came over Vratz, whilst Ko- nigsmark, who knew not fear, inclined his body forward, to watch more closely the pro- ceedings. The sorcerer, having recovered himself, asked the boy what he saw. At that moment nothing was visible on his blackened hand ; but shortly afterwards, with an expression of great surprise, the boy declared he saw a black man sweeping COUNT KONIGSMARK. 271 the floor ; no sooner had that passed, than a landscape appeared, the Nile and its many palm trees which grow along its banks, being particularly mentioned. The boy then said, without any questions being asked him, " that he saw a crowd of people movii^ about in the greatest confusion, but nothing else was clear and defined. Ah! now," he continued, ''it is more distinct, and I see two or three at a time walking. Now there is a green flag and green tent, and a white flag and white tent." The boy kept his eyes fixed upon his hand, but now was silent; no question was asked, but the magician, with curious and inquisitive glance, seemed to hint, from his look, that he expected more. At this time, the most pro- found silence reigned in the apartment, and the magician, evidently uneasy at the result, threw another paper, previously rolled in the white powder, into the charcoal ; again the white cloud rose as a pillar, difiiising itself 272 COUNT KONIGSMARK. over the room. It passed ; and still the boy's lips were sealed. Disappointment was now visibly depicted on the countenance of the magician, who threw more charms upon the charcoal, but still with no better effect. " Seeth thou," he ask^d, " no red flag — no red tent.'' " No," answered the boy. The magician here expressed his disgust, and said, " That hoy could not see! Go, seek me another." " This must be a very precocious clunate," said Yratz; "but I will find one whose age shall be a guarantee of his virtue. But ta look at this ragged urchin, and to think that " " Go — go, Yratz," said Konigsmark, inter- rupting him at a convenient time. Vratz shortly returned, and with him came a child of about seven years of age. Exactly the same incantations and the same prepara- tion were observed, and the remarks of the objects seen corresponded exactly to those of COUNT KONIGSMARK. 273 the first boy; but this one said, " Now I see the red flag and the red tent." The magician said, in a firm voice, "Bring the sultan — pitch the tent;" when the boy remarked, ^- The tent is pitched — it is a large green tent." " Then call the sultan," said the magician. " Is he not come?" "No," replied the boy ; "no, not yet; but his janizaries appear, bearing his scimitar. Now — now he comes, upon his white horse — . he is here — now he dismounts — he has en- tered his tent." " My work has prospered," said the magi- cian. " This boy sees clearly. Ask of him whatever you require to know; call up whom you wish to see, and in the dark glass of that hand he will appear." The magician then left the boy, near to whom he had been sitting, as before mentioned, and withdrew to a corner of the room. " I fear to call the dead," said Konigsmark; ^'for this wonderful proof of the magician's VOL. I. T 274 COUNT KONIGSMARK. power renders the place unholy ; but the living may appear. Call up the Lady Eliza- beth Percy."' The boy called the name three times. " At your demand, a messenger is gone for her, and now she appears; she is a young girl, not more than thirteen ; she is dressed as a bride, and walks with mincing steps — her high-heeled shoes prevent a quicker motion. Oh ! she is wonderfully dressed, and is walking to the altar of a church — she is hurried — she is gone." " Wonderful,'^ said Konigsmark, as he leaned forward, and with his piercing eyes watched the black hand before him. " Call up quickly the Countess of Algernon." The name was called three times, and at the third call she appeared. " I see," said the boy, '^ an old woman mag- nificently dressed, but dressed as we never see in Cairo ; she seems to have another head of hair besides her own, frizzled up about her COUNT KONIGSMARK. 275 ears ; her dress is made tight and narrow to the waist, and ends in a point ; she seems to have something long training behind her ; there are fine jewels round her neck, and there are black patches upon her face ; she has a kind of under-dress, with a broad black lace round the bottom ;* her neck and arms are bare." " By the Virgin ! it is to the life ; and if the urchin did not see it, how could he describe that which it is evident, from his childish and ragged appearance, he could neither have read nor heard." " She is gone," said the boy. " And to the wedding, and I linger here ! — * I have followed here Pepys' description in 1660. "We find the following in an account of the times . — " The beauties of the Court of Charles II., and those whose rank and fortune enabled them to follow the fashions of the day, discarded the straight-laced dresses with the straight-laced manners of their puritanical predecessors ; bare necks and arms, full and flow- ing draperies, and trains of the richest satins, or velvets, form the characteristic features of the female habits of this licen- tious period." Custom reconciles us to everything, however bare or uncovered. T 2 276 COUNT KONIGSMARK. my hope, my most aspiring hope, dashed to the ground!" " Call up George Borosky," said Vratz. " If justice had been done him, he would come from his grave." If the boy had drawn the description from the being before him, nothing could have been more correct; and Vratz, who, in his impa- tience, had thrown off his upper vest, and who puffed volumes of smoke from his pipe, be- came excited and alarmed. " Call up Isabella Marvelli," said Vratz. Three times did the boy call, and three times did he say the messenger had gone for her; but no one appeared. The sorcerer, who kept an attentive ear to everything, asked " if she were living or dead." " Living within this fortnight," said Vratz, " and residing at " Konigsmark put his hand over Vratz's mouth, and cautioned him thus to silence. A white powder was thrown in, the smoke COUNT KONIGSMARK. 277 again rose, the boy again summoned the mes- senger, but he never returned. " There is no one of that name alive," said the sorcerer, " or she dare not refuse my power; and if dead, she lies unburied, and has not as yet come within my influence. Per- haps," said the sorcerer, " the one you seek passes under a name which is not her own." " And the devil," said Yratz, in a rage, " does not recognise an alias !" " One more," said Konigsmark, " and I have done." He passed his hand rapidly across his forehead, as if in thought, and said, '' Call up Christopher Yratz." "Ah!" muttered Yratz, "and keep your eyes on your hand, for we know him well." No sooner was the name called than the boy said, " You must be quick — he will not remain long." " What colour is his outer dress about his shoulders," asked Yratz. 278 COUNT KONIGSMARK. " He lias none on. I cannot see anything but what is white — he has a long stick in his mouth — he will not stay — he is gone." " And I will be gone," said Konigsmark, " and no longer juggle with the devil, or any unknown power. What manner of man is this who can call from the grave the body which is dead, and which, animating it with imaginary life, can picture itself to one who never saw the living man. Now do I firmly believe in sorcery and witchcraft, else how can two boys, who could not by possibility have known each other, see exactly the same things, and that on a black hand. The devil's looking-glass, ac- cording to Dr. Dee, was a stone. Here a better power looks on darkness." " This must be 'palmistry^'' said Vratz. ^' It is a guess, after all. Of what use is it this man seeing people who cannot concern him. They deal in generalities — they guess." " That cannot be," said Konigsmark. " A few years ago, the dress in England was the COUNT KONIGSMARK. 279 contrary to what it is now, and how could that poor, ignorant boy know of what country came a Percy or an Algernon? — how, upon his darkened hand, can he see at all, and figures of different countries, difierent costumes, dif- ferent features, be described? Whilst reason and philosophy reject these things as absurd, the heart acknowledges the fact. Pay that man, Mahomet. I will away to England, and confirm my fate." 280 COUNT KONIGSMARE, CHAPTER XIX. The boy ^' had seen clearly," as the magi- cian said; at the very time that the Lady Elizabeth Percy was seen in the dark mirror of the Arab's hand, she was dressed in bridal array, and at the tender age of twelve, or rather, as the historian remarks, " before she had attained the age of thirteen, the Lady Elizabeth Percy was married, so far at least as the performance of the ceremony went, to Henry Cavendish, styled Earl of Ogle, the only son of Henry, second Duke of Newcastle, of that house." Lord Ogle immediately took the name of Percy. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 281 The immense wealth of the young heiress, and the intriguing behaviour of the Dowager Countess of Algernon, made this marriage the subject of very general conversation in London. The king himself attended, and in one of his many letters to Montagu in Paris, relates the circumstances, with some light and familiar remarks as to the age of the bride, and the probability of her returning to the nursery before she would require a nurse. Every display which money could command was lavishly expended in the bridal feast, and the poor little infant who had figured as the chief performer in this serious exhibition, was desired to retire to her chamber by the Lady Algernon, and to seek some repose before the evening's dance, at which she was to appear, whilst her husband drank many a brimming toast to the honour of his king, and the many nobles who had attended at the ceremony. Lady Algernon had omitted nothing which could attract attention. The dress of the bride 282 COUNT KONIGSMARK. had been exactly in accordance with the fashion of the day ; and she overlooked, in her desire to follow the custom, the absurdity of dressing up a child of thirteen in all the mag- nificence of a bride. She was half hiddeu under the weight of her ornaments, and seemed bedizened out like the wax figures representing the Virgin Mary, in churches where superstition is stronger than devotion. Of all absurdities, that of making youth mimic age is the most absurd : it is ridiculous enough when the old -and the haggard imitate the dress and the manners of youth and sprightliness ; but to deck forth "the beauty and the sheen of youth,'' " in all the glaring impotence of dress," is so gross a folly, that none can remark it without censure, or behold it withoiit regret. Lord Ogle appeared in the new fashion which his sovereign had only a month before brought into public notice. That variable monarch who, in 1666, declared his determi- nation of adopting a style of apparel which COUNT KONIGSMARK. 283 " he was resolved never to alter," had already altered three times. Evelyn mentions that this costume consisted of a long close vest of black cloth or velvet, pinked with white satin ; a loose surtout or tunic over it of an oriental character ; and instead of shoes and stockings, buskins and brodequins. On the 18th of October, the king " put on his new dress solemnly ^^^ yet within a few months the whole garb and fashion was altered : high hats had dwindled into low-crowned hats, the feathers of which waved in air, and seemed to court the breeze, and hung idly along the rim. The monarch could not control the fashion, although we find from Pepys that even the mouche on the face was subject to court con- trol. " This day," says the quaint author, November 4th, 1660, ** Mrs. Pepys wore one black patch hy permission^ It appears that the brims of the hats were turned up in various manners, and that the most popular was " the Monmouth cock," named so after the unfortunate duke of that name." 284 COUNT KONIGSMARK. Lord Ogle appeared in a long square-cut coat, with buttons and button-holes all the way- down ; and this fashion was also extended to the waistcoat. The sleeves of the coat came no further than the elbows, where they were turned back, and formed an immense cuff; the shirt sleeves were fastened at the wrists, and ruffled, being decorated with ribands. " The stiff band and falling collar were superseded bv a neckcloth or cravat of Brussels or Flanders lace, tied with riband under the chin, the ends hanging down square ; and the broad hat, which had already been turned up, or '•'' cocked," behind, in 1667, was sometimes entirely sur- rounded by short feathers, which fell curling over the brim." Such was the style and fashion of the day, and it is curious to trace how fashions revolve, ; the French sac, or saque, was in vogue a few years since. " My wife," says Pepys, *Hhis day, March 2nd, 1669, put on her French gown called a sac, which be- comes her very well." The poor little girl, thus sacrificed to the COUNT KONIGSMARK. 285 intrigue of Lady Algernon, liacl given her hand but not her heart to Lord Ogle. All the absurdity of dress could scarcely wean her infant mind 'from the fact, that if she had a preference for any man, it was the Count Konigsmark; he had left that impression which kindness ever leaves upon the young and the unoccupied. Quite in vain was she told of the beauty of her dress — and that is a subject to which even women listen wdth sparkling eyes and attentive cars. The bare neck and arms, the full and flowing drapery, the train of the richest satiu, were all reverted to ; but the child still shed tears ; and more than once was rebuked by her grandmother as one unworthy of the name and lineage of a Percy, when she expressed her dislike to Lord Ogle, and her preference for the Swedish Count. She was married, solemnly married — and when the ball was at its height, was de- sired to retire to her apartment, where, under the protection of her nurse, and the glare of a 286 COUNT KONIGSMARK. night lamp, slie slept as innocently and as soundly as ever did the Lady Elizabeth Percy before she gave herself in marriage to the Earl of Ogle. This early marriage was by no means a very singular event with the nobility ; for amongst others, the Countess of Sussex, daughter of the Duchess of Cleveland, was married a few days after she had completed her twelfth year. In the marriage of Lady Elizabeth Percy, the intrigues of Montagu had prevailed. Lord Ogle was his great friend, and from the power he acquired by his bride's fortune, he antici- pated an extension of his own. Montagu always wanted money, and here was a means of obtaining it. The marriage took place in 1679, and Lord Ogle, although allowed occa- sionally to sit with and visit his bride, was always carefully watched by Lady Algernon, who entertained some suspicion that the hus- band might exercise his right and authority over his wife, and by taking her to the conti- COUNT KONIGSMARK. 287 nent, leave the grandmother in all the loneli- ness of solitude. The child was still treated as a child — the kiss imprinted on her lips neither flushed the countenance nor caused a quicker emotion of the heart — the eye neither melted with ex- pectation, nor did the limbs tremble with delight. Drawing for queen on Twelfth-day would have been a prize of greater value in the child's mind, than drawing in the great lottery of life her future lord and master. Still the feast and the merriment resounded. Lord Ogle was esteemed the most fortunate man in England, and amidst all the scene and long protracted revelry, not a soul mentioned by accident the Count Konigsmark but the *'bride;" and she childishly remarked to her grandmother that Lord Ogle was neither so young nor so handsome as the Swede. " Child," said the Lady Algernon, " that remark is neither prudent nor wise; a com- parison between your own husband and another 288 COUNT KONIGSMARK. man may be made in confidence to a friend ; but you are yet an infant, and in a few years you will know how dangerous it is to trust even the most sincere of your friends with the feel- ings of your heart. The merry toast which re- sounds in the hall is to your honour ; still the ceremony is little more than nominal; and if Lord Percy kisses your little pale cheek as he wishes you a good night's rest, you will on no account return it, but with the formal and proper reserve I have endeavoured to inculcate, you will withdraw with a curtsey to his Lord- ship — thus — and retire to the nursery ; your doll will remain your companion. I crave your pardon, Doctor Locke," continued the Countess, who then perceived that the wisest man of the age had overheard the quaint advice; " I was endeavouring to draw the child's attention to the usages of society." The Doctor bowed, as men bowed in those days ; and having paid rather a cold compli- ment to the formal curtsey the Countess had COUNT KONIGSMARK. 289 made, lie without further ceremony lifted the bride in his arms and kissed her. " Poor little child!" he said — " in these davs of vouth and liveliness, the young mind rejoices more in the hours of relaxation from study, in the joyous moments of youthful pastime, than in the con- sideration of that ceremony Avhich should form our happiness or misery. I crave your Lady- ship's pardon," he continued, as he placed the child again upon its feet, " I forgot you were a married woman, and that by thus dangling you in my arms, I might excite the jealousy of your husband." There was a slow, cool enunciation of these words, which did not escape Lady Algernon ; she felt the satire — nay, she saw the arrow, but could not ward it off. '• Fore Heaven, Mr. Locke," she said, with her usual haughtiness, " one would imagine the Lady Elizabeth had done what is unusual. Is it a sin for those of mature age to insure the happiness of those younger than themselves, VOL. I. u 290 COUNT KONIGSMARK. by using tlie experience of this world as their best guide ? Surely one of my age is better able to discriuiinate than the child before us." *'Even so," replied the Doctor ; "I admit that if youth could see with the eyes of expe- rience, and with the coolness of disinterested- ness, it were perhaps better. In all marriages where the parties are of tender age, passion is mistaken for love, and desire for affection ; in this case I apprehend that neither one nor the other is likely to usurp the place of childish innocence." ^^ It is an alliance, sir, of which lam proud, and of which Montagu approves." " And therefore no one else," continued the Doctor, " has a right to be dissatisfied. I speak not of individual, but of general cases. What happiness can be anticipated in the union of two persons of the same age, and before experience has lifted the bandage of ignorance ? Is it reasonable to expect, that even at the age •of twenty-one, when the boy is scarcely eman- COUNT KONIGSMARK. 291 'cipated from the thraldom which sui^rounds education, and the woman — for woman she is at that age, and never will be more of n woman — happiness will be permanent? When she who ought to be ruled naturally nspires to govern, in the struggle for supre- macy, all the charm of married life is lost in the contest. I have lived long in this world^ and I never yet knew one instance of early mar- riages terminating happily. For a few years the appearance may deceive the inquisitive, but when the charms fail which first attracted — the desire, which was called love, ceases, and coldness and indifference ensue. The man should always be ten years older than the woman, and no man should marry until he is at least twenty-eight." *' Nor, consequently, any woman until she is eighteen. I understand the allusion. Doctor, but in the family of the Percys " " Oh, I crave your Ladyship's pardon. I have no doubt, although there is no royal road u 2 292 COUNT KONIGSMARK. to learning, there is a noble path to happiness, and I trust my young friend, the infant bride, may be conducted through life by that unfre- quented road." COUNT KONIGSMAKK. 203 CHAPTEE XX. ^' In a few hours, Yratz, you will again be- hold your Isabella." *^ She either is dead and unburied, or she lias another name," replied Vratz, as he re- membered the Sorcerer's words, and applied them to the Count's remark. " If dead," said Konigsmai'k, *^ there is an end to your love ; and if under a false name, there is a new incentive to trace her origin. I hate the possession of an object obtained without risk, or without something to excite curiosity; the charm of an intrigue lies in its danger. The boy who would pass a thousand 294 COUNT KONIGSMARK. apple trees by the road side, would climb a fence to obtain the fruit which seems protected from his grasp ; and thus even I would scarcely care to wed the Lady Elizabeth with all her fortune, if the course of love ran smoothly, and no eddy of opposition occasioned a difficulty." Two days after this, the felucca, which had been provided by the discreet Mahomet, ar- rived at Malta. There was no money received for the Count^s passage, and a present of a sabre was accepted, after much pressing, by the captain. " That is the best way to travel," said Yratz ; " everything done at the expense of another, in which we participate, I consider an actual benefit in life. Wine is sweeter when we do not pay for it; women more desirable when another pays for the dress; and even war be- comes more to be reconciled when the con- quered party pays all expenses. You have grown sad. Count, latterly." " It is the delay which we must experience, and the uncertainty of the fate of your Isabella,. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 295 which make me thoughtful. I must and -^vill away to England instantly ; but I cannot allow that beauty to remain unprotected, and without resources." Yratz gave a deep sigh, and fixed his small piercing eyes upon the Count, as if to read his heart. Konigsmark's appeared as innocent as an infant's. Having put up at a small house which offered shelter to the traveller, Vratz departed instantly to seek his lady. Not that one particle of love inspired his step, or one grain of affec- tion animated his avaricious heart. No ; his whole soul was employed in the calculation of what the father would give for his child — such a child as Isabella — in all her maiden purity, and all her acknowledged beauty. Konigsmark went to account to the senior knight of Malta for the performance of the charge entrusted to him ; he returned before Yratz, and was startled at the hasty step of his former retainer. 296 COUNT KONIGSMAKK. " By the Virgin !" said Vratz, as lie entered tiie room, and threw himself carelessly on a seat, " it will go hard with some before I am thus balked. I have Ijeen fooled, but no man or woman ever yet deceived Vratz and lived a year to boast of it." " And now that you have unburthened your mind by your threat, may I ask," said Konigsmark, " to what all this farrago of non- sense refers?" " Simply this," said Vratz; "that Isabella is not to be seen, and that there are as many rumours as oranges on the island, that she is either to take the veil, or to be married to some adventurer." " And where is she concealed?" " Who knows but that Egyptian Sorcerer? Some say she is taken to Civita Vecchia ; some to the Boschetta; whilst others affirm she is secluded in the Island of Goza." " And what did you do to ascertain the truth ?" asked Konigsmark. " Listened to all, and believed none; asked COUNT KONIGSMARK. 297 at the house, and had the door slammed in my face ; gazed at the lattice at a man who looked like a tom cat with a tooth-ache; and returned here, with the recollection of several titters and laughters which saluted me. By my faith ! although I am not as handsome or as well-proportioned as the Apollo, I am not more ill-favoured than the animal who looked as spitefully at me, as if I were stealing its milk. What's to be done, Count? Some other will return her to her father. I shall lose my love, and lose my reward." " Put the latter first, for it is uppermost in your mind; we will talk of this after our dinner. In the meantime, run to the port, and inquire what vessels are likely to sail, and when, to any port either in Sicily, Italy, France, or Spain." " And you will watch for Isabella?" " That would be setting the cat to guard the cream. Ah, ah !" continued Konigsmark, as he looked at the disappointed countenance 298 COUNT KONIGSMARK. of Yratz, " another mouse has nibbled the bait. Go — go, good Yratz ; think more of the ships and their sailing, and leave Isabella to her torn cat." No sooner had Yratz departed, than Ko- nigsraark, his eyes beaming with delight, left the house; in a few minutes he returned with a man who brought a bundle and a guitar, which were placed in a corner of the sleeping- room, when again the Count sallied forth, and with rapid steps proceeded to that part of the town now known as the Florian gate. Here he entered a small house to which mariners sometimes resorted, and where the numerous gossips of the town sipped their hot coffee, and smoked their long pipes. Directing him- self to a table, at which some sea- faring people regaled themselves, he inquired concerning the different vessels in the harbour, and of their destination; and calling for some punch, a liquor most admirably concocted at Yaletta, he became a very agreeable addition to those who, whilst they drank of his bowl, willingly COUiNT KONIGSMARK. 299 answered his questions. By degrees, he led them from the original subject to that which is ever uppermost in the sailor's mind — women. That sex have no more ardent admirers than those who see least of them, and perhaps solely for that very reason. All now became talka- tive, and all knew, of course, the most lovely creature in existence. " Nonsense !" said one, " you are always ranting and raving about that girl with the red hair and crimson cheeks. Is she com- parable to Julia, who, with her large blue eyes and flaxen hair, looks like Eve in petticoats ?" " I hate red hair," said one — " and I hate blue eyes," said another — " that's to say," continued he — " that I don't care if the eyes are black, blue, grey, cat's, gooseberries, or speckled, as long as the girl is young, and her figure from stem to stern neat and trim." " Aye, you may all talk of your beauties," said a weather-beaten fellow, "but the Italian girl is worth them all." Everv one seemed to know the woman thus ^00 COUNT KONIGSMARK. alluded to, and every one willingly acknow- ledged her beauty. She seemed to be of public notoriety, and all seemed to agree that it was absolutely a sin to allow such a craft to be moored in the dark roadstead of a convent, and that no one was bold enough to cut her out. It required but another bowl to obtain the history of this beauty; and Konigsmark soon learnt, that the lady under whose care Isabella had been left, had secretly favoured the ad- vances of an elderly inhabitant of the island, and that the girl, rather than admit the admirer to any hope of success, resolved to take the veil; that in order to frustrate this, the lady had removed her to a house outside the Florian gate, which overlooked the harbour of Yaletta, and which was surrounded by a stone wall, quite high enough to damp any hope of escape ; that the former residence had passed into the hands of a man^ who little dreamt of the an- noyance he was likely to experience from the COUNT KONIGSMARK. 301 curiosity of others, who believed the beautv still there, and who therefore exhibited the unenviable description of face given by Yratz, as a check to inquisitive eyes, at his lattice, — which had been the favourite place occupied by Isabella. Having gained all the informa- tion he required, he returned home at the dinner hour He found Yratz with a consider- able appetite, and no small degree of passion. " The ships, Yratz — when do they sail ?" " Not one in the port will go for a fort- night, and then they all seem inclined to sail together out of the harbour, and to separate for the different ports of the Mediterranean." " The Santa Maria, Yratz?" " She will not sail for a month." " The Josepha?" " The captain's sick, and wont sail; he is bound for Messina, which, perhaps, it would be as prudent for us to avoid." " The Santissima Trinidada?" " Bound to Genoa ; they say she has got the plague aboard." 302 COUNT KONIGSMARK. '' The Bella Maria?" " St. Francisco assist me to patience!" said Yratz; " she requires a new mast, and will not sail until she gets it, which may be, judging from the laziness here, in about six months." " The Lucia di Terracina?" " Not sea-worthy — sprung a leak last voyage, and Avas only saved by the captain putting his great-coat in the hole." " The Speronare Carlotta?" " Only going to Nota Bay, and is so full she cannot take an extra compass." " The Isabella di IS'apoli?" " Ah !" said Yratz, with a sigh, " curse the very name ; you seem to know as much of the vessels as I do." " And a little more, Vratz ; I see you are determined to stay for a fortnight, during which time all the vessels now in port will be half way to their destinations. Never mind, I will do all I can to meet your wishes; although be assured that I neither fear the meeting at Messina, the plague on board the COUNT KONIGSMARK. 303 Santissima Trinidacla, the sprung mast on board of the Bella Maria, or the ominous leak in the Lucia ; every one of these vessels sail within five days, and there is not one requiring the repairs you have ingeniously invented. Take another flask of this Cyprus wine, or try another flagon of Zante, but avoid the Eosolio, or you will be sick for the fortnight, and unable to seek for your love during the whole time. I recommend you to walk half over Valetta, from the Strada Eeale to the Strada Ponente, and so round to the Strada Mezzodi ; perhaps you may get some information which will not require a fortnight's time to follow up. In the meantime I shall go to the port, and taking a boat, amuse myself by inspecting the various vessels, and looking at some of those we brought into port. Thank Heaven ! our absence seems to have been the grave of our reputation ; and we are not singular in discovering the wonderful forgetfulness of those on whom favours have been conferred." It wanted yet an hour to twilight; the sun 304 COUNT KONIGSMARK. had not yet set, and the cool evening air had en- ticed many to walk abroad. Yratz's whole soul was bent on the discovery of Isabella. He left the hostellerie — his step was rapid — his eye quick — his imagination vivid. Hundreds he followed whose shape resembled that of her he sought, and no sooner was hope baffled, than another object again inspired it. In the search, and the occupation, the time soon passed; and as darkness began to veil all objects in indistinct- ness, he found himself outside of the gates, sitting down on the rising ground which over- looks the busy scene of a harbour, and where now stands the town of Florian. For a time he was amused by the bustling activity which prevailed previous to the dead silence of the tired sailor. Here and there boats crossed the harbour, each carrying a light in her bows, skimming about, and flitting from place to place, like the Will-of-the-wisp ; whilst in the clear water beneath him, the bright stars above were reflected as in a mirror. By de- COUNT KONIGSMARK. 305 grees the voices on board grew fainter and fainter, until at last the cheerful songs of sea- men entirely ceased, and all nature seemed hushed in repose. The calmness of the scene quite overcame him, and even Vratz, whose mind was never attuned to harmony, or overpowered by imagination, seemed possessed by the silence around him, and sat in idle listlessness. He ran over in his mind the many scenes of his youth ; they flashed across his imagination with the rapidity of lightning ; and until he came to the discovery of Isabella on board the Turkish vessel, each scene was displaced by another. But now the last one riveted his attention; beautiful she was, and when called to memory in the stillness of that clear, lovely evening, her attractions became more sensibly impressed, and all his soul was at that moment a fervent desire, which he mistook for love. He remained at least an hour enjoying his meditations, when his attention was awakened VOL. I. X 306 COUNT KONIGSMARK. by the sound of a guitar, which appeared not far distant, and in the direction of a house surrounded by a wall. Believing it came from one who sat at an open window, perhaps, like himself, enjoying the cool breeze of the night, and to whom the moon supplied the place of a lamp, he crept gently towards the place ; and with the idea that if the musician was a woman, he might, if disco- vered, interrupt her song, he carefully con- cealed himself under the wall, and awaited the cheerful sounds. Again the guitar was struck, and the musi- cian's ear detected some slight discordance, which was soon attuned to harmony ; and after again and again striking the chords, producing as much sound as could be emitted from sa miserable an instrument, a man's voice was heard, in a hurried tone of recitative, as he pronounced the following : — " Some councils frequently are sung, In every language, like a tongue Just fresh escaped from Babel ; COUNT KONIGSMARK. 307 Some send a hint in quiet prose ; Some speak right out — but there are those "Who cloak it in a fable." Here the musician again struck the chords. Yratz carefully retreated to where he could see the window, and at that moment he dis- covered a female form; her pale face was turned towards the moon, and her head rested on her left hand. It was impossible to discern the features, and Yratz again, afraid of dis- covery, retreated to the wall, but nearer to that angle from which the voice appeared to come. " Kot long ago, a little bird, The sweetest warbler ever heard. Was in a cage confined ; The bird was caught in foreign land, And captured by the stranger's hand, From parents loved and kind. " In early life this bird would sing, As oft it flew on freedom's wing, In most melodious strain. Imprison' d, now it charm'd the throng With some soft melancholy song, Descriptive of its pain." 2 X 308 COUNT KONIGSMARK. Here the voice ceased, and a low " Hist — hist !" was heard; it seemed to awake the atten- tion of her to whom it was directed. The guitar again gave forth its notes, and the song continued : — " She had no mate to charm her ear, No constant friend, for ever near, To soothe her in her grief; No heart, when anguish rack'd her brain, To share her woes — to soothe her pain, Or give that heart rehef." " Go, go," said a voice, from another win- dow; *' good man, you should be asleep; this is no time to disturb people by such horrid monotonous nonsense. By the mass ! it is as dull as the chant of the Psalms; I would rather hear the varied song of the thrush, than the sameness of the nightingale's notes." Here the coughing of old lungs was heard, and a window was suddenly closed. Vratz looked up — the female form was there, leaning over, as if to watch the safe housing of the old crone. Again the fable was continued : — COUNT KONIGSMARK. 309 *' But there was one who saw the prize, And watch'd it with a lover's eyes, Imprison VI, or abroad. He knew the window where this bird, To sing its choicest song was heard ; He listened — he adored. " He cared not where he lived, if she Would in that clime contented be, If it were France or Greece ; Or where the Ehine still rolls its flood, Or in Calabria's shaded wood, His hope was her release." Yratz looked round the corner, but he saw only a Maltese, and he of the lower order ; his dress bespoke considerable poverty, and he ap- peared to stand as if one leg had received an injury. He was immediately voted by the charitable Yratz, as a poor devil, who was en- deavouring to earn a supper. Isot so the lady ; the reference to Greece and Calabria had awakened her greatest attention, and her atti- tude bespoke her interest. The singer seemed to have perceived this, and he continued, with warmth and feeling : — 310 COUNT KONIGSMARK. " His pinions strong, his courage proof, He sigh'd to bear the bird aloof From slavery and from toil — To dart at once on freedom's air, And take the bird from cage and care, To his own cherish'd soil. " That constant bird still hovers nigh, To warn the captive when to fly, And stands prepared to roam. He'd bear her to another shore, To taste contentment's ample store. And find a happier home." Each word was pronounced so that the most careless ear could catch the meaning; and as a proof that the recitation was intentional, the singer again repeated the last verse, but in a soft, soothing Italian air, to which the words had evidently been arranged. Again the " Hist ! hist !" was heard, and the singer knocked gently at the garden gate ; the female form had left the window, and the one from which the old woman had spoken, and which opened into the garden, was again heard to move. "I tell you, wo," said a sweet voice; COUNT KONIGSSIARK. 311 *' the night is too cold for you ; I will reward the poor man." *' Eeward, by the mass ! — reward, for croak- ing like a hoarse raven, and disturbing honest people during their evening's prayer. I had to begin five times, for I lost my memory when- ever that jingling guitar struck upon my ear." " I will tell him to begone, good mother, and then you can resume your prayers." " Quickly, then, for the air is cold ; do not go outside of the gate, and, remember, I can see." With a trembling hand, Isabella unfas- tened the door. No sooner was it opened, than a note was placed in her hand, and a voice, which struck sweetly on her ear, said, " Eead that ; to-morrow at dusk I will be here ; endea- vour to persuade the old hag to let me in;" then aloud, and in a coarse voice, he added, *' 'tis very little, but I am very poor ; my thanks to you, fair lady." " Come in, come in!" said the old woman. 312 COUNT KONIGSMARK. ^' Konigsmark !" said Isabella. " Kemember the fable, Isabella." Here the old lady was heard pattering along the walk ; the door was closed, and the letter concealed in a sanctuary where a secret should ever repose. As Konigsmark turned the angle of the wall, he saw Yratz, and recognised him. Instantly the former assumed a limp, and felt assured that even his own retainer would never dis- cover him in his Maltese garb. " It's well for you, old gentleman," said Yratz, " that you can make money out of that old jingling instrument, and by singing to no tune at all. A pack of nonsense about birds and cages ! By St. Francisco ! I might sing my lungs out, and no one would give me a piastre." *' It is not for the song, but for charity's sake, that old lady rewarded me." '^ Old ! — by the mass ! why her voice struck ' me as sweet as the nightingale note." *' Between her coughs," replied Konigsmark, *'her voice is better." COUNT KONIGSMARK. 313 " Do you take me, you old booby," said Vratz, ''to be so deaf, that I cannot distin- guish two voices from one? Why, I heard the young one ask the old one to let her pay, on account of the night air." " To one so old, and deaf, and blind, as I am, it matters little if the giver of charity is young or old." " You old fellows," answered Yratz, " seem to smell beauty as dogs do game. ' My thanks to yon, fail' lady^ did not seem like the words of one either old, deaf, or blind." " 'Tis our habitude; we call all who give,, young and fair. It's marvellous how blind the world is, when they receive money from any hand — and no one likes to be called old, although she may have reached eighty." " So that your trade may be called, a little stock of music — a vast account of old songs, and a huge mass of lies and compliments." " Ay," said Konigsmark, gravely, *' and many have made a fortune with a less stock in trade ; it's the staple commodity all over the 314 COUNT KONIGSMARK. world, and when well used is generally suc- cessful.'^ *' Why, you walk better than you did," remarked Yratz. "Even so," returned Konigsmark, coolly; " it is only the first step or two that's painful. Like a foundered horse — when I get warm I recover my usual footing." " And who lives in that house, where you have been caterwauling for the last half hour?" *' An elderly lady, who retired from the noise of Valetta when the Turkish fleet were off the island. Although she continually finds fault with my songs, she is in general charit- ably disposed, and when the guitar fails, I ask in another voice, and she seldom refuses. I have not been there before for a week, and she sent me less than usual." " Well, but who is the young lady — the fair lady?" " I only know one person there, and if there was a second, I can safely say I never COUNT KONIGSMARK. 315^ saw her before in my life. It is getting late, and we must quicken our pace, or the gate will be shut. We have not a lantern, and after the hour of ten, we are liable to be imprisoned for this neglect." " Then with your permission, old gentleman, I will quicken my pace. If I could make money as easily as you do, I should share it with my comrades." " And so should I, if my comrades were as poor as myself. A good night to you, noble sir ; you are above want; your high bearing and your manly appearance marks the distinguished amongst men, and if I crave your charity, it is because I must pay for my supper before I lie down to sleep." Yratz, vain of these compliments, overcame his disposition to withhold his charity, and to the very man to whom he had hinted a parti- cipation of profits, he gave half a piastre. " I'll mark it with a cross," said Konigs- mark, " and before you die you shall have it 316 COUNT KONIGSMARK. again. Good night, and many thanks, young noble gentleman.'^ Vratz walked hurriedly on; Konigsmark leant against the wall, and gave way to an immoderate fit of laughter ; then, throwing off the outer garment, in which he wrapped the guitar, he walked by unnoticed. Quickening his pace, he arrived at the hostelry before Yratz, and concealing his disguise, came forth to talk over his departure. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 317 CHAPTEE XXI. Whex Konigsmark left Malta for Alex- andria, it lias been mentioned that he left the fair Isabella in charge of a respectable woman. There are few terms more frequently mis- applied than that of respectable, and in this case it was a misnomer. No sooner had Konigsmark left the island, than the old lady was induced, for some of the universal seducer, money, to admit an elderly gentleman to admire her charge. To Isabella his visits were most painful; she saw in a 318 COUNT KONIGSMAEK. moment his advances, and repulsed them as quickly. Her heart beat but for one person, and that one person was Konigsmark. Indeed, if we consult the historian of the Swedish ad- venturer's life, Isabella's was not a singular case- — he was a great favourite with the sex. To a fair proportion of beauty, a fine manly form, and courage which no danger could appal, he added those many trifling accom- plishments which win the female heart. He related anecdotes admirably; he sang, he played, he surmounted all difficulties ; his name was in every mouth; he was the friend of princes and the protected of kings; besides which, he had a reputation for intrigue, and the learned masters of that art were studied with great attention by him, whose earthly paradise consisted of women, wealth, war, and wine. His temper was never ruffled ; young as he was, he could control passion, and bide his time. A more complete personification of the celebrated Don Giovanni never trod life's stage. COUNT KONIGSMARK. 319 With those whose temperament was chilly, Konigsmark dallied with his hopes, and by degrees warmed them into ruin ; with those of sparkling eyes and raven hair, he was suddenly impassioned and earnestly vehe- ment. The large blue eye was won by song and poetry ; and whilst with some he appeared romantic, with others he was reserved, silent, melancholy, and studious. Had Konigsmark written an " Art of Love," Ovid and Catullus would have rotted on forgotten shelves. Isabella's cold, distant manner to the man who had paid for the privilege of her society astonished and affronted the respectable lady, who not knowing at what moment Konigs- mark would return, made over her charge to the old woman at Florian, whose garden wall was high enough to defy a lover's leap, for without a ladder she never could get to the top of it. Here, too, fearing to meet the man -whose advances she dreaded, she was content to remain in seclusion ; her heart beat only for 620 COUNT KONIGSMARK. Konigsmark; but in her hope of once more seeing him, she equally dreaded the appearance of Yratz, who, to call urigainlj, was a com.- pliment to decided ugliness.'^ * ^^^ "^ witlii a palpitating heart and flushed cheek, she endeavoured 'to ^' seek her own chamber, and there dwell on the' contents of the note. The song had conveyed the singer's intention clearly enough ; ' but to see those intentions written in the handwriting of one we love ; to read and re-read the letters; to scan, with scrupulous exactness, every sentence; to en- deavour to turn them into the meaning we most desire they should express, — these are amongst the high gratifications of love, and these she was destined to forego for a time. ^ "^^^Coine,^ child,''' said the old woman, *'read ine' iny prayers,' for 1 am growing very blind. TVhy, "child, ibw pale you are I 'Are you ill?" '" 'Soihewliat indisposed, ' gdoa ' madam ; *I pray you to let me retire to my rboni.'* The old' lady %e(i her with suspicion— a COUNT KONIGSMARK. 321 doubt hung upon the expression of the coun- tenance, which a child might have read. "What has happened?" she continued. "Ay, that singer was a lover, or the conveyer of a note. Come hither, girl. What is this?'* " Nothing, good madam ; it is but a song I once heard sung in Greece." "And this?" continued the old woman, as she produced another piece of paper. " The list of fruit you bought yesterday." " There is something unusual in your manner — kneel down and read me my prayers." Isabella did as she was desired, and was then told to retire to her chamber; but the old lady accompanied her, closed the window, which fastened with a lock, the key of which, and also that of the door, she took with her, muttering, as she retraced her steps — " A plague on all girls ; from the time they are fourteen until they are buried, no one can read their hearts or tell their disposition. I would I had my reward, and she married." VOL. I. T 322 COUNT KONIGSMARK. But an instant elapsed before the letter, which increased the palpitation of the heart over which it had rested, was brought forth and read with all the hurried impatience of love, when the eyes seem to skim the whole writing at a glance, and comprehend as by magic the writer^s meaning. It was thus: " Dearest, best beloved Isabella. — I am re- turned, and you are again a captive. I cannot claim you, because I have no right to enforce that claim, neither do I know if it is with your own consent, or not, that you thus remain in seclusion. In the many hours we have spent together, you, I feel, have read my heart ; in your eyes I saw that Vratz was not favoured in his love. If the heart of Isabella is true to him by whose means she was rescued from slavery, and from being the creature of a savage despot's will, that heart will find one which beats responsive to its throb, in the breast of her Konigsmark." She heard the key cautiously being inserted in the lock, and COUNT KONIGSMARK. 323 forcing the note into her slipper, stood the emblem of innocence startled at the violation of her bed-room door. It was her gaoler, who, dissatisfied with her former search, now began one with more rigour; nay, the very place where the letter had been was examined, every part of her dress underwent a scrutiny, and the suspected contrabandiste at a custom-house never was more rigidly visited. Still the slipper was untouched; and although the pillow was removed — for there affection often sleeps on words of love — not a corner was unnoticed ; all the cosmetics of a lady's dressing-table, the hated objects sent by the man who sought to purchase that which was in silence given to another, were removed and examined. " It came across me like the warning of fate," muttered the old woman, " and I feel I am deceived. What song did that scraper of an unholy instrument sing. Miss Inno- cence?" " It was, I think, the merry verses of that y 2 324 COUNT KONiGSMARK. song whicli was writferi'to commemorate the battle in which I was rescued." *''' And where is your hero 'of ^& dMiverer nowr " Who can tell?" said Isabella, with a sigh. *' Whocan say if the ship has escaped the dangers o^ the sea — the surges on the shore. I owe him much, good madam, which this poor heart never can repay." V And Avhat do you owe the kind man who, w^hen your chivalrous knight left you here un- protected, gave you this house for a home, and furnished the thousand comforts which sur- round you ? To-morrow — to-morrow will, I hope, see you a bride ; and, by the mass ! I shall be happier when so beautiful a charge is made a rich man's wife. What is in this book?" '' " *Tis only the leaf of a rbs^'. ' You imagine, good lady, that my lover, whoever he may be, sends his impassioned sentiments iti the mute language of flowers'.'^ '''^ ^"^'"^ ^^'^ ^^^^ " Go, go to bed, and talk hot to' ine of lovdrs and flowers." CaUNT KONIGSMARK. 325 -..'* When you retire, good madam, I have then no other solace left but my pillow." ^^^,^,'j'.And as I like to see young people happy, I will stay and see how pretty you look on your only solac^^^^ ^.^^ „,.^,.^^^^ ^^^,.' ' ,,,j, Jsabella never hesitated a second, but spon laid her flushed and beautiful cheek oi^ the .pillow— the emblem of love and innocence. „ " Good night, child," said the old woman, and leaning over to kiss her charge, she once again passed her hand under the pillow, then blowing out the light, fastened the door and retired. Isabella lay still and breathless until the old crone had descended the stairs; then she kissed the. letter again and again; and laying it next her heart, slept in the em*ap- tured dream of love. ■• At dawn. of day,, the letter was torn from, its sanctuary, and read and kissed again. She thought she heard the -shouts which welcomed Konigsmark after the action, and caught the bold daring of his eye, js^^p^dei;^d^4,l?5er|fe meditated assault 326 COUNT KONIGSMARK. of Vratz ; she remembered every word he had ever uttered to her, and the soft look which told that even the warrior's heart could quail when a woman's glance was directed towards him ; she felt, she knew she loved him. And now he was returned, what danger had she to fear? He was her impersonation of valour and chivalry; and when the heart once entertains such impressions, what power can eradicate them? pooid Her first meeting with her jailer was not, as usual, alone, and at breakfast; but there was the hated figure of the old man, who, struck with the gayness of her appearance and the liveliness of her manner, could not restrain his eagerness. She recoiled from his touch as from a viper, and drawing up herself appa- rently above her usual height, she said — '^ I never heard, sir, that I am destined by the lady to be your bride this day. I am not so inclined ; and to save you much trouble and prevent such early rising, which must be pre- judicial to your health, and deprive your limbs COUNT KONIGSMARK. 327 of their much required repose, I tell you, your bride I will never be ; that I claim my libera- tion from this unjustifiable incarceration, or you shall be responsible for my detention." " By my beads, the child speaks boldly," interrupted the old woman ; "but the walls are high, and the priest is near. Come, sit down to your breakfast ; after which, we shall have no trouble in this union.'* .cj uiii^^iqiia ^o^. "We have as warm blood in Calabria as you have in this island," said Isabella, coolly ; " and I have little fear of insult from one so old as that man, which I cannot revenge. I^ can bear even to eat with you, and laugh at ■' him." ^fia/i'^ "One would think she were a princess,*''^* said the old lady. " By the mass ! she looks ten times more lovely when animated, and it's ^ marvellous how one who was the favourite of a Turk, and more than half a heretic from the^ connexion, can assume such innocence. I^ would not have her touch my beads for half the S2S COUNT KONIGSMARK. wealth of Gonstantinople ! Why, child, you are an idiot ! What have you in this world but jpur beauty to recommend, you, and who but ^]^^,WQjA}}j,\T(i^n ,,w;P]*ld,;Wejd' the rescued mistress of , a ieathen? What have yon, I say, bi^t yo^r beauty ?;!.,;^H^i[,, ^j{t x^aHnm UmdH^ jp,it':lM^J^>^i^^^^^^^^^ give with my Jhandr and as I destine neither for him, he may save himself the expense of the bridal dress, ^pd the present to the priest." ^.jj;. Xhe old woman wagged her wizen face, as she said—" Birds with clipped wings find it difficult to fly; and when the holy father comes, there will be an obedience to his words. Besides, things are done by force here; and the knights are too busy to trouble themselves a^out one of the harem of a Turk.'^.>i«.^ n^i^, jT|^t, Innocence defies slander. The blood which rushed to the young beauty's face was not occasioned by shame, but it was an efiect of the heart, to show on the cheeks how ready it was to resent an insult. Isabella mastered her COUNT KONIGSMARK. B2^ feelings. In the meantime^,' ■t!ie^-'6l& liiaii) wtio felt the last tingle of desire, became warm in bis praise of her courage and noble bearing; he paid compliments upon compliments, which were perfectly unheeded by Isabella, who, without making the slightest acknowledgment, directly she had finished her miserable repast, rose from the table, and rushing to her window, endeavoured to open it and breath freely: in this she was foiled ; but she could see coming over the high ground, where Yratz had last night taken up his situation, the portly figure of a priest, dressed in all the insignia of his holy profession, approaching the house. Her heart misgave her for a moment, but she soon recovered her courage^ She watched his step, and before long heard the sound of the bell, and saw the old woman hasten her speed, and bow reverently as she saluted the pious raati. ?^^i^^^' t^ bdnoLaaooo . -.:/! v^on dAO'jiio aiij no woda o;t ^liBod sdi LONDON : PRIKTEO BY THOMAS C. SAVILL, 4, CHANDOS STREET. w IS'