' L I E, II A R. Y OF THE UN IVERSITY or ILLl NOIS V.I / ALEXENA; OR, THE Castle of Santa Marco, A ROMANCE, ^ IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. I. FACE .87. ./ ORj THE Castle of Santa Mo^rco, A ROMANCE, IN THREE VOLUMES. EMBELLISHED WITH ENGRAVINGS. *' Ye gods of quiet and of sleep profound ! Whose soft dominion o'er this castle sways ; And all the widely silent places round. Forgive me, if my trembling pen displays What never yet was sung in mortal lays." VOL. r. JLonDon: Printed ul the Minerva Press, for A.K. NEWMAN AND CO. LEADENHALLST. 1817. ALEXENA; OB THE Castle of Santa Marco, ■» 4-»t»>->- CHAPTER I. " Again she plunges! hark! a second shock Tears her strong bottom on the marble rock: Eown on the vale of death, with dismal criei. The fated victims shudd'ring roll their eyes: 5f At length asunder torn, her frame divides, •w And crashing spreads in ruin o'er the tides." Falcomek. X HE clouds passed darkly and rapidly over the magnificent mansion of Lord Mortimer^ as he crossed the court-yard leading- to the draw-bridge, where his charger stood snorting, impatiently waiting his approach. Tom Rourke held the stirrup while his master mount- VOL. I. A 2 alexena; or the cd, and ventured to point out the neces- sity of an additional great coat as the thunder was distinctly heard, and the dark shades of night were fast falling on the outline of the extensive land- scape that lay between his castle and that of his friend Sir Edmond Hastings, with whom he was then going to dine. It was a cold December's evening, in the year 1557; the wind howled hor- ribly in the neighbouring woods, and scarce had his lordship proceeded one mile, ere the dcemon of the storm appears to have bestrode the blast. The rain fell in hissing torrents, intermixed with showers of hail, which involved Lord Mortimer and his attendant in almost total darkness, save when the pale and arrowy lightning partially revealed the scene, as it gleamed in repeated flashes, and momentanly illumined the road. The elements groaned ; peal succeeded peal, in long and lengthened voUies, and all nature appeared threat- ened with universal chaos. CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 3 Lord Mortimer pressed bis steed for- ward at a full gallop, and was closely attended by his servant, of whom he was particularly fond ; his attachment, zeal, honesty, and blunt good nature, were deeply traced on his lordship's memory, and often procured him those indulo:encies and familiarities which few servants would be allowed. But Tom Rourke was an exception to the gene- rality of domestics, for he never presum- ed on the kindness of his lord, nor ever forgot the respect due from a servant to his master; indeed, had Lord Mortimer been his dearest relative, it is a ques- tion, whether Rourke could have been more attached ; he would fight for him 'till the last gasp, if necessary, and watched o'er his health and safety with the anxiety of a parent. Rourke was an Irishman, and about this period, thirty years old ; ten of which had glided away in tlie service of Lord Mortimer, to the mutual satisfaction of both ; he was brave as a lion, with a heart replete with every generous feel- A 2 4 ALSX.ENA ; OR THB icg, and among his fellow servants was distinguished by the appellation of ' Honest Tom Rourke.' — Butto return : His lordship continued at full speed (as the road was perfecdj^ safe,) with Tom at his heels, who now and then burst into such exclamations^ as ' Och murder, poor Skylark, there won't be a drop in you when we get to Hol- lywood-Castle! — Where are you Lion? (this last was a favourite Newfoundland dog that never failed to accompany him, and of both Skylark and Lion, Tom was particularly fond,) and therefore announced his joy on seeing the lights in the windows of the castle, by ex- claiming, ' Mushen, yonder's the liglit, and it is'nt I that's glad to see it once more, to be sure ! — Nell, my jewel, I hav'nt seen your ears since the storm began before, and there's not much fear of it being over inahuri'y!' — 'I thought Tom,' said his lordship, (as he slackened his pace) ' that a cold windy night gave you little inconvenience!* CASTLE OF SANTA MAncO. B * Very little indeed, my Lord/ said Tom respectfully, 'but I am vexed about the cattle ; for as to Lion, he does not value it ; but Skylark won't be the better on't this mouth of Sundays, and his coat, which was so sleek to day, will stand an end like the burnt heather on the bog- of Allen.' His lordship laughed, and said, ' so, so, I find all ' your uneasiness is about the horses I' ' Not iiil my lord ; I heartily wish you * may not be the v*^orse, for by this 'time you must be drenched to th©^ 'skin; but please excuse me for first ' expressing my compassion for these * poor du;nb brutes, that can't tell their ' wants, and Skylark is a favourite, bein»j ' so gentle that he follows me like a dog, ' there is not such a beauty in th« ' whole country, except one, and that ' is that Spanish lady's horse, and ' since 1 saw him, I am glad he is her 'property/ 'Why?' inquired his lordship. ' Because she is not only 'the most beautiful lady I have ever 'seen, but the best also; all Sir Ed- G ALEXENA ; OR THE ' mond's servants doat on her, and would ' almost lay down their lives for her ' sake; there's Betsy, that has lived with ' my Lady Hastings these ten years, ' and who is one of the properest young; ' personages as a waiting-maid, in this ^ here country, loves her almost as well as ' her own mistress ; 'troth, I am sartiri ' she would make an excellent wife for ' the best lord in the land, and none ' but the best desarve her.* ' In faith Tom,* said his lordship, ' you have * excited my curiosity a little ; pray * when did she arrive at Hollywood?* * About three weeks ; she is the greatest ' toast within fifty miles. Your lord- ' ship's tenants have been after putting * up prayers that you might see, fall in ' iove with, and marry her, and her ! aunt, who is with her, is a very ' good lady, turned of forty, or there- ' abouts ; but how could she be bad, ' seeing she is Sir Edmond's own sister ! ' As to the lady Alexena,' continued Tom, ' there may be an objection, ' because she is a Spaniard ; but what \ CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 7 'o' that, when her own mother was an ' English-woman.' ' I know now, who the Lady is/ said his lordship, ' and I believe you have heard nothing more than facts respecting her goodness, but hush! we are under the castle walls; see the horses to the stable, and then bring my dressing-case to my chamber.' That I will, my lord, in a hurry, was the reply, and the same moment they were challenged by the sentinel of the watch, and instantly the draw-bridge was lowered, and they en- tered the court-yard. Sir Edmond met Lord Mortimer in the hall, and ex- pressed much concern on seeing him in such a miserable plight, (as his clothes were drenched through with rain,) and he felt uneasy lest his friend should be a sufferer from the inclemency of the night; he therefore hurried him to his apartment, where he quickly changed his dreeping garments, and in a very short time made his onntre into the saloon, where he found, among a gay and numerous 8 alexena; or th« assemblage, the object of Romke's honest praise. The moment was por- teritious to both the lady and his lord- ship ; he had, from report,, been prepared to admire a young female, lovely and accomplished ; but his most lively imagination, in all its playfulness, had not formed an object so every way fascinating; no wonder then, that the moment he was introduced to Alexena de Guzman, he became the willing cap- tive of her charms; and when the name of Mortimer Mas announced, the face and beauteous neck of the fair Spaniard became suffused with glowing crimson, though she herself could not tell where- fore. The noble Mortimer observed her emotion, and augured favourably from the incident, as it seemed to say, his name was not entirely unknown to her ; nor was he mistaken, for the name of Mortimer had long been familiar, as her aunt never felt more agreeably en- gaged than when lavishing praises on him in her presence, he being a great \ CASTLB OF SANTA MARCO. 9 favourite with her, they having been for years intimately acquainted. Before dinner was announced, he had the pleasure of enjoying an animated conversation with Alexena; and before they retired from the saloon, lie became the most enamoured of lovers. Among the iiMiests of Sir Edmond, were Miss Dash fort, his wife's sister, the Rev. IVilliam Jones, Henri Bolerno, a Spa- niard, cousiii of Alexena,. and many other noble personages; but as their names are immaterial, I shall pass them over in silence. Dinner over, and grace « said. Sir Edmond observed what a contrast there was in the scene within and without the castle; inside, all har- mony ; without, the rude hoarse roaring of the tempest, and the distant dashing of the wares against the rocky beach. Hollywood-Castle was situated on the western coast of England, and was not merely considered a noble ediGce, but A 5 10 ALEXENA ; OR THE a place of considerable strength ; it commanded a fine view of the country oa one side, while on the other, the foaming ocean spread in boundless extent, and washed a dangerous ledge of rocks to the right of the castle, on which the luckless mariner often pe- rished, though every precaution had been taken by Sir Edmond to prevent the frequent occurrence of such melan- choly catastrophes; lights were placed in one of the highest towers that com- manded the coast, and boats were always in readiness to assist the dis- tressed, many of whom had been saved by these most praiseworthy exertions. Very shortly after the ladies had re- tired, the storm increased to a dreadful pitch of fury, and shook the castle to its base. Consequently considerable alarm was excited, and the gentlemen arose to seek the ladies for the purpose of quieting their fears, when the report of a gun, (a signal of distress,) was faintly heard ; another and another ra- CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 11 pidly succeeded, and in a moment after, every inmate of the castle was in mo- tion. SirEdmond and Lord Mortimer rushed out on the ramparts, followed by a numerous train. The faint cries of the drownins: unfortunates came on the blast, and were easily distinguished ; in a moment the draw-bridge was lowered, and the dark ramparts became reflected by the blaze of torches that were speedily lighted, and which neither wind nor rain could extinguish. Every one pressed forward to the rocky shore, which lay not more than an hundred paces from the castle, and among the foremost was Rourke, attended by Lion, whom he called his life preserver. The flash of the cannon, at intervals, illumined the sinking vessel, which threatened to go to pieces with each succeeding wave, and the wretched crew were seen frantically clinging to the shattered masts. In a short time the shore was crowded with Sir Ed- mond's domestics and the neighbouring peasants ; but the storm was so exces- 12 ALEXEWA ; OR THE sively violent;, and the rocks so steep and dangerous, that the most hardy re- fused to venture in a boat to their relief, thouij-'h the rewards offered by Sir Ed- mond and Lord Mortimer, were very liberal ; the attempt, however, it was coneeived, would be attended by inevi- table destruction. The crew were sen- sible that no assistance could reach t!iem, and their cries, at this moment, became insupportable ; tliey could dis- tinguish the land, which few of them were ever to reach with life, and fruit- lessly stretched forth their hands en- treatiuii' that relief which it was a moral impossibility to afford. The scene was horrible, but in a few moments, sus- pense was at an end ; a tremendous breaker dashed the frail and crazy vessel to pieces, and another hushed the cries of the crew in (helongsilenceof a watery grave. It was some moments before Lord Mortimer was convinced that the ship had perished, as she had often been undiscernable from the immense heavy sea ; but very shortly aftefj a few CASTLE OF SANTA MATICO. 13 of the survivors were seen {loatino* towards the shore on pieces of plank, to which they had bound themselves ; and one particularly could be dislin- guislied, bntTettinu" the waves that fre- -q neatly raised him many, many feet above the surface of the surge, and then seemed to sink with him into the recesses of the deep. With much diffi- culty he was pointed out to Lion, who instantly, on perceiving him, plunged into the foaniino' tide. The utmost anxiety was now excited ; every one offered up their prayers for the success of the dog, and for the preservation of the unfortunate object who then ap- peared almost exhausted. Lion was repeatedly, within an arm's length of him, when some surly and envious wave drove him back. Those on the beach encouraged him with their cries, and at length he was seen to dive or sink. One moment all was horror and despair, but the following instant the noble ani- mal rose within grasp of the almost lifeless wretchj and seized him. A shout 14 ALEXENA ; OR THE proclaimed his success, and for a short space, the late mournful event was for- gotten, in the joyful prospect that one life would be saved. Lion rapidly ap- proached the shore with playful tail and head erect ; but the peril was not yet over ; he had the frightful rocks to en- counter, as he was too far from the usual landing place, and to reach it in his present state was impossible. Rourke, therefore made the servants fasten a rope round his waist^, and at the immi- nent dano:er of forfeiting- his existence, ventured to the surface of the frio'htful surge, and scarce had the white foam dashed over his limbs, when he seized the sailor with one hand, and the neck of Lion wiih the other, and in a moment they were hoisted on the beach. The senses of the st«'anger had fled, and while some were busily employed in ap- plying restoratives, others were en- deavouring to assist another wretched* b eing, who had reached the shore on a plank, and was then hanging on a ledge of a rockj in momentary expectation of CASTLE OP SANTA MARCO. 15 being buried in the bosom of tlie in- furiated deep. By the assistance of ropes, he also was saved, but every other soul, save these two, perished. Sir Edmond commanded his domes- tics to hasten towards the castle with all possible despatch, that speedy relief miii'ht be administered to the unfortu- nate strangers, who were carried in chairs, and in a few moments after they arrived, were undressed and put to bed. The man whom Lion saved, was long insensible, from the fatigue and loss of blood that had flowed from a deep wound in his side, inflicted by a splinter of the wreck, against which he had been dashed at the moment the vessel went to pieces. In less than half an hour, however, he became sensible of the danger he had so miraculously escaped, and the first words he uttered, after offering a fervent prayer to heaven^ were, ' Had father Montane been IQ ALEXENA ; on THE saved:' on being informed (liaf one other person in a monk's habit had been rescued from the deep, his looks ex- pressed his disappointment, and he replied, 'that is he,' and then appeared buried in thought. Surgical aid had almost instantly been procured, and on the wound being examined, it was pronounced dangerous: quiet was re- commended, and strict orders oiven that none should disturb the stranjrer by asking questions. Sir Edmond at this time was as- sisting the monk, who begged to be left to the solitude of his chamber for that evening, and that he should in the morning explain from whence he came, and the nature of his business. Sir Edmond, in reply, observed, he was entirely at liberty to act as he thought prudent in that respect, and retired, wishing him sound and peaceful slumber after his fatigue. The monk bad ad- dressed Sir Edmond in Spanish, and from thence he concluded his guest was of that CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 17 nation, and though his curiosity was somewhat excited ; he resolved not to make any attempt to gratify it for the present. — 1 should have observed^ that while Sir Edmond remained in the room, the father had drawn from his bosom a sealed packet, which he care- fully dried by the fire, and placed under his pillow, before he retired to repose. When the confusion and bustle that the late event had occasioned, .•somewhat abated, the gentlemen at- tended the ladies in the drawing-room, where the strangers became the- topic of conversation for the remainder of the evening, and many were the praises bestowed on Rourke, for the very timely assistance he had afforded, and both Sir Edmond and his master deter- mined to reward him; nor was Lion forgotten ; not a creature in the castle who were not eager to bestow some mark of favour on him. and, indeed, he was literally loaded v/ith caresses. 18 ALEXEJTA ; on THE The monk intimated that he had arrived from Spain ; and this intimation gave birth to many vague conjectures in the minds of Sir Edmond and Lord Mortimer, who resolved to have a care- ful eye on him, as the country was much distur})ed by the cruel edicts of the detestable Mary, and they suspected he was a big-ot from the court of Spain, sent for the purpose of adding fuel to the flame, that at that period raged horribly in every quarter of the king- dom. But their suspicions were with- out foundation. As soon as Tom Rourke had changed his garments, he went to see the man, whose life, with the assistance of Pro- vidence, he had been the means of preserving ; and finding him in a deep sjumber, sat by his bed, determined to watch by him through the night, to mi- nister to his wants, should it be neces- sary. His sleep, which at first appeared tranquil, soon proved otherwise, by his sudden jjtartings, and more than once he CASTLE OF SANTA MAllCO. 19 named Montano^ and groaned audibly. Tom had learned that this was the name of the monk, and resolved to mark the expressions of his sleeping patient, who shortly after pronounced the name of De Guzman, with a deep sigh, and muttered a few words in a language to which Tom was an entire stranger. About two o'clock in the morning he av/oke, and on observing Rourke, spoke to him in Spanish, but the latter made signs he did not comprehend his mean- ing. The stranger then lay quiet for several minutes, as if trying to recollect the late events, and in an instant after, started upright in his bed and addressed Tom in very good English, at which the latter was much surprized. The Spaniard inquired by what means, and by whose assistance, he had been pre- served, and Tom gave him the detail of all he knew, mentioning his own name with much modesty, and praising his master to the skies, who, he said, held the rope by which he had been lowered, and assisted in drawing them so ALEXEXA; OR THE up the rocks. Oa Gonzales hearing the rank of Lord Mortimer^ he said, he felt most grateful, and hoped it should be one day in his power to render him some acceptable service in return, and then again inquired for the monk. ' He is now asleep/ Tom replied, ' but, if necessary, I shall have him summoned to your bed side.' ' No ! oh, no! by no means, I am merely sorry his sleep is not eternal.' Rourke started, and imai^ined he was deran^^ed, but Gonzales look no notice, and ob- served, ' if his streui^ftli would i)nt per- mit, he could tell deeds of the monk that would make his blood freeze.' ' It maybe! it may be!* muttered Tom, 'all is not ii^old \\y\\ olitters, but don't weary yourselt" nsore at present, some , otlier time will do as well.' ' Pray,' said Gonzales, ' how long hast thou lived v\ith thy lord ?' * About ten years 1' * Where does he reside?' ' Within five miles of tliis castle!' 'And to whom does it belong?' ' To Sir Edmond Hastings!' 'To Sir Edmond Hastujgs! CASTLE OF SASTTA MARCO. Jl say you?' crird Gonzales, with great emotion, • Yes/ replied Tom The sick man gasped for breath, but in a mo- ment he continued, ' Have you ever by any chance heard of a Spanish hidy «f the name of Alexena de Gnznian?* ' That I have ; she now rests under this roof, and may God's holy angels watch her slumbers/ ' Amen, Amen !' was fer- vently ejaculated by Gonzales. Tom's curiosity was now excited to a painful degree, and with very little intreaty he gave the stranger all the information in his power, and concluded with a hearty wish, that she might one day be the wife of his lord. ' Is he acquainted with her?' again, eagerly demanded Gonza- les. ' He has only seen her this evening,' replied Tom, ' for the first time ; but as my master is the most handsome man, and one of the best in England, a great deal may be done in a very short time, and her aunt doats on my lord ; aye, that she does.' ' Well, thank God,' mur- mured the invalid, ' all yet may be Tyell; it is now four o'clock, do you 22 alexena; or the therefore^ my good friend, retire to rest, as I again feel inclined to sleep, if this wound of mine. will permit.' Tom was anxious to w atch the remainder of the night, but Gonzales insisted on his seeking repose. However, the moment he left the chamber, he sent one of the domestics to take his place, and on his seeking his bed, found Lion lying along side of it, as if anxiously expect* ing his arrival. — > < »■»» i CHAP. II. " which is the villain ? let me note his eye, That when I see another man like him, I may avoid him." Shakespzarb. xliARLY on the following morning, Rourke was summoned to his lord's chamber, where he found him already half dressed. 'What is the matter?* said his lordship, as he entered, '^your eyes seem to say you have not slept^ CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 23 are you indisposed?' ' I never was bet- ter in all my life, I humbly thank your lordship, but I hope I have not kept you waiting, for I know I am but a bad valet, and will ill supply Mr. Albert's place, howeyer, he was much better yesterday, and will soon be able to resume his station, and long may he enjoy it, for he is as honest a soul as ever broke the world's bread.' ' 1 feel rejoiced he is so much better,' observed his loixlship, * but you really look un- well; have you been to bed?' ' That I have, though not very long. I thought as how I would sit awhile with that poor wou[idcd stranger, and on my entering his room I found him asleep, so I sat on the foot of his bed, and while I remained, he chattered in his dreams like a magpie, and cursed that monkish old Don that we picked off the rocks, and, as well as a body may guess, not without reason.' ' Let me hear what he said.' ' That I will, my lord, though the whole is'nt much.' Tom then related every word (hat had 24 ALEXENA* OR THii been uttered in the chamber of Gon- zales. Lord Mortimer listened atten- tively, but merely observed that the un- fortunate man's intellect was disturbed by his recent danger, and the pain of his wound. ' It may be so/ replied Tom, 'and it is not unlikely but he has got more than one/ 'Where?' said his lordship. ' One in the body, and the other in the mind, and the last seems to fijive the greatest pain of the two/ Lord Mortimer appeared thoughtfub but changed the subject by inquiring for Sir Edmond, and shortly after descended to the breakfast parlour, where he was agreeably surprised to find him at such an early hour, and they immediately went out on the ram- parts together. There his lordship re- peated the conversation that had passed between the wounded stranger and his servant, and requested to know what Sir Edmond thought of it. ' I know ' not what to think ; but our stranger ' guest has promised to give an account * of himself this morning ; do you ob- CASTLE or SANTA MARCO. SS *■ serve him, while I, if possible, shall ' draw him into conversation, and learn ' the true purport of his business to this ' country ; for, to be candid with you, ' from the little I have seen, I like him ' not, and as to his appearance, it is any * thing" but prepossessing.' Shortly after they returned to break- fastj and found the ladies assembled but the monk chose to take the morn- ing's repast in his own chamber, and sent a respectful intimation to that effect, but mentioned his intention of waitina: on Sir Edmond in the course of the forenoon ; to which the latter returned a polite reply. Immediately after breakfast the ladies retired to the music-room, for the purpose of catching a glimpse of the monk as5 he passed into the library, and as the hour approached. Sir Edmond and Lord Mortimer felt a degree of anxiety, for which they could not account, save, that the dark hints, or rather ravings, of Gonzales, had excited their curiositj. TOL. I. B SG ALEXENA; on THE A little before eleven o'clock, Mon- tano descended from his apartment, (attended by a domestic,) habited iu the dress of his order, and as he parsed through the music-room, paused for a moment, on seeing the ladies who pre- tended to be engaged with various musical compositions; but on observing the monk, they rose and curtsied ; their salutation was returned by Montano, who crossed his hands on his bosom, and bowed : then fixed his eve on Alexena with an inquiring gaze, as if tryinjT to recal to his recolleclion the countenance of one with whom he had. formerly been acquainted. From the moment he entered, the ladies continued to gaze on him with curiosity, awe, and wonder, and when the library doors shut him from their view, their eyes were rivettcd to the spot on which he stood, as if they had seen the iiiltiiig shade of some supernatural being; nor were the sen- sations of Sir. Edmoad and Lord CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 2T Mortimer, on beholdin*^ him, a whit less strange ; the latter started from liis seat, and let fall a book which he had been reading, without being sensible of his awkwardness ; Sir Edmond, however, was more collected, he rose, and after the first complimentary salutations, in- troduced his lordship, and some time after begged to know how he felt after his recent fatii2:ue. Montano made a slight inclination of the head, and in a voice, remarkable for the deepness of its tone, answered, ' extremely well,* and then returned thanks for the atten- tion he had received. In the course of conversation, he touched lightly on the melancholy event of the preceding night, and ob- served, he felt amply repaid for all past hardships, by the good fortune that had cast him on the spot to which he was bound ; and then requested to know how many of the crew had been saved. 'I conceived,' said Sir Edmond, 'you were informed that one b2 SS ALEXENA; OR THE more only survives, and that he is dan= gerouslyill/ 'One only/ cried Montano, ' what ! have all the rest perished V I am heartily grieved, ' It is even so,' re- plied Sir Edmond. 'And, pray/ de- manded the monk, (as he slowly raised his eyes from the floor, and fixed them on Sir Edmond, with a deep look of inquiry,) what is the name of the sur- vivor? I believe he calls himself Gon- zales. — Gonzales! echoed Montano, 'it is impossible, I saw him sink, I, I — .' He paused, and his face almost changed to blackness, while his agitation was too apparent to escape observation, and was instantly noticed by Lord Mortimer, who said, 'I assure you, he is the same; he ' told my servant so, and the first person 'for whose safetyhe inquired, was your's'. His lordship accompanied these words with a look that was meant to search the very soul of the monk, and it had \he momentary eifect of depriving him of caution, for he rapidly exclaimed, ' so then, the villain is a traitor, and hasbeen tampered with :' but the same instant, a. CASTLE OF SANTA MAHeO. ' 29 • hastly smile proclaimed the triumph he had regained over his passions, and he quickly said, ' I am disturbed, I know not what I say ; the incoherency of my expressions is owing to the perverse- ness of that Gonzales, by whose mis- conduct the vessel and her unfortunate crew have perished ; and therefore his name at this moment, is as peculiarly grali iig to my ears, as to my recollection/ Lord Mortimer looked doubtingly on the monk, who cast a penetrating glance of deep inquiry on his lordship, as if he demanded his meaning; but the former was firm, and Montano with- drew his eye, then walked towards a window which commanded a view of the coast. There was now a painful silence; Sir Edmoiid, at length, ventured to ask the nature of Montano's mission; this seemed to relieve all parties; for the latter instantly turned from the window, and replied, ' he came for the purpose 50 AI^EXENA; OR THE of couiluciino- a young lady, then in England, to her friends in Spain.' Lord Mortimer now became uneasy and alarmed, but suppressed his emo- tion, while the monk continued, 'I believe she is a relation of your's. Sir Edmond; — I mean the lady Alexena de Guzman. It was to oblige her family, that I have at this time of life left the blessed abode of sanctity and peace, to encounter all the evils of a tedious voyage, and perils of a stormy sea: her father has some time ago paid the last debt of nature, and her bro- thers are anxiously awaiting the return of their only sister; poor girl! she is now without a parent, and without a protector.' ' I beg your pardon, good father,' said Lord Mortimer, rather warmly; ' Lady Alexena never can want a protector; such purity and inno- cence as her's, will ever be the peculiar care of heaven.' The monk bowed, and as he slowly raised his eye to meet that of his lordship,, it shot forth a CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 31 glance, accompanied with a slight distortion of the muscles, between a sneer and a grin, so undefinablc, yet so expressive, that the arch fiend him- self would fail in the imitation. As lie replied, '1 entirely agree with your ' lordship; yet as this world isbnrthened ' with men, both dangerous and design- * ing, and oppressed with cares, trou- * bles, and misfortunes, the parent of ' this 3'oung lady wisely designed to ' remove, this his only daughter, far ' iVom its tempestuous storms, to the 'peaceful and holy sanctuary of a con- ' vent, fi'om whence her pure spirit ' might, in due time, ascend to the cver- ' lasting joys of paradise. But now ' tiiat he is removed from this scene of ' troubles, her eldest brother, the young *" and amiable Velasco, has resolved to ' leave her future views in life entirely "^ to her own choice; merely reserving *■ the privilege of advising and pointing '' out the advantasres and disadvanta^res ' that conscquenily' are the attendants S2 ALEXENA; OR THE ' on frail morfality in this vale of tears/ Here Montano paused, expecting a reply; but Lord Mortimer appeared lost in profound thought, and the va- cant expression of his look seemed to say, he had not heard the conclusion of the monk's observations. Sir Edmond resumed the subject, by inquiring, when it was his intention to return to the continent. 'Much depends on the I^ady Alexena,' replied the monk, ' but in three weeks, at farthest, I ex- pect to leave this kingdom.' ' Should the young lady and her friends be averse to part so soon; what then?* inquired his lordship. ' Oh ! should that be so,' observed Montano, ' I will apply to the queen, to whom I have a letter, from the Suprema of the most holy Inquisition, requiring her majesty to send the young lady in safety to her friends.' There was now another pause; it was evident that not onlv Lord Mor- timer, but Sir Edmond, was greatly CASTLK OF SANTA MARCO. 33 shocked at the abrupt threat, or rather intimation, of the monk ; for they had reason to dread the vengeance of the queen, if they openly opposed his "wishes, and he not only observed their distress, but evinced his joy at it, by a gloomy look of malicious exultation. To use violent measures might prove fetal ; therefore, they resolved to soothe the father, and, if possible, induce him to prolong his intended journey. Influ- enced by this motive. Sir Edinond in- formed him^ that Lady Alexena was then in the castle; that she was his guest, and hoped he would have the goodness not to deprive him of such a charming visitor, at so early a pe- riod as that on which he had fixed for his return to Spain. Montano pro- mised to gratify him, if in his power, and seemed much surprised at finding Alexena under the same roof; then begged to be introduced to the lady in the course of the evening, and observed, that it was his intention to conceal her b5 «^ 1 alexexa; or the father's death for tlie present, tliat she might enjoy the ainusements of the castle, whiie she vet remained. This easy copapliance with Sir EdmontVs request^ restored, in gome measure, a slic;ht degree of hope, that the monk might not be actually so bad as their fears, Gonzales' hints, and the com- mencement of their interview led them to si^ppose. Shortly after, the father retired to Write some letters, and to seek for one written ])v youni:: Velasco to Sir Ed- mond. When the door closed after liim. Lord Mortimer paced tlie room in evident distress, and Sir Edmond knew not what to say to soothe hig perturbation; he conceived it rather stranire, that Alexena should have ex- cited so ijreat a decree of interest in his lordship's heart in so short a period, and yet it was evident, his uneasiness was solely on her account. ' What is to lie done,' said he, as he finnly clasped ,the CASTLE OV SANTA MARCO. 35 Iiand of his friend. Shall I see this Gon- zales, and if possible obtain some infor- mation about the monk, for whom I must acknowledge I have already conceived an aversion. 1 have formed an opinion by no means in his favor, and fear the deep cunning- of his expressive eye ; fw has he not appeared here like the flitt- ing" shadow of some evil spirit, to mar my fair prospects of happiness. It is im'possible to elude his keen observance^ and conceal the true state of my heart ; I love this fair Spaniard too well for my peace, and am resolved if I meet with the sliirhtest encouraij^emcnt, to mak^ her a tender of my hand and fortune^ and sl^iould I be supremely blessed by her acceptance, 1 trust her brothers will have no objection to my alliance. I feel an irresistable something that binds me to this lovely orphan, utterly inexpressible, and should her immense fortune present an obstacle, 1 will wii- lingly resign it: let the Hj)aniards keep their money, I only seek the girl ; as vet! fear nothing, save this monk, and S6 alexena; on the on him I shall keep a watchful, nay, a jealous eye. 'The Spaniards are proud/ said Sir Edinond, laughing-, ' and would rather immure their daughters in convents, than give them portionless to the arms of emperors; but since I find you are so deeply smitten, I shall use my every ex- ertion in your behalf.' Lord Mortimer shook him heartily by the hand, and they then went in pursuit of the ladies^ who were anxiously expecting an ac- count of their interview with the ghostly father, and on their entrance, almost stunned them with a volume of questi- ons. Sir Edmond, in reply, merely said, ' Montano was a messenger from Spain, sent to convey Alexena to her relatives, in the course of a month or two, when she should feel inclined to undertake so fatiguing a journey. Alexena heard this news without any particular sensa- tion of joy or giief. Home had few pleasures for her; she had not seen her father more than three times since she CASTLE OP SANTA MAttCO. ST attained her fourth year, and then only for half an hour at a time in the parlour of the convent^ where she had been educated. Shortly after the bigotted Mary had ascended the throne of England, Miss Hastings, the aunt of Alexena (who was a maiden lady then about forty,) went to Madrid for the express purpose of bringing her niece to London, and as the former was in possession of a splen- did fortune, the father of Alexena thought it prudent to assent to this visit. Miss Hastings was kindly and hospitably received by her brother-in-law, and having remained with him a month, left Spain accompanied by her niece, whom she loved most affectionately, and treated with every mark of attention. Alexena, notwithstanding she had been in England three years, spoke the language of the country very im- perfectly, w hich, with a slight lisp, gave a pleasing intonation to her voice, that made hdr accent highly interesting to SS ALE3CEXA ; en THB a stranger. She ^vas tofally unac- quainted wifli Uie wiles of (he world, and her mind was as pure and innocent, as her form was lovely. Wherever she went, she had the 'witcliinq- charm of creatiu!;, not merely admiration, ])ut a wish to please, serve, and oblii^e her. Her foreign accent, sweet plaintiveness of manner, and endearing disposition, f^ecured her the universal esteem of both sexes. Such was the lovclvbeins: who was shortly to be placed under the protection of Montano the monk: A Villain, on whose bvow every rice (hat disgraces man, appears to have been written in legible characters. No won- der, therefore. Lord Mortimer should feel uneasy at this approaching event, for it cannot be denied, that there is something in the countenance and ad- dress of almost every man. that in a {rreater or lesser decree commends him to our favor, or renders him suspicious. It is lordship had seen Alexena in all her charjus ; he iiad also seen tlic monk. GASTLE OF SANTA 2IAT.C0. $9 — and trembled for her ?afoty. She indeed felt no fears, and looked forward to her return to Spain vilhont any feeling', save that of regret. She had been too Ions: in the jrav world to wish to part with it so soon, or exchange it for the dull '^routine of a convent, though her natural disposition led her io prefer the domestic fireside to the f^aieties of the crondcd assembly. Her father's mansion had never proved that kind home to her, where the sweet soothings of a parent smoothed her bed of sickness, or where the tender atten- tions of dear relatives served to make the solitary hours of ennui, glide by un- observed. She had been brought from the gloomy cloister to the stiil more gloomy palace of her father, to see her aunt ; and where, save that lady, no other female ever appeared since her mother's death. There were a few domestics, whose manners partook of the gravity by which they were surrounded, and v>hosc avocations in life rendered them un- it) alexexa; or the suitable companions for a lovely, and a high-born Spaniard — and these were the only inmates of her father's house. Alexena was susceptable of every feeling- of gratitude, but was as yet a strano'er to that most delightful of our passions — Love. She had not then seea Lord Mortimer, the most facinating", the most honorable of men, but when that moment arrived, she felt a parti- cular degree of pleasure in his society, and a kind of lassitude in his absence, which, in a little time, rendered hinn very dear to her; and she then began to have some idea of that sweet, but alarming, passion. In the privacy of her chamber she questioned herself relative to the nature of her feelings, and burst into tears on discovering the real state of her heart, but they were not painful tears. She could not tell what caused them, and yet they flowed. Was Lord Mortimer the cause? Yes! Was he negligent in paying any of those polite attentions which are ex- CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 41 pected, and are the peculiar right of every lovely and virtuous female? cer- tainly not. On the contrary, he was most delicately attentive, and it was evident those attentions were particu- larly offered to herself. Did Lord Mor- timer love her with all the honorable feeling of a noble nature, her heart res- ponsively answered, 'Most assuredly.' * Yes!' she cried, ' he does, and have I not reason to be happy.' Such were the thoughts of the lovely Alexena, about a fortnight after the arrival of the monk; but in her review of them, she, for that time, overlooked the nature of the father's mission to Hollywood-Castle. — But to return from this digression. Lord Mortimer in a short time became a favourite with her, and deservedly so, for he might be said to live on her looks. Whenever she sung the plaintive airs of her country, he hung over her chair with fond solici- tude, and became enraptured with the sweetness of her voice, and the exquisite 43 alexena; on the pathos of lier expression. At tlio^e moments his soul beamed in his eyes^ and when seated by Alexena^ he forgot the world and its cares. The monk, however, often intruded on those golden moments, and already they beheld each other with evident diso:ust. Montano hated his lordship, without being able to explain the reason, even to himself, and the latter disliked him for these frequent imper' tinent intrusions. in about eight days after the iater- I'iew between Montano and SirEdmond, Gonzales grew much worse, and his medical atierjdants were of opinion that he could not long survive ; they there- fore recommended him to prepare for the last awful change, and tlie monl: was directly summoned to his chamber, where he remained about an Iioin*, and on his return was evidently much dis- tui'bed. CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 43 Sliortlj after,, Ronrke ^vaited on his lord with a message from llie dying man^ in Avliich he expressed a wish (o see him immediately Lord Mortimer instantly pbeyed the summons, aiid accompanied Tom to his apartment. On enterini:^ it, the dying' Gonzales raised himself iti his bed, and havino: returned thanks to his lordsiiip for his past kindness, said, ' he had something of particular consequence to communicate respect- ing the Lady Alexena/ His lordship instantly ordered Ronrke (o with(haw, and having secured the door, sat down in anxious expectation of hearing this disclosure. After a pause of a few moments, Gonzales began by a prefatory caution against the wiles of the monk, and drew his character in colours of the deepest sliade ; then gave him a circumstantial detail of Don Velasco's death, and of his will, saying, that he himself had 44 ALEXENA : OR THE been a domestic in the family of his late lord, upwards of twenty years, and that his knowledge of the character of Montano, was his sole inducement for taking such a long, and, as it proved, fatal journey ; for he apprehended the safety of his young mistress was confided to a dangerous guardian, and therefore resolved to brave every peril for her sake. He was about to enter into the ex- planation of the cause of requiring his lordship's attendance, when the door -slowly unclosed, and Gonzales pointed to the lonjr sraunt fi«>:ure of the monk, who stood with outstretched neck at the entrance, and had evidently been listening, from the fury that sparkled in his eyes. His pale and quivering lip and agitated figure, proved his bale- ful intentions, and when he found he was observed, he sprung forward with all the active ferocity of a tyger, crying, ' Villain ! slave ! traitor ! this to thy CiiJTLE OP SANTA MARCO. 45 lieart !' and had he not been prevented hy Lord Mortimer, would have sheathed his stiletto in the bosom of Gonzales. Twice he essayed to wrest the dagger from his lordship's grasp, who, being at length fatiojued with the struggle, and enraged at the monk's depravity, by a well directed bloWj laid him prostrate at his feet. Gonzales anxiously beheld the con- test ; but the moment Montano fell, the former burst into a long convulsive iaugh, conceiving he was slain, and shouting, cried, ^ already the demons of darkness have seized him !' then fell into a fit, and instantly expired. The blow had stunned Montano, but he quickly recovered, and on rising, was thrust from the room by Lord Mortimer, who, at the same time, called loudly for assistance ; but it was too late — Gon- zales was lifelessj and his secret died with him. 4G alexena; or the From that moment the revengefui monk became imjDlacable, and had Lord Mortimer a thousand lives^ and he the power, he would have stabbed them all; his malice was of the most fell and dcuclly nature; ungovernable, unquenchable, and all attempts to ap- pease it were attended with the same etiect, as that of castinij oil on burninir embers, only serving- to make them blaze with increasing fury. Lord Mortimer then sought Sir Ed- mond, and related this atrocious at- tempt of Montano, and orders were instantly issued for his arrest; but it was too late; he had passed the draw- bridge, and was no where to be found. His lordship rejoiced at the circum- stance; and as day after day passed without any tidings of him. Sir Edmond and his friend hoped he had returned to Spain, and that they were rid of him for ever. CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 47 CHAP. III. ** I will work- an exploit, now ripe in my derice, Under the which he shall not choose, but fail.'* Hamlet. -i HREE weeks had flitted away inoyt agreeably since Montano had quitted the mansion of Sir Edniond, and was almost forgotten ; when one evening as the happy inmates of the castle were enjoying the amnsernents of cards and chess, a domestic announced, "^the war- der was summoned to admit messengers from the queen.' Sir Edmond instantly appeared on the ramparts, and de- manded the nature of their business, and was answered in the well-known voice of an old friend, whom he recog- nised as Sir William Hunt, and imme- diately ordered them to be admitted. Sir William was attended by a nu- merous train, chiefly guards, and amon^' the group. Sir Edmond recognised the monk, whose ghastly looks and 48 ALEXCJTA ; OR THE Bcowling eyes, marked the triumphant villainy of his hearty and had he been accompanied by any other officer, the mind of the former would have been almost distracted by apprehen- sion ; but fortunately Sir William had been chosen to execute the wishes of the wily INIontano; and though he could not avoid doing his duty, yet he had the power to grant those indulg-en- cies which it would be absurd to expect from a stranger. When the soldiers bad retired to seek refreshment, and the monk had been shewn to his chamber. Sir Ed- mond led the way to his study, accom- panied by Lord Mortimer and Sir W^illiam; where the latter informed them, he came for the purpose of ar- lestin": a ladv, named Alexena de Guzman, to see her on board a ves- sel prepared for her reception, already lying off the coast, and send her under an escort to Spain. ' To-morrow/ be CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 49 continued, 'she must embark, and I earnestly beg that neither of" you will interfere/ Here the colour of Lord Mortimer's cheek vied with the lily ; but he revived on observing- the playful archness of Sir William's countenance, who, smiling, said, ' my friend Henri ' Bolerno, the lady's cousin, who is now *at court, in confidence imparted the ' state of your lordship's heart, and if you ' are as serious as I apprehend you are^ ' I think I have it in my power to serve 'you; what say you to the appointment ' of captain of this escort? the monk * need know nothing of it till after your ' embarkation, and then his opposition 'to the measure will be vain; should it 'transpire hereafter, and the queen hear ' it, I must pretend total ignorance, and ' I trust all will be well.' Sir William paused, and Lord Mortimer clasped him to his breast; indeed, some mo- ments elapsed ere he could restrain his joy, or return suitable thanks. It was judged necessary, instantly to commu- nicate the purport of Sir William's VOL. I. c 60 ALEXEVA ; on THE visit to Miss Hastings^ and which was accordingly done by Sir Edmond; she was shocked at the violence of the measure, but at once declared her de- termination of accompanying Alexena, if she should not act in direct opposi- tion to the mandate of the queen. Sir William was ao^ain consulted, and as he had not received any intimation on the subject, he, without hesitation, com- mended the propriety of her intention. The time being short, preparations and arrangements were instantly made for their voyage, yet the utmost secrecy was observed. Orders were issued for packing dresses, valuables, and all other necessaries ; while musical instruments, and drawing materials were got in readiness, to soothe the weary hours that must necessarily intervene before they reached the continent. At two o'clock in the afternoon of the following day, Alexena went on board, accompanied by Montano. Miss Hast- ings, Lord Morfimer, and their attend- ants;, having reached the ship in a boat CASTLE 07 SANTA MARCO. SI an hour before, without the monk hav- ing the slightest intimation of their in- tention, and they were many leagues at sea, ere the blustering Rourke disclosed to the enraged father, his master was commandant, and that the master of the vessel had received instructions to obey him in every tiling; but this was not exactly correct, as the ship was bound for Spain, and the pilot had been ordered to steer direct for that country; but the injunction was unnecessary, as Lord Mortimer woidd rather forfeit life and happiness than injure his friend. The wind being favorable, the voyage was prosperous, and his lordship felt regret when the mariners descried the coast, as he never had been happier, having enjoyed the society of his beloved Alexena without interruption ; while the monk was engaged apart, brooding mis- chief, and plotting destruction on them all. After they had landed, his lord- ship wrote a detail of their voyage to Sir Edmond, and then dismissed the c3 5f ALliXENA; OR THE master of the vessel^ with many sub- stantial marks of his favor. It was now arranged by Miss Hastings^ that they should proceed by easy stages to Madrid, and on their arrival, she hoped to have sufficient influence with young Velasco, to obtain his consent to his sister's marriage with his lordship, who Lad made a tender of his hand and fortune to the lovely Alexena the night before she left Hollywood-Castle, and had the good fortune to be received in a manner that left him every thing to hope, if he could obtain her brother's consent. On the second day of their journey, Montano abruptly quitted them, without assigning any. causCj, which gave Lord Mortimer consider- able uneasiness; he feared the monk's power, and his malice, without tlse pos- sibility of preventing either, and there- fore took the precaution of doubling the guards of his escort, which, he trust- ed, would prevent any private attack that might be meditated. In ten days, they arrived at Madrid, and Misg Hastings instantly despatched a billet CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 53 to Don Velasco^ expressiiiiif her wish to see him in the course of the evening-, if not particularly engaged. In a short time, her messenger returned, accompa- nied hy a servant, who stated, his mas- ter had left the city a week before, for the purpose of going to Barcelona, to meet Lady Alexena, Lord Mortimer did not give credit to a sentence of this, but concealed his doubts from the ladies, while he cautioned both Rourke and Albert to be extremely watchful, and not to leave the hotel on any ac- count, even for a moment. The following evening, his lordship went into the interior of the city, for the purpose of delivering some letters to- a friend of Bolerno's, and who he was fortunate enough to find at home; on enterino' into conversation with this gentleman, he faimd he had every thing to fear from the character of young Velasco, who was the most abandoned noble in Madrid, and it was pretty generally understood, that he had dissi- pated a large fortune in a few months, by .54 ALEXENA ; on THK Lis iinconti'ouled and excessive love for play; and as to Montano, who had lat- terly been confessor in the family, little was known, only his austere habits, and apparent sanctity were suspected to be feijrned. 'O' The dusky shades of night had darkened the horizon, before his lord- ship was aware of the lateness of the hour; he now hastily arose, and after returning- thanks to his new friend, hurried towards his hotel, angry with himself for the uneasiness he had caused Alexena and Miss Hastings. The night was mild, and now and then his atten- tion was attracted by the reflection of the moon's pale rays on the variegated glass of the cathedrals ; but he had not then time, minutely to examine their beauties; Alexena engaged his every thought, and he cursed the folly that had detained him so much beyond his usual liour; but on turning into a street near the Casa del Campo, judge his rage and T€xation^ on being surrounded by a CASTLE OP SANTA MAReo. 5$ number of armed men, who rushed from an adjacent building", and sur- rounded him in an instant. As it was in vain to contend with sucli a number of opponents, he made no resistance, but quietly resigned his sword to the captain or chief officer, who had fiercely demanded it; and was then conducted by his guards through several streets, to the wing of a large building, at a small grated door of which, they loudly knocked for admission. The same in- stant, a kind of covered carriage or litter drove up, escorted by troopers, and tliougli there were a considerable number of persons on tlie spot, not a sentence was uttered by any of them. Lights seemed to pass to and fro within, and, in a little time, a heavy iron gat€ was thrown open, and the carriage passed into a dark court, from which a lady was assisted to alight, by a person dressed in a loni^ black robe. Thelii^ht of the torches was not sufficiently strong to enable Lord Mortimer to have a distinct view of her countenance, but 56 ALEXENA; OR THE )ie had seen enough, to convince him it was handsome ; he could not, however, divine the meaning of so much cere- mony, but was not long kept in sus- pense ; the little grated door ojiened, and his guard conveyed him through several winding passages into a dark cell, without letting him know whether it contained a bed or any other article of furniture. On requesting a lamp, his gaoler gazed on him in evident sur- prise, then with a horrid grin, motioned silence, and pushed him into his prison, securely locking the door after him. Lord Mortimer leaned against the "wall until he became fatigued stand- ing, and at length began to grope about for a chair or somethinsr to sit on, but was almost petrified with horror, on clasping a human skeleton in his arms, that hung dangling from the ceiling; he fled from its musty em- brace to a corner of the cell, and sat down on the damp floor; on recovering the powers of reflection, he felt assured CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 57 lie was then in the dungeons of the Inquisition^ and that Montano was the cause. He was roused from a kind of stupor, by approaching' footsteps, and in a few moments his gaoler entered, attended by two mutes, who conducted him down several fiiohts of stairs, and throuijh a Ions: subterraneous avenue, into an apartment of the most gloomy description ; the wails were covered with black cloth, on which were painted death's heads, while the fleshless hands of real skeletons held burning black wax tapers; skulls were converted into lamps, from which the pale and sickly light issued at those orifices, where once eyes, perhaps, tlic eyes of beauty, beamed wish resplendent loveliness. There was a cold chill air which played in strong currents through those regions of terror, that was almost sufficient to freeze the blood, if there had not been many other ways of staying its circula- tion. His lordship, though as brave a a man as any in existence, could not be- hold this chamber of despair without c5 58 ALEXENAJ OR THE being moved; but his thoughts suc- ceeded each other with such rapidity from the novelty of his situation, that lie. could not tell what he either saw or felt, and was at length awakened out of a kind of trance, by the Vicar General's orders, — ' that he should be brought forward, and answer truly, every question that would be asked, without prevarication, equivocation, or hesitation, as he hoped for mercy/ The mutes now led him forward to the table, at which the secretary sat, ready to note down his answers, Ihe questions being already entered. Above the secretary sat the Vicar General, with two other inquisitors, all habited in black, and at each of the eight difl'erent entrances to the hall, stood two familiars, bearing torches, awaiting the signals of those men of fate. After a pause of a few minutes, the secretary handed Lord Mortimer a book, on the cover of which were many CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 59 mystical characters, and having sworn him to tell the truth, he demanded his name, to which he answered, ' My name is Frederick Mortimer, called in England^ Lord Mortimer, and I am a viscount.' 'What!' said the Vicar Ge- neral, starting on his feet, 'dare yon pre- sume to deceive us in our judgment-seat, by giving a feigned name, and adopt- ing a foreign language! speak Spanish, or 1 will make you speak it on the rack !* ' I assure you, I cannot," said his lord- ship; *1 addressed yon in French, be- cause I was aware 1 should be under- stood, and, on my life, I have declared the truth ; my servants are now at an hotel ill this city, and if you take the trouble, you can easily be convinced there is some mistake in this matter.' The inquisitors again paused, and con- sulted each other, in a whisper, for a few moments, then made a sign to one of the officials, who instantly disappeared, but immediately returned, leading in a female, closely veiled ; her figure was elegant, and her height that of Alexena, 60 ALEXENA ; OR THE His lordsliip trembled with emotion ; he feared it was her, and that the monk MontanOj had laid some desperate plot to ruin both. The inquisitors observed liis frequent change of countenance, and ordered the familiars to take oif the lady's veil ; when^ to his evident sur- prise, he beheld, instead of Alexena, a lovely stranger, whom, from what he had seen, he conceived to be the fe- male conveyed there that evening". The Vicar General now addressed Evelene, and commanded her to tell the name of the person then present, and pointed to his lordship. She in- stantly raised her eyes to his expres- sive face, and started on beholdin- CASTLE OF SANTA MARC0. 67 familiars, with a ruffian, whose arms were bound with cords. The Vicar General then ordered Lord Mortimer to read his deposition of the preceding night, and sign it, which he instantly did. Evelene received the like com- mand, and obeyed ; then the deposition of the assassin of Vitelli was read to him, and when sworn, he affirmed it to be true. Lord Mortimer heard it with surprise and horror, as it stated he was the person who had induced the wretch to murder Vitelli, having mis- taken him for Don Velasco, and that he had pointed out the deceased, by exclaiming, 'that's he;' at which the ruffians stabbed him in the back with stillettos, inflicting four mortal wounds, that caused his instant death. In answer to a quere, as to his belief, what had induced Lord Mortimer, a total stranger, to perpetrate such a bloody deed, or cause it to be done, he answered, ' that from the conversa- ' tioii of his comrades, he had been led 68 alexena; or the ' to believe, that the hopes of being, ' married to Don Velasco's sister wag ' the motive^ and which covdd not take ' place while he lived, as she was de- * voted to a monastic life, by the will of 'her father, and her brother had re- ' ceived strict injunctions to see his will, * in that respect, carried into immediate ' execution. Scalto,* was then ordered to affix his sio^nature, which he did with- out hesitation, and delivered his depo- sition into the hands of the secretary. The inquisitors now consulted a mo- ment, and then the Vicar General ad- dressed Scalto thus: 'Thou wretch! ' that hast the hardihood and want of ^ grace, to depose on your oath a vilc' * and infamous falshood, even within •■ the pale of this most sacred court, *■ say what have you to ofler, thou man ' of blood \ why your polluted body ' may not be delivered to the torments * of the wheel : know that the olijecl, ^ who, by your deposition, you iu- ' tended to destroy, stood on this spot *■ The ruffian's name. CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 69 ' at the very moment you have sworn he 'pointed out the murdered V'iteili/ The villain was not prepared for this blow, and continued silent until the toll of the bell brought four horrible officials to bear him to the question. He then fell on his knees, and drew from his bosom a scroll, purporting to be a protection from one of the inquisitors. This ex- cited considerable confusion, as the in- strument, on examination, appeared genuine ; but it was necessary to ascer- tain the fact, and the inquisitor, sup- posed to have signed it, was instantly summoned. In a few moments he ap- peared, and at once denied all know- ledire of it. The criminal then affirmed it had been given to him by Montano, one of the Dominican fathers. Here the inquisitors seemed perplexed, but issued an order for his appearance, and in less than half an hour he entered (he hall. The hood of his gown concealed the expression of his features, but on throwing ft back, he was almost petrified .son beholding Lord Mortimer and Scalto 70 ALEXENA; OR THE confronted, (a circumstance very un- usual,) yet the subtile monk speedily re- covered his presence of mind, and in a moment determined how he should act. After being called and sworn, his name and order was entered, and thentheVicar General desired the secretary to pro- duce the scroll, and demanded had he ever seen it : he replied, ' Never !' — (To a question from an Inquisitor,) * Do you know this man, named Scalto, ' or have you seen him before ? — ' Montano,' 'Certainly not.' — 'Oh ! you villain,' exclaimed the infuriated assas- ' sin, ' you first induced me to commit ' this crime, and now you leave me to • perish. Lord Mortimer is the object ' of your hate, and in an evil hour I ' became the instrument of your ven- ' geance; therefore, 1 deserve my fate, ' and should die satisfied if you meet the 'just reward of your enormities.' Here the inquisitors commanded him to be si- lent, on pain of instant torture, and then demanded what Montano had to offer in Ins defence. The monk, with a feigned CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 71 look of surprise, observed^ ' that he had ' not an idea of what the prisoner stated, ' and that he relied on the justice of the ' holy tribunal. His character, it was ' true, had been impeached by the fran- ' tic ravings of a condemned assassin, ' but, he trusted, his pure and spotless ' reputation was proof against the hid- ' den malice of any enemies he might ' have.' He was then ordered to an adjacent cell, to await the determina- tion of the court, and the miserable tool of his villainy, was instantly con- demned to be broke on the wheel. Eve- lene was led from the hall, and Lord Mortimer having been again cautioned^ was conducted in safety to his hotel; b..t as he followed the familiars through the windings of the subterraneous dun- geons, he heard the shrieks of the suf- fering wretch, who had already been delivered into the hands of the execu- tioner. On his return, he found Alex- ena and Miss Hastings almost paralized with fear on his account, and could only quiet them by his solemn promise 72 alexena; or tiie to leave Madrid next morning. Every thing' was prepared by Albert and Rourke, but it was necessary that tlie ladies should recruit their weary spirits with a few hours repose, of which they, as well as his lordship^ stood much iu need. CHAP. IV. ** Methought, he bore him in the thickest troop. As doth a hon in a herd of neat ; Or as a bear, encompass'd round with dogs; Who having pinch'd a few, and made them cry, The reit stand all aloof, aqd bark at him." Hknrt VI. At five o'clock the following- morn- ms:. Lord Mortimer sent Albert forward to prepare fresh relays of horses at the different stages that intervene between Madrid and Guadalaxara, with a proper route and instructions, to enable him to avoid mistakes, and at eight, he followed, accompanied by Alexena and Miss Hastings. Mr, Jones remained in the city, as he had business to trans- act, but promised to make all possible CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 75 haste, to join them at Saragossa. The weather was clear, though cold, yet not disagreeable, so they travelled with much pleasure, enjoying a delightful view of the country through which they passed. At dusk, they reached a small inn, within two leagues of Brihuega, where they resolved to remain that night, and were much better accom- modated than the appearance of the place gave them a right to expect. Lord Mortimer trusted there was little danger of a pursuit from Montano, who, he hoped, would be obliged io remain a few days in the Inquisition, before his tardy superiors should think proper to make any further inquiries about Vitelli's death. Albert, as he proceeded, procured either mules or horses without much difficulty, and continued to keep some leagues in advance, but with this precaution, that he always took care to calculate where jt was most likely his lord would pass the night, and there he awaited his arrival. Lord Mortimer, in the TOL. f. D 74: alexena; or the course of the next clay, tried his utmost powers of persuasion, to induce Alex- ena to consent to their immediate union, and Miss Hastings had the goodness to join his lordship, and observed, that her brother Velasco was too worthless and abandoned to have any just claim on her affection, or to render it neces- sary to consult him on this important subject; and at length, their united exertions prevailed. Alexena consented, and promised to bestow her hand on the now happy Mortimer, when they should arrive at the little town of Siguenca. His lordship kissed her hand, and declared that it should be the future study of his existence to repay her for so much goodness, and that he hoped the remainder of his life would prove the sincerity of his heart, by rendering her happy. They now approached that hour in which the beetle winds His small, but sullen, horn, As oft h e rises 'midst the twilight path Against the pilgrim borne iu heedless hum." A mountain's brown sides skirted the CASTLE OF SANTA MAHCO. 75 road, which were covered at unequal distances with dark groves of pine, above which the jiroiid spires of a convent reared their lofty heads, and ■were distin"uishable at intervals in the momentary breaks of the woods. About a mile further it appeared to emerge from the deep shade, and burst on the astonished sense in all the majestic awfulness of gloomy grandeur. His lordship inquired the name of this immense pile, as it was evident there were two distinct buildings, though _ adjoining each other, and was answered by one of his Spanish guides, (in bad French,) that they were the monastery and convent of the Dominicans, re- nowned for sanctity and the severity of their discipline; they are, continued the guide, ' some of the oldest institu- tions in Spain; I have heard many- dreadful stories of them, but indeed so horrible, that I should not like to either hear or repeat them again.' Alexena shudderedj and grew very pale ; Lord d3 75 Al,EXpNA; OR THE Mortimer motioned the guide to be silent^ and in a whisper, in treated to know the cause of her fears. ' Oh!' she replied, 'this is the dreadful convent ' in which my father often vowed to ' confine me, if I ever disputed his will, * and I now have a strange prcsenti- ' ment of evil.' Lord Mortimer tried to laugh away her fears, he soothed and used every little art to relieve her mind from such idle fancies, and pressed the guides to hasten forward, that they might reach a shelter for the night. One of them instantly observed, ' that * there was a monastery of Benedictiue ' monks about two miles further, and ' within a mile of Siguenca, who were * very hospitable, and would willingly * render every accommodation in their ' power; but if you should not like this,' he continued, ' there is a small house ' near it, on a common, the owner of ^ which is a verv honest man, who is ■^always provided with necessaries for ^ travellers, and will do his utmost to \ CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 77 ' make you comfortable.' ' We will' go there!' said his lordship, 'shall we not, ladies.' 'Oh! yes. Oh! yes/ ex- claimed Alexena, with an approviu'^ smile, ' if my aunt will have the good- ness to consent, for I have an uncon- querable aversion to monks, nuns, friars, and every thing appertaining to, or connected with them.' Miss Hastinsfs laughingly said, 'you see ray lord, this ' young lady's way of thinking is ' greatly changed, she would now much ' rather be a wife than a nun.' ' The * former, I hope to make her this night, * if it shall please God,' replied his lordship, ' as I mean to claim her ' promise, being within a short dis- ' tance of the town where I expect ' to be made the happiest of men.' Alexena blushed deeply, but made no reply; and in a few moments they reached the inn on the common. After Lord Mortimer had given or- ders for supper, he made many inquiries about the little town of Siguenca 78 ALEXENA; OR THE which was in the neighbourhood, and asked Anselmo, ' could a priest be found there, if necessary/ who answered, ' cer- tainly not.' 'One of the Benedictine fathers always attends the sick within fiv^^ miles of this, and performs the mar- ria.f^e ceremony when required/ He tht !i smiled, and casting an arch look on Alexena, observed, ' should you need a ' worthy father, I can recommend one, ' but he dare not marry any, except those ' who choose to attend in the chapel ' that stands a quarter of a mile from ' this; it was once a splendid edifice, but ' is now fast falling into decay, and both * the Benedictine fathers, and the inha- ' bitants of the neighbouring town, are ' too poor to keep it in repair; however, ' this is of very little importance to you, ' if you can prevail on the lady to ac- ' company you to such a dismal old ' place.' Lord Mortimer returned thanks to his kind host, and repeated what he had said to Miss Hastings, and begged she would use her influence CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 79 with Alexena to perform her promise; pointing out the advantages that would ensue from their union. ' I will/ ob- served his lordship, ' have a les^al rinrht to protect her, and our marriage will be a check on the ungovernable Velasco, and prevent a renewal of Montano's late infamous attempts.* Miss Hastings assented to the neces- sity of their immediate union, and pressed it so much, that Alexena, find- ing it impossible to contend with her kind aunt, and impatient lover, con- sented, though not without consider- able reluctance. When his lordship had succeeded thus far, he instantly despatched Anselmo to the monastery, and ordered Rourke and Albert to accompany him to the chapel. Rourke could scarce restrain his joy within the bounds of moderation, on being as- sured Alexena was to be instantly united to his master, and Albert felt equally pleased at the event. These two faithful domestics had the horses ready in a few moments, and then the so alexena; or the former cut a caper, and brandishing an Irish black-thorn, shouted, ' Och ! to be sure I am'int the boy that would lick any ten Spaniards in the king^dom, I would soon make them dance in their brogues/ ' You be in very great glee Mr. Tom/ said Albert, ' take care you are not called on to keep your word very shortly/ Rourke laughed, and shaking Albert by the hand, promised to stick to him * like a skiver in a blanket,' if there ever should be occa- sion. 'I mean,' said Tom, "that I would willingly make powder of that fellows bones, who would wish to swinge a hair of your head.' ' Thank you ! thank you !' replied Albert, (as the tear of gratitude glistened in his eye,) I sincerely believe you would.' These friends then again shook hands, and led the horses to the door. In the mean time Anselmo returned with word, that father Zelo waited at the altar, and instantly lighted two torches that he had procured. In a I CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. S-l few minutes the anxious Mortimer and his bride elect, (who trembled vio- lently,) accompanied by Miss Hastings, and Anselmo, who was to have the honor of giving her away, proceeded to the chapel on horseback, attended by Rourke and Albert, who walked be- fore with the lights; and on entering it, found the worthy father alfeady there. He appeared to be upwards of sixty; corpulent, low in stature, and his hair silvered with age ; his habit was of coarse cloth, fastened to his waist by a leather girdle, from which hung his crucifix and beads; his countenance was mild and expressive, though care worn ; yet take him altogether, he was prepossessing, and Lord Mortimer felt pleased with his appearance. As to the chapel, Anselmo might well say it was a ruin ; the roof had given way in many places, and large decayed beams, that once supported the ceiling, lay prostrate on the benches, covered with the rubbish of which it had D 5 SSt ALEXENA ; on THE been composed ; above, the owls had nestled in many places, and on seeing* the lii2:ht, terrified Alexena with their screams, as they glided with flapping ■winofs throiio'h the lons^ dark aisles. Shafts of pillars lay scattered on the floor at uneven distances, and it was utterly impossible to discover the ex- tent ef this dismal sanctuary, by the languid flame of only two torches. However, the roof above the altar was entire, and the floor below unincum- bered by rubbish ; the neighbouring peasants having removed it, as this was the spot where their marriages were celebrated, and where the last awful rites were generally paid to the dead. Lord Mortimer led his Alexena to the altar, almost petrified by the gloom in wliich she was enveloped ; and Miss Hastings by her side, in much the same situation; even Rourke gazed wildly round, and heartily wished the CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. S3 whole party at Anselmo's fire-side again. Father Zelo opened the book of holy writ, and began the ceremony; he handed the ring to Lord Mortimer, who took the beauteous and lily hand of Alexena, and was in the act of placing the dear pledge on her finger, when Rourke frantically exclaimed, ' blood- an-ounds! who are these?' His lordship turned hastily, and the same instant was wounded by Montano, who fired at him. The villain was accompanied by a troop of officers, habited in the robes of the inquisition, who loudly- called to Lord Mortimer and his at- tendants to surrender, as they rushed towards the altar to seize them. Zelo commanded them to hold, but his words were vain, and instantly a des- perate combat deluged the house of prayer with blood. Alexena, on ob- serving the cause of Rourke's alarm^, fainted, and when Montano fired, and Miss Hastings saw his lordship stag- ger, she fell senseless on the floor. In sir ALEXENA ; OR THE a moment, Albert, Rourke, and his dog Lion, drew up by his lordship's side, and with their back asrainst the wall, waited the attack of an host of enemies, determined to sell their lives as dearly as possible. Anselmo removed the senseless forms of the ladies within the pale of the altar, where the distracted Zelo endeavoured to assist them, and this was all the work of a moment. The inquisitorial officers were armed with cutlasses, but fortunately had no fire arms. Montano, it is true, had a case of pistols, but these were all — Lord Mortimer and Albert were armed with swords. Rourke had only his black-thorn cud^^el, and unfortunately Anselmo was without any weapon of defence. The inquisitors poured on his lordship's little band, but in a short time, many of them bade this world good night. Lord Mortimer, though wounded, was not disabled, and his soul's fury flashed lightning from his sparkling eyes, as he attacked the bloody, the treacherous Montano. CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. B5'' In a moment, down tumbled the villain, his lordship having laid his cheek open from the temple to the ear, and then assailed the next ; he endeavoured to keep the wall as much as possible,' to prevent the demons, by whom he was nigh overpowered, surrounding his worthy assistants, and encouraged them to keep together; his voice was as a trumpet, it steeled every neiTe, and breathed new vigour into their bosoms; death and blood accompanied every blow. Rourke, as the sounding strokes fell thick and heavy, shouted, that's my honey ! down with them, Albert ! och, that's my jewel ! make bruteene of their bones, cransh them, Lion ! guzzle them myboy, guzzle them; hilloo! you blood- hounds, death and damnation, what's this for? — Lion was not inattentive to his master's encouraging cries, for he had already torn two of the wounded inquisitors almost to pieces, though he had then four deep gashes in dif- ferent parts of his body. Six of these JBips* of darkness were already dead, * In^uUitorj, 86 ALEXENA ; OR THE and both Roiuke and Albert wounded, the latter only slightly. His lordship was exhausted, and i;rew taint with ihe loss of blood, thou <;!i he yet kept the oilicers at ba^-. None dare attack him singly; his sword had pierced the hearts of tbur^ but victory was evidently on the side of the inquisitors^ and in a few moments the contest was at an end. INIontano, who had slowly recovered from a state of insensibility, now drevy from his bosom his second murderous engine, then raising liimself in a sitting posture, levelled it at Lord INIorlimer; twice he essayed to draw the trigger, but his strength refused to obey the impulse of his heart; he tried a third time, and was more sticcessfnl, his aim was sure, the fatal instrument exploded, and his lordship fell. His fall was ac- companied by a shout from the iv'i- nmpliant inquisitors, and a wild cry of horror from Rourke. Och! murder, my master, you're kilt ! but by my soul, while there is blood in my body, it shall be shed over your corpse : then snatch- CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 87 ing his lordship's sabre, (with a foot on each side of him J at the first blow split the scull of the nearest foe. Dur- ing this time Father Zelo and Anselmo used every exertion to keep the ladies out of the reach of the inquisitors, who, poor souls, made the chapel ache with their heart-rending screams; but when Lord Mortimer fell, they both again relapsed into happy insensibiHty. — Rourke, supposing his master dead, now resolved to save Alexena, and as there was no time to be lost, he cauo'ht up her pale and beauteous figure from the cold floor, and at the same time ter- rified his foes, by his wild Irish cry, and the frantic manner in which he flourished his bloody sabre. Anselmo retired with Miss Hastings, while Albert covered his retreat, fighting desperately all the way down the aisle of the chapel. It was fortunate for them that there was only one torch to give light to this scene, (the other had been extinguished,) and this was fastened to the railing that wound round the altar. There was yet .8S alexexa: or the hopes, Alexena would escape, as Roiirke was already at the door, ha> iiiij^ cut his wav, auclc deep, throus^h Wood and smoakius^ bodies ; but at this critical juncture, returnino'lifebroni>,ht with it a sense of all her misery, and with piercing" screams she called on Mortimer ; her strun^gles were violent, and she at leuijtli disengaged herself from the protecting arm of the almost tainting Rourke, and flew to seek her lo\-er amons: the dead and dying. ' Mortimer ! oh Mortimer !' she cried ; — he answered with a groan ; she heard it, saw him, and clasped him to her bosom. Her hair hung down loose and dischevelled, braided with the clotted blood of their enemies ; she pressed her lips to his cold aching- forehead, bathed his face with her tears, besought him to live for her, and tried to «top the etFusion of his blood with her thin white robes, 'till at length the sinewy arm of a merciless inquisitor forced her, wildly scream- ing, from his lordship's feeble grasp. Rourke, now seeing all hopes of saving CASTLE OF SANTA MAUCO. 89 her, vail) ; fled, and >vith the assist- ance of Ansehno, pluced Miss Hastings on one of the horses, (which were con- cealed a little way from the chapel,) and escaped, while Lady Alexena and Lord INIortirner fell into the hands of those inhuman barbarians, who threw the almost lifeless body of the latter into a kind of litter, that had been pro- cured for the purpose, and in that me- lancholy condition conveyed him, co- vered with blood and wounds, to the subterraneous dungeons of the Domi- nican monastery. CHAP. V. ** There are more things in heaven and earth— Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Hamlet. On the arrival of Lord Mortimer at tlie Dominican monastery, a monk, who understood surgery, was sent to examine and dress his wounds. After he had probed and washed them, he gave a 90 ALEXENA ; on THE favorable opinion : — the first ball that Montano fired having wounded his lordship slightly in the breast, the last lodged in his thigh, and this was con- ceived to be the most dangerous ; how- ever, the skilful father extracted it with the best success, and tlien had his patient removed from the dungeons to a cell off one of the galleries, where the air was better, and administered some light and nourishing refreshment fitting his exhausted condition. Tlie uncer- tainty he was in respecting Alexena's fate, and the pain of his wounds, forbade sleep to visit his weary ej^es, and tossed his thoughts in a sea of agony. Ber- nardo, the monk, came frequently to see him in the course of the nis^ht, and the moment he entered, his lordship was sure to assail him with a volume of questions ; but ^to one of which the cautious father refused to reply, till Lord Mortimer produced a heavy purse of that yellow shining metal, which not only opens the prison door, but often CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 91 discloses the secret workings of the hearf. This he promised^ if he would inform him what had been done with the lady who fell into the hands of the officers in the chapel. It had the desired effect^ the monk looked wist- fully at the gold, then started, softly unlocked the door, and looked into the long deserted gallery, returned aji^ain, and drew from his bosom a smalt brass crucifix. Then, in an agitated voice, said, ' give me the gold, and ' swear to be as secret as the grave, ' never to disclose what I shall unfold/ His lordship said, ' I swear,' and then kissed the crucifix. Bernado was satis- fied, and informed his lordship of many interesting particulars, among which he gave a description of the convent and monastery, and a sketch of Mon- tano's character. He has given, con- tinued Bernardo, a voluminous descrip- tion of his journey to England, in which he expresses the most implacable hatred to the whole nation, but particularly to your lordship, who he represents as a 92 ALEXENA ; OR THE worthless heretical libertine; and states, he more than once caught you in the commission of acts as infamous as they were mean ; for instance, listening to the idle fabrications of a servant, named Gonzales, who frequently displayed his mischievous disposition in exciting your disgust against Lady Alexena's brother, for the purpose of retarding her return to Spain. That domestic, before his death, sent for your lordship, for the purpose of disclosing some important secrets of the Velasco family, but luckily was prevented by Montano, who burst into the room, and warmly up- braided you on the occasion; on which, loosing all regard for his sacred func- tion, you impiously raised your hand against his person, and used such menaces, as rendered it unsafe for him to remain under the same roof Being thus persecuted, he applied to the queen for redress, and that most pious princess, instantly sent officers for the purpose ; but they, unknown to her, were your lordship's friends, and had the cruelty CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 93 to appoint you commander of the vessel which conveyed him to this country. On landing, being apprehensive his personal safety was in danger, he with- drew the first opportunity, and hastened to Madrid, where he made Don Velasco acquainted with bis voyage, and with your character, and besought him to save his sister from the grasp of such a wretch as he has represented you to be. Velasco accordingly applied to the holy tribunal; yet, notwithstanding their vigilance, you, with the assistance of spiesj had intelligence of their proceed- ings, and avoided punishment by flight; but he now rests assured you will meet the just recompense of your crimes and blind presumption. ' Is not this very plausible?' observed Bernardo, ' though few here believe it; ' Montano is known too well for many ' to place confidence in his narrative, ' particularly where his interest is so * deeply interwoven, as is the case in ' the present instance. You must 9J: ALEXENA; OR THE ' know he looks forward to the hope ' of being elected treasurer to this in- ' stitution very shortly, and is at present ^ a great favorite with the lady abbess ' of the adjoining convent, whose power ' is far from despicable. Influenced by * those circumstances, he left no means ' untried to gratify her insatiable ava- ' rice; and the fortune of Al^xeua, ' which he has prevailed on her brother ' to endow her cloister with, on con- * dition that his sister is immediately ' compelled to take the veil, has in- 'sured her confidence. Don Velasco ' has condemned the Lady Alexena to ' perpetual solitude within the con- ' vent walls ; a few hours ago, with ' Montano's assistance, the infamous ' compact was concluded, which, if I ' mistake not, irretrievably ruins the '^ peace of mind of you both. She being * unwell, from fatigue and grief, I was ' ordered to attend her for a few mo- ' ments, and, by my beads, she is the ' prettiest novice I have seen within ' these walls those many years.' Here CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 95 the tears trembled in Bernardo's eyes, and clearly proved he was deeply inter- ested^ at the same time promising to ren- der him every assistance: ' I have taken your gold/ he said, but it shall be devoted to your service, and, I trust, it will unbar the gates of this prison for us all, if not, it may facilitate our es- cape by other means; for, believe me, I am detained here against my incli- nation, as well as you, and am not a professed monk, but merely surgeon to the institution. But no more of this, I have already staid too long, and cer- tainly have been rather indiscreetly communicative to a stranger, of whom the good father Montano has spoken with such severity. However, in this instance, I hope I risk little, and 1 wish your lordship a very good night ; to-morrow, I trust, will bring some tidings of the Lady Alexena, which will revive your languishing hopes.' Lord Mortimer shook his new friend's hand, and with many 96 alexena; or the thanks for his kindness, let him depart, but not without first extorting' his pro- mise, that he would see Alexena early the following morning, and cotwince her of his existence, and the favorable stale of his wounds. Shortly after the death of Don Velasco, his son plunged into the most shameful excesses, and gave vent to those passions which had been restrained during his father's life. Montano became acquainted with him at an early period, and speedily formed an accurate judgment of his temper and disposition; the conclusion was favorable to his views, and he was determined to court the protection of the young' Velasco, who was eventually to enjoy the power and fortune of his family, while the delicate state of his father's health, promised him the im- mediate enjoyment of it. Influenced by those circumstances, Montano privately ministered to the passions of the heir, and winked at the evil propensities CASTJ.E OF SANTA MAHCO. g7 which were too prominent in his ♦^-ene- ral character to escape ohservatioii. Velasco soon becanne attaclied to the monk, and made him many promises of future lavor, which he punctually performed, the moment he had the means. His bounty and larg-esses served to excite the avarice of his confessor, who embraced with avidity every pro- ject that promised a golden reconT- pense. The excesses of his pupil knew no bounds, and, consequently, in a short time, he became greatly embar- rassed in his pecuniary affairs, and applied to Montano for advice and assistance. The latter, thouo-h unwil- ling to part with his money, made amends by proposing ingenious ways and means; one of which was, t!iat he should seize the fortune of his sister, then about thirty thousand dol- lars, as she could not possibly havfT occasion for so larire a sum, and then place her in a convent, agreeable to her father's original intention. Velasco at first felt reluclant to enter into liiis VOL. I. E 9S ALEXEXA; or XilE barbarous measure, but when his ne- cessities became more pressing, he yielded, and as few obstacles opposed this plan, he resolved to carry it into immediateexecution. One ditficulfv ob- truded, which was, that Alexena resided in England w ith her aunt, who might refuse to allow her to return, as she was one of the guardians appointed by her father's will; but Montano instantly offered to obviate this difficulty, by ob- taining, under feigned pretences, an order from the Inquisition to the queen of Great Britain, commanding her lO send their victim under his protection, to her friends in Spain ; as to the rest, it would be easy to engage a vessel for the purpose, and it was mutually agreed, that if Alexena died in the in- terim, or on the passage, the monk was to have two thousand crowns, in addition to the sum he had stipulated for, as compensation for his private services. When this horrid contract was finally concluded, Montano made instant pre- l)aratiouSj and easily obtained the order CASTLE OF SAXTA MARCO. S9 from the holy tribunal ; every thing pro- mised the speedy completion of their vil- lainy, until Gonzales intruded. He was an old and faithful domestic, who had spent a long life in the service of his late lord^ and had, from Montano's introduc- tion to the family, conceived an unac- countable aversion for him, and by ob- serving his deportment with a watchful eye, saw enough to increase his dislike a'nd suspicions. The monk, however, acted with great caution^ during the life of the late Don Velasco, and did not throw off the mask until a few months after his death; but then his character, which had hitherto been concealed under the veil of hypocrisy and dissi- mulation, gradually burst through the flimsy covering, and disclosed the villainy that had so long lurked be- neath it. Gonzales overheard a few words relative to the intended voyage, which gave him an indistinct idea of what was intended, and he instantly resolved to ascertain the facts, no matter how. Urged by his fears for 100 ALEXENA; OR TfIC Alexena's safety, the next time the monk was admitted to a private con- ference with his young master, he ap- plied his ear to the key-hole, and by this means, however reprehensible, obtained a perfect conviction of their intentions, and resolved to defeat (hem, even should his life be the sacrifice. Thus influenced, he intreated liberty to accompany Montano to Enj;land, but was absolutely refused, as it was evident he would be a restraint on his intentions, and might defeat them alto- gether. Gonzales, however, became more urgent, and as both Velasco and the motdc feared his penetration, and knew the implacability of his hatred, if once excited, they consented to grant his request, but had predetermined to throw him overboard, the monjeut tliey jliould descry the British coast. In a few days after, Montano sailed, attended l)y this servant, and a band of bravo's, who, the former, had engaged for the purpose of consigning Alexena TATSTLE OF SANTA MARCO. lOl to a watery grave ; but Providence had ordained they should never reach the land, as the storm buried them in tlie deep. And those were the circum- stances that Gorizales wished to com- municate the night he expired m Hollywood-Castle. On Montano's return to Spain, he traced his way back to Madrid witli all possible expedifiorj, and sought Velasco, to whom he gave a particular detail of his voyage. The latter was en- raged almost to frenzy at the result, as he had disposed of part of Alexena's for- tune, and impatiently exclaimed, 'what shall I do, if she now claims it? my reputation, already on the decline, will be irretrievably ruined!' The monk, without hesitation, told him the plan he had formed, by which Lord Mortimer could not possibly escape destruction ; and if he, who was tho chief obstacle, was once removed, they then could dispose of Alexena and leer fortune, without further mipedi- 102 ALEXENA OR rriE ment. Velasco readilv subscribed io his lordship's annihilation, when he found that he actually loved his sister, and was beloved by her; but when the monk informed him that Gonzales had overheard their intentions, and disclosed them, together with an ac- count of the scene in that domestic's chamber, previous to his death, his rage became almost insupportable, and he demanded, with convulsive eager- .ness, couM Montano have a moment's hesitation in stabbing him to the Jieart, if opportunity offered. Montano, at this moment, sat close to a table, on which a solitary lamp feebly gleamed, and cast a dim light on the large apart- ment in which they sat ; while Velasco had drawn his chair nigh the few expiring embers on the hearth, over which he leaned, muttering curses on his sister's lover, as he peevishly waited the monk's reply. It came not for a few moments, -and Velasco raised his eyes to those of his confessor, to inquire the cause, ys\xQ\\ he found them ready to burst CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 103 with spleen ; they shot forth the fires of disappointment, and blazed with re- venge; his countenance was the throne of horror, and its colours expressed the variety of the passions by which he was irritated ; murder lowered on his brow^ and was distinguishable by the black- ness of his visaije ; remorseless raije and treachery, by the yellow sickliness of his cheek, and the quivering of his Up, then ghastly pale; speech at length returned, and in a voice, charged with the thunder of inveterate malice/ be exclaimed, ' 1 stab him ! I slay him ! 'is it with a simple dagger? Oh! nn- * fortunate necessity, that he shall dio * thus, and cheat me of revenge; by * all my hopes, had I half an empire, * I would part with it to purchase ^ Sampson's strength for one short hour, * and have Gonzales livins:, and this 'iod within my grasp, that I' might ' squeeze their vitals, till torture should * force such wild and piercing screams, * as should fright away then* senses : ' between earth and heaven I would * dash their convulsed and agonized J6i AI,EXENA; OR THE ' forms against eacli other, and as • with out-stretched arms they vtiiuiy ' endeavoured to avoid the shock, with ' a desperate blow 1 would shi^ er Ihcir * limbs in countless pieces, and bepaint •"each wilh his fellow's brains, then tear 'their shattered heads from their yet ' reeking carcasses, and with a curse, ' cast tliem to the dosrs.* Montano paused, and gasped for breath, while Velasco's broad grin, proved the satis- taction he felt at the monk's depravity, and instantly pointed out Scalto, as a person fit and willing to commit the deed. The latter, after some hesita- tion, assented, yet continued to lament the necessity that indjjced him to let Lord Mortimer shake off this frail incumbrance of martal dust so easily; but before they parted for the night, Montano promised, if Velasco would supply a sufficient sum, he would un- dertake the entire arrangement of this business, to which the former gladly assented, and paid the money tlic fol- lowing- morning. The former thetr CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. IQS proposed the horrid crime to Scalta, and to quiet his fears, in case of ap- prehension^ gave him a forged protec- tion, knowing it was in his power to elude the consequences, being welt acquainted with the inquisition. When Lord Mortimer left Madrid for Saragossu, the monk, accompanied by a number of hired cut-throats, for whom he had obtained inquisitors.* robes, set out for the monastery of th^ Dominicans, and by pursuing a different direction, reached it six hours before the arrival of his lordship on the com- mon. Montano introduced Velasco to the abbess, and then related a tale by which slie became interested for their success. The latter having agreed to make her a present of a thousand crowns, if she woidd suspense with, some of the usual forms, previous to Alexena's taking the v( 11, as there vvaa yet a possibility Lord Mortimer might escape, and contrive to get her onca again in his power. This the abbsaS n 5 ^06 AtEXENA; OE TUB promised to take every precaution to prevent, and then he proposed to pay ten thousand dollars as her portion; 'ivliich, thouo^h not more than one third of her fortune, was considered very li- beral. Montano was to have two thou- s^and more as compensation for his wounds, and the remaining eighteen t'^'ousand, Velasco conscientiously/ in- tor'?3ed to appropriate to his own use ; and after Alexena had been conveyed to the convent, he left it and returned to Madrid, without feeling any thing like rc^norse at the despair and misery to wh ch he had abandoned his lovely and unfortunate sister. CHAP. VI. *« How poor are they, that have not patience V- What wound did ever heal, but by degrees ? Thou know'»t, we work by wit, and not by witchcraf^ And wit depends on dilatory time.'' IS EXT morning, Bernardo awaked Lord Mortimer out of a sweet and re- freshing bleep; he had com« to drea CASTLE OF 8ANTA MARGO. 10^ his wounds, but his lordship was much more anxious about Alexena than any bodily pain, and impatiently inter- rupted his inquiries, by a number of questions, which succeeded each other with amazing rapidity. * Please speak '* lower/ replied Bernardo, ' and have a ' little patience, for you will have need * of a large portion before you remain * many montlis within these walls. I ^ have seen Alexena, and, fortunately, * we have had a few moment's conver- ' sation, in which 1 informed her of ' your safety, and that there were hopes ' of your escape, but not unaccom- ^ panied by her. She trembled with * apprehension, lest I should be over- * heard, and told me the abbess and ' nuns had informed her, you had died ' of your wounds, which 1 might have 'easily known by her swelled and ' tearful eyes; however, the poor timid ' thing is now much easier, and, I trust, 'will not be treated with harshness; in ' truth,, her gentle, pensive look, and * pretty words, will hardly fail to wiu \(^ ALEXENA; on THE ' the irood ^vill of the sisterliood, many 'of whom are kind-hearted creatures. ' As to you, 1 am appointed your keeper, ' and have received instructions to iet ' vou walk in the gallery when your ^trennjth permits, and now and then ' on the terrace, until such time as the * holy tribunal consult your queen, in ' what manner you are to be disposed ' of; and I much fear, unless you are ' able to effect your escape before that ' period, that you will fall by the hands * of the executioner. I was unwillinsr ' to let vou know this last ni"ht, but it * is better you should be prepared 'for ' the worst. When you are somewhat * recovered, our superior intends to ex- ' amine you Ijjmself, and I charge you ' to be cautious respecting what answers * you may tliink prudent to give, least * they appear in evidence against you ' hereailer.' Bernardo now expressed a very favor- aLle opinion of his lordship's health, and after ordering him some refreshing nutriment, retired, leaving his patient • ASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 109 to plod over the means of escape, at all times ilifTicnIt from the situalion of the monastery, which stood in a friglitfnl vale between two mountains, surround- ed almost on every side with inacces- sible rocks. The road wound auioni*- the precipices, above which, tufts of trees were scattered at small distances, and seemed to hang on the ledge of these romantic crairs, vainly endeavour- ing to kiss the tops of the tall pines in the chasms below. The landscape in the immediate vicinity of those sanc- tuaries was a\N fully grand, and few be- held it without shrinking at the idea, that it misrht be their fate to linsrer within those prisons which frowned in its bosom; and there Lord Mortimer lay planning a thousand methods of escape, not one of which he ever had it in his power to make trial of. About a fortni<>ht after his arrival, Ber-' nardo was sent to say, the superior would •ee him next night in the hall appropri- ated for the trial of the monks, and where he was accordingly conducted at the -iippointed hour, dressed iu the English 11(3 ALEXENA ; OR tHE costume; very few moments were al- lowed him for reflection before tlie folding doors (lew open, and a number of monks entered, bearing torches; they resembled a group of Pandemonian ghosts, who were unusually pale and ghastly, from the length of time they had wandered on the shores of Styx, before Charon had compassion to ferry them over. Their prior was old and feeble ; his person tall, but very much stooped ; his face yellow and full of wrinkles; his eyes dim and deep, sunk in his head ; they had lost the fire of youth, if they ever had any, and al- together he looked like an half de- 4:'ayed corpse animated. A number of attendants, dressed in fantastic habits, waited on this spectre, and assisted him to his chair, (which was raised a few feet from the level of the floor,) and a few minutes after, he thus addressed Lord Mortimer: — ' Say, young and ' thoughtless stranger, what evil genius ' tempted you to commit those crimes, 'in the very perpetration of which, yott CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. Ml ' fell covered with painful wounds; say, ' have you not in the short space ot" a ' few months, committed the iniquitous ^ deeds of an age? have you not been ' guilty of a sacrilegious violation of * our laws, in spiriting away a virgin, ' holy dedicated to her God ? of most ^ foul murder ou the persons of many ' of our sacred officers? blasphemy ' against our church, and rebellion ' against every decree of heaven ? Each * of those vile offences is punishable ■^ with death — a death of lingering tor- ' ments. What compensation can you ' offer 1 What atonement can you make? * Who have been your assistants, and 'what were their motives? To this last ' question, I intreat a true and satis- * factory answer ; make ample confes- * sion, 'tis the only thing that can now * save you from everlasting misery, for * your enormities are of too deep a * shade to allow me to flatter you with ' the most distant hope of pardon in ^ this world ; therefore, I beg you will ' jnake good use of the short tune that 11^ ALEXENA ; OR THE ' the unparalleled clemency of our holy '' church has yet indLi]<^e(l you with : ' prepare for that awful eternity into ' which you are so shortly to be launch- *ed, to meet an offended Deity, and, if ^possible, appease his wrath by timely 'repentance.' His lordship now intreated to be heard, and said, although he was aware he \'^as not then on trial, yet, he trusted, if the prior would have the patience to hear him, he could, in some measure, remove the prejudice that it was evi- dent existed in the minds of all those who had heard any thing of the recent transactions, 'In the first place.' conti- nued Lord Mortimer, ' I deny that I 'have committed blasphemy; aiid as to ' the other crimes of which I am accused, ' I thus reply : — I saw Lady Alexena at ' the house of a triend of mine in Eng- ' land, and from the earliest hour of our ' acquaintance, I became her professed * admirer, and in a little time, being as- 'isarcd of her aiuiul^ility, I oflercd her f!ASTLE or 8AKTA MAR«0. IIS mv hand and heart, and was blessed by her acceptance. A nnoiik was now sent to conduct her to a brother's armSj and I accompanied her; that brother proved unworthy of the ^reat trust of a protector, and 1 pressed the speedy celebration of our union, that 1 miirht be entitled to that enviable name. She consented : I led her to the altar, innocent and unconscious of offence, when tliat inhuman monster, one of the brother's of your order, Montano ! dashed the cup of joy un- tasted from my lips, and endeavoured to deprive me of existence. The worm on which you thread will turn ; then why expect I should tamely sub- mit to be butchered. What I have done was in the defence, and for the preservation of my life, and in the hope of saving the innocent Alexena from the merciless gra?p of her in- human brother and his vile associ- ate: I fono-ht while I had strenijth, and fell when exhausted . Men arc not to be absolutely judged by their 114 alexena; or the ' actions^ their motives should first be ' considered. I am ready to &tand or ' fall on this most equitable basis, and Met the result be what it may, none * can deprive me of the plaudits of an ' approving conscience : as to emissa- ' ries, I had none, my faithful servants ' were my only assistants, and 1 regret ' they were wounded in the defence of ' a man, who, from the import of your ^ words, never will have the power to ' reward the fidelity and courage they ' so nobly displayed in the hour of ' danger. If there has been guilt, I ' alone am guilty ; therefore, on me let ' the punishment be inflicted, and I ' trust I shall meet the vengeance which ' you say awaits me, with the fortitude ' of a man unconscious of crime.' *' I dare do all that may become a man ; Who dare* do more, is none.*' Here his lordship bowed, and thft prior appeared interested ; his words carried conviction to the heart of the father, who acknowledi]:ed this to him- CASTLE or SANTA MAnCO. I J5 self, and as he rose to withdraw, said, ' he would carefully consider his lord- ship's case, and if it proved correct, would interest himself in his behalf.' Lord Mortimer returned him thanks, and the prior then retired with his at- tendants. His lordship had his doubts as to the result, and resolved to effect his escape, and carry oft" Alexena, though she were professed, as he felt assured ijothing but force could com- pel her to take the veil. It was now four months since he became a prisoner, and nothing de- cisive had yet been done ; Alexena's noviciate drew near a conclusion, and the preparations were already talked of, preparatory to the solemn vow. Bernardo had only been able to con- vey a few billets to and from the lo- vers, and even this was attended with considerable danger; but it now be- came absolutely necessary that some- thing should be attempted to prevent the complete frustration of their hopes. 116 alexena; on the Therefore, the next night, when Ber- nardo came to indulge his lordship vviJh his evening's walk on the terrace, he pointed out the urgency there was for some bold effort; to this the other readily assented, and informed him the fears and suspicions of the abbess were lulled by Alexena's ready compliance with the fust forms; she having attend- ed to his instructions in every thing, and if they could but obtain assistance- from without, he had no hesitation in saying, their escape would be easily effected. Here he was interrupted by- two njcn, who had clambered (o the summit of a rock, which was almost on i\ level with the terrace, though a con- siderable distance frouj it. Bernardo retired into the shade, and desired his lordship to address them in English; he did so, and judge his emotion on being instantly known and answered by Rourke, who Albert, with ditiicully, prevented from bawling, lest he shoidd discover and ruin all. Lord Mortimer, after expressing his joy, begged they CASTLE OP SAXTA WARCO. 117 would speak in a suppressed tone, as every word echoed among the rocks. — ' Oh ! God save you, my lord ! speak again, 1 hope you're alive, but I doubt it/ exclaimed Tom. 'Oh! my deer master, say you're alive, or I'll loose my seven senses! arrah, thunder-an-ounds Albert, man, is there no way to be after getting him out of this murder'n hole.' ' For, heaven's sake, Rourke, be silent/ replied his lordship, ' or you may cause my instant destruction.' ' I will ! I v\ill, my heart's blood, but how can we sarve you.' Albert then said, 'my lord, ' since Providence has discovered you, * I will, with your permission, come to- ' morrow night, at this hour, with a let- ' tor, in which I will communicate what * has happened since I saw you last, ' and you can lower a string lo which ' I can fasten it, and receive your in- * sfructions by the same conveyance. ' Miss Hastings is well, and at present * in a private house in the vicinily of VSaragossa; but as it is very di(iicultto ' ascend those precipices, it is neces- ilS ALEXENA ; ©R THE ' sary we should now retire^ for it will ' be day-light before we reach our re- ' Ireat a^aiu.' He and Rourke then pulled off their hats, and his lordship wished them good night. 'May all the holy angels protect you/ said Albert. ' Amen ! Amen !* ejaculated Rourke, ' and now that you're found, with God's help, you shan't be long in that purgatory.* The moment those faithful fellows were out of sight, Bernardo embraced his lordship, saying, 'all's well, we ' only want the lady Alexena, and a ' few trusty fellows to keep off the ' banditti that infest this accursed ' neighbourhood, as T have the means ' of escape already within my power ; ' let us now retire to your cell, where ' I will furnish you with pen, ink, and '^ paper, together with a cord to lower ' the letter.' His lordship then wrote to Albert, to have the horses and ser- vants at the foot of the great bridge, within a gun-shot of the building, at ©A3TLE OF SANTA MARCO. 119 twelve o'clock on the fourth ni^ht from the date of his letter, and to he care- ful to have all his English attendants M^ell armed and mounted, witli relays of horses fifty miles on the road to Valladolid ; and to adopt every other precaution that his prudence should dictate, which would be likely to en- sure their escape and safety. He im- patiently waited the approach of the next night, and at the appointed hour hurried to the terrace to ni^et Albert, who was close under the walls, while Rourke watched at a distance ; his lordship instantly lowered liis letter, and drew up that of his servant. Al- bert contrived to read his by the light of a small lamp he had concealed under his cloak, and then promised to have every thing ready at tlje time nwd place appointed, and shorHy after retired most hapjiy in the hopes of delivcriuii" his master. Bernardo now communicated his plan, which promised success. Lord i^O alexena; oa TKr ^Jortimcr v,as to personate a rnonk, who acted as aa assistant to the foi- iner, and to follow him, disguised, into the subterraneous dungeons, as out of them only they could entertain a hope of escape. The vigilance of the abbess was to-^be eluded by the confusion that was likely to ensue in consequence of the execution of a lovely female, who, by the excellence of her wit, contrived to deceive the porters at the grate, and effect her liberation the night of the day before the one on which she should be compelled to take the veil ; but having only her courage and strength to carry her from this dreaded placCj unfortunately missed her \^a3', and fell into the hands of some of our otficers, who inhumanly delivered her into the hands of her tormen- tors: she was tried, found guilty, and by the laws of the institution, condemned to be buried alive, but through the intercession of the prior, her sentence was mitigated into dying on the wheel. She is^ continued Ber- ^ISf LE OF SANTA MARC©. lH uardo, merely to be fastened to the machine, and die by a blow, not to suffer all the tortures of that dreaded instrument. The abbess must be in- duced to compel Alexena to witness this execution, as by that means only, we can effect her deliverance, and I will write to the lady mother, stating-, that from what I have seen, it is my firm belief, her apparent compliance "with the will of her brother, is mere hypocrisy, and if I might so far pre- sume, 1 would advise she should be a spectator of Ellena's punishment, as an effectual preventive against similar attempts on her part. Lord Mortimer agreed to the necessity of the measure, though not without con- sideral)le hesitation, and Bernardo re- tired, for the purpose of making the attempt, and had the good fortune to succeed, even beyond his expectations ; having seen Alexena, and coivinced her of the urgency that induced him to adopt such disagreeable proceed- ings, and desired her to express re«» TOL. I. F 122 alexena; oe the luctance to a monastic life before those nuns that were most likely to convey her sentiments to the ears of the ab- bess. While he was thus engaged, his lordship writhed under the most cruel apprehensions^ Jest something unforeseen should occur to defeat their intentions, or retard their deliverance ; at the same time, he felt the deepest regret, that the hourwhich was to restore liberty and Alexena, would be the last of the hapless Ellena's existence. ' Oh ! accursed, diabolical cruelty,' he men- tally exclaimed, ' you reign triumphant in those liabitations that should be the mansions of peace and tranquillity.* He sickened at the idea of the ap- proaching scene, and retired to his hard couch, oppressed with melancholy reflections. CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 1S5 CHAP. VII. « The midnight clock had toll'd ; and, hark, the bell Of death beats slow ! heard ye the note profound ? !t pauses now ! and now, with rising knell, Flings to the hollow gale its sullen sound.'' Mason. ■M HE dreaded nii^Iit arrived, on which the unfortunate Ellena was to ipay the forfeit of her crime; half past eleven o'clock was the hour in which the me- lancholy spectators were to assemble, previous to her execution. Lord Mortimer sat musing in his solitary cell, when the dull sound of the convent bell announced the approach- ing death of the loveliest of mor- tals ; his blood chilled in his veins, and he started with a look of horror ; again, the slow and solemn note siole upon his ear, but ere it came a third time, Bernardo entered to conduct him to the gallery of the chapel, where he might offer up his prayers for a de- parting sister, without fear of being recognised by Aiexena, and was re- f2 124 ALEXENA; on THB luctantly obliged to use a monkish habit for that purpose; his guide then led the way, and was followed bj his lordship. The house of prayer was lighted by a number of torches placed round the altar, but which served to cast a me- lancholy gleam over the columns in the back ground, and gave a most awful impression to the succeeding scene. The mournful peal of the organ pro- claimed the approach of the hapless victim, and when his lordship beheld her, the tears of pity and compassion trinkled down his cheek. In front of the procession were foiir old nuns bearing torches; next, the prior of the Dominicans and the lady abbess; then two monks, between ivhom the lovely Ellena ; after her. four other monks with torches ; next followed Alexena and several other novices, and last of all the executioner, who bore in his hand the instrument of tleath. The nuns were already in thcK* CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 12S proper place in the chapel, and this melancholy cavalcade now became mo- tionless before its altar. There EUena — the unfortunate, ill-fated Ellena — was led to hear the abbess proclaim the na- ture of her crime, and mode of punish- ment; and as she had not been pro- fessed, the prior gave her absolution, and the abbess her maternal blessinir. Oh ! had jou seen her at that moment, how meek, how resigned, she knelt on one knee, as she turned her soft blue eyes towards heaven. The scalding tears chased each other down her pale, but beauteous cheeks ; her fine hair hung in careless ringlets on her shoul- ders and snowy bosom ; her lovely form, sjiaped with the most elegant symmetry, was arrayed in a loose white robe ; and the heart of the noble Mortimer, as he gazed, bled at the idea of the sacrifice that was about to be oflfered on the altar of cruelty ; the impressive sound of the organ roused his atten- tion, and he waited in trembling, hope- less anxiety, for the conclusion of a 156 ALEXENA ; OR THE scene, the most heart-rending that can be imagined. They now proceeded to the execution chamber, through innumerable wind- ings, turnings, and dreary passages; the floors of which were covered with saw-dust, while clammy sweats covered the cold damp walls ; they moved along in profound silence ; nought was to be heard, save the sobs of the noviciates, and the clinking of the friars' beads ; at length, they reached the execution chamber; it was a cold, gloomy dun- geon, in which stood wheels, racks, gibbets, and several other instruments of torture : this charnel house was very extensive; in the walls were various nitches, some built up, which contained the remains of luckless nuns, who liad long before been entombed alive for similar offences, for which even then EUena was about to suffer; others stood open with ponderous jaws, and gaped for prey, while tools for building, stone^ and lime, lay scattered on the floor. CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. ]27 I The wretched maiden was led into the further extremity of tliis vault of terror^ and delivered into the hands of the executioner, by a monk who always attends for the purpose ; she at that dreaded moment^, did not either shriek or groan, but submitted silently to her hard fate. The executioner led her to the scaffold, which was covered with black, on which was placed the wheel ; he seized his victim, and bound her on it, then took off her veil, and covered her eyes with a black handkerr chief; she then threw back her hair which hung in ringlets on her neck, p^nd wait- ed the fatal signal. The same monk now advanced, and laid his hand on his heart ; it was a sign to give her the coup de grace — to despatch hei in a moment ; the executioner understood him, and the wheel remained motionless ; but he fW^' raised his briiiht stilleto. and turnina: his back to the terrified spectators, aimed at her heart. The daa^orer was sure, and found a shelter in the loveliest bosom that ever srraced a 158 ALEXENA ; OR TUB human form. A piercing shriek an- nounced the dead) blow, it was but one, she never gave another ; her con- vulsed and quivering lip shewed the quick approach of death ; a cold dew trembled on her forehead ; she sobbed violently; then slightly struggling, with- out a groan, yielded her bright spirit into the bosom of her Redeemer. Thus perished Ellena ! Thus had these inhuman monsters, under the mask of religion, deprived the lovely Ellena of life, for being guilty only of attempting to elude persecution. When the principal witness of the recent tragedy observed, that the spi- rit of Ellena had fled to Paradise, to enjoy eternal bliss, the abbess ordered a requiem to be chaunted for the re- pose of the soul of the departed ; and as the deep and melancholy notes of the organ, swung with a softened cadence along those damp, chilling passages. Lord Mortimer observed Alexena stand- CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 129 mg in the centre of the vault, almost paralysed with horror, apparently in- sensible to the terror-striking' objects around her^ until the hoarse, pestilen- tial, and heart-appalin^ voice of the abl)ess roused her to a dreadful sense of her situation. ' Follow me/ said this retailer of exquisite torments ; ' follow * me to the receptacle prepared for ' meditation and repentance, and there ' reflect on what you have seen : re- ' member this is the slightest punish- ' ment inflicted on the crimes of con- ' tumely and disobedience.' The abbess then ordered her to be conducted to a cell next the dungeon, where, but a few minutes before, she beheld the hapless EUena expire ; and while the massy door grated on its rusty hinges, as it opened to receive her, she shuddered at the idea, that the pe- riod might not be far distant, when she should perish by the same fatal pun- ishment, or even worse. The moment the ponderous bolt bounded into its F 5 J30 ALEXEXA; OR THB lustj^ fastenings, and had enclosed th« delicate form of Alexena in its cold and vanity bosonfi, the abbess delivered the key to Bernardo, and the same moment Lord Mortimer was conducted by two familiars to his cell. When his lordship again found him- self in solitude, he drew forth the let- ter of his faithful Albert, which till then lay unread and neglected ; and as. his eye passed over the well known characters, he found that his faithful and attached servant <:onceived he had been killed by the officers of the Inquisition, on that eventful night in which he had fallen, bravely defending his Alexena. On this supposition, he had hastened with all possible despatch to the hovel on the common, and in less than ten minutes left it at full speed, accompanied by Miss Hastings and all the servants, expecting every mo- ment to be pursued, overtaken, and Irv'^atcd fijost barbaroiisly by the monks. CASTLE OP Santa marco. 151 He therefore did not continue in the direct road, but chose an unfrequented way that led to a place of safety, where he arrived at day break, and there kept the entire of his lord's suite, Rourke and he having resolved to perish rather than leave the country until they should obtain positive confirma- tion of his death or safety. To obtain information that miorht be relied on was difficult, but the host on the com- mon, who lived in the neighbourhood of the convent, contrived to let him know, that his lord had been conveyed to the Dominican monastery, where he still survived, and was in a fair way of recovery. Rourke, therefore, regularly every night, took his station on the point of the horrible rocks that over- look those ever to bo dreaded and terrific mansions, with the fond hope of seeing his master; for it n3ver oc- curred to his imagination, that he was strictly confined ; on the contrary, he conceived Lord Mortimer had liberty io wander through the buildings, as 132 ALEXENA ; OR THE often as he felt an inclination^ and, bnoyed up with those hopes, continued his nightly watch, until he and Albert "were so fortunate as to find him on the termce. The moment Lord Mortimer had read the last sentence, lie consumed the letter with the assist- ance of his lamp, and was watching the last expiring sparks produced by its ashes^ when Bernardo ,entered. He apologized for the delay, by observing, it was his duty to see the remains of EUena prepared for interment, and then produced a gown and a dagger. ' My assistant is secured,' said he, ' disguise ' yourself in this dress, and follow me ' with these select perfumes to the ' chamber in which the cold and ' breathless form of EUena lies.' His lordship joyfully obeyed ; but first cau- tiously muffled himself in the monk's habit, then locked the door of his prison, and walked after the kind BernardOj in profound silence. CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 133 CHAP. VIII. Lay her i' th' earth ;- Aad from her fair and unpolluted Reik May violets spring. Hamlet. " And shall no lay of death, With pleasing murmur, sooth Her parting soul ? Shall no tear wet her grave ?" Sayers. \-JN Iheir way to the dungeons^ they were met by several monks^ whom they passed without speaking, or being spoken to^ and, at length, after passing through many windings, and dreary passages, reached the vaults where several miserable wretches were con- fined, doomed to languish the remain- der of their wretclied existence in those loathsome charnel houses, deprived of light and every comfort. They quickly passed them, and in a few moments arrived at the prison of Alexena — a treasury, which contained a jewel of inestimable value! When Bernardo 1S4 AtfiXENA; 6R THC was about to enter it. Lord Mortimer pointed to a light that faintly glim- mered in the distant extremity of the vanity passage, his guide motioned silence, and at the same moment libe- rated his fair prisoner, then forbidding all expressions of congratulation until a more fit season, moved rapidly for- vyard towards that liijht which had caused Lord Mortimer^s observation; as they advanced it increased ; and, at length, they discovered a narrow pas- sage, apparently cut in the wall, the entrance of which was strongly secured by a gate composed of iron bars ; on the inside stood a table covered with wine, and other refreshments of the most savory and delicious description, and this curious banqueting-chambei* was well lighted with torches. At the farther end there was another gate, in every respect the same as the former, through which hands were extended -endeavouring to obtain the food before them, but could not, though it wa^S within a few inelics of their fingers; CASTLS OF SANTA MARCO. 135 iherc were two in this earthly tantalus, and it is unnecessary to say they ex- cited the most lively pity. Bernardo explained the nature of their crime, and of their punishment, by stating, ' that ' they had been sentenced to be starved ' to death ; and I wonder they yet * live, as this is the fourth day of their ' confinement. Those provisions which ' you se6, were intended, by their deli- ' cious sraell, to increase their appetite, '■' and make their punishment still more ' horrible ; but the hour of their deliver* ' ance has arrived, if it is not yet too * late, for I will this moment release ' them.' He then unlocked the out- tvard gate; and the instant those lovely- unfortunates saw him, they begged a mouthful of bread, for the Holy Virgin's sake. ' Be pacified,' said Bernardo, ' and you shall have enough, for I ' came for the purpose of rescuing * you from this miserable dungeon.* At first they conceived he mocked them, but when Lord Mortimer assured them 136 ALEXEHA ; OR THE of his kind intentions, the eldest of the two exclaimed^ 'Oh! Mortimer!' and fell fainting against the railing; she was instantly recognized by his lordship, as that Evelene whom he met before the tribunal at Madrid. When Bernardo had extorted a pro- mise from each, that thev would not taste ought but what he should allow^ least it might prove fatal, he unbarred the gate of their den, which was a dark narrow cell, covered wifh the mouldering bones of human bodies, without either bed, or any kind of furniture. Hunger had so far pre- vailed over these hapless females, that the youngest of the two twisted a thigh bone from a skeleton, and pulled down from the table a piece of venison, which they drew to them with the same implement, and greedily devour- ed; but on making a second attempt, the bone, rotten and decayed, had broken, and they had neither strength nor resolution to try the same expedient. CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 137 Bernardo, on releasing them, gave tliem a small portion of food, and after they were somewhat relieved, they all hastened towards that door that pro- mised to release them from this scene of honor. Necessity obliged them to pass through Ellena's funeral cham- ber; and as they entered, the most awful sensations chilled their hearts. The walls and floor were covered with black; seven white wax tapers burned on a table close to the bed, the furni- ture of which was black, ornamented with white ribbon, underneath its ca- nopy lay the cold form of Ellena; a pall covered her remains, now arrayed in sepulchral robes. When the ladies reached her couch, they fell on their Jinees, and offered a prayer to the throne of grace, for the repose of her soul, and then formed a group, which composed an interesting picture. Imagine you see the little trembling party in the centre of a cold damp chamber, decorated with all the so- 138 AtEXENA; OR THE lemnity of the grave, in the fore ground, tliree incomparable female figures leaning over one of the loveliest Torms the breath of life had ever animated,, while the pearly tears of unfeigned^ sorrow bedewed their cheeks. Be- tween light and shade, a monk in the attitude of a man lost in profound thought; his waist encompassed by a leather belt furnished wiih a rosary; and in the back ground, a cavalier leaning against a pillar's shaft, wrapped in a friar's gown ; his bosom decorated with an embroidered vest and the po- lished hilt of a bright stiletto, while grief and pity contend which shall best express his feelings. ' Come, come,' said Bernardo, as he started from his reverie, ' haste, haste, lest you share Ellena's cold pillov// For a moment they heard him not ; an unaccountable attraction, fixed all their faculties; Lord Mortimer threw him- self on his knees, then caught the beau- teous hand of the murdered novice, and CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 130 imprinted on it a warm^ fervent kiss of affection; of regret,, and another on those lips that once breathed ambrosial sweetness; imagination cannot paint, or fancy form^ a more interesting ob- ject; his lordship's tears fell thick on her bosom^ that then ceased to heave, but was as fair as the snow on the mountain. Alexena clasped her clay cold form to her heart, and sobbed audibly, while the other females v^ere not less distressed. It was with diffi- culty Bernardo forced them from this melancholy scene, but at length their fears prevailed^ and they hurried to the door which opened on the rocks. They passed through many a dripping cold damp vault, cell, and chamber, lit only here and there by solitary torches, before they arrived at those gates which opened to liberty; at length they reached them, Bernardo laid his liberating hand on the mas- sive bars, and already removed two of the three that enclosed them in this iivins: tomb. At that moment Lord 140 ALEXENA ; OR TUB Mortimer spied a figure move through the gloom in the distant extremityof th» Yault, and pointed it out to his friend, who made a sign, and they softly dre\T their daggers ; it approached — every instant his lordship expected to hearth* women scream; if they did, all were un- done ; it still moved forward, at length stopping within a few yartls, they were convinced it discovered them. Bernardo groaned aloud. Lord Morti- mer sprang forward to seize the intru- der, or put it to death, if not already an inhabitant of the other world ; but he had not advanced two paces, until the subject of their fears, sunk senseless on the earth. She was a young and lovely woman; his lordship lifted her, and was the next moment beside Bernardo. 'Unbolt the gale, quickly,' said he, 'and we are yet free;' his words were not thrown awav, the last ponderous bolt was withdrawn, and the scene changed ; the door was pulled too, and they fled for their lives. teASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 141 The lady who had alarmed them in the dungeon, was soon made sensible of her happy reverse of fortune ; tears of joy ran down her pale cheeks, as she nimbly ascended the precipices. In a few minutes they arrived at th« bridge, where Rourke and Albert waited with six English servants, well mounted and armed, besides their guides. They were first alarmed at the approach of so many^ though his lordship, at Ber- nardo's request, had ordered two ad- ditional horses, the latter having pre- viously resolved to save Evelene and her friend. The ladies were soon placed in their saddles. Lord Mortimer and his attendants then mounted, Bernardo was accommodated with Albert's horse, who sat behind the guide, and they were about to move forward, when Hourke fell on his knees, and with up- lifted hands, exclaimed : ' Heaven be ' praised, my master is safe, but from ' my soul, I wish that the devil may fly 'away with abbot and abbess, monks, * nuns, racksj wheels^ gibbets^ dun- 142 alexena; on the ' geons^ cold vaults, clammy cells^ and ' afterwards toss yon house topsy ' turvy on the heads of his late tor- 'ments;' then bouncing upon his saddle, led the way, while the rest followed at as quick a pace as they could proceed at, for some time, and when they gained the level, galloped towards Valladolid, as fast as their animals could carry them. CHAP. IX. *' In Winter's tedious nights, sit by the fire, ■With good old folks ; and let them tell thee tales, Of woeful ages, long ago betid; And 'ere thou bid good night, to quit their grief, Tell thou the lamentable fall of me. And send the hearers weeping to their beds.'' Richard II* Jl hey dashed along in safety to the first stage, and then only stopped to change their monastic dress, for com- fortable disguises that the careful Albert had in readiness Day-light found them twenty-five miles from tlie GASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. li$ ^conventj and they had great hopes their CvScape was not even then dis- covered. Bernardo's absence would be the first noticed^, and it was likely several hours would intervene before his non-appearance should either excite alarm or suspicion, as he was obliged to attend the sick, and those 'who were punished with the torture, in both the monastery and convent, which communicated with each other. The ladies were much fatigued, par- ticularly Evelene and Arabel, in con- sequence of their long fast ; and Vir- ginia, who had alarmed them at the door of the dungeon, was still more exhausted. When Lord Mortimer could distinguish the features of the latter, he found she was very lovely, as well as very young ; and they had not proceeded twenty miles before she seemed to have forgotten her late deplorable situation, from her many and repeated sallies of wit and merri- ment. Rourke, who rode close behind, finding tliat she enlivened the drooping 144 alexena; or the spirits of the other ladies, and observing his master evidently obliged by her exertions, frequently exclaimed, though he did not comprehend one word she Baid, * God save the pretty gob on't, and mushen, merry be your heart/ Bernardo heightened the gaiety of the whole party, by declaring all danger from pursuit was over, but advised they should not go to Valladolid ; Met us/ said he, ' cross the Pyrennees, by ' Pampeluna, enter France, and from ' Bayonne embark for England.' This advice was instantly adopted by Lord Mortimer, as being the most secure, and it gave infinite satisfaction to the ladies, particularly to Arabel, who was a native of that country. At eleven o'clock in the forenoon, they stopped at a pleasant village, where they were regaled with cream, dried fruits, and excellent bread; hunger gave a high zest to their repast, and the certainty of their safety, added comfort to it. Lord Mortimer sat CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 145 down^ surrounded by beauty ; Alexena appeared more charming than ever; she was dressed in a green habit, like those worn by the ladies of the coun- try ; the others in the dress of at- tendants. Evelene had lost nothins: of the beauty by which she was so much distinguished at Madrid, while Arabel, her young and delicate companion of the cave, tliough not quite fifteen, promised fair to be one of the finest women of the age, and Virginia, all mirth, gaiety, and good humoun claimed a large share of loveliness, and was a favorite with them all. Miss Hastings, whom, in future, we shall call Mrs. Hastings, loved them wi(h the aflfection of a parent, and always, w hen speaking to them, used the endearing epithet of my dear daughter ; and her fond solicitude was gratefully repaid by every attention in their power to bestow. None beheld them with greater satisfaction than Rourke, who now and then plucked Albert by the sleeve, and, in a kind of half whisper, VOL. I. G 14G ALEXENA; OR THE said, 'arrah, did you ever see snck ' beauties — bim my soul they desarve ' to be queens, and there's the four ' kingdoms of Leinster, Ulster, Muii- ' ster, and Connaught, would fit them ' as neat as a peeleen fits a preaty ; ' but for all that don't be after thinking ' that the blaze of their beauty wouhl ' make my fair counti'ywomen hido ^ their nose in a corner ; no such thing, * my jewel, for there is Biddy Mulwor- ' nagh, of Ballyporeen, has two cheeks ' like two suns, and every eye in her head ' as big and as blue as a plover's e^^ ; 'it's true she has no edification, but ' meaby if she was benefactered with as ' much care, her coat would sit as well, * without disparagement to these mur- ' neens of the world, who, God show- ' ers blessens on, thicker and faster than 'meal falls from a hopper.' — 'Amen!' said Albert, laughing, ' and Heaven bless Biddy.' — *^ Oh! you may laugh/ replied Tom, rather displeased, ' but you were not altogether so full of your fun this time yesterday.' CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 147 When Lord Mortimer and bishappjj friends had finished their repast, Ber- nardo urged their immediate depar- ture, representing- the imprudence of delay; and on the ladies expressing some rehictance, in consequence of their fatigue, he begged to know had they ah-eady forgotten the dangers from which they so recently escaped, ' Now/ he continued, 'if you have no particu- ' lar inclination to be buried or roasted ' alive; to have your bones broken piece- ' meal on the wheel, or drawn asunder ^ on the rack, I advise you to pursue ' your journey with all possible expe- * dition, until you reach Pampeluna, ' where you may rest a few days in ' perfect security/ Bernardo's advice was attended to, and they proceeded without halting, except at night, until they arrived in the neighbourhood of Estella, on the Pyrennees, about seven leagues from the above city, wliere they enjoyed a few days repose. As it was summer, the evenings were ilelightful, and they often vvander&d g2 148 ALEXENA ; OR TlVE Among' the mountains, to enjoy the cool shade of the myrtle groves that skirted their sides; then each told a (ale, or sung a glee, to enliven the evening hour. Oil ona of those excursions, being fatigued with the length of their walk, and the roughness of the paths among the precipices, they sought a recess in an adjacent rock, where they might indulge their weary limbs, with a few moments repose. They w ere scare® seated, ere Virginia, with her usual vivacity, said, ' I find a particular wish to hear myself prate, what think you : shall I relate how 1 had the misfortune to be confined in the Dominican con- vent? — you all appear to be dull, and I am resolved either to cure you by exciting your attention, or kill you quite with tire sad story of my life.' — ' Ve vil, much glad to hear Mortimer, rent ve,' said Alexena. ' Oh ! yes,' replied his lordsliip, mimicking, ^very much glad, particularly if she could give the relation in such excellent English as you speak/ Alexena smiled, and r;as CASTLE OF SANTA MAKCO. ]49 about to reply, when Virginia began her narrative in those words ; — I was born in the capital of this kino:dom, and recollect little of my early infancy, except the death of my mother, after which melancholv event, I was at the age of six years sent to a convent in Valencia, to be educated by my annt, who was the superior of it; and made considerable progress under her care, until 1 attained my fourteenth year, when I began to dislike a mo- nasiic life, which may appear rather strange, as I knew no other world, having never been forther than the convent garden. However, in a house adjoining my prison, a cavalier resided, who was both young and handsome, and one morning, as 1 was gathering flow- ers, he chanced to see me from a lat- tice ; my veil had fallen off, so he was gratified with a full view of my face, and iiistanyould.have done. I deterffiined to see this man next day, CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 15S and give him some faint hopes — Poor soul ! he had been in the dismals from the moment I vanished, and almost flew out of the casement on seeing me again. He was as impudent as ever, and so tormenting, that in less than a month, he absolutely persuaded me to consent to be his. The moment I ^-ave it, he made preparations for our flight, and the third night after, by the assistance of a rope ladder, I found myself in his apartment, and in a few minutes more, on the back of a spirited courser on the road to Orgiva, from which place we intended to sail for Italy, and there re- main until such time as my father should be reconciled. Don Carlos' sister ac- companied us, and in less than an hour, the proud city of Valencia was some miles behind. The Fates, however, were not long propitious; I was missed at early matins, and instantly pursued. We were overtaken v.ilhin a few miles of the sea-port, and after a desperate, though fruitless, resistance, on the part ©f Don Carlos, in which he was left G 5 ]54: ALEXENA; OR, THE senseless on the road, his sister and I were led back towards Valencia — she to mourn the loss of the best of brothers, and I to pine away the remainder of my wretched existence, in the prison from which I so recently congratulated myself I had escaped. For the first day we travelled without interrup- tion, but on the second we met my father, who had an order from the abbess to the officers, to restore me to him should I be captured. This they instantly complied with, and the fol- lowing- moment I was surrounded bj my father's domestics, who watched me with more vigilance than they would have done, had I been a state prisoner. Immediately after the departure of the inquisitorial agents, my father reviled me in the bitterest terms, and swore he would instantly conduct me to the convent of Domini- cans, the harshest in the w^orld, where, at the expiration of my noviciate, I should be compelled to take the veil, and pass the remainder of my life in CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 155 the most austere seclusion. On hearinir this dreadful sentence, I wept^ prayed^ and intreated, but all in vain ; notliiufj could soften him. So we travelled in silence towards Tortosa, where he had some business, and from that place I was to be conducted to the convent. On our arrival there, my father was surprised to find my uncle Oriso, and in a few minutes after, was overwhelm- ed with grief^ when informed his only son had died suddenly. Though I had never seen m.y brother, I was greatly shocked on hearing of his death, and from the agitation of both my body and mind, I became extremely ill, so much so, that 1 was despaired of. My father was in the greatest distress imaginable, as I was now his only child, and made compensation for his late severity, by his unre- mitting attention during the period of my illness. At length I began to re- cover, and was blest with the assur- ance, that I should never again enter a convent, except by my own desire, aod added to my happiness, by 156 alexena; or the enquirlni^ the name and rank of my lover, and when he found Don Carlos was every way unobjectionable, he consented to bestow mv hand on him. should he have survived the cruelty of the inquisitors. About a month after my brother's death, my father was summoned to attend his majesty, with- out a moment's delay, and was obliged to leave me under the protec- tion of my uncle, as I was yet too weak to travel wiih tlie rapidity that it was necessary he should use, but pro- mised to follow him next day, by easy stages, to Madrid ; which place, how- ever, my uncle had previously resolved I should never see. I conceived he was the best of men, but we are all liable to be deceived by appearances. as under the mask of kindness he con- cealed the villain ; his attention, and pretended esteem, gradually gained my affection, and I conceived myself blest, by being so nearly allied to so worthy a man: sometimes he would pat m.e on the checks, and *Jij, I was the prettiest^ sweetest, finest, liveliest. CASTLE OF SANTA MATICO. 157 and most agreeable little i>;irl in the universe; yet he could scarcely sup- press his joy, on seeing my father de- part, and leave me an easy, defenceless prey, which he resolved to make sure of as soon as possible, as I was the only surviving- obstacle between him and my father's vast possessio ns. About four hours after my parent left Tortosa, Don Oriso entered my apartment, with an open letter in his hand, and feigned sorrow on his coun- tenance; I felt alarmed, and begged to know had any new misfortune befallen our house? * There has, my dear Virgi- nia,' he replied, ' and I am sorry to be ' the bearer of ill news. Your father's ' horse stumbled, and fell with him, ' about ten miles from this, and the con- ^ seoiience is, he has received a severe ' contusion on the head, though, happily, ' not one that is likely to prove fatal; yet, ' for fear of the worst, he has sent a ser- ' vant for, and requires your attendance -* early to-morrow.' Judge my teelings 'On the recital of this melan<:holy events 358 alexena; or the I instantly proposed we should set out^ but my uncle beg-ged I would not expose my constitution to the night air, as he felt apprehensive it might cause a relapse, and added many other per- suasive arguments ; though at the same moment his agitation was visible, lest I should comply. However, as I urged our immediate departure, and became very unhappy, Don Oriso said, he could not oppose me any longer, and went out to order our horses. A little before twilight, we were on the road ; the feathered warblers had retired to seek repose in the leafy grove, save the nightingale, sweet melancholy song- stress of the night, who poured her plaintive tale on the airy breeze, that swept with gentle murmur the tops of the surrounding foliage. I lent an attentive ear as I passed the grove ; the hour was soothing to my soul, it was in unison with my feelings, and the grotesque figures, formed by the crimson clouds of eveniu!? on the dark shade of ne, who was particularly dear — her beloved Theodore de Montoo:omeri r and the surrounding scenery was cal- culated to inspire such soothing hopes^ as those that warmed her ima CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. i?2i without any cause beiiit^ assigned, and ordered to quit Paris within two hours, on pain of perpetual banishment. " The first use I made of my reco- vered liberty was, to hasten to (lie Bas- tile, to inquire for M. Santanelle, but could neither obtain access to, nor any information concernhii^ him, and as I was' refracitig my way back to the cot- tage, where I had been so cruelly torn from Arabel, I met an old soldier, who was formerly a domestic of my father's, and to wiiom, when a boy, 1 had been much attached ; the veteran saluted me as 1 passed, and I instantly recognised him, and inquired after his welfare. " I have," said he, " been seeking you these three days past, that I might commu- nicate some particulars about the fate of Mademoiselle Santanelle, who is at present in the power of Count Macare. Please follow me to the dark shade of yonder piazza, where we wilj be se- cure frohi observation, and I shall let you know the particulars." On reach- 522 ALEXCNA ; OR THE ing the spot^ he continued, " IMy sister Jeanette is in the service of Count Macare, and through lier I have ob- tained some information relative to you. which is briefly this: — the mo- ment you were arrested, and securely lodged in prison, the emissaries of the count seized Mademoiselle Santanelle, and conducted her back to his chateau; on their arrival, they carried her into the saloon, from which she first con- trived to escape. The count was already there, and for some time regarded her with a look of scorn, mingled with malicious joy, at having lier again in his power; then insulted the dear young lady with a formal declnration of his passion, and said, as he had been contemptuously treat- ed by a former refusal, he v\as re- solved to compel her to accept his liand, or bury her in the seclusion of a convent for life. Mademoiselle Arabel answered him with much spi- rit, declaring she would rather perish than become his wife^ alleging she CASTLE OF SANTA MARCO. 223 was already married. Thus ihe lirst ten days passed — tlie count continu- ally persecuting her; one day alleg- ing you were dead — the next, that you should be released from prison, if she should consent to bestow her hand. At length he told her, he resigned all hopes in favour of his nephew Aubert, who, he commanded her to receive as her future husband. This young man became latterly one of the most dissipated youths in Paris, and being vho this new friend could be, but of thecertainty^ hnd not the sliglit^st idea., and shortly aft-er, fell into a sound sleep, while Rourke and Albert lay on a mattress beside his bed, fully accou- tred, with their carbines in their hands, ready to defend him at a moment's warning; and Lion, the canine compa- nion of tlie former, from his attention on the sliglitest noise, appeared to be consiable of (he watch. At sun-rise next morning, Monfrane entreated admission, and informed his lordvJiij), that Don Acasto was already 272 alexena; or th£ on the road. " You may remain here an ho r longer/' he continued, " and by that time, they will be far enough in advance." Lord Mortimer instantly dressed, and a few moments after, par- took of an excellent, though homely, breakfast, prepared by his kind host, whom he offered to reward ^with a con- siderable purse, but of which the latter would not accept a farthing. '' No, uo, my lord," said the cottager, " I have received orders for what I have done, and could not accept any thing, if I was even inclined, which 1 assure you is not the case." His lordship thought this still more strange, but made no comment, and shortly after departed, attended by his guides and domestics. CASTLE OF SlNTi. MARCO. 273 CHAP. XVJ. *' He i« gracious, if he Is observ'd; He hath a tear for pity, and a hand Open as day, for melting charity : Yet, notwithstanding, being incens'd, he's flint ; As humorous as winter, and as sudden As flaws congealed in the spring of day,'* MoNFR ANE was perfectly well ac- quainted v>itli the mountainous roads through which they traveled, and often, in the course of the day,, pointed out those situations which partictdar inci- dents made interesting ; they frequently- observed stone crosses erected on the heights, by which the spot was marked, where some lorn and hapless wanderer perished by the remorseless hands of the ferocious bandit. On Lord Morti- mer demandino' the meanini»; of those signals, his guide, for the first time, mentioned Belzo Carracci, that dreaded name, which spread universal con- sternation wlienever mentioned. The ' nci