UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN BOOKSTACKS THE TAKEN FROM THE C M E D 1 B D 1 G L D N I, BY MARY CHARLTON^. AUTHOR OP "the WIFI IND MISTRESS,** The Built of conscience take thou for thy labour} •"A'ith Cain go wander through the shade of aighty And never show Vay head— — RICHARD 11^ 2N TWO VOLUMES. TOL. LONDON* PRINTED AT THE rOR LANE, NEWMAN, AND CO, I.£AD£NH ALL-STREET. H05. THE HOMICIBE. »••«©*««■ CHAP. I. RoSAURA DI VIRALVA was dc- s, seen dec! from an ancient Neapolitan familj', ''^ whose honours had been less impaired at ^ the time of her birth, than the possessions ^ that tv/o or three centuries back had given weight and importance to a noble ;^ and unblemished name, which now was ^ all the inheritance of the youthful Ro- ^saura, and of her cousin Julio, the last ^ vol] u b male 2 THE HOMICIDE. male descendant of the Viralvas, who still retained the title of Marquis. Rosauia was an orphan, and found lierself, at the first dawn of reason, under the protection of Signor xVstolfo di Bos- chero, her maternal uncle, and of Rode- gonda, his wife, who sent her to a pro- vincial Convent for education, and con- ducted her, at the age of eighteen, from the vicinity of Gaeta, where they lived on a small estate, to Naples, the capital, in the liope of marrNing lier advanta- geously; or if thiis design failed, they meant to place her in a Convent, where portionless young women of rank were received without a dovrcr, and where her beauty and her illustrious name would be equally buried in oblivion under the black veil. Signor Astolfo and his wife pre- ferred the first plan, not from consideraiion to their niece, but because it promised certain pecuniary advantages to themselves, they could not hope to derive from the other. Poor THE HOMICIDE. '3 Poor Rosaura ! — she yet retained that sweet vivacity which the gay dreams of youth inspire; nor could the vivid beams of her dark and smiling eye penetrate into the futurity that awaited her. Decayed indeed was the opulence of her house; but naked poverty had not yet stepped into tlie breach Time liad made, nor withered Avith her chilling breath, the mantling tints that stole over her downy check : yet had she never been nurtured and cherished by her natural friends with the kindness and affection she was formed to inspire; for S)gnor Astolro was generally gloomy, silent, and morose; and Rode- gonda peevish, frettul, and suspicious, Rosaura did not. however, repine at her fate ; nor could these dispositions of mind so opposite to lier own, in any degree disturb her serenity, or entirely repel her gaiety. When Signora Rodegonda raised her shrill voice in indignation or anger, and when her uncle growled his fulmina- tions, she soothed, and smiled, and B 2 persuaded; 4 THE HOMICIDE. persuaded : it was the sweet note of the nightingale responding to the blast of the summer tempest. At Naples, Signor Astolfo sought out the friends and associates of his early- years, and presented to tliem his lovely charge, who excited in various minds surprise, interest, envy, and admiration ; and she had not long appeared in the Avorld, eie the Cavaliere di Ruvello beheld licr, followed her, and at length demanded her of her uncle, who readily gave the e^xpected assent, because the ]o\er was opulent ; and tliough he ranked in the class of modern nobility, yet he could not be regarded as a plebeian even by a Viral V a. Kosaura started, and shrunk involun- tarily when her fate \\as abrupt!} an- nounced to her by her aunt and Signor Astolfo. She would have hesitated ; but the\ pursued her witli a toiren. of angry arguntent, eagerly revert ing to the cares beatuwcd upon her helples;^ chiiJhood, and tlicir THE HOMICIDE. 5 their unremitting attention to her real welfare, her real advantage. *^ I admit it all," said she with her accustomed gentleness. *^ When you forget the benefits yon have conferred upon me, my heart will remind yon of them. 1 will obey you ; yet I would learn — tell me only that the character of Signer Ruvelio is such, that I may reasonably expect to taste of happiness, whilst I am content to court it with virtue and moderation ?" Havino' received the stronQ:est assurances upon this point, Rosaura imagined herself obliged to yield her assent ; yet she wished Kiost earnestly to be allowed to ascertain the temper and disposition of Signer lluvello, from her own observation, ere she formed with him so solemn an eno-ao^e- ment : but she was urged, teazed, caressed, and importuned by her aunt and Signer Astolfo, and finally— led to the altar. Signer Ptuvello testified his gratitude not only in repeated liberalities to herself B 3 and The homicide. and her overjoyed relations, who now found their aim accomplished to its utmost extent, but in every attention that tender- ness could suggest, or love devise. In one respect, however, he chose to consult his own taste in preference to her's ; she vvished to be moderate in her expenditure, and he desired that every thing apper- taining to her, should be magnificent : her jewels, therefore, lier equipage, her at- tendants, and her habitation displayed at once his wealth and his attachment. Her concerts and her conversazioni were the most brilliant in Naples, the most ilistinguisbed of whose Nobles eagerly courted the happiness of becoming the Cavalieri Serventi of the beautiful Signora Ruvelio. But these dangerous posts of honour were already appropriated, at the entreaty of her husband, to two of his most favoured associates, one of whom, the Marquis D'Asavoli, Rosaura had been presented to before her marriage, and had conceived a dislike to him the first five minutes THE HOMICIDE. 7 minutes of the interview, which no secret argument of her candour against sudden prepossessions, could afterwards subdue. The other Cavahere was absent from Naples; but as Ruvello hourly expected 'his return, he obtained without much difficulty, tiiat Rosaura woultl not super- sede him : yet days, and even weeks passed by, and the Couni del Orvino, for so lie Mas named, was still detained in Sicily by the dangerous indisposition of a favourite sister ; and when his imme- diate return was announced, the curiosity of Rosaura to behold a man whom every one mentioned with the highest consi- deration, was much diminished by her concern for the approaching departure of her uncle and his wife. The separation she contemplated, banished from her recollection all that was unamiable in the character of each, and presented only to her affectionate bosom, the trouble and anxiety she must have cost them; and that for her advantage alone, they had B 4 quitted 8 THE HOMICIDE. quitted their home, to encounter the fatigue, and undergo the penance of emerg- ing so late in life, into a world they had for many years quitted in disgust. That Signor Astolfo had appropriated a little portion which had been committed to his care with herself, was a secret which he alone knew, and could not therefore diminish her idea of his justice or gene- rosity ; and when his wife and himself quitted her with an apparent warmth of regret and affection, that brought a flood of tears to her eyes, slie shut herself up in her own apartment ; and refusing- admittance to the crov/d who thronged her gate, wept the absence of the only natural friends she had in the world, save her cousin Julio, whom she loved as a brother. As the evening advancecT, she threw open the lattices of her windows ; and refusing lights or attendance, sat at a balcony, which gave to her view the whole of the bay, whose waves, as they rolled ' on THE HOMICIDK. 9 on to the shore, were successively gilded by the beams of the moon, just risen beyond them. . *' Strange, " tliQught Rosaura, ''that I am, by the usages of the v/orld, tora from the friends of my early youth — that in future 1 must wholly depend upon a being 1 have so latel}- known — form new connexions, welcome new associates, ac- custom these weeping eyes to scenes they can never love half so v.ell as those I have quitted perhaps for ever !" Her reflections were at this moment interrupted by a carriage stopping at the portico ; but as slie h^x\ given directions to be denied to every one, she could not fear any intrusion, and pursued her mournful contemplations, which wcrd" however, soon dib^uibed by steps, that evidently approached from the adjacent room. Tlie door was open, and to the voice of Ruvello she instantly replied. He has.ened to her. *' Those plaintive accents," exclaimed B 5 he, 10 THE HOMICIDE, he, *^ and this seclusion, reproach my thoughtless absence !'* Then drawing her towards the balcony, and earnestly - regarding her counte- nance — '^ And a tell-tale tear," he added, " upon that lovely cheek ! Forgive me, ilosaura *' • ** Forgive 7?ze," interrupted she. *' The recent departure of friends so beloved, challenges my regrets ; but my affection for them shall not interfere with other duties equally dear and revered. Tell me," continued she, in a more cheerful accent, '' are your expectations realized? is Count Orvino at length arrived ?" *' Yes, lie arrived three hours since, and his first visit is to you. liow will you receive this truant cicisbeo ?'' ** As one whom you love, and whom the world esteems," replied she. ^* His merit is well attested by the complaints Lis absence has produced." '' Come forward then, nr.y friend," 4 said THE HOMICIDE. H said Uuvello, *' and take the welcome my llosaura ofiers !'* Rosaura started. *' I did not understand," said she, *^ that the Count accompanied you. I fear I have been strangely neghgent in not sooner expressing my satisfaction that Count del Orvino is restored to you and the rest of his Neapolitan friends." To this address the Count, whose figure Ptosaura now dii^cerned, bowed in silence; Avhiist Ruvello called for lights and refresh- ments, which were instantly brouQ:ht : but she could not immediately distinguish the features of ner new Cavaliere ; for having sat a considerable time in the twi- light, the glare of the tapers for a few moments incommoded her. '* Now then," exclaimed Ruvello, *' the favourite wish of my heart is grati- fied, since my Rosaura and Orvino are knoNi^n to each other ! He is accepted then, as your Cavaliere Servente;, — aiul B 6 you, 12 THE HOMICIDE. you, Orvino, are still willing to favour my Rosaura with your attendance r" '* I should be extremely mortified," replied he, '* to find my services rejected or disapproved." ** Surely," thought Hosaura, " tliis acquiescence is very cold and reluctant !" *' To-morrow, " he added, *MfSignora Ruvello will allow me, I will -tttend hen" '^ Do so," said Ruvello : ^* but let me hint to you that you have a very assiduous competitor in Asavoli, and you must not allow him to distance you." . The repl^' ct the Count was not so lively or so galk.nt as a woman of more vanity than Rosaura would have expected; and even her car had lately been so accus- tomed to adulation, that she imagined him indifferent, if not averse to the situ- ation in which Ruvello was so eager to place lum. *' How absurd are our modes and customs !" THE HOMICIDE. 13 customs!*' exclaimed Rosaura when the friends had left her. '' Riivello dares not accompany me, when 1 have passed the threshold of his own door, although he tells me it is painful to him to deprive himself of my society ! And a yet stronger instance of the tyranny of prejudice is Signor IVIerchiai, who is in agonies of jealousy when iiis wife is not at his elbow, and who yet overcomes his feelings, from the fear of incirring the censure of the world, which discerns and ridicules his perpetual combats and inquietudes, whilst the unfortunate object of his capricious passion is compelled, by the accustomarj usages of society, and by him, to accept the constant attendance of two Cavaliers who are as little regarded by her as the Volanti tliat run before her carriage. For myself, who dislike the Marquis d'Asavoli, I iiud myself obliged to conceal my senti- ments, and tolerate him, that I may not displease my husband in the person of his friend, and involve him perhaps in a contention. 14 THE HOMICID'e. contention. The Count cicl Orvino, indeed, appears amiable and pleasing, notwithstanding the reserve I could not but remark. To whatever this may be owing, I shall certaiidy prefer him to the other : but this preference must not escape me, lest the Marquis should complain of a partiality which the world will not allow : yet how difficult shall I find it to conduct myself with a species of hypo- crisy I have never yet had occasion to practise, and which I cannot approve, however necessary I may find it. I must therefore discourage my increasing aver- sion to the -Marquis; and perhaps I may shortly discover some unpleasing quality in my new Cavaliere Servente, to obscure in my imagination the fine expression of an aspect, in which candour and intelli- gence are so exquisitely blended. The Count was very silent, and he evidently regarded me with a criticising eye : per- haps he condemns the weak partiality of his friend, which has raised m.e from obscurity THE HOMICIDE. 15 obscurltyand indigence, ton situation which may only illustrate the imperfections that would otherwise have never been observed. Alas ! neither obscurity nor indigence had the power of chasing peace from my bosom, or perfect contentment from my mind ! Shall I not miss them in affluence and elevation ? Heaven only knows ! but, Oh may Heaven grant that I deserve to retain them ! — and let Fortune sport with me as she pleases !" WhenRuvello returned home, lie failed not to enquire of Rosaura her opinion of the Count. ** He has lost some of his vivacity in his Sicilian expedition," added he ; *' but you will agree with the world, that he is a very accomplished C'avahere." *^ His appearance is certainly very pre- possessing," replied she, '* and announces him to be a man of sense." '* You do not then regret having re- jected the services of the Duke di Bran- dos], 16 THE HOMICIDE. dosi, or his handsome nephew r" asked Ruvello eagerly. ^^ No, indeed," replied Rosaura ; ''you cannot doubt that I shall always prefer those Y/honi you love, and who deserve your esteem, to any one who does not possess the same jecomir.eadation to my good opinion. In this instance I shall doubly prefer your friends, because I hope their testimony of my conduct will prove to you that I have a proper sense of your generous love, and of the decoruir due to my own character and your honour." • *' Do not suspect, hov/ever, " said Ru- vello with a smilcj '' that 1 mean to esta- blish either Orvino or Asavoll as observers or censors of your actions. Tlie Marquis has long been my friend ; and he so ear- nestly entreated my interest to procure him the honour of becoming your Cava- liere, that I could not refuse him — nor did 1 wish to refuse him: but for Orvino, I confess to you my vanity is gra titled by lus THE HOMICIDE. 17 his attendance upon yon, because half of the women of Naples have eagerly and vainly \yished to attach him to them- selves." *' I fear then," returned Rosaura, "the distinction you have sought to procure me, will not be unaccompanied by clanger. To become the envy of disappointed vanity, is to be in a situation I should wish to fly from. You tell me you do not mean to establish observers or censors of my conduct. If I ^''vid any thing that appeared to intimate sucli a suspicion, I disavow words that carry a meaning I never intended to give them : 1 suspect only that you are too indulgent, and that I may too soon forget I am liable to all the errors and follies of youth and inexperience. Be you my observer — my qensor when I err. Promise me this, and I shall feel more assured and more happy." ^* Most amiable and lovely of crea-' tures!" exclaimed Ruvello, ** who can deserve 18 THE HOMICIDE. deserve you ? Under what propitious planet was my destiny traced, '(\ hen such a treasure was ordained to me !" The next morning at an early hour, both Asavoli and the Count Orvino at- tended to offer their devoirs ; and in the course of their visit, Rosaura observed that they neither liked nor esteemed each other. The Marquis often cast upon Orvino, as he conversed with licr, a regard at once disdainful and indignant, and appeared to think that he was more at- tended to than he deserved to be ; whilst the Count almost wholly disregarding him, neither perceived his petulance, nor soothed the offended feelings of a man who was enraged to find himself surpassed in those qualities that engage admiration, by one who apparently excited it M'ithout * effort or design. Rosaura, insensibly engaged by the charms of a conversation which at once amused her imagination and satisfied her judgment, vainly endeavoured to bestow an THE HOMICIDE. • 19 an equal portion of her smiles and her attention upon Asavoli, who was too much occupied with the sensations occa- sioned by mortified vanity, to take a satisfactory share in it. He was, however, soon relieved by the entrance of several ladies and a numerous train of attending Cavaliers, wlio effectually impeded any rational conversation ; and Orvino was now compelled to attend to the eager enquiries, and numerous lamentations upon his long absence, which w^re poured upon him from every quarter. The ear of Rosaura was at the same time assailed by the warmest congratulations upon the triumph of having obtained so amiable a Cavaliere Servente ; and she was even cautioned, in a half-jesting accent, against the vindictive emotions of several slighted ladies of high distijiction. *' This is formidable indeed !" ex- claimed she, when the assemblage had dispersed, and she found herself alone in her apartment ; *' and were not this Orvino 20 THE HOMICIDE. Orvino the most pleasing of men — yet to me he should not be so. My gratitude is not engaged to him ; my approbation, iPiy esteem, my affection are attracted elsewhere by kindness, and solicitude, and love : even for the satisfactioa his society may afibrd me, I am indebted to Ruvello. Ever, ever let me recollect this T' The entrance of Ruvello himself inter- rupted her reverie: he was in high spirits, regarded her with admiration, embraced lier with tenderness, and, finally, in- formed her that he was not disappointed in the opinion his friend Orvino had formed of her. The evening brought the two (^avalieri Serventi to ofier their emulative services; and Rosaura received them with equal complacency and grace. She felt, how- ever, much relieved when tlie Countess Almerini, of the family of Ruvello, called in on her way to the Cor$o ; and finding that Rosaura meant to pass an hour there, she allowed a Cavaliere who attended her, leave THE HOMICIDE. 21 leave of absence ; and dismissing her car- riage, desired a place in that oi lier fair cousin, who assented with great alacrity, thouo-h the character of the Countess Avas far from being approved ly her, and her society was ahn<>st displeasing : yet she actually j)referred it to the novelty she could not immediately accustom herself to, of being accompanied only by two men, to whom she had so lately been a perfect stranger. The Countess regarded the brilliant equipage as she passed -to it, with an in- dignant 5ensation of contemptucas anger she could scarcelv controul. The costliness and splendour of the carriage, tl-e number of attendants, the richness of the liveries, the beauty of the horses^ the elegant equipment of the Volanti, or running footUicn, who preceded them, and the gay adornments of tne harness, had seldom indeed been exceeded even in Na^ les, "where this species of luxur) is so comn^.on. The 22 THE HOMICIDE. The Count offered bis band toRosaiira; and Asavoli at tbe same moment present- ing bis, sbe was rather embarrassed; but after hesitating a moment, sbe indicated by a motion, that Orvino should conduct tbe Countess Abnerini, who observed all that had passed, and felt her displeasure inconceiv^ably aggravated, that a creature whom sbe secretly detested for her youth, her beauty, and her celebrity, ai^d whom she equally scorned for the poverty she had been raised from by the infatuation of one of her own family, should thus com- mand the homage of the most accom- plished Cavaliere in Naples. The eyes of Asavoli triumphed at the little preference he had obtained ; and never had he appeared in those of Ilosaura so unpleasing, as at this moment when he was exulting in her supposed favour. He was now in a talkative mood, and the Countess was far from being silent ; so that the subjects discussed, wxre to her uninteresting and insipid. The THE HOMICIDE. 23 The carriage liad scarcely entered the Corso, when that of Signora Merchini passed it in the opposite hne. y Oh the unfortunate !" exclaimed Countess Alnierini, after having returned her salutation with even more affectation of interest than Rosaura unconsciously displayed, *' How melancholy she ap- pears I— sitting immovahle like a statue of ice, and freezing her cicisbeos into silence and distant respect! What a miserable existence is her's !'* ** She is so amiable a \voman," ob- served Kc^aura, ** her sentiments and manners are so gentle and pleasinv, that I should be happ}' to obtain her friend* ship." *' Is the sadness her fine aspect betrays, occasioned by any family misfortune ?" demanded Count Orvino. " Oh, I had forgotten your long seclu- sion," returned the C ountess : *'you have not heard Uien, that it has been discovered through the indiscretion of her page and her 24- THE HOMICIDE. her woman, that Signer Mcrchini is dying with jealousy, and that he Mas the secret occasion of all those apparent caprices in her conduct, wliichwereso much spoken of in the earHer part of their marriage. But enough of her. Here come the Princess di Parmeno and her new Cavahere, the Duke di Brandosi — Vvdiat could induce you to reject his services, my dear little cousin r" '^ The preference occasioned by the recommendation of Signor Ruvello, " re- plied Rosaura, who thought the question at that moment, a very indiscreet one, *^ Ah, C'ount Orvino !" resumed the lady, ** wiiat a vile compliment is this to your superior merit 1 Could I, or could any one have supposed that your attendance is accepted, from the mere recommendation of a husband !'' *' I am gratified to find it so," replied lie, '* as it proves to me tiiat my friend thinks me worthy of his confidence and good opinion, and I hope it will advance me in those oi Signora lluvello." **0h, THE HOMICIDE. 25 '^ Oh, yonr sentiments are very sub- lime !" said the Countess carelessly. '* Here is the superb equipage of Signora Carucci, and Ruvello, as usual, assidu- ously attending her !" added she. '* My good cousin has certainly an excellent taste, for she is extremely handsome: but I am sure neither Ruvello nor any other Cavalicre Servente, was ever accepted b}' her at the recommendation of her old husband 1" lliere v^as something in these insinua- tions tliat excited tlie indio-nation of o Orvino in a very apparent degree; for he darted at the speaker, several looks of severe reprehension, that for the moment silenced her. " Not only with respect to Signora Carucci has Ruvello given some proof of taste," observed the Marquis Asavoli, " but in another instance he has unde- niably evinced it; and his good genius has given him a })roof equally strotig of her prevailing intluence over his fortu- nate destiny." VOL. I. c *' Must ^6 THE HOMICIDE. '* Must I be perpetually fated to listen to such insipid, such heartless nonsense?" secretly exclaimed llosaura, turning from liim in impatient disgust, and affecting to be occupied in regan.iing the carriages that successively j)assed. '' That lady is unknown to you," said Or vino, alluding to a personage whom he believed her to have noticed. *' But she must not continue so, "* exclaimed the Countess hastily : *' it is the old i\iarchesa Bernini. 1 must intro- duce you to each other. She is novv^ quitting the Corso to receive her friends; and I will afhrm that you will not meet in Naples, a society more charming or more distinguished than that which assem- bles at her house.'* ** It must then be exceedingly im- proved wiiliin these few months," said Or> ino gravely ; " for assuredly, \vhen I k-r: Na,;les, theassemhhes of the Marclresa Bernini wculd not hd\e been entitled to 4 so] cit THE HOMICIDE. S7 solicit or expect the favourable attention of Siguora Riivello." *^ Your Sicilian tour has not much improved the urbanity of your manners,'* retorted the lady with the passionate in- dignation of an Italian Countess: ^* for you are become insupportable ; and your philippics are bitter, but they want wit." '^ Pardon my inadvertence," replied be coolly; ** I entirely forgot that the Marchioness Bernini was your friend." Rosaura, who beheld the fire flashing from the eyes of the offended lady, and swell every feature of her face, exerted herself to prevent any further altercation; but when, on quitting the Corso, Countess Almerini requested her to order her car- riage to the Bernini Palace, that she might immediately have the satisfaction of con- vincing her that the conversazioni of the Marchioness were as respectable as any in Naples, Orvino could scarcely command his indignation : but he was rather c S appeased, £8 THE HOMICIDE, appeased, when he lieard her decline it for that evening, under pretext of a slight indisposition. After what had passed upon thic subject, Ttosaura felt entirely averse to the pro- posed introduction ; hut as slie was ex- tremely unv^'iillng to oiicnd Countess Ahuerini, or any part of the family of her husband, she proposed to heisclF to consult him ere she decidece that she Avould be atteiidecl, during- his unexpected banishment; by a Cavatiere - equally assiduous, and much more happy in the power of inspiring approbation than himself.*' Rosaura felt abashed by this insinua- tion, and the treacherous lint that mounted to her cheek, betrayed the emotion it in- spired : but a moment sufliced to restore her 10 recollection ; and perceiving that Orvino, whose eye sparkled with indig- nation vas on the point of replying — ''' You aiC in an eiror, Signor Mar- clicse, " said she hastily; '^ J have ever heard my husband mention you with an esteem equal to that he professes for Count Orvino. I respect his judgment ; and with me, an equality of merit will ever challenge an equal portion of respect and attention." Asavoli, who had already repented his too unguarded acrimon}^ compelled him- self to receive this ambiguous compliment with complacency ; and whilst Orvino secretly . THE HOMICIDE. 41 secretly applauded the presence of mind and prudence Rosaura had displayed, she was forming a resolution to curb in future her conscious aversion to the Marquis, from whose almost open jealousy of the associated attendance of Orvino, she foreboded consequences inimical to her peace. The Count easily discerning that she wished the absence of his competitor, and as he perceived with equal facility that Asavoli would not quit the house without him, he proposed that they should walk together to the Strada Toledo, in which was the palace of the Archbishop. This was assented to ; and Orvino having learned the intentions of Rosaura for the evening, departed with her more turbulent cicisbeo. A few moments after they had left her, Slgnora Merchini was announced, who was attended by her Cavalieri, and the conversation was therefore of a general nature; yet Rosaura found the interest she 42 THE HOMICIDE, she had hitherto felt for her, much height- ened by this interview ; and at her departure, Signora Merchini, taking her hand with an unequivocal demonstration of respect and good- will, mentioned a particular hour in the morning in which she was generally to be found at home, and alone. *' My heart is not satisfied with these casual and constrained meetings," said she in a low tone; *'I would obtain what you think perhaps I do not merit — the more particular regard of Signora Ruvello. I believe my health declines," added she, "with a sigh ; *' but it might be sustained by the sweet consolations of friendship. In you alone I behold a being capable of a sentiment sufficiently tender and disin- terested, to share a sorrow I must not reveal." Ptosaura felt a tear rush to her eye ; and whilst she endeavoured to conceal a sensibility that might speak too forcibly to the sensitive soul of tlie fair sufferer, she THE HbjMICIDE. 43 she promised to avail herself of the inti- mation which created a sentiment at once so pain fid and so pleasing to her. When Signora Merchini had left her, Rosaura reflecting upon the peculiarmisery of her situation, regretted that she had not sufficient resolution to insist upon withdrawing from a world, that only mocked her misery, and sported with her inquietudes. *^ In retirement," thought she, *^ this amiable and unfortunate woman might at least indulge the sadness which relieves the heart, if the countenance may wear it unrestrained and unreproved. She wishes to obtain a friend ! Is a friend then so difficult to be obtained ? Are friendship and affection so seldom experienced? I^ cannot think it ; since my own observa- tions, my own sensations assure me tliat the intercourse which mutual esteem and good-will enliven, bestows happiness upon either party — a happiness I have never tasted from the moment that placed me in this 44 THE HOMICIDE. this sumptuous mansion, and encompassed me with a splendour that dazzled and confounded, but never pleased me ! — Ungrateful Rosaura ! — yet I am not an ingrate ; for I Vv'ould sacrifice my taste, my inclinations, and my peace, could I but ensure to Ruvello the contentment I give up. I would fain cultivate for him a sentiment more warm than gratitude ; but I see him so seldom ! The world deprives me of his society, and renders mine tasteless and insipid to him — the world intervenes, and disunites ns I Before I knew this world, when I existed in a solitude which its votaries fear and con- temn, every impulse of my heart was unchecked and free. With what delight I flew to the cottage of old Antonio ! From afar I could recognise his white hair, his furrowed aspect, and his totter- ing step ; and from afar I could distin- guish the spinning wheel and the tongue of his good old wife. Would I could see them nou^, and hear the blessings they called THE HOMICIDE. 45 called clown upon my head ! When they commended thie fresluiess of m.y }outh, and exclaimed, uitli admiration upon the beauty then* partiahty created, was it Y^idty that gave an emotion so pleasing- to my soul? Ah no ! — it was the sweet consciousness of being beloved by these wortliy creatures! — it was tluit answering affection tliat stripped their iniirm age of all that renders it an object of disgust to an indiffer(nt he.'rt, and pictured them only as o'^-ects of revereme and love ! The good Ai)l)e5,s too— 'in her 1 discerned not the austerity and gloom which str:!iigers liave remarked — I felt only hc^r ])i' ty and her benevolence; whilst she over- looked the giddimss, the wa}wardness, the follies of childhood, and took me to her bosom. Oh fiiendsliip ! if thou canst sniO'.^ih such inequalities— if thou canst unite in thy gentle ban.d?, beings so op- posed — il' thou canst induce the young to regard with pleasure the ravages ol tin;e, and the sad aspect of decay — if tiioii canst 46 THE HOMICIDE. canst compel the aged to contemplate with rapture the youth they must never more enjoy, and draw a saint from Heaven's altar to bend at thine, why art thou not more felt, more understood ! — M'hy has the unfortunate who has now quitted me, vainly asked of fate a friend — and why liave I, alas ! been torn from mine ?" Absorbed in her reflections, Rosaura continued in the same seat and in the same position she had taken when Signora Merchini left her, until her reverie was interrupted by the entrance of her woman, who had been employed by her on a mission of benevolence ; and as the at- tendant rendered an account of it, the usual spirits and alacrity of Rosaura revived. The objects of her compassionate atten- tion were the numerous family of a miserable Lazzarone, who, in crossing a street with an enormous load upon his bdck, could not exert a sufticient activity to THE HOMICIDE. 47 to profit by the warning of the Volanti, and had fallen under the wheel of a car- riage that was passing, which broke his lee, and bruised him severely. The un- fortunate man was taken to a neighbour- ing infirmary, and received within it ; whilst liosaura, who had witnessed the acculent, sent one of her servants to enquire if he had any family, and to learn wdure they lived, if the answer should affirm it. By this domestic she was informed that the pour telicnv, in the height of his agony, had not ceased to bewail the wretched fate of his wife and children, whose daily bread ahnost wholly depended upon his labour, and that they all existed in a hut leading to Pausilippo, whither a testimony oi' her bounty had been imme- diately conveyed, otsutiicient importance to console them for the misadventure, as it was not a fatal one. Rosauia had likewise desired an account oi inc a^es of the cliiidien ; and the mother, 48 THE HOMICIDE. mother, who was a woman of an appear- ance much more decent than her situation promised, liad herself brought it ; and piostrating iierself at the entrance of the mansion, poured out her benedictions upon the fair alleviator of lier misery. Her grateful transports were belield by llosaura from a balcou}^, and she, desired that the woman might be conducted to the anticliamber of her dressino- room, "where she conversed m ith her for some lime, v\m\ discovered that her husband had formerly been a daily laquais in a noble family ; but beino- overtaken bv sickness and other unav(;idable calamities, he had been reduced to his present mise- rable situation. Tlie woman added that her eldest dar.ghter; who v.as nearly seven- teen, was ol a m»odest and quiet disposi- tion; but, to their great regret, she had no means of raising her, by any eflbrt of industry, from the anjrct situation into Avhich they were all plunged. *' I will take her into my household," said THE HOMICIDE. 4^ said Rosaura, *' and I charge myself with her advancement, should she prove dili- gent and attentive." '* Ah, Signora Illiistrissima, you are goodness itself !'' exclaimed the uiother. '^ But, alas ! we cannot give her the cloth ing thatwould be necessary." '* Leave that point to me," interrupted Rosaura : and to remove this little impe- diment to the instant promotion of the girl, had been the business gf Costanza, the femme de chambre. When her Ladv had received an account of the mission, the recollection of the service she was rendering to her more hap- less fellow-creatures, inspired her heart v/ith its wonted gaiety, and the vivacity of her aspect revived with it. Orvino, who returned early in the evening, was much struck with that brilliant and inde- finable expression which those features alone can wear, that are animated with a spark of divine emanation, and exult in the goodness of conscious virtue. No VOL. I. D cloud 50 THE HOMICIDE. cloud had yet intervened to efface its lustre from tlie countenance of Rosaura, uhere it mingled with an evident intelli- gence of mind and sweetness of dispo- sition, Mith smiling youth, and elegance, and beauty. ** Ruvello," exclaimed the Count in the soundless accents of the busied ima- gination, *' Ruvello, have you eyes, and can you take them from this aspect, to regard any other 1 Can you listen to the empty prattle of vanity and folly, when vou mio'ht be cliamied v/ilh the emana* lions of a soul like that of your Rosaura, whose lips open only to disseminate wis- dom, and peace, anfl delight !'* Such was the ejaculation of Count Orvino ; and it is not therefore wonderful that he shoi;ld not pay any j.uaiticular homage to the diarms of the young and simple Virginia Alviano, ^vho accom- panied by her mother, an aunt of Ruvello, %vas iii the evening party of Rosaura. Siguora Alviano, aud even, Ruvello himself, THE HOMICIDE. 51 himself, was extremely desirous to be allied to Orvino through the fair Vir- ginia ; and as she was now generally- assured of encountering the intended lover in the society of Rosaura, the sage parent desired her to study to render herself pleas- ing to her new cousin." ** I would fain do so," replied Virginia innocently, ** for she pleases me." Signora Alviano made some reply, half articulated, which seemed to insinuate that it was not exactly so with her ; vet she never suffered any symptom ofdisiJkei or even of indifi'erence, to escape her in the presence of iier lovely niece; and Rosaura, unsuspicious of that hypocrisy in another, which could never approach her own heart, extremely reverenced Sig- nora Alviano, and loved A'irginia as her sister. Rosaura meant to pass a part of the evening at the Opera where a fa\ourite piece was to be performed, which siie D 2 hoped ^w/V£Rs/ry Of '^'-"^O/S L/8RARV 52 THE HOMICIDE. hoped she might in some degree be suffered to listen to ; and Signora Alviano, with tlie most smiling complacency, expressed the same wish in behalf of Virginia and herself: but to the extreme chagrin of Rosaura, her box was soon crowded, and the whole party as talkative as usual. Countess Almerini, who had immedi- ately joined her, insisted that on quit.ing the Opera; Rosaura sliould accompany her to her habitation, because she ex- pected the Marchioness Bernini to pass an hour with her ; and this lady was parti- cularly desirous of meeting the celebrated Signora Ruvello. The unfavourable insinuations of Or- vino recurred to her at tlris moment with great force; slie cast a rapid glance over his aspect, and beheld him regarding her with an earnest giaviiy that seemed to request a negati\'e to the |>roposition of the Countt&s. She rejected liowever, this mute appeal; and conquering her 4 own THE HOMICIDE. SS own strong reluctance, yielded to the irnj3ortunities which the wishes of Ruvello would not allow her the power of silencing. At this moment Ruvello himself entered the box of Signora Carrucci with that lady : it was immediately opposite to that of Rosaura, who fixing her eyes uncon- sciously upon them, could not repel a momentary reverie upon the absurd tyranny of custom. ** And our lives must pass thus !" sighed she. ** The man who should be my guide and my adviser, must fly me ; and I must receive from others those attentions " Again her eyes turned to Orvino ; but instantly withdrawing them, her regards became fixed, and the scene around her was unobserved. ** Did the Marquis mention to you this morning, " asked Countess Almerini, *' that the old Archbishop was in a way to recover ?" *' It is said that he is dead," exclaimed another lady, without allowing Rosaura D 3 time 04- THE HOMICIDE. time to reply, '•' and that he has be- queathed the principal part of his immense wealth to the Carthusian Convent.'* '* What a cruel disappointment to the Marquis 1" said Signora Alviano. ''It M'ould be," observed one of the attending Cavaliers; " but that I know the Archbishop was alive a few hours back, and the disposition of his property cannot, possibly be known yet." Rosaura heard not a syllable of this discussion ; and Orvino remarking her abstraction, and fearing that the evident coquetry of Signora Carucci and the sedulous attention she extorted from Ru- vello, might give occasion for reflections not of the most pleasing kind, ventured to interrupt them by addressing to her a remark upon the air which a performer was then singing. ** It is indeed a charming melody!" replied she: *'so charming, that I should think it would almost irresistibly impel attention.'* ** Signora THE HOMICIDE. 55 '' Signora Ruvcllo," exclaimed one of the ladies of the party, *' this dangerous malady of the Archbishop is one of the most horrid things 1 have ever heard of!" '* Is it of a nature so distressing?" asked Rosaura gravely. *' Oh Dio!" resumed the other, laugh- ing ; ^' I mean because it deprives you of an agreeable Cavaliere Servente for a few- day s." ** Oh, my charming cousin can well spare the attentions of the Marquis!" said Countess Almerini in a tone of peculiar import. ** But what is the report of the day concerning the disgrace of the Prince and Princess Foscari ?" ** It was an unfortunate game'of bil- liards," replied a Cavalier : *' the Prince intended as usual to lose it, and by some malicious trick of Fortune, he won it ! Alas, poor Foscari! how little avail him now the many thousands he so dexterously D 4 managed JO THE HOMICIDJE. managed to give up to a superiority of Skill 1" ^* Your interpretation then, of the cause of this disgrace, was not quite correct/' said Rosaura, addressing Count Orvino with a smile. '* I am much indebted to }our cle- mency," replied he with the same mien, *' for detecting the error without dis- pleasure. ]\lany a poor Cav aliere Servente would have ])een dismissed for such an inaccuracy 1 — Who would not wish, like me, to be the satellite of a planet at once so mild and so briglit 1" *' Is that a line of Metestatio?" en- quired Virginia earnestly. '' No," replied Countess Almerini, whose attentive car had likewise caught the sound : ** that effusion was extempore. The Count is suddenl}^ become one of the Improvisatori ! — and assu'rcdly the IMuse that inspires him, will reward his devotion by the admiratioir and applause she will be the means of exciting." '' What THE HOMICIDE. 57 '^ What can these insinuations mean?" thought ilosaura: ''delivered too, with an air of such malicious meaning ! Yet her petulance must he accidental — why should it discompose me ? Perhaps it proceeds from some dislike to Count Orvino, who may have unintentionally offended her. I thought it yesterday !" Simple Rosaura, M'hat a conclusion hast tliou drawn ! Old Antonio or his old wife woultl have done the same ! Your friend, the good, but rigid-featured Abbess too, would perhaps have been equally deceived : but all Naples could have corrected your error, and whispered jn your ear that Countess Almerini loved Orvino but too well 1 At the conclusion of the Opera, Ro- sa ura and licr party adjourned to the house of the Countess, and they w'nor,'* interrupted Rosaura, who wished to give her distressed companion time to form some excuse tolerably plausible, ** you had better attend to the disaster, which I am certain- Signora Merchini cannot behold without extreme pain, and resume the discussion at a moment of more composure." *' Pardon Hie," returned he; **Iwish' immediately to learn from tbe lips of Signora Merchini, that which 1 confess I cannot in the remote-it degree guess at." *' 1 will satisfy you," returned she pensively. ** The fruit was presented to- Signora Ruvello^ vv'ho- had consented tO' do me the horiOi.r of partaking it, wheu' a reptile reared its head, and darted at E 5 me 82 THE HOMICIDE. me its venomous sting. Can you wonder if, in the agitation that ensued, the basket was cast away !" *' I cannot dispute your assertion, Sig« nora," replied he, *' strange thougli it may appear. You attest the fact, and I must beHeve it — at least, 1 thank you that you condescend to appease my mor- tified spirit with the relation of a circum- stance which certainly gives a very dif- ferent colour to this adventure. I con- gratulate you and Signora lluvello upon the termination of it, and I am well pleased that it does not appear to reflect, upon me the disgrace of an avowed insult from a lady I have been inclined to esteem." The Cavalier then Mithdrev/, and Sig- nora IMerchini, turning to Rosaura, raised her eyes to heaven, and burst into tears. "■ The misery which I would have veiled from every eye," exclaimed she,, ** is now revealed to your's. My for- bearance THE HOMICIDE. 83; bearance and my discretion are no longer put to a test they could scarcely sustain, when my sick heart demanded commi- seration and sympathy: but I deplore the circumstance, because it will deprive me of tlie friend I had hoped to obtain !" Rosaura was interrupting her, to declare that she esteemed and admired her much more warmly than when she entered the house, l)ut Signora Merchiui proceeded. *' This unfortunate man — for he renders himself much more miserable than he can render me — you would shortly discover it, were I to be silent — he will detest you for having witnessed Ids weakness; and nothing will convince him, I fear, that you would have the generous humanity to conceal it from the world. I see you here perhaps for the last time, and I shall not be permitted to seek you at your own hiibitation. (JoiDpassiouate my lot, amiable Signora liuvello, and endeavour if jjossible to vindicate n>y character from the contempt I am sensible it excites, E 6 without 84 THE HOMICIPE. without casting that contempt upon another !" Ere the sentence was entirely con- cluded, Signor Merchini reappeared with a brow of mingled shame, suspicion, and displeasure. ** Your conference appears to be a very confidential one," said he ; *' but I am compelled to interrupt it, to tequest that Signora Ruvello will judge leniently of the unfortunate sally of vehemence she may perhaps have thought singular. I was indeed very much ruffled by the loss of a sum of money rather considerable, which I had phiced — in short, several- perplexing affairs combined — but Signora Kuvello is perhaps impatient to be gone^ — the world will be seeking her as usual. Shall I have the honour of conducting you ? You have dismissed your Cava- lieri — pe'h:ips your carriage is likewise dismissed ?'' ** No, Signor, it is at your gate," replied Rosaura very much disconcerted and THE HOMICIDE. 8:> and provoked : '* suffer me however, to observe to you, ere I leave the house, that I can comprehend and allow for the many incidents that may sometimes occur to discompose the mind and the temper of every man : and I am sensible that it becomes every woman to be silent and discreet when any little domestic occur- rence in tfie household of a friend may fait under her observation, which the malicious and ill -judging might perhaps mi-sconstrue. I entreat you therefore ta rely upon my assurance, that from thfs moment, the accident of this morning shall never more be mentioned or adverted to bv me.'* '' This obliging condescension over- powers me,'' replied he in great confu- sion. ** Did every woman resemble you, Signora, were others equally prudent, such scenes might not perhaps occur — Signor Huvello is indeed a happy man !" ** Asa husband,'' said Rosaura warmly, ** he is i'ar from being equally so with )OUiSClf. S6 THE HOMICIDE. yourself 1 Pardon an officiousness that is well intended, and suffer me to direct your attentionj since the modesty of Signora Merchini will not allow her to do it — let me diiect your attention to the solicitude she displayed for your honour, your quiet, and her own character, which conjointly with lier pi'omptitude and judg- ment, rescued from the mind of Signor Nascolo " " I heard her words, ?>ladam," inter- rupted he, his indignation again rising; *' they were indeed worthy of commen- dation. — * A rej)tile,' slie said, * had reared its head, and pointed at her its venomous sting !' — I— her husband — /was. the reptile so designated ! I am; no doubt, the Signora, you wish to depart: allow me the privilege of attending you, since you are aK)ue, I am sorry my vehemence should have (hstnrbeil the delights of a meeting which I percei\'e was to have been uno}}serv^ed, since you chose to come incognito ! But you aie probably THE HOMICIDE. 87 probably now in possession of a part of the subject that was to have been dis- cussed, and I imagine " Rosaura interrupted him as with additional violence of gesture and accent he was proceeding*. *' Recollect yourself, Signor," said she, restraining her di pleasure and disgust for the sake of her friend, '* recollect your- self, and let not any sentence that may be uttered in the intemperance of an anger I know to be causeless, reach the ears of your domestics, who will not probably be induced to silence by the motives that govern me." Then turning to Signora Merchini who looked tlie image of sadness, she bade her adieu in a tone of affection and solicitude, and left the house, with a mind too much disturbed to allow her willingly to resort to any other than her own ; and she was. returning home, when the request of Orvino occurred to her, and with some. reluc- 88 THE HOMICIDE. reluctance she drove to the habitation of Sig-nora Alviano, where she was received with grave civility by the mother, and with an aspect of extreme disappointment by the daughter, who had hoped to have heard the Count announced instead of Rosaura : yet the cloud on her brow was soon dissipated, and she was recovering her serenity, when it again vanialied on> hearing the message of Orvino respecting* the music. ** How mortifying this is !" exclaimed Virginia. *' Formerly, ('ount Orvino never forgot or delayed any little service that he could do me ; but now he is become your Cavaliere Servente, he thinks only of yoo !" ** Not in the present instance, how- ever," returned Ilosauiii, endeavouring to smile at h.er iiaivcte; ** for 1 have seen him only for a moment this day., lla appears to be entirely occupied by affairs of importance, and thinks as- little of tlie siugu- THE HOMICIDE. 8^ singularity I am guilty of in flying about without a Cavalier, as he has done of this unfortunate Sonata." ** A singularity indeed !" exclaimed Signora Alviano : ^'sonie people I fear^ would he censorious enough to call it an indecorum ! — Pray is t!ie poor Archbishop dead ?" ** 1 have not heard for several hours back," returned Rosaura, surprised at the formality of the lady, who had not in- tended it however to appear. *' The Marquis sent me a billet this morning, to say that he was supposed to be dying." ** Do you accompany our cousin Ahne^ rini to the conversazione at the Bernini Palace this evening ?" resumed Signora Alviano with the same mien. *' I believe I must do so," replied Rosaura, *' since the Countess has so earnestly pressed the matter: but I am apprehensive that I shall not find occasion to congratulate myself upon the acqui- sition of the society I shall find there." ** A woman 90 THE HOMICIDE. ** A woman in the situation you noxr find yourself in/* observed Signora Alvi- ano, ** pardon me, my dear niece, should yield up her Ovvn opinions to those of the world : the wife of Signor Ruvello should be seen in every circle of distinction." *^ At least 1 will be careful, my dear aunt," said Rosaura with a mien that might have disarmed the malice of envy, *'that the wife of Signor Ruvello shall not reflect discredit upon a kind and generous husband, in whatever circle she may be seen !" *' I must love you, though I am so much vexed !" exclaimed Virginia, throw- ing her arms round Rosaura, and kissing her cheek. " And why should you bo vexed, my amiable cousin r" returned she. " Not with me 1 liope 1 Yet you love me, yoil say ; and I return your affection, Virgi- nia, with all my heart — were you even niy sister, I could not experience more interest in your welfare." '' I thank THE HOMICIDE. - Pl '* I thank you, my clear cousin," said Virginia : '' and now tell me," added she hastily, ** will not Count Orvino accom- pany yen this evening?" ** Very possibly he may not," replied she. '* Should you not be very sorry ?*' demanded Virginia abruptly. ** No, my dear cousin : I am merely compelled by custom to admit of the attendance of Cavalier! Serventi, and therefore the occasional absence either of the Count or the Marquis D'Asavoli can- not give me pain. But I am mortified and chagrined that the usages of society will not allow me that of Signor Ra- vello." ** You love him then, better tliaii CountOrvino?" asked Virginia, regarding her verv earnestlv. *' That is a strange enquiry," observed Signora Alviano, whose eyes were how- ever fixed upon the aspect of Rosaura with considerable keenness of expression, and 92 THE HOMICIDE. and she felt her cheeks gain an addi- tional colotir from a scrutiny so minute. ** I should be both ungrateful and unprincipled,*' replied Rosaura, endea- vouring to regain her usual composure, *' could this adndt of a doubt I Yuu mean not to imply a censure, my go'jd little cousin," added she with more dignity,^ '^ by tlie question you have so thought- lessly advanced : bi-t from the iips of any other person, it would offend me." ** You are much too childish, Yirgi- nia," said the motb.er, withdrawing her own inquisitive regards : '* you should allow \ourself a moment of reflection before you speak 1" V* How often have I told you, my dear mother," replied she laughingly, ** that I would do so, but that unhappily, when I begin to rellect, I forget what I wifsh to say ; so that I must either speak without reflecting, or reflect without speaking." '* You are so amiable," said Rosaura, ** that you may speak from the impulse of your THE HOMICIDE. 53 your heart, without previously scanning its sensations, and never create an enemy amongst the good and the worthy of either sex. Were the rest of the world only as honestly sincere, we should not daily behold so many concealed enemies, and so many avowed friends." On hearing this sentence, SignoraAlvi- ano darted at Rosaura a sudden glance of surprise and enquiry : but perceiving that her aspect was undisturbed, and that wliat she uttered appeared to be a mere reflec- tion, she instantly recovered heiself, and the conversation became of a general im- port till they separated. CHAR 9i THE HOMICIDE. CHAP. IV I N the evening Count Orvino resumed Ills post of cicisbeo ; but as he apj)roachccl Rosaura, the insinuations of Countess Almerini, and the more open discussion of Virginia, rushed to her recollection, and she received him with an embarrass- ment she could not immediately conquer. The entrance of Countess Almerini attended by her Cavalieri, for a moment relieved her ; but this tormenting woman very soon began one of her malicious attacks, by enquiring by what strange accident Rosaura luid been out all the mornmg entn-ely alone, Ho \v THE HOMICIDE. 9^ *' How could it enter into the imagi- nation of Count Orvino to quit you for a moment, wliilst the Marquis is so in- clispensa))ly engaged ?" continued she. " Certainly nothing could be moie. ridi- culously imagined of Ruvello, than to recommend him to you as a Cavalieie Servente : for as he has a vast deal of genius, and as you are a wonderful genius, it might have occurred to iiim that you would conduct yourselves like a pair of Tramontanes — 1/ voili'nig more strious aliould bcjal you I" added she in a M'liisj)er. llosauia disgusted and shocked at a persecution so openly and indelicately pursued, n^ade no immediate reply, hut her indignant mien spoke her feelings: whilst Orvino regarding the Countess for a moment u'ith steady contempt, ob- served that as Sionora Ruvello had con- descended to allow his absence, he did not imagine that any other lady was privileged to condemn it. ^^ Assuredly 96 THE HOMICIDE. " Assuredly not,** replied she: ''but I wish her to condemn it, that all Naples may not condemn her as an innovator of established forms. Take my counsel, my fair cousin,*' continued she, '*and dismiss this recreant V* ** Surely, Signora Contessa," said Rosaura gravely, ** you cannot seriously mean that I should demonstrate to Count Orvino, whose attentions do me honour, a caprice so childishly inconsiderate, or that I should wish to impede the settle- ment of affairs that probably were im- portant, if not indispensable." One of the Cavaliers who attended the Countess, complimented llosaura upon her extreme consideration ; and she smilingly observed that the merit he pic- tended to discover in it, was an implied satire upon the ladies of Naples. ** Oh, cce are ordinary mortals," re- turned the Countess; '^ our perfections are wholly terrestrial, and our minds of the usual construction : but Signora o Pvuvclio," THE HOMICIDE. §7 Riivello, " she added, with an air halt burlesque and half spiteful, and rising as she spoke, '' Signora Ruvello is a being of celestial mould, with a soul elevated far above the highest standard of ordinary merit ; a goddess in fine, for whose presence the assembly of the Marchioness Bernini are now all earnestly wishing 1" *' Your subject is much beneath the brilliancy of wit it has provoked, 'Vsaid. Rosaura with unaffected composure : ''I, will now readily follow you ; for goddessr or mortal, I should not chuse to be im- pertinently late in my appearance at the Bernini Palace.'* The Countess affecting an air of plea- santry, passed on ; but Rosaura perceived that her temper w^as extremely discom- posed, and that she herself appeared to be the object of its present irritation. ** What evil star presides over me r" thought she; '' how have I excirecl this vindictive displeasure ?" Orvino led her in silence to her carria"-e ; VOL. I. F but ^8 THE HOMICIDE. but when he had follo\fed her into It, he remarked her abstraction, and after a moment of irresolute silence— *' You are then," said he, *' on the point of mixing M'ith the society at the habitation of Marchioness Bernini ! Ru- vello justly estimates your prudence; but in urging your compliance with this wish of his, he forgets how cruelly he must martyrize that sensitive delicacy of soul ^vhich distinguishes Signora Iluvello from such women as Countess Almerini !" ** Perhaps," said Rosaura, *•' Signor Ruvello may have some private reason for urging this wish, which it should be my duty implicitly to comply with : at least as I have complied^ I should not allow inyself to lessen the merit of a difticult obedience by a single murmur. " *' You did not, I tliink, entirely reside with Signor Astolfo di Boschero and his Lady," said Orvino after a short pause: ''I understand from Ruvello, tliat some distinguished and distinguishing mind confined THE HOMICIDE. 99 confined to the gloomy sameness of a cloister, tliough probably forgotten by the world, resolved to bestow upon it the most inestimable benefit, by cultivating the virtues and assisting to ripen the youthful judgment of Rosaura di Viralva." Rosaura blushed, and tlie answer fal- tered on her tongue. '' Yes, Count Orvino," replied she, after a pause, ** / had the inestimable benefit of possessing a friend, who im- parted the virtues she wished to cultivate, and inspired the judgment she afterwards nurtured : and I beg of Heaven as the first of boons, that I may never disgrace her generous efforts 1" From this moment, Orvino was silent until they reached the Bernini Palace, and Rosaura had sunk into a thoujrhtful- ness which only the stopping of the Carriage interrupted. The Marchioness received her in a manner that would have been highly flattering, had Rosaura either admired or F 2 respected 100 THE HOMICIDE, respected her; but as this was not the case, her excessive attentions merely oppressed her, whilst the presence of the Duke di Brandosi, who affected to regard her with haughty displeasure, and that of Ernesto, whose eyes followed Orvino and herself with an earnestness of attention that was distressing, gave her an embar- rassment she could scarcely conceal. The rooms were likewise uncommonly crowded, and she experienced all the lassitude and fatigue a heated atmosphere occasions in a southern climate. She heard on every side the most earnest discussions on the niost trifling subjects, and she was compelled to join in them ; but to her extreme disinay, she soon distinguished the names of Merchini and Nascolo, and the affair of the morning was related in various ways, and with so many burlesque incidents to give it a better zest, that it excited the utmost mirth in every unfeeling bosom. Orvino heard the varied narrative with indig- THE HOMICIDE. 101 indignation, and Rosaura with an evident distress, which was excessively increased when some person mentioned that she was present, and entreated her to relate the fact as it really happened. She was in- stantly besieged by a hundred enquiries ; and as every one pressed round her to h'sten to the expected detail, the heat conspired with her agitation to overpower her, and she fainted. When her senses returned, she found herself in a private apartment, where the lady of the mansion and Countess Alme- rini were assisting the women of the household to recover her. Rosaura instantly expressed an earnest wish to be at home ; and though she was entreated as earnestly not to remove until she were more perfect y recovered, she persisted, and was indulged in her desire uf having her carriage ordered. Or vino and Ernesto di Brandosi assisted her to it, and Countess Almerini accompanied her home: but having safely deposited the F 3 fair 102 THE HOMICIDE. fair invalid in her dressing-room, and delivered a thousand injunctions to her women, she called upon Orvino to re- conduct her to the assembly she had so complaisantly quitted. He did not chuseto refuse obedience to this command, however insolent he might think ir ; and Countess ^^Imerini hastily pay ing the farewell com piimentstoRosaura, then left her, attended by Orvino. Rosaura almost immediately dismissed her women ; and taking up a book, en- deavoured to amuse her mind with the ideas of another, rather than allow herself the indulgence of her own : but in less than half an hour she was interrupted by the entrance of Costanza, who announced a physician of eminence, who mentioned that hehad been sent to her by the Countess Almerini. ** Officious woman!" thought Rosaura ; ** how tormenting are the parading atten- tions that result from mere ceremony !'* She was compelled however, to admit the THE HOMICIDE. 103 the physician, who after an examination of her pulse, candidly acknowledged that his attendance Avas not necessary. Yet as she soon discovered that he was a man of sense, and as the world acknowledged that he was a man of literature, she entreated that he would oblige her by remaining to partake a refreshment she had ordered, and he very readily com- plied. Rosaurawas amused and delighted with the wit and ingenuity his observations displayed. ** What a strange world is this 1" exclaimed she when he left her, '* In Naples it is necessary to have a fainting fit, to obtain an hour or two of rational and unrestrained coi;iversatioiti vvith a man of genius, because a titled fool \vill not ada)it a physician to his bpuse but to write a prescription !'* After a short interval of reflection, Rosaura again took up her book ; and as she opened it, a written paper fell to tlie F 4 ground, 104 THE HOMICIDE. ground, which she was very well assured could not have been between the leaves when she placed it upon the table. The physician had taken it up, and commented with great judgment upon the work; but Rosaura could scarcely suppose he had taken the liberty, or the trouble, of giving ]jer the intimation slie read with so nuich agitation. The contents of the paper were to this eiFect. *' The writer of this is inex- pressibly grieved to disturb your repose ; but it is become absolutely necessary that you should learn ere it be too late, that Signor Ruvello does not pass all the hours of his absence from home and from you, with the lady to whom he is the Cavaliere Servente : some of those senseless hours are spent at a gaming-table. Recall him from this pernicious, this ruinous employ- ment, exert all the influence you must possess, THE HOMICIDE. 105 possess, to snatch him from the destruction in which you must, alas ! be involved !'* Kosaura was thunderstruck. — '* Is it indeed so !" she ejaculated. ** But who thus awakens me to my future fate ? Surely Countess Almerini would have taken a less alarming method than this — a more open, a more certain mode of information ! Yet who but the Countess could have instructed this man, and she it seems sent him to me — it is very strange !" The night appeared to her of endless length, and she passed it in the most perplexing suggestions. The sun had risen before Ruvello entered the house, and this repeated tardiness convinced her that the contents of the paper were but too true. He had not heard of her indisposition of J 5 the 106 THE HOMICIDE. the preceding evening, and the repeated enquiries that were delivered in, alone informed him of the circumstance. He expressed much solicitude upon tlic subject, and Rosaura thought the occa- sion afforded her a proper opportunity of again hinting her wish to leave Naples. ** I believe," said she, " that the air of this place is not congenial to me; and I am on that account, rather more anxious to profit by your intention of removing to the Campagna." ** I will instantly put that intention into execution," returned he : *' my affairs shall be immediately arranged, and ere a week passes ovei our heads, we will quit Naples." ilosaura thanked him very earnestly, and he soon after left her, to commence these intended arra/Ugements without a jiioment of delay. *' Until our departure," thought Eo- saura, ** I will remain at home o;i a plea of THE HOMICIDE. 107 of indisposition ; and endeavour to retain him with me at least some part of the evenino-. I shall then discover if the intelHgence so strangely given, be true. A gamester I have heard, is restless and miserable if he be torn from his infatuated occupation. I must watch his aspect, I must — yet what can I effect? I may in- tercede, 1 may insinuate a remonstrance, and 1 may supplicate — and what will all this avail ! Ruvcllo may for a moment yfeld to my prayers, my representations, and form resolutions, which if I have heard and read aright, will be broken as^. soon as formed !'* A servant had twice announced Count Orvino, and Rosaura heard it not; it was only when Orvino himself spoke, that she was recalled from her meditation. ** This intrusion is ill-timed, I per- ceive," said he. '* Am. I allowed ta- remain, or shall I withdraw?" ** By no means," replied Rosaurai f6. hastily.;: 108 THE HOMICIDE. hastily ; *' I was wishing for your presence." *' I am much honoured by that avowal,'* returned he ; *' suffer me to enquire if the indisposition 1 witnessed last evening, has wholly subsided.'' ** To you I will confess that it has," she replied: *' but to general enquiries I make a different reply ; and to account for a falsity I am not pleased to have recourse to, I will tell you my motive. I have for some little time past importuned Signor Ruvello to quit this place for one of less dissipation, and he expresses a generous willingness to comply with my request. You, are I see, surprised that the splendour and gaiety of Naples should not captivate and charm me ; but in truth, I languish for the society of beings I can respect and esteem, and who are capable of friendship and affection : here I vainly turn my regards amidst the crowd that surrounds me, or if I discern in the group a heart with which mine claims kindred. THE HOMICIDE. 109 kindred, some fatality prevents the inter- course I wish for. At the semblance^ of good -will where the reality is wanting, my soul sickens, and I shrink- in pain from the cruel sarcasms of those who wound in s])ortiveness, and deride the distress they occasion. Judge then, if here I have tasted of serenity or peace ? I have not ; and I would seek them where I believe they are to be found ; and not for myself alone, but for R-uvello. I think he would likewise be better satisfied with his destiny : for what mode of existence can afford real and permanent satisfaction, unless it be sanctioned by reason ! To hasten his res.olves, and to spare myself further mor- tification in societies I dislike, I pretend some remains of indisposition ; and to you I address myself, Count Orvino, as the approved friend of my husband, and to whose judgment he often appeals, to strengthen and to hasten the resolution he has adopted, if you do not think the plan 110 THE HOMICIDE. plan inconsistent with his honour or his happiness*" Orvino did not immediately reply, and Rosaura v/as hurt at his silence and abstraction. *' You think me unreasonable," she resumed; *^you think probably that Euvello ought not to be governed by what you ma}'' believe to be a caprice suggested by me — you imagine that with the rank lie claims in society, and the fortune that snpports it, the residence of the Court should be likewise his 1 Believe me, Count, I wish not either to degrade or rusticate the man who has generously " ** Eorgive me," interrupted Orvino hastily, '* that I suffered you for a mo- ment to form so injurious an estimate of my sentiments ! Who could think you unreasonable — who, having once heard you, could suspect that any suggestion of your's could result from caprice ! Ah no — I see the wisdom of your plan, and every THE HOMICIDE. Ill every real friend of Ravello must approve it — but you say, it has for some time occurred to you ! — I am surprised that you should so instantly have discovered the necessity — the utihty I would say ** Yes, Signora Ruvello, " resumed he, after a short pause, '' your remark is just : few, very few women in the societies you frequent; are entitled to challenge your approbation or win your friendship. With: them the tie is formed v/ithout judgment^ and dissolved without reason :. it is a fan- tasy, a name — not a sensation of the soul rtsulting from esteem, from admiration, from that indefinable sense of unison which flatters equally the heart and the understanding — that approximation of ©pinion and sentiment which the habit of association may create, but which wilL likewise exist without any previous comr niunication or intercourse of mind !" Ptosaura blushed deepl3^ ** Orvino v/as destined then," thought she, *^ to be my friend L" He 112 THE HOMICIDE, He was proceeding after another pause, to say that every aid he could give to her M'ishesshe might command, when a servant presented a letter to Rosaura, of which a countryman, he said, was the bearer, and that it required immediate attention. She started on behol ling the superscription, and hastily tearing it open, regardless of the presence of Orvino, read these hnes* '* MY DEAR NIECE, ** You will assuredly parti- cipate in the distress of your poor uncle, and in that which overwhelms me, when I tell you thatPietro met us when we had nearly reached our home, with the afflict- ing intelligence that above half of our habitation, our gardens, and our vine- yards rented by the neighbouring peasants, have been carried away by a violent deluge from the mountains. Alas, Rosaura ! we have exhausted our resources by our expe- THE HOMICIDE. 115 expedition to Naples, and unless your generous husband can assist us, we shall never more enjoy the competency of which this accident so cruel and so unexpected, deprives us. ** We are proceeding with the utmost expedition, to endeavour to save what may yet remain to us, and we dispatch Pietro on to you, in the hope that you will be enabled to send us some succour by him. He is, you know, trusty and careful. — Adieu, my beloved niece I lam your affectionate though afflicted aunt, ^' RODEGONDA Dl BOSCHERO." Rosaura read this letter with extreme emotion ; and when she had concluded it, mused for some moments upon the possi* bility of immediately complying with the request it contained, without the partici- pation of her husband. Or vino who had watched her aspect, perceived 114 THE HOMICIDE. perceived her agitation, and that lier mind was now balancing some consequent reso- lution. *^ Can I assi-st you?" demanded he. ** Will you command the services which it may be in my power to afford you ? I wish not to limit them to the trifling offices of a Cavaliere Servente — in these I may possibly fail— but I would extend them to the more grateful othces which friendship solicits, and which friendship allows/* *' I thank you raost sincerely/* replied Rosaura : ** but in the present instance, I do not find that I can avail myself of the aid you kindly of!er, or even of the advice I would otherwise demand ; for I have but one path to pursue." *' I will not impede you in it,*' returned, he: *' since 1 cannot have the happiness of assisting you, I v»'ill withdraw." Rosaura did not oppose his departure, and he left her ; but hastily returned to the apartment ere he had quitted the house, 3 to THE HOMICIDE. ^ 11^ to enquire if she commanded his attend- ance in the evening. Rosaura rephed that she should neither leave her house, nor receive visitors. " This evening then," returned he, *' I will devote to the performance of a painful dutj/, since I cannot employ it in a pleasing one. Once more adieu, Signora Ruvello ; allow me to say that the plan you have deigned to impart to me, shall receive every aid I can suggest or devise." She remained after his departure for a few moments in an attitude of deep reflec- tion, and then desired the bearer of the letter to be conducted to her. Her order was obeyed, and Pietra entered the apartment M'ith a thousand bows and rustic ceremonials, scarcely recognising in the fine Signora before him, encompassed with the decorations of luxury, the s[)rightly and condescending Rosaura di Viralva, Mdiom the whole village, and every neighbouring peasant round 116 THE HOMICIDE. round her uncle's dwelling, had known and loved. '* I would welcome you with more pleasure, Pietro," said she, in the same sweet tones he so well remembered, "did you not bring me such unhappy tidings." Pietro shook his head. '* Unhappy in leed, Sia,nora!" replied he; " the whole valley has suffered cruelly — some of us more, some less: and nothing now is to be heard but moans and lamentations. At the Convent they dis- tribute bread and soup, it is true, to those who have no other food to eat ; but the good Nuns have suffered great losses likewise, and they can't do what their piety and charity would make them do in better times. Poor old Antonio !" " What of him?" demanded Rosaura eagerly. '' His cottage and all he had is swept away," replied Pietro; *^ and for two nights, we could not persuade him to shelter THE HOMICIDE. 1 17 shelter Ijiniself in any other. As for his poor wife — Signora. she perished in the flood !" Rosaura bur.-! into tears, and several drops of sorjow likewise stole down the rugged cheeks of Pietro. ** When do yon return?" asked she at length : *' you must be weary, honest , Pietro — retire now, and repose yourself." *' With your leave, Signora," replied he, *^ I vv^ouldset out as soon as I receive your commands; for I cannot rest any where, away from my family just now, for fear the deluge should pour down again from the mountains, and carry them away. Oh Signora, it was horrible ! — and only that Signor Astolfo ordered me on pain of his displeasure, I could not have had the heart to have come so far from them." *'' Retire then," said Rosaura, *^ and take some refreshment, whilst I write some letters, and arrange a packet, which I will entrust to your fidelity and care," She 113 THE HOMICIDE. She then ordered a domestic to attend particularly to the accommodation of Pietro, who left her to the accomplish- ment of her plans. Ptosaur^ instantly retired to herdressing- room, and collected all the money she possessed. The sum was not large ; for the liberality of Ruvello had lately been checked, probably by his own losses at play ; and the soul of his wife ^vas not formed of the same materials that compose that of a misery for her heart was com- passionate, and her hand open. She like- wise reviewed her jewels, which were very valuable, and so numerous that she never wore the whole of them at the same time. A part of these she intended to send to her uncle, to relieve tlie distress she so seuhibly felt : but as she was dividing the ornaments into wdiich they were composed, for this purpose, it occurred to her that Ruvello might perhaps experience more chagrin at this disposition of a brilliant superfluity, than he \vould feel from the incon- THE HOMICIDE. 119 fiicoiiveuience of parting ^itli a sum of money he liad differently appropriated. ** I should {)erhaps apply to him as my aunt intimates," thought she : ^' yet how can I do so, wlien I suspect — when I am ahiiost assured that he could not comply with her request without considerable end:)arrassment. I cannot therefore make an application so distressing to myself and to him, and stili less can I suffer the benefactors of my youth to solicit in vain that assistance I can so easily bestow !" She then proceeded in her employment ; and having carefully })acked almost tlie moiety of her jewels in a small compass, made a division of her money into three separate parcels, and wrote an affectionate reply to her aunt, to whom she stated the reasons that impelled her rather to send some part of the expensive orna- ments already bestowed upon her, than to petition the further generosity of her husbancl. *' May IQO THE HOMICIDE. '* i\Iay they," added Rosaura, ^^ he found sufficient for the present emergency, and for the future I will study to suppress any imaginary or unreasonable want of my own, that I may not blush at a cul- pable inability to supply the real ones of those 1 am bound to revere and love I" Rosaura next addressed a letter to the Abbess of the Convent mentioned by PietrO; wliich was the same in which so much of her lite had been spent : it was dictated by reverence, gratitude, and affection ; and towards the conclusion, she condoled with the worthy woman upon the affliction Heaven had thought proper to visit on the pious Sisterhood, and be- sought her to distribute to the poor sufferers of the valley, the sum that Pietro vrould be entrusted to deliver to her^ In little more than an hour every thing Mas arranged to her satisfaction ; and she sent to desire the attendance of Pietro, who still persisting in his wish of returning, without THE HOMICIDK. l21 ^Htllout losing an unnecessary moment, received from the hands of Rosaura the packet for her uncle and his wife, with an impressive injunction to be careful of the charge. *' These fifty, crowns are for yourself and your family," said she. Pietro fell on his knees, and kissed the hand extended to him. " Rise, honest Pietro," added Ro- saura, '^ and attend to me — and these fifty crowns are for poor old Antonio : tell him I will further recollect his wants and his age at every opportunity, and tell him I weep for his calamity ; but I entreat him to be comforted ! In this parcel addressed to the good Abbc^ss, are a hundred crowns ; and here is a letter likewise for her, which you will deliver as soon as possible. And now farewell : be careful of yourself, and be careful of what I have confided to you ! Ilow do you travel ?" vot. 1. ' G Pietro 122 THE HOMICIDE. Pietro explained to her that he should take the opportunity of trav^elling with a Vetturino who was a friend of his, returning to a place within a league of the habitation of Signor Astolfo, and that he had informed him he should set out in a couple of hours. He then made his parting obeisance, accompanied with a very fervent benediction, and withdrew. CHAP. THE HOMICIDE. 123 CHAP. V. OSAURA now debated with herself whether it would not be better imme- diately to inform Ruvello of the step she had taken, rather than defer the discovery to a future period. *' Yet if he should pursue this plan of retiring from Naples," she argued, *' I shall seldom indeed find occasion to wear these expensive adornments, and Ruvello may then perhaps better reconcile himself to the disposition I have made of a part of them, l^ we remain here, he sees me so seldom that he will not observe their absence, and if I inform him that I have G 2 thiuu 124 THE HOMICIDE. them not, he will fancy perhaps that something is wanting in that style of decoration which he is so fond of: for the present then I will let 4:he subject rest, and as incidents arise, so will I act." Virginia Alviano was now announced to her, and was received by Rosaura Avith unfeigned pleasure. ** I understand that you have been ill, my dear cousin," said Virginia: *' you fainted last night at the Bernini Palace, and my mother and I have only just now heard it, or she would have sent me sooner." Rosaura assured her that her indispo- sition had much subsided, and that it had not by any means been serious. *' I hoped so at the tnne Countess Almeriiii mentioned it, ' replied rhe artless girl, *' ior she diiT not appear c*)ncerned : but she is so untetiing that I could not be certain — anti besides, 1 thought C ount Orvino looked veiy grave, lie came to liS this morning with the music ; but he remained THE HOMICIDE. - 1^5 remained only ten minutes, and said that an affair of ini porta iice obliged him to hurry away. I should like to know what engages so mucli of his attention since hrs return from Sicily !"' *' He engages a considerable portion of your attention, I perceive," saidRosaura smiling. ** Of my attention I" repeated Vir- ginia, blushing: '^ v/hy that should be I cannot tell ; for I am sure I have no expectation of any thing happening which my cousin Ruvello speaks of I I rather think he should have been kiijd enough to have married me himself, and left you for Count Orvino : but no truly!- — my. cousin Ruvello praised me excessively, and was delighted with my disposition, which he said would just suit the notions of his friend : but when you came to Naples, he never reflected whether you would suit the notions of any other man — he thought only how he could secure you for himself ! and I really think Count G 3 Orvino 126 THE HOMICIDE. Orvino would have clone the same, had he seen you first !" , " i^Jy dear Virginia," said Pvosaura after a momentary embarrassment, ** you luive more than once spoken to me of Count Orvino in a manner I am com- pelled to notice with seriousness: yet I understand that tliere is an idea enter- tained hy your family, that should prevent those insinuations you allow yourself. You are chagrined perhaps, my amiahle cousin, that he should have been recom- mended to me by my husband as a Cava- liere Servente, because you naturally believe that the ceremonious attentions he is compelled to employ in this absurd office, will occupy too large a portion of his time? Believe me, however, I will so regulate " '* You are too good/' interrupted Vir- ginia, throwing herself into the arms of Kosaura : ''I am a simpleton — I know- not what has possessed me ; but on the evenins: I met Count Orvino here, I saw how THE HOMICIDE. 127 how it was, and then it occurred to me that I should have bcv'^n better matched witli my cousin Ruvello, and you should have been Countess Orvino. " Pvosaura blushed deeply , and again licr embarrassment returned : but her changing aspect escaped the attention of her young companion, who after a pause of a few moments, enquired if she felt displeased. " No, Virginia,'' replied she, '* but vou distress me ! Your lanouap-e, were it lieaicl by the world, woidd perhaps extremely injure me, and give an impres- sion of the character and conduct of Count Orvino which he is far from deserving. You should reflect, my sweet young friend, that the faith which a wife has promised at tiie altar, is of a very sacred and of a very extensive nature : neither her eye, her fancy, or a single thought should wander from him whom she has chosen, and from whom only death or infamy can divorce her ! Think G 4 of 128 THE HOMICIDE. of this, my dear Virginia, and tiien judge of the inqr.ietude you may unintentioii- ally occasion me, who would M'ish not only to perform my duty with the strict approbation of my own lieait, but would also feel even an undeserved cen- sure on a point so delicate, very keenly.'* *' Forgive me," exclaimed Virginia, '* I now perceive my error very clearly 1 You have shewn it me without anger, but in a manner that makes me detest myself, whilst I love you still more— you have taken what 1 believe to have been envy from niy bosom, and filled it with ad- miration 1 Teach me to become as good as you are, or almost as good ; and then I shall be satisfied with myself, and be loved by every one but such women as Countess Almerini : she does not love you, my dea^' cousin, and I kate her for it !" These words were scarcely uttered wheu Countess Almerini herself was announced : she was accompanied by Ernesto di 5 Brandosij, THE HOMICIDE. 159^^ Brandosi, whom she presented to Rosaura as a^ Cavalier whose proifeied services she had just accepted, that he might have an opportunity of alleviatinor his mortification for having been so inexorably rejected by her. ** I congratulate Signor Ernesto,^' said Rosaura, smiling, ** that tiie consolation- afforded him, so much exceeds the chagriu that called it forth." The Countess nodded significantly ; and Rosaura very much disliking the subject she had chosen, and the manner she had adopted, hastily led to another topic, which terminated in a request fronv her visitor, that she would not forget to- appropriate an hour in the evening to the concert she was to give, in which, she said, an Ambassador's Lady was to be one of the performers. ** Pardon me," replied Rosaura ; '' the- indisposnion I still feel, mast excuse my absence." ** Impossible I*' exclaimed the Countess |; «. 5 '' k' 130 THE HOMICIDE. '* it is a mockery to talk of indisposition -with eyes so brilliant and a countenance so blooming. You will be half the aitrac- tion of the evening, and I cannot spare you : besides, have I not secured Signor Ernesto, if you should again faint, to break your fall, and assist Count Orvino in carrying you off, with the same grace they exhibited yesterday. I assure you the group was excessively admired 1" '' Accept my acknowledgments, Signor Ernesto, for your liumane assistance,'' said Rosaura ; ** I was not sensible that I was so much indebted Jioyou. Countess Almerini will likewise condescend to re- ceive my thanks for having obligingly sent me medical aid." *' No, upon my word," replied she ; *' I had not any idea that you required it, and I rather imagine you may range that little attention amidst those bestovv'ed upon you either by my new Cavaliere or your own." Without allowing Rosaura time to reply, sfic THE HOMICIDE. 131 she then renewed her urgency for her presence in the eveniug, and persecuted her with alternate raillery and pique, until wearied with opposition, Rosaura unwil- lingly assented. This point obtained, Countess Ahnerini rose to (Jepart, having first mentioned to Viro'inia whom slie had not before conde- scCiided to notice, tliat she should expect Signora Alviano and herself at an early liour. As slie was quitting the room however, she recollected the affair which Imd occupied so much attention the pre- ceding evening, and asked of Rosaura a history of Nascolo's disaster, who related' it as Signora Merchini had represented it to Nascolo himself: the Countess pro- fessed l^icrself unable to credit this repre- sentation, bat having vainly pressed Rosaura to disclose the mystery, she at length ^leparted. A few minutes after, Rosaura received a very affectionate billet from Signora Alviano, which informed her that she o 6 found 152 THE HOMICIDE. found herself unable, from being com- pelled to attend to business of importance, to accompany Virginia in the evening, and beaded that her beloved niece would call at her house as she passed, and take charge of her young cousin. To this request Rosaura assented with great alacrity. — '' But, my dear Virginia," said she when the billet had been read aloud, " }ou must not expect to see Count Or vino with me, fer 1 had informed him of my intention not to quit my house, and he has appropriated the whole day to the arrangement of concerns that 1 believe to be of importance." *' If you had hinted this to Countess Almerini," returned Virginia, ** you would have ended her importunities at once, I was well convinced all the time she was urging you, that it was the hope of Count Orvino's presence and not your's that obtained you so much solicitation 1" *' it is your o\\ n partiality, Virginia," said Rosaura gravely, *' that gives you thi^ THE HOMICIDE. 135 this false colouring of the sentiments of others : but I lyelieve in this instance }ou mistake equally " ** No indeed," interrupted she, '*not in this instance : I will submit to your decision in many others; but every body knows that slie tried every method she could invent to obtain him for a cicisbeo, and he repeatedly declined it. I have heard many people say it in the presence of my mother, who would have contra- dicted it, if it had not been true.. I ant very certain that the Count detests her^ and I am sure I dislike her almost as much< i as he does. Countess Ahuerini does not love any woman w ho is young and hand^ some, so that she likes you less tiian any body — and I fear, my dear cousin, that she will pretend so much friendship for you, that she will at length gain your confidence, and employ it to your in?- *' Are these sentiments wholly your 134 THE HOMICIDE. own?" demanded Rosaura, regarding ber earnestly. ** I should not perhaps have thought all this," returned Virginia, '' had not Count Or vino hinted something of the kind, aiid begged my mother to caution \ou upon the subject. My mother pro- mised that she would, if sb.e saw occasion ; hut yet she appeared unwilling to inter- fere, and I cannot help telling you what passed.^' ** You are indeed very amiable !" exclaimed Rosaura after a momentary thoughtfuincss, " and I will endeavour to repay the interest }ou manifest for nie, with the affection you can so well inspire. I think indeed with Ruvello, that with a heart so benevolent and good as your's, a temper so gentle, and manners at once so artless and engaging, you should belong- to Ids friend Or vino." " With such a conclusion," returned Viri/'inia, *' ^■ou confer a still o-reater eulo- THE HOMICIDE. J o:> eulogium upon him ! Do not be sorry for that, my dear cousin," she added, re- garding llosaura with a smiling air, "and be not displeased with nie for making the remark : no one can avoid admiring him. But I will have done — only, I must say it was unfortunate for me, that my cousin Ruvello should put a notion into my head which 1 know is a very foolish one, and yet I cannot quite get rid of it; and now you, even you, confirm my folly !" Tins intimafion struck llosaura very forcibly, and she instantly saw the neces- sity of repressing the artless partiality of Virginia, until the sentiments of Count Orvino were decisively known. At lengtli after a visit of two hours, Virginia left her, and the mind of llosaura th.en reverted to the melancholy commu- nication of her aunt, aud to the anony- mous billet, which she now suspected to have been written by Orvino himselF, since it was more than probable that he had occa- sioned 13G THE HOMICIDE. sionedthe visit of the physician. His broken sentences crossed her recollection at the same moment. — '^ He was surprised," thought she, *' that I should so early have discovered the nectssiiy of a removal from 'Naj)les ! This aiiluence then," added she^ casting a glance round her, ^^ may be only imaghiary — a moment may precipi- tate us from luxurious indulgences, to the single care of providing for the wants of nature, as they are contracted by poverty into the narrow compass of neces- sary food and covering ! I may soon learn to submit to this, because my former situation was not greatly removed from it; but how will Ruvello be resigned to the fate he prepares for liimself ?" Ruvello, V ho generally dined at home, sent word that he was particularly en- o-asrcd, and desired tliat she would not await him ; and Ros-aura too much agitated by unpleasant reflections to take the meal, unless compelled to it by a complimentary cleference to another, merely refreshed hersetf THE HOMICIDE. 137 herself wiUi some iced lemonade, and began the task of dressing for the evening. With a reluctance unconquerable slie decorated lierself with such of her jewels as yet remained in her possession, and A\ith almost equal unwillingness of soul, sliC entered her carriage at tlie proper hour, and drove to the house of Signora. Alviano. Those of her own rank who beheld her without a single Cavalier, uttered a thousand comments and conjectures upon a proceeding so extraordinary: and those men who had been disappointed in the design of distinguishing themselves as the cicisbei of the charming Signora Ruvello, pronounced her alternately an affected prude and a refined coquette, and even insinuated that this sinii'ularitv of conduct could only result from a disposition to intrigue, which the attendance of a Cavalier of honour would disconcert. Her own sex, under pretext of softening the severity of such accusations, refined upon them ]3S THE HOMICIDE. them witli such a dexterity of animadver- sion, that in the space of half an hour Rosaura v/as tacitly loaded with ahiiost every evil quality which the heart and the mind of a woman ciRild he tainted with. She Nvas graciously allowed however, a iiue person and very harmonious features; but that captivating expression of aspect, and those prepossessing nmnners which the hasty opinions of some peoj)le had assigned her, were denied very strenuously. In fine^ she was a very strange and tramon- tane creature, and certainly this whim of appearing everywhere without a Cavaliere Servente, was not easily to be accounted for, but in a manner very disadvantageous to her character, and to the honour of her husband. Hosa u ra m ea n t i n = e, i) a v i n g ret u r n ed the polite salutations of her friends, as they passed her in their way to the Corso, arrived at the house of Signora Alviano, unconscious of the comments she had excited, and found this lady occupied in looking THE HOMICIDE. 1 S9 looking over papers and parcliments M'ith a Prociiratore. She quitted the employ- ment liowever, when Rosaura \vas an- nounced, to receive her with even more than licr accustomed consideration, nor did she betray even an involuntary dispo- sition to remind her fair niece of the obscurity from which she had been raised. Rosaura, who had intended to pass half an hour vv'ith her, finding tliat the Pio- curatore was detained, would not impede the business upon wliich he had been sunuiioned; but as liwds yet too early an hour for the society at the house of Countess Almerini, she determined to essay what she was almost hopeless of suc- ceeding in, to gain admittance to Signora Merchini : but her apprehensions were just, for Signora Merchini was denied, lo lier under a plea of illness, by a servant Rosaura had never before seen at the door, of an aspect at once morose and suspicious. After 140 THE HOMICIDE. After a parley wliuh he encleavou?eJ to shorten, and to R(;^aura prolong, a billet Whs given to one ot lier servants, from the hou5.e ; and liosaura opening Jr, whilst she ordered her people towair, read this bentence in a writing unlike tliut of her unfortunate friend. '* Signora Merchini is now too much indisposed to receive visitors; and when her convalescence i^ ascertained, she will leave Naples !" *MIapIess Signora Merchini !" exclaimed she, *' too truly you foretold t'nis capri- cious injustice 1 I must then give up the hope of affording you the consolation 1 sigh to offer you, and equally gi\ e up the hope of finding in you the friend and adviser now become so necessary to me!" With a pensive mien liosaura returned to fulfil her engageqient with Virginia, and they proceeded together to the habi- tation of Countess Almerini, who received Rosaura with an air so completely tinc- tured THE HOMICIDE. ]4i tured uith surprise and disappointment, that it well justified the assertion Virginia had advanced respecting Orvino, ** Signora Ruvello, how is this?" ex- claimed the Countess: ** again are you unattended 1 Has Count Orvino again flown to Sicily to nurse his sister, or has he likewise a rich uncle at the point of death r" *' Neither the one nor the other, I believe," replied Rosaura : ** I intended you may remember, to have remained at home, and I did not advertise him of the alteration which you had effected in the disposition of my evening, because — — " *' You should avoid this extreme inat- tention to our general habits," resumed tliC Countess in an accent of impatience ; '* or rather, I imagine, this entire defiance of them : it will cieate you many censors, and probably many enemies. The power of innovating a custom so establislied, requires more stable an auxiliary than the 142 THE HOMICIDE. genius that may perhaps be allowed to a youthful beauty, who is fond of acting with singularity !" Rosaura was so much surprised by this unexpected severity of reprehension, that she paused for some time ere she could form any reply to it; and when at length she attempted to utter one, the Countess turned suddenly from her, to rejoin the party she had quitted. Virginia expressed in a low voice, her indignation at the insolence she had heard, and adverted to the opinion she had herself so recently given. *' Your reception would have been very different,** added she, '' if you had been attended by the Count ! I was indeed surprised that my mother did not remark his absence ; but I believe she was so ex- tremely interested in the business you found her engaged in, that her imagina- tion was not to be detached from it a moment. What can the Countess and her set THE HOMICIDE. 143 set be so earnestly discussing?" continued Virginia. *' How impertinently they regard us, my dear cousin !'* *' They are discussing the absurdities of my character," rej)lied Rosaura ; '' and I fear I have thoughtlessly given them a latitude they will not fail to take every advantage of!" In a very few moments she was sur- rounded by enquiries upon her late indis- position, which were generally made with such tones of pathetic interest, that she could scarcely persuade herself she had not been at the point of death : yet a certain regard accompanied these tender enquiries, a certain equivocal demeanour, and so many earnest whispers, that Rosaura con- cluded half the assembly at least privately coincided with the Countess, whose haughty remonstrance and representation gave her an inquietude she could not overcome. ** No doubt," thought she, '' 1 have many censors, and possibly I have enemies : but 144^ THE HOMICIDE. but I have not rendered them so by t])c silly wish of in novating established customs, nor do I defy the slavery imposed by general habits. Why else am 1 now here, decked with a splendour my reason con- demns as absurd, and mixing with a crowd of people who utter only the sly sarcasm of ill-nature, or that insipid adulation they neither expect nor desire the person to \vhom it is addressed, should be the dupe of!" Ere the concert was concluded, Ernesto di Brandosi, who was conversing for a moment with Virginia, v/as spoken to by one of the domestics of the household, and he instantly left the apartment : when he returned to it, Rosaura herself remarked that he regarded her with looks of con- sternation and pity, and that he was endeavouring to approach her, with an earnest expression in his eye she could not mistake. The contents of the anonymous billet instantly sugge^^ted themselves to her mind, TTIE HOMICIDE. 1 4 J mind, and she believed that sometliing horrible had happened : she had just ibibearance enough however, to check her impetuous emotion, and deputed Vir- ginia 10 make the enquiry she did not dare to advance herself. *' Entreat Signora Ruvello to withdraw- as soon as posbible/* returned Ernesto : *' her carriage will await her, and Count Orvino who \viil attend her, will explain the necessity of this request.** *' Ilnvcllo has ruined himself," thought she : '' alas, poor Ruvello ! I mu^-t endea- vour to console him 1" Rosaura would have questioned the young man further, but that he was com- pelled at tliis instant to attend asunmions from Countess Ahnerini ; whilst Virginia, V. ho could not divine what had happened, was in the utmost agitation until lier com- panion could retire, who notMMthstanding the emotions that almost overpowered her, awaited until she found an opportunity of doing so without discomposing the VOL. J. H assembly^ 140 THE HOMICIDE. assembly, which the disorder she had created the preceding even iiio- would have rendered the more remarkable. At length this opportunity so ardently desired, presented itself, and scarcely more perturbed than her young friend, Rosaura hastened to receive the promised explanation from the lips of Count Orvino. He did not immediately present himself: but her carriage had scarcely proceeded a hundred yards, when the Count stopped it, and requested admittance. Rosaura now found her apprehensions increase to such a degree, that she was unable to utter a syllable, and it was the voice of Virginia which demanded in trembling accents what had happened. *' Ruvello has committed an impru- dence," returned Orvino, ** the conse- quences of which But let me conjure you," he added, regarding the counte- nance of Rosaura, to which the uncertain light in which he viewed it, gave a very pallid hue, ** let me conjure you not to suffer THE HOMICrDE. 147 suffer an alarm greater than the occasioa requires." *' Allow me then, fully to understand the occasion," said she: ** Ruvello has been imprudent — he has perhaps reduced his patrimony, or he has annihilated it ?" *^ Not so," replied Orvino ; ** but he has allowed himself to be provoked beyond the limits of discretion, and has offended against our laws — he has been engaged in a duel 1" '* Oh Heaven ! he is wounded 1 Where is he. Count ? — conduct me instantly to him !" ** Compose yourself I entreat you," said Orvino : '* I assure you, on the word of a man of honour, that he is unhurt ; but you cannot immediately see him. You know the severity of the law respecting this transgression of it. He is confined at the house of the Giudice Cri' nihiale ; but every exertion v/hich friend- ship can suggest or perform, shall be practised to soften his sentence — yourself H 2 must 148 THE HOMICIDE. must solicit the interest of those to whom your virtues are known, and by whom they must be admired ! When Signora Ruvello pleads, who. could reject the petition !" Rosaura made a silent motion of dissent. '^ Count Orvino is right," exclaimed tlie weej)ing Virginia; *' it must be a hard heart thatcouici refuse you, my dear cousin ! I would every one loved you as I do — but be comforted 1" *' Amiable girl !'* said Rosaura, pressing her to her bosom. '* Let me know," added she, turning to Orvino, '* the whole possible extent of the misfortune that may await us — tell me, Count, if the sentence cannot be mitigated, what it then will be ?" " I fear," replied Orvino, ** I much fear in that case but it must, it will be mitigated." ** i believe I recollect," resumed she, '* that for this offence buf, Count, you THE HOMICIDE. 149 you tell me not of tiie situation of Ptu- vello's adversary. Oh God ! I can divine the fatal truth — he has deprived a fellow- being of life ! Alas, poor Ruvello ! how deep must be thy remorse !" Orvino replied not, and she well inter- preted l)is silence ; Virginia shuddered too, and clung to the arm of Rosauia, who sighed deeply ; and ere another sen- tence was uttered, the carriage stopped at the house of Signora Alviano. Orvino advised that Rosaura should not enter it, but hasten home to secure any effects of value v.diich could be removed without difficulty, before the seals of justice wtre placed upon them. Virginia hearing this, bade her affec- tionately adieu, and said she would see licr early in the morning. ** But perhaps," said Rosaura, detain- ing her, ** Signora Alviano would advise and support me on this afflicting oc- casion ?" H 3 *« There 150 THE HOMICIDE. '*TIieieis no time to be lost, "returned Orvino : " let me conjure you not to await the result of sucli a request !" Rosaura suspected from tlie manner in vv'liich this was uttered, that the Count liad already made it in vain ; and uuM'ii- \i]ig to wound Virginia by illustrating a dnuhi so painful, she gave her a parting embrace; and drove away. Orvino scarcely awaited her enquiry ere he inveighed with bitterness against tht cold-hearted hypocrisy of Signora Aiviano ; and Rosaura then learned that the Count had flown to her the moment the unhappy affair had reached his know- ledge, in the fallacious hope that she M'ould liave personally countenanced and assisted ]]cr. '' 1 pity a woman," said Rosaura sigh- ing, ** uho deprives herself of the respect and affection of such a daughter as Vir- ginia !" ** And I detest a woman," exclaimed Orvino THE HOMICIDE. 151 Orvino warmly, '* whose soul is incapable of admiring' and loving such a niece as Signora Ruvello." ** I thank you, Count," said Rosaura, after a momentary silence, ** for the generous concern that impelled that sen- tence : a little reflection however, will convince you that it is as much too severe towards Signora Alviano, as it is too honourable for me. And now, have the kindness to inform me, if when you spoke of the seals of justice, yon meant to infer that the possessions of my husband would be probably confiscated ?" ** I fear they Vvill," replied he, *' unless the intervention of powerful friends " '^' The other part of the penalty awaiting this unfortunate transaction," interrupted she, *' will be 1 suppose, banishment from these States for life?"' '^ Wherever you are — In whatever country you exist," returned the Count, *' the most exalted esteem, the highest consideration of every feeling heart— " H -i The 152 THE HOMICIDE. The carriage now stopped bef(;re tiie splendid dwelling of lluvello, v.hcre every indication of tumult and disorder was visible at tlie first glance. ** We are too lale !" ejaculated Or vino: '* conceal, if possible, your jewels," he added, bending forwaid as if to make spmQ enquiry of the servants, who ilew to the side of the carriage in consternation and dismay : and whilst he affected to li&ten to their eager explanations, Rosaura treuiblingly con^.plied with his hasty in- junction. in a voice scarcely audible from agita- tion, she iuformed him that shs iiad douje ^o ; and Orvino then silencing the cla- mours of the domestics, desired one of them to open the carriage door, and con- ducted her into the house, where she was met by ^laria, who eagerly presented her the keys of her cabinet and dressing-room. *' I told them that the apartment was your own, my blessed Signora," safcl the t}oor girl, whose eyes were swelled with weeping, THE HOMICIDE. 153 weeping, *' and tlien tliey let it alone: so I was determined nobody else should pillage it, unless they killed me to get the keys ! Costanza and her favourite Came- riere took enough as it M-as ; and like ungratefid wretches, as they are, to such a lady, they are gone away !" Rosanra, affected by the contrast which the fidelity and attachment of Maria rlis- }>laycd, burst into tears; and Orvino commending her conduct, took an oppor- tunity of putting some gold into her hand as a further maik of his approbation, and recommended to her very earnestly to continue her vigilance in behalf of her Lady; which Maria, adverting to the charitable kindness of Rosaura to her family and herself, very strenuously j)romiscd. " Enoupji, my good Maria, enough," said Ilosaura; *' this proof of yonr attach- ment I can never forget: and should fate allow me the power at some future moment, I will reward it." HO Orvino 154 THE HOMICIDE. Orvino now enquired of the girl if any of the male domestics had seconded her zeal. ** Yes," she replied, *' Giovanno took my dear Lady's part, and said the keys should not be taken from me; and then it was that Costanza and the other went quietly away." ** Is he in the house?" demanded the Count. ** Oh yes, he did not want to go," replied the girl ; '* he only wants to know what my Lady would have him do." Orvino dispatched her in search of Giovanno, and then intimated to Rosaura that as her own private effects were so well guarded, she would do right to with- draw to the house of C'ountess Almerini, or even endeavour to overlook the selfish apathy of Signora Alviano, so far as to make use of her habitation, until she could be properly protected in one of lier own. llosaura felt her Iieart sicken at the proposition. *' Oh THE HOMICIDE. 155 *' Oh no/' exclaimed she, '* I cannot submit to do either ! I would be alone. Surely I shall be secured from any idea of insult or oppression ; and whilst I am allowed the privilege of remaining here neglected indeed, but not compelled to wear an aspect with which my heart cannot correspond, I would avail myself of the indulgence. Have I then no hope of being a(hnitted to converse a few moments with my unhappy husband?" Orvino replied that it was impossible. ** And who," tiemanded she, clasping her hands in extreme emotion, **was the unfortunate adversary of Ruvello ?" *^ Signor Roberto di Vcnari," re[)lied Orvino, giving the intelligence very unwillingly. *' Poor vouns^ man I" exclaimed she, the tears falling from her eyes. *' Our fate then," she added, after a paus?, '* is inevitable: what will solicitation avail against the interest of that family ? Un- happy Di Venari 1 would to Heaven thy H 6 death' 156 THE HOMICIDE. death did not rest on the head of Ruvello, and I would submit to the penahy which the crime entails, without a murmur I" At this moment Maria returned with Giovanno ; and his countenance evidenced the strength of his concern when he beheld Rosaura^ who mentioned to him with tiie complacency natural to her, the intelli- gence she had received of his fhlelity to her, and assured him that she was relieved from some part of her inquietude by the perfect reliance she could now place upon his zealous services, and those of Maria. Orvino finding thatRosaura experienced an unconquerable reluctance to remove either to tlie house of Signora Alviano, or to that of Countess Almerini, left her at length, after having obtained permission to attend her at an early hour the next morning. Giovanno attended liim out, and the liberality of the Count rewarded his attachment to the interests of his Lady^ equ^ally with that of Maria. CHAP. THE HOMICIDE. 157 CHAP. VI, OSAURA passed a perturbed and restless night : the cruel indifference and neglect of Sionora AUiano shocked her even more on reflection than at the mo- ment they first reached her knowledge. *' Young and inexperienced as I am," exclaimed she, weeping, 'Svithout a friend or adviser near me of my own family, surely the aunt of Ruvello, to whom I have ever endeavoured to testify the respect and consideration I ll^ought due to her, should not have withheld her counsel and protection at a moment so afflicting and so alarming 1 Perha])s I was 158 THE HO MIC IDE. was imprudent in sufferitig* myself to be persuaded to leave her door without a personal application ; yet if her heart had felt for me, what I hope mine v/ould have experienced for any one in a situation so critical and embarrassing, would she have awaited an application ? Ah, surely not ! — And what can I reasonably expect of attentive or consoling from ('o ant ess Almerini ? My former poverty is no doubt a crime in th.eir eyes, and the transient splendour that could not give me a moment of happiness, has perhaps created me enemies, whose animosity even this reverse will not have the pow cr of obliterating !" The application which Orvino had said she must herself make in behalf of Ru- vello, shocked her. *^ For what must I solicit !" exclaimed she: *' that the career of justice may be stopped, and that an action criminal \n itself, and fatal in its eifects, may be overlooked by the legislation, that should punish THE HOMICIDE. Io9 punish the individual to protect the community ! A tliousand times would I sooner abandon these forfeited possessions, and aid my hapless husband to support his existence by labour and industry !" The day had not long dawned when Rosaura arose. As Costanza had so shamefully deserted her, she clieerfully accepted the offered assistance of Maria; and the girl felt j)roud and happy at a substitution that flattered her grateful heart. After taking her solitary breakfast, Rosaura looked over the effects which it appeared she would be allovved to retain ; and shortly after this task was concluded, Countess Almerini was announced, who was accompaiiied by Orvino and Ernesto di Brandosi. She saluted Rosaura with more com- placency than she had ever before thought proper to exhibit to her; aiul having hmiented the impetuosity and imprudence of Ruvello— '* And for what, think you,'' added 5 l60 THE IiOMTCIDE. added she, *' did this absurd cousin of mine conniiit so fatal a folly ?" *^ The cause has been variously re- ported," interra})ted Orvino hastily ; **but the unfortunate dispute originated in a misconstrued sentence at a Cassino. '* The Countess took the hint with great docility, and then proceeded to say that it would be innnediately necess:\ry to secure all the interest tiiat could be ob- tained, to render the sentence as lenient as possible. *' You must accompany me," added sh.e, " to the IMarchioness Bernini 'this morning, for she has great influence with several j)eoj>le who can be extiemely useful : we must then proceed to the Palace of the Princess di Parmeno, and induce her to conciliate the Duke di Prandc si, wh.oni Signor Ernestohas ah'eady S})oken to in behalf of Ptuvello : but it seems that lie still resents your rejection of him as a Cavaliere Servente. From thence we must fiy to the Palace ]\Iiranda, and THE HOMICIDE. l6l 7L\)d from thence to—ci-propos — I under- staiicl that the Archbishoj) is recovering alii^ost nnraculously, so tlie Marquis must procure his interest \vit]\ the Carthusiaus, who will of course speak in our favour to those whose consciences they have the tlirection of, and that will be a great pfjiut gained 1 In fine, we must not neglect any thing that may assist us, nor must we lose a moment in executing our projects. My carriage is waiting, and you must accon^>aDy me, my dear cousin, without delay." I The Countess then presented her hand to Orvino; but immediately affecting to withdraw it — *' Pardon me," said she; ** I mistook you for one of my Cava- lieri !" *^ Tlie misapprehension could not but honour me," returned he with a forced air of gallantry. '* Since chance then, has so ordained it," resumed the Countess, '^ we will not counteract her influence : for this day at least, j62 the homicide. least, you shall be my Cavalier ; but that my fair cousin may not complain of the privation, I beg of Signor Ernesto to transfer the attentions he would have offered me, to her." Orvino enraged at her assurance, yet compelled himself to submit with a good grace, and Signor Ernesto was not at all displeased with the caprice that placed him in so pleasant a situation. Rosaura submitted with a heavy heart to the plans so volubly detailed by the Countess; she could not entertain any hope tliat they would be successful ; antJ but for the interest and the peace of her husband, wliose views she knew v/ere not so easily limited as lier own, she would iKive spared lierself the morlincation of soliciting the protection of a set of beings, from whose aid, if obtained, she • would very reluctantly have lield the affluence, or even the competency v/hich each individual would thenceforward look upon as his own particular gift. Nor can this THE HOMICIDE. 1^3 this reluctance be stigmatized as the effect of little-minded pride, since every person of the least experience or. the least intel- ligence, may perpetually observethat meil will expect, will even claim as a privilege annexed to the title of protector, bene- factor, or patron, the right of dictating the conduct, the opinions, and sentiments of their fellow- beings, whose judgment may probably be much superior to their own; and this merely because chance or local situation may have given them the power, and vanity the inclination, to promote some concern of interest or some effort of industry. Whether this emotion ofRosaura's mind were censurable or otherwise however, it was not dissipated as she proceeded in the career of solicitation marked out by Countess Almerini : slie imagined, and with great reason, that many an eye which was wont to court her notice, was now turned upon her with airs of conde- scension and superiority, that would merely have }6^ THE HOMICIDE. Iiave excited a smile, had her mind been at ease, or could she even have dismissed from it the idea that she was entreating the intervention ofpovver to stay the course of justice. Her conscience perpetually instigated to lier, that to deprive a fellow- creature of life in the fuiy of vengeance, or the rashness of passion, was dreadful; nor could the plea so often advanced, that the life cf the successful combatant had been equally exposed, extenuate in her heart the horror of the homicide — since homicide it is called. Depresserl by tliese ideas, she appeared cold and abstracted where an abler peti- tioner would liave employed the v/armth and energy of pathetic declamation ; and where the affected vivacity of assuied success would have favourably decided the irresolution of tho^e who always incline to a minority of oj^inions, Rosaura be- trayed a weariness, a sinking of the soul, wliich was construed into the listlessness of despair. Orvino THE HOMICIDE. l65 Orvino conjured licrto rally her spirits, and wear, if possible, an air of serenity, if not of hope; and Ernesto di Brandosi seized every opportunity of protesting* that be should think his fortune and his life but too happily lost in her service. The Countess on her part, alternately dictated, chid, and advised ; and it was with extreme satisfaction that Rosaura at length found herself permitted to return to her solitary dwelling. Above two-thirds of the domestics had already left it, with whatever booty they could carry oft" in the confusion ; but Giovanno and Maiia still remained ; and Uosaura expei ienccd more consolation from tljeir steady fidelity, than anger or grief at the unprincipled desertion of the rest. From Giovanno she learned that the IMarchese D'.Vsavoli had called twice at the door in her abbcuce. *^ This is fortunate !" exclaimed the Countess: *' I mean that he should just at this moment find himself at hberty — the 166 THE HOMICIDE. the Marquis will be useful in many in- stances. And now," she added, '* you must write the billet of solicitation, which Count Or vino will present." *' But poor lluvello !'* interrupted Rosaura. *' Will you not, Count, first make an effort to be admitted to him? lie must suffer severely." '' Rest assured," returned Orvino, '' that every thing which may be permitted to a zealous friend to perform, shall be thought of to render his confinement sup- portable. More particularly in this in- stance I would avoid the reproaches of my own heart, and I would not miCrit your's. Ruvello is sufficiently to be pitied that he is withheld " *' Enough, enough of compliment," interrupted Countess Almerini in a pettish accent : ** this billet must be immediately written, Signora Ruvello; and you. Count, must then as immediately make your peace with the Marchioness Bernini, whom you have cruelly neglected lately, by carrying THE HOMICIDE. 16/ carrying it yourself. After that, you may proceed to execute the iustruc- tions of my fair cousin. If Asavoli," added she, turning to Rosaura, ** should present himself here again in the evening, detain him until I return to you. And now the billet I" Rosaura complied with this reiterated advice, enforced indeed by an aspect of ' impatient command, and the Countess then quitted her, attended by the two Cavaliers. When she was thus left to herself and to her reflections, she enquired of Gio- vanno, if Signora Alviano or her daughter Virginia had sent or called ; and heard what indeed she expected, that they had not. Virginia, she was certain, must have been almost forcibly prevented, and Rosaura compassionated the uneasiness the poor giil must have felt at being- compelled to appear so negligent and unfeeling. ** I must not, however," thought she, * ' appear 168 THE HOMICIDE. *' appear to slight Signora Alviano : she must be made acquainted with ihc detail of tliese operations in favour of her nephew, unavailing as 1 fear they will be ! The carriage I must not presume to use; but I can write to ask her approbation of tlic measures aheady pursued, or her advice, if they appear to her injudicious or insufhcient. The aunt of Uuvello is assuredly entitled to this information, and I will not withhold it, though slie may cruelly witlidraw from me her friendship and assistance." In pursuance of this sentiment, Ro- saura instantly wrote a succinct account of the transactions of the morning, and compelled herself to use the same style of affection and confidence which she would have adopted, if Signora Alviano had conducted herself with the compassionate attention her situation demanded. Giovanno was entrusted with the letter, and in less than an hour he returned with the following answer. ** You THE HOMICIDE. 1^9 ^'You are perfectly right, Signora Ruvello, to use every exertion to preserve the affluence which no doubt you have found very pleasing and gratifying : but I should suppose your eiforts, even di- rected and aided by the zealous assistance of Count Orvino, will scarcely be suc- cessful against such powerful interest as that of the Venari family. For my own part, I cannot certainly suggest any measure which your present advisers, pro- vided they be only half as warm and vigilant as the Count, have not already pointed out to you. ** I think it right to mention however, that if my cousin Ruvello should retain his possessions, I shall certainly dispute with him the domains which he has hitherto enjoyed by the will of my uncle Alfonso di Ruvello, as I find he had no right to bequeath them from me and my heirs, on VOL, 1. I \vhom 170 THE HOMICIDE. whom they are entailed. Of this I hav^ discovered very sufficient proof, and my Procuratore assures me, that in case of confiscation, Government will attend to my just claims, which are indeed too clear to be overlooked or denied. *' I am sorry that my affairs demand just now so much of my attention, that I cannot see and condole with you. Vir- ginia I have this morning sent to the Convent where she was brought up, to resume her studies until I have more leisure to attend to her. *' x\dieu, Signora Ruvello! I am with every due sentiment of respect, *^ ELEONORA ALVlANO." *' This indeed, is beyond my expecta- tion 1" exclaimed Rosaura. ** Barbarous woman 1 is this a moment to inform me of your claims I You even give me to suppose that you are* urged by motives of interest THE HOMICIDE. 171 interest to wisli the ruin of your nepliew 1 Unfortunate Virginia ! to be descended from a parent so sordid and uiifteling — and still more unfortunate, should she infuse into your candid bosom those prin- ciples so little analogous to its present bias ! Adieu t'jen, to every hope of kindness or aid from Signora Alviano 1 No doubt Count Orvino was well aware of the whole extent of that selfislmess slie has so well demonstrated to me— Oh 1 how mistaken is s^e to su| pose that the posses- sion of an estate of the highest value, can compensate for the censure of one honour- able mind !" Had not Maria entered to remind her Lady that she had not dined, Rosaura would not probably have recollected the circumstance: she thanked the girl for her solicitude, and then discovered ib.at as both the Major-domo and the cook had vanished, and the few' domestics who remained were lackies and Camerieres, Maria herself, with some instruction and •k 1 ^ assist- 17Q THE HOMICIDE. assistance from Giovanno, had prepared a little repast to the best of her abilities, iind had actually purchased the materials of which it was composed, with a part of the money given to her by Count Orvino. Rosaura, who now for the first time reflected that she must furnish the means of existence for herself and her depend- ants, learned this instance of respectful affectioH by the enquiries she urged upon the subject. Acontrast, so remarkable, totheconduct of Signora Alviano, struck forcibly upon her heart; and turning suddenly fron) the food placed before her by grateful duly, she wept. To calm the inquietudes of her faithful domestics however, she com- pelled herself to do honour to the repast; and when it was concluded, she meditated on the immediate exigencies of her situ- ation. On reviewing her purse, which so lately she had almost emptied by a bounty she ^ould not even now regret it appeared that THE HOMICIDE. 173 ^ that thirty crowns formed the whole of its contents : hut this circumstance occa- sioned her less inquietude tlian the dimi- nution of her jewels^ because she feared that the fund that mii>:]it be raised from the sale of them, would be th.e sole resource of htr husband, who would naturally experience both disappointment and anger that it fell so far short of his expectation : but the act was not to be recalled, unless indeed Ruvello should require her uncle to restore the money which no doubt he would immediately exchange them for ; and her heart bled at the idea only of the cruel distress to whicli this would subject liim and his aged wife. ** I must endeavour to supply this deficiency to Ruvello," thought she, '* by the most zealous attention to his comfort and happiness, by repressing my own expenceti into the smallest compass, and by endeavouring, in whatever spot fate may place us, to obtain privately some I 3 employ- l?^ TH£ HOMICIDE. employment of fancy wliich may increase our little revenue, in tlie interin":, what of those expensive luxuries which are nu)re particularly my own, can I dispose of to o I) tain the money absolutely necessary to support Maria and vliovanno, and dis- charge the remainder of our domestics, mI'O will I suppose in future be to us iiccless and improper !" Whilst Rosaura was debating this point, tlie Marquis D'Asavoli sent to beg admit- tance; and she felt ttie necessity of re-- ceiving him with complacency, though she was inexpressibly distressed to be coinpciied to attend to mere forms, whJlst her mind w^-^s in a state of confusion and anxiety, that rendered any abstraction from the subjects that most occupied it, painful and almost impossible. The Mar(|uis overwhelmed lier with expressions of condolence, with offers of service, and sentences of regret at his late enforced absence : but llosaura could not avoid remarking that the tenders of assistance THE HOMICIDE. 175 assistance he was so eager to make, had no decisive aim, and that they appeared to be the effect of compliment rather than of inclination. . *' Should my friend Ruvello snffer for his indiscretion," continued the Marquis, *' shouhi he be banished the kingdom, at kast, Signoia, Naples must not feci the desolation of your loss. With the exertion of the interest you can command, a pension will be assigned you, and your merit will always procure you the atten- tion of the world : but should it even be otherwise — which however is impossible, in me you will ever find the most attached and devoted of friends !" " Signor Marcliese, " said Rosaura, who extremely disliked the tenor of this speech, *'if my husband be banished from Naples, most assuredly' I shall not remain in it ; since wherever his destiny leads him, thither also will it lead me, who am equally by chity and inclination bound 1 4 to 176 THE HOMICIDE. to share his adverse fortunes, uiih tlie same affection that actuated him wlien he invited me to partake them, whilst they were splendid and unbroken." ** liuvello would be unreasonable to expect this," returned lie : *' the most risfid of human beings would not thiiik sucli a sacrifice necessary. Believe me, Jovely Signora Ruvello " ** Pardon me," interrupted Rosaura, rising as she spoke, ** if 1 find myself in the necessity of entreating that you abridge this visit. 1 liave many affairs to settle, many arrangements to make, and letters to write, wi)ich will occupy more time than I may perhaps be allowed, ere 1 am summoned to attend my exiled husband. "^ Say, rather," returned he in a vehe- iViCnt tone, '^ ere you are summoned by Orvino, for whom my assiduous attend- ance has been slighted, and my present wish to serve you rejected : from him you have not been so anxious to withdraw yourself. THE HOMICIDE. 177 yourself, since I find he has constantly attended you here and elsewhere, from the moment the arrest took place !" *' In my present desolate situation," said Rosaura, *' this insult is cruel to excess ! I had flattered myself with a hope that my conduct would have defied the censure even of the malicious, and I confess 1 did not expect to be wounded by a sjanderous stigma from the Marquis D'Asavoli, whom 1 have heard character- ized as a Nobleman of candour and huma- nity. The Count Or vino, as vveil as your* self, was presented to n^.e by my husband as his intimate associate and favoured- friend, and 1 received the civilities of each with the complacency wliich the most modest and correct of my sex may be allowed to experience in the society of men of honour and men of sense: but the preference to which you unjustly allude, I have reserved for Signor Ruvello alone ! It is mortifying to a woman of any delicacy to be compelled to utter I 5 protest* 1/8 THE HOMICIDE. protestations of rectitude which her own conduct and the discernment of mankind' should render unr.ecessary. You have given me this mortification, Signor Mar- chese, " added she, unable to restrain her tears, *' and you can no longer expect that I should preserve for you that con- sideration, which to me you deny !" <* Forgive me !" exclaimed the Marquis, preventing her retreat; '* pardon, I en- treat you, tlie ebullition of a petulance I should not have allowed myself. For you I have the highest consideration, the jiigliest esteem, the highest re\'erence I but I confess I dislike Or vino, and I could not calmly behold him on his relura from Sicily, so immediately, so particu- larly distinguished by you, without envy and displeasure. If this sentiment dis- please you, I will endeavour to repress it : but to retain your empire over me, you must not withdraw that portion of your esteem which you say you have h i t h e 1 1 allow ed m e. Prese r v e i n ap p ear - ance THE HOMICIDE. ]79 ance at least, tliat equalitj'- of regard ^ which you profess, or I shall be tempted to make Orvino sensible tliat in the use of those weapons which a gentleman employs •to avenge an injury he resents, he is not my superior." *^ Is this a time," exclaimed Rosaura indignantly, **to torment me with threats, at which however I may shrink for a moment, I can teach myself to despise ! Would a generous man aggravate irreme- diable inquietude, and add to the dismay which ruin and proscription may be sup- posed to create in the breast of a woman, the superior anxiety and terror of leav- ing in the minds of former associates and friends, suspicions injurious to her honour ! Signor Marchese, quit me !" ** I have then rendered myself odious to }ou !'' exclaimed he. ' '* Leave me, I entreat you 1" repeated Rosaura. " Obliterate this scene if possible, from your recollection," returned he, *' and in 1 6 future 180 THE HOMICIDE. future I will endeavour to atone for having occasioned it. Pardon, I conjure you, most amiable of women, what has justly raised your displeasure, and by me it shall never again be excited ! I will now leave you, but you must not deprive me of the hope of being received to-m.orrow without disgust." The ]\Iarquis withdrew without giving her time to refuse this request, and pro- ceeded immediately to the habitation of Countess Almerini, whose sentiments he was well assured of, and w4io would not be averse he imagined, to assist him in estranging Rosaura from Count Orvino, since he found that his threats and the terror he had meant to inspire, liad availed so little. To detain Rosaura in Naples, was a part of his plan, and to alarm her delicacy M'ith regard to the propriety of still suffering the attendance of the Count, by perpetually uttering suspicions which would shock her ideas of decorum, was the first effort which that plan suggested, and THE HOMICIDE. 181 and of which the complete ruin of lluvcllo M'as the foundation. After his departure, llosaura could not but reflect upon the unprotected situation- in which she now found herself: her husband in confinement, his effects seized, and herself compelled to solicit the aid of people whose good opinion and considera- tion rise with the prosperity of those whom tliey call friends, who think tlie desertion, of Fortune the indication of every crime, and her smile the stamp of perfection. She failed not to discover in the expres* sions and the regards of the men, a freedom of admiration M'hich they had never before ventured to betray, a certain confidence which sensitive delicacy alone could discern, and wliich her situation as a petitioner must forbid her to repress with that resolution which could alone be effectual. The features of the women, durino- her morning visitations, had expressed satis- faction 182^ THE HOMICIDE. faction and triunvph, and some fewoftliem did not even trouble theinsclves to make any effort to conceal the exultation they so evidently felt ; whilst others avowed concern with an eye irradiated with joy, and in an accent ot eager delight. Rosaura' liad remarked this, and now meditated with secret horror upon the malignity of the human mind, which will prompt a wretch to rejoice in the misery of a fellow- creature, though that niisery brings to himself no fancied good or real pleasure, save a selfish exultation at his own more favourable destiny, and the nourishment dF a dirty pride, produced by the reflection of superior pretensions to possess, and superior address in retaining those blessings which Heaven is supposed to sanction, since fate does not snatch them from his grasp. CHAR THE HOMICIDE. 183 CPIAP. YII. A HE twilight of evening found Rosa ura traversing with slow, yet agitated steps, one of the desolate apartments of her solitary n-ansion : her heart swelling with sadness and her spirits sunk, not so much from the apprehension of [)Overty, or tlie regret resulting from the cloud that so suddenly darkened htr prospects, as from the unhappy cause of this reverse, the incertitude she experienced for the future fate of Ruvello, and from the irksome solicitation and busy intriguing sort of pjot-ection she was urged to seek, iVom the voice and suffrages of people she disliked upon IS'i' TPIE HOMICIDE. upon principle, and shrunk from with intuitive repugnance. Several iiours passed by, and she heard the equipages of the Nobles pass her gate in their way to those places and those parties slie had so lately adorned : but her own seclusion from these could not av/aken a single regret — alone, unsought, appa- rently forgotten, she remained some time at a latticed balcony, regarding the absurd parade and pomp of those v/ho courted respect and admiration by a display of wealth and affluence which seldom perhaps really existed. The sober citizen, after the fatigue of a sultry day, would walk forth to enjoy the sea-breeze in the bay, or Gonteniplate theserene and starry heavens from his house top, amidst the fragrance of the plants he had caused to be trans- ported thither: but the numerous herd of Princes, Marquisscs, Counts, and Cava- liers of every description, that throng the city, after eating in private tl.cir scanty and unsocial meals, rush forth to 5 the THE HOMICIDE. 185 the public gaze with almost the retinue of a Sovereign, and pass the nights in crowding to conversazioni at which no one can converse, at spectacles which no one wishes to see, at concerts no one will listen to ! i\nd when the dawn of the con]ing day steals over the hemisphere, they are found at the pernicious gaming- table, dealing out ruin to others, or becoming themselves the victim of the fate they tempt. To he interdicted from such scenes, could not be lamented by a rational being; but the idea of perpetual banishment from the country where the exile first saw the light, where tlie faculties expanded, and where the gaiety of youth renders every object pleasing, is sad and afflictive 1 Already Rosaura felt the yearning towards her native place, a banished wretch is ever tortured with ; and stretching her hands towards the open country which she beheld from her balcony, her eyes filled with tears, and she bade it farewell. At ISG THE HOMICIDE. At tliis nionicnt a carriage stopped at her portal — it was that of Countess Ahiie- rini ; and dreading the scene she was now to encounter, Rosaura hastily prepared to ^receive her, by composing her aspect, and endeavouring to diffuse a cheerfulness over Jier features, very foreign to the present tone oF her feelings. The aspect of the C'ountess instc.ntly announced that something liad occurred to displease her : she was alone, and almost without any preface, thus addressed Rosaura. *^ Signora Ruvello, what can occasion a negligence so strange, and 1 may say so culpable on your part, to promote the interests of your luisband ?^' Rosaura regarding her with consterna- tion and surprise, demanded an expla- nation of this re!)roach, which did not lose any of its force from a defect of severity in accent or manner. *' Did I not entreat you,*' resumed the Countess, *' to detain Asavoli until I could • ' THE HOMICIDE. 187 could return luther ? But far from com- plying with my request, you even take- occasion to dismiss him dissatisfied and sullen ! Is this a moment, Signora Ru» vdlo, to act the disdainful and haughty beauty ! — or is this a moment to estrange people of consequence by slights and dis- gusts, which evidently aiise from the indulgence of a silly and imprudent par- tiality for a man, who has actually less intluence and power than any other of his rank and pretensions in Naples !'* ** I begged for an explanation of your charge, Countess Almerini," returned Rosaura; ** but far from entirely satisfy- ing me, you add to the accusation, others equally incomprehensible !" " Perhaps you will understand me," replied she, *' when I inform you that the Duke di Brandosi, Merchini, and several other peoj>ie of high distinction, liave refused tlieir interest for Ruvello, and it is even supposed they employ it against hmi 1 Yet the intervention of Asavoli 18^3 THE HOMICIDE. Asavoli alone, through the channel oF the Archbislioj); would still be almost sutiicicnt to counteract them all, would you nieiely treat liim with general complacency, to obtain it 1" ** Is it possible,'* exclaimed Rosaura, ** tliat Signor Merchini slioukl be hO inveterate 1" '* Oh yes, very possible," replied she r ** you witnessed a ridiculous scene, and be very naturally hates you for it. But I am in haste : let nie however give you this intimation — Asavoli has I believe, some ancient pique against Orvino ; an(i to gratify it, I am assured that he will do much-~in fact, he will make such exer- tions in your behalf, provided you engage in return to dismiss the Count, that he thinks he may promise you a pension, which of course you will share with Ru- vello, of three or four thousand crowns." *^ It is a mockery to talk to me of dismissing the Count!" exclaimed Ro- saura : " the circumstances in which I find THE HOMICIDE* 189 find myself, will very soon exempt me from any trouble of that kind. In poverty and exile, I want not Cavalicri Serventi, and poverty and exile I plainly discern, are to be the fatfe of my unhappy husband, Tiiese I will freely and willingly share with him, instead of the pension proposed by the Marquis, as the price of a preconcerted act of insolence and injustice towards a man I still esteem, iu sj)ite of the odious insinuations to which my ears have lately been accustomed. And it is equally to mei it the approbation of my ovvu heart, and of such beings as Count Orvino, that I reject the suspicious services of the Marcjuis." '* You reject them !" exclaimed the Countess — " you actually reject them ! And pray, my fair and fro ward cousin, allow me to aj>k, since vou acknowledge that your ears have been accustomed to odious insinuations — who can have been accustomed to pour these insinuations into them 1 Believe me neither the wonderfid merit 190 THE HOMICIDE. , merit of the Count, nor your philosophy, will be potent enough to stifle such insi- tiuations when once they are heard, and }on would much sooner obtain the appro- bation of men of honour and prudent Momen, were you to conduct yourself with less heroism and more circumspec- tion ! To-morrow perhaps you will think better of the matter: until then, I leave you, that you may have leisure to reflect upon the hints I have given you." The Countess then hastily quitted tlie room, leaving Rosaura indignant at her insolent persecution, yet distressed ami terrified lest hermalignancy should involve Count Orvino and the ]\Iar(|uis in some Jatal contest. In vain did she repeatedly examine her own conduct, and revise that of Orvino from the hour in which Ruvello had first introduced him to her : slie could not even recollect any instance of imprudence or incautiousness to justify the accusations that now openly met her ear ; yet they conspired >nth other subjects of THE nOMICLDE. 191 of inquietude, to banish sleep from her eyes, and repose from her mind. At an early hour hi the morning, Giovanno informed his Lady that Count Or\ino beo'o-ed to see her. ** He comes from Ruvello !" exclaimed she in extreme emotion. Then hastening lohim in all the tremor of anxious expectation, she was assailed by a new inquietude, on perceiving the expression of sadness his countenance betrayed, and her faltering tongue ejacu- lated an enquiry, in which the name only of Ruvello could be distinguished. *' He wishes, and is allowed to see you," replied the Count. '* To see me! Where — whither must I go 1 Yet tell me first, tell me what has haj)pened ?'* '^ The sentence is alrcad}^ pronounced," returned Orvino, perceiving that the alarm of Rosaura extended to some incident even more afflictive; *'and the effort which 1^^ THE HOMICIDE. which yesterday cost you so much to make, was a vain one !" '* And is this all?" demanded Rosaura. ^' Is Ruvello composed, and is he — is he in health?" '* He is in health and tolerably com- posed : lie grieves indeed that he should have involved vou in his disorace." ^' Enough, Count: we shall be poor; but if we can endure poverty with patience, and court the content which is not always incompatible with it, we may still be happy. 1 thank Heaven that the hour of solicitation is past -but I will hasten to him. Where must I seek him ?" . '^ He is still at the house of the Giudice Cr'un'uuile '^ and he charged me to deliver you this billet, after having prepared you for the severity and promptitude with which his sentence is to be executed : I liave ill performed my commission — for- give uic that I offer not condolence or consolation : I have sufficient friendship for THE HdMICIDEo 193 for Ptuvello, and respect for you, to want them myself r* Rosaura took the billet in silence, and hastily casting her eye over it — *^ A farewell !" she exclaimed, *' Ah Heaven ! he wishes me to remain, still to petition, to solicit, what I am convinced cannot be obtained— this is indeed bitter ! But if he insist, I must obey. Excuse my absence for a few moments, Count — ■ I will almost immediately return, and accompany you.'* Orvino entreated her to consult her own convenience alone, and to believe him wholly devoted to her service and that of Eiwello. Rosaura finding from the contents of ihe billet, that the ensuing interview with her husband, would be the only one allowed them ere he was hurried to the frontiers under an escort of soldiers, provided her- self with the jewels that remained in her possession; and being conducted by Or- vino to a carriage he had procured for the VOL. I. K purpose. 194 THE HOMICIDE, purpose, soon found lierself at the house ^vhere Ruvello was confined. Here her emotions overpowered the fortitude she had liitherto preserved, and for several minutes she could scarcely he prevented from fainting : at length how- ev^er, she shook off a weakness she con- demned, and declared herself sufficiently prepared for the scene that awaited her. Orvino supported her to the door of the apartment in which Ruvello was confined, and the sentinels who guarded it, ad- mitted them hoth ; hut the Count with- drew when his unfortunate friend starting' at their approach, flew to meet her. *' Oh Rosaura !" he exclaimed, ''have I your forgiveness and your pity ! JMay I hope- " *' Address me not in this strain," inter- rupted she ; *' equally with yourself I deplore the luckless event that has termi- nated so fatally : hut I shrink not from the expiatory forfeiture the law enacts, neither I trust will you. You desired me to 7'*HE homicide; 1^5 to come to you, that you iiiigbt bid me adieu until I could follow you, if unsuc- cessful — or if happily otherwise, until you returned to Naj>les. Suffer me however^ to entreat that you relinquish all expecta- tion of lenity, or any amelioration of your sentence, for I am convinced we shall not meet with any. Let us not separate then, lluvello — let me instantly accompany you and share your exile, which my faithful and sincere attachment may perhaps suc- ceed in softening." ** Not if I behold you condemned to obscurity and banishment ! No, Rosaura ! I should then doubly curse the mad folly that reduced you to the liiisery I could not relieve ! Were 1 to see the bloom of that beauty that now excites the admira- tion of the world, fading under the cold gripe of penury, I should then avenge the death of Venari by applying the same weapon to my own breast !" Rosaura shuddered. '*. Remain here," resumed he; '* your K 2 virtues. 196 THE HOMICIDE. virtues, your merit, your loveliness will powerfully second the efforts of our friends, who will at least succeed in procuring you a pension that will fence you against actual poverty. Do not, I conjure you, oppose this plan which can alone give me the courage to support existence, by leaving me still an expectation, a hope, amidst the desolation and chaos that reign in my distracted mind. I could not survive the thought that I had rendered you an outcast and a wanderer : give me then the promise I demand, that you will re- main here ! Upon Orvino and the Mar- quis 1 can rely, both to support and protect you. My aunt Alvianois much attached to you -" Kosaura sighed, but repressed the dis- senting exclamation that hovered on her lips. *' Perhaps," he continuef^ '* she will receive you into her house. Countess Almerini too, admires and loves you : she has an indefinable sort of influence e\cry where; THE HOMICIDE. 197 where, which will inevitably ensure you success, or at least it will much advance your interest. Consent then to remain, and I shall depart with some degree of serenity ; but if you extinguish every hope to which I yet cling, I know not how it will end 1" *^ *' 1 have then no alternative !" replied she: " 1 will — I must remain in Naples; but it must be for a limited time only : if at the conclusion of a month, or two months, I cannot obtain what I am in- structed to solicit, you will then allow me to ajoin you.'* ** The time you mention will not be sufficient to judge of the total i ndhcacy- of our hopes, " replied he: *' in six months our destiny may po^bibl\ be decided, but not before. Oivino tells me that your personal effects have been respected, and that you have preserved 3'our jewels. Upon some of these last," he added sigh- ing, "you will contrive to exist whilst you remain here ; and if the efforts of our friends and your merit are unequal K 3 to 1.98 THE HOMICIDE. to counteract in any degree the influence of the Venari family, the remainder will be a fund which may possibly ensure you a welcome with your uncle I)i Boschero until I am no more ; and then you may form a more propitious alliance than you have done with me." *' Why do you w^ound my soul by such, s^uggestions as these 1" exclaimed she, bursting into tears : '' upon two conditions onlv will I consent to be severed from you for tlie teiin you have decreed — they are, that you take with you this portion of the expensive adornments your generous bounty bestowed upon me — I vill not be refused — they are only the lialf of my jewels : take them therefore to supply your own necessities, and as a fund for yourelf. The other condition, in which I am equally peremptory, is that I am allowed to follow you in six months, or sooner: fori will not hear of a further separation. Wherever you may tiien be, 1 will rejoin you I" For a cQusiderable time Ptuvello con- tested THE HOMICIDE. 199 tested both these propositions with obsti- nacy ; but Rosaura at length prcvaikcl, because she refused to remain an hour in Naples, alter he had left it, unless he assented in both instances. Then per- ceiving that her presence, and even her kindness aggravated his regrets, and called forth his self-reproaches for the mad imprudence that involved her in his ruin, she bade him a tender adieu ; and charging him to write frequently, and never to neglect informing her of his change of residence, whenever it took place, she adveited to their reunion in six months, whatever Fortune might in the interim ordain for them, and \\ithdrew. Orvino rejoined her in the antichamber, and conducted her in silence to the car- riage, which he again entered with her; and when they had proceeded a few streets, Rosaura endeavouring to shake off the extreme depression of her spirits, raised her head from the hand that had sup- ported ic, and perceiving for the first time that she was not in a direction to approach K 4 the ^QO THX HOMICIDE. the late dwelling of Ruvello, she remarked to the Count that the driver was in an error, ** Pardon me that 1 did** not sooner inform you," replied Or vino, who until tliat moment had been in a reverie as pro- ton ad as her own, ** that your immediate removal from the habitation vou have hitherto occupied, will spare you a scene iH calculated to sooth your grief: and finding myself authorized by the instruc* tions ofRuvello, I have ventured without consulting you, to seek out a temporary dwelling, v/hich you may instantly take possession of, and to which, should you not disapprove of it, your domestics >vill remove your effects." *' I am sensible of your generous atten- tion to my welfare and convenience,'* replied Rosaura : *' but just now — at this moment — I cannot speak my sense of it as I wish.*' *' This is the house," interrupted Or- vino ; pointing at the '^ame time to a habi- THE HOMICIDE. 201 habitation neat in its appearance, but not splendid : it announced opulence without luxury, and its decorations, though modest, bespoke taste and refinement. *' The merchant Ansehno who dwells here, " added Orvino, * ' will think his abode, honoured if you condescend to enter it, and his sister will be happy to attend to your accommodation." ** The merchant Ansel mo !" repeated llosaura. *^ Ah Count, I can comprehend that benevolence- alone could induce a man so much in favour with fortune " *' He advances to receive vou,*' said Orvino, saluting an old man who stepped from the portico of the mansion, and bowed to Rosaura with profound respect* When she had beea coaducted into the house — ''Allow me, Signora,'*^ said the nier* chant, '* to avow my gratitude for the honour you confer upon me in accepting apartments under my humble roof: to Count Orvino my thanks are likewise due k5 for. 202 l-HE HOMICIDE. for recommending me to so illustrious a guest, and I will study to deserve this mark of favour, by rendering the abode I hope Signora Ruvello will make here, as convenient as possible,'* * Rosaura well aware that the merchant Anselmo was one of the richest citizens in Naples, knew not what to reply : that he should let any part of his house for hire, ap|>€ared very improbable, yet in what other light could she interpret what was passing. The old man perceiving her embarrass- ment, desired one of his domestics to call his sister Beatrice, that she might immediatsly oifer her devoirs to Signora Ruvello, and in the interim he himself performed the otSce of a gentleman usher -with every mark of humility and reverence. Beatrke instantly attended the summons she had received ; and Kosaura beheld in her, a little simple looking old w^oman, who having testified her respect by re- peated courtesies, thanked her for the honour THE HOMICIDE. ^3 honour conferred upon her brother and herself; and at the intimation of Signor Ansehiio, she then offered to conduct Rosaura to the apartments destined for her use, whither he Hkewise chose to attend her, because lie was extremely unwiUing to confide to tlie discretion or intelligence of his sister. Rosaura could not but approve of these apartments, which would indeed have appeared to her much too splendid for her present situation, had she not reflected that it was necessary to present a decent exterior to the eye of the world ; and had not the profuse and costly decorations of her late residence rendered that of An- selmo comparatively plain and moderate. In reply to tlie enquiry of the mer- chant if any thing in the apartments materially displeased or disgusted her, she informed him that she extremely approved them,, and was proceeding to enquire at what sum they vv'ere to let, when he inter- rupted her to beg that she would without ^6 hesitatiou 20'4 THE HOMICIDE. hesitation order any little alteration or amendment she thought proper, and con- cluded with saying that from that moment he should consider her as his inmate. He then hastily withdrew, followed by Signora Beatrice ; and a few moments after they had left the room, ere Rosaura could so far rouse her faculties as to reflect upon the singularity of his hasty arrange- ment, Count Orvino eniered, and inter- rupted a reverie into which she had sunk, by enquiring if she would allow him to direct her servants to convey her effects to her new residence. ** Consider me," added he, *^ as the delegate of Ruvello, for such 1 am. Every thing is already arranged between him and Signer Anselmo for your accom- modation ; and I am to inform you, as perhaps in the sad moment of separation .E^uvello might forget it, that Signer Anselmo is appointed by him to be your banker until his return to Naples, or nntil you rejoin him," THE HOMICIDE. 205 ** Tpo generous Orvino^ this must not be," thought she : *' but with Signor Ansehiio himself, I must discuss tliis ! *' You talk of his return to Naples," said she, addressing the Count; ** and I am, alas ! but too sensible tliat he goes hence never to return — he is an exile for- life ! Would to Heaven he could be per- suaded to suffer me to accompany him, that whilst sharing his obscurity and his fate, whatever it may be, I might render it less terrible to him by my zealous cares* . Even yet perhaps, your influence with ^ him, Count Orvino, your persuasions " '* Shall I own to you," interrupted he, *'* that I have already vainly essayed the power I once flattered myself I had over his mind, to induce him to accede to this wish of your's, ere I knew you had formed it ; because I believed, I felt convinced that your presence or your absence from liim would colour Ids destiny : I imagined too, I plainly saw, that solicitation was irksome to you, and that your residence 3 ^ in £06 l-HE HOMICIDE. in Naples would doom you to evils that might be avoided. I feared likewise, that M'lth merit so superior as that which dis- tinguibhes Signora Ruvello, the envy of liltle minds, delighted to behold it ua- shielded by the protection that niay have hitherto restrained their rancorous shafts, would now be unbridled, and let loose to wound where alone you are vulnerable." The insinuations of Asavoli, and those of Countess Almerini instantly arose to her recollection, and combined with this sentence of Orvino to give her a shock almost loo powerful for her endurance, and her voice failing her, it was by her aspect alone that she required, an explanation. ** I allude to the candour of inno« cence," added he, '' which never suflfers the heart it inhabits to suspect that of another, coaibined with the timid inex- perience of youth, and the dangerous effects of a beauty too conspicuously pre- eminent ! Yet urged thus by apprehen- sions for your peace, and by anxiety for the THE HOMICIDE. 20? the fate of Ruvello, to plead and repre- sent with a warmth I almost feared he ^vou]d resent, I was still unsuccessful. Then it was that I recollected the residence of Signor Anselmo, and thought — and hoped, it would not displease you. I am charmed to find that I did not err, and ere long you will, I am jjersuaded, con- descend to regard the old merchant with esteem and friendship. To Signora Ru- vello, who is above the absurd prejudices of pride and folly, and whose soul is yet nobler than her birth, I may venture to say this." '^ Signor Anselmo is your friend^ I believe," said Rosaura. ** He is the friend of mankind," re- turned Orvino w^armly ; ^* and though a plebeian, he has an elevation of .soul that would dignify a Prince !'* ** To you then I shall be indebted still more than I even ima^gined, " returned she. *' For your intercession with my unhappy Ruvello that 1 should quit a place 208 THE HOMICIDE. place I never loved, and which now I still more dislike, receive my warmest thanks : and for this last benefitr— had Nature given me a brother," added she, her eyes hliing with tears as she spoke, *' could he have acted towards bis o]phan sister with more kindness tliau Count Orvino has done !— The brother then that Nature h?.s denied, my chequered fortune gives me !" ' ' The appellation with which you honour me, I will study to deserve," said OrvinOj hastily retreating. '' I may then inform your servants, Signora Ruvello, that you require their attendance here ?" Rosaura answered in the affirmative^ and he instantly, vanished. CHAP. THE HOMICIDE. 209 CHAP. vin. A FEW moments after the departure of Orvino, Madame Beatrice introduced her- selt> to entreat that she would allow the attendance of her brother's servants until herown should arrive: and Rosaura having assured her that she had not any imme- diate occasion to em{)loy them, detained this good woman, who appeared equally silly, well meaning, and communicative. Signora Beatrice having expressed her regrets at the unhappy event which drove lluvello into banishinent, expatiated how* ever upon liis good fortune in possessing sucli a friend as Count OrvinO; who was, she 210 THE HOMICIDE. sliesald, the best and most condescending young Nobleman in all Naples, and as sociable with her brother as though he were a Cavalier instead of a merchant; which was the more extraordinary, as he never wanted to borrow his money : whilst every other of the Nobles v/ho came to the house for loans they could not do without, treated every body in it with the utmost contempt and insolence. Rosaura enquired how the friendship of Signor Anselmo and C'ount Orvino had commenced ; but Beatrice could only inform her that some accidental circum- stance bad introduced them to each other, and that her brother always professed himself much indebted to his noble vouni7 my cicisbeo, and to satisfy a fantasy or a jealous pique, may torment and injure me in the same way !'* *' Nay, if you are thus warm and sus- ceptibleon the subject," said the Countess, *' I shall really think my cousin Alviano is not quite mistaken in some of her con- jectures ! Calm yourself, SignoraRu- vello " *' I am perfectly calm !" said Rosaura gravely. ** Calm yourself I beg, and con- descend to attend to the advice of the only friend your fate has left you !" '^ The only friend 1" repeated Rosaura dejectedly. *^ VV>ll then, give me yoxir counsel, and let it be indeed that of a friend — let me feel it to be such. And Oh, Countess Almerini ! give me likewise to experience the consolation and kind- ness a friend delights to uestow !" As Rosaura uttered the iast words, she could not restrain her tears ; but far from compassionating or soothing her distress, VOL. I L the 218 THE HOMICIDE. tlie merciless woman still proceeded in the same strain. ** And why this passionate fit of weep- ing ?" demanded she : "surely your soul, superior as I have often heard it repre- sented to be, is easily dejected by astiuke of fortune, which a philosopher even of our sex should be totally unmoved at ! for certainly there is no other cause — you cannot thus despond because it becomes necessarv to refuse yourself the society of the Count 1" *' Surely," exclaimed Rosaura, *' this can neither be counsel nor consolation 1 My fate is bitter indeed !'' '* Why so ?" demanded Countess Al- merini : " whilst you consult the dtlicacy of your own character, and the honour of your husband, you may command my utmost efforts to serve you. And tliere is my friend Marchioness Rernini, warmly interested for you : you must cultivate her favourable sentiments. In the interim, 1 strongly aavise you to give a grand 4 concert. THE HOMICIDE. 2J9 concert, and assemble the most brilliant conversazione in your power-— throw open the doors of this merchant's house, and let in all Naples — be vivacious, airj-, and witty- — dress yourself with more than your former splendour — bespeak a new equipage, and letyour servants But wiiere is ycJur household, where are your Volanti, your valets, and your Camerieri ?" ** They abandoned me witli my good fortune," replied Rosaura coliily. *' Such is human natuiel" observed the Countess, adjusting her dress in a mirror. ** Poor human nature! it is a sad compound of selfishness and folly !" *' j\ly present household," resumed Rosaura, ' ' consists of two strange mortals, who in the wreck they witnessed, tiiought of my interest in preference to their own : they do not recoil from my apprehended poverty, but have readily and cheerfully followed me here, wl^ere 1 Irave been received with the utmost respect and kindness." l2 '^Undoubt- 220 THE HOMICIDE. *' Undoubtedly you have been received with respect ! Strange indeed it thp wife of Signor di Ruvello should not be treated with tlie utmost respect by a trader ! As to the kindness you speak of, 1 cam^ot understand the expressio;'. Is your de- meanour so void of dignity as to give room for the familiarity of kindness ? Cimsider, Signora Ruvello, that you now appeitain to a tamdy who possess property enough to sustain the decorum f\v.c to their rank. The word kindness as you applied it, is extremely absurd. Ikit to my former subject — you must likewise buy in the most costly and elegant of your turniture; and when you have discarded all tbis, 'svhich is not ht for any apartment of your's, place your own here, and [ will direct your choice in a new iiousehold. When you have so far arran ;ed yourself, I v/ill then drag ail my fi mds hither, and Marchioness Beiijini s.-ail bring her's, so that with respect to a biilliant society, which in your situation is of the first importance, THE HOMICIDE. 2^1 importance, you will not have lost any tiling by your reverse. Then, when we have properly established our faction, it will be determined whether the Venari intlaence is superior to our's !" Rosaiira would now liave spoken, but the Countess, without allowing her time to utter a s^dlable, thus continued. *' Really I have at this moment some hope of you : this placidity is much more rational than the absurd desolation yoii fell into just now ! But I believe that no one is more successful than myself in battling with grief and despair. A-propos, if you wish to preserve my friendship, and do not mean to quarrel with all the world, you will conciliate the Marquis D'Asavoli. You have judgment and good sense, my fair cousin ; take a hint when it will be serviceable to you. Adieu !— I shall call for you this evening in my way to thq Eei-nini Palace.'* ** This evening!" repeated Rosaura ; ** impossible ! This evening, Countess L 3 Almerini, i22 THE nasi ic IDE. Alinerini, whilst ni}^ exiled husband sur- f^ouiuled by inexorable guards, is casting his melancholy regards on plains he quits far^ever, whilst he is sighing his reluctant adieus to his native land, and the unfor- tunate youth who fell by his hand, yet remains an unburied corse 1" *^ And in what does this immediately concern you ?" interrupted she. *^ Did you fight this luckless duel, or are you banished ? Signora Ruvello, my patience is almost exhausted ; I would serve you if you would suffer me, but I am com- pelled to say that such perverseness I never witnessed. You would actually provoke me to join the outcry of that woman with her idiotic daughter, but that I am too much irritated by her pre- sumption, to coincide in any thing she asserts !"' Rosaura refused however, to yield to this proposition of the Countess, because she thought it would be an outrage to decency^ and her imperious visitor left her THE HOMICIDE. 223 her without any symptom of that extreme complacency she had assumed at her entrance, yet with a sufficient affectation of friendship and patronage, to render it evident she iiad some point to carry which siie thought worth an effort. After her departure, the recollection of her inconsequent conduct and imprudent advice, the cruel slanders and malignity of Signora Alviano, the suspicious designs of Asavoli, and her own desolate state, made Rosaura shudder; and after revolv- ing it in every point of view, she deter- mined tomakeknown the reverse of fortune which had befallen Ruvello and herself, to her uncle and his wife, in the hope that it might induce them to give her their personal protection and countenance : yet she wrote the afflicting detail with extreme reluctance, from a generous unwillingness to inflict pain or inquietude. *^ Dear friends of my youth 1" sighed she, as she closed her letter, ^' how quickly will this cruel intelligence follow L 4 your 224 THE HOMICIDE, your ou'ii misfortune ! Would I could spare you the knowledge of my embar- rassment and distress !" The idea of their concern for herseff and their compassion for Ruvello, induced her however, to liesitate for some time Avhether she should dispatch the letter, or destroy it : but the inhumanity and general disregard of her husband's family, which she had slightly mentioned, impelled her to seek consolation and support where nature gave her a claim to find them ; and the letter was at length sent. Tlosaura then gave orders to be denied to every one but Countess Almerini, or any other of the family of Ruvello who might think it decent to honour her with a visit either of consultation or condolence; but these exceptions might have been spared, for the Countess returned not either to dictate or advise, and every other of her husband's connections kept aloof. In the midst of an abandonment so selfish and so cruel, Rosaura yet found reason THE HOMICIDE. 225 reason to rejoice in tlie steady attachment of her faithful servants, and the solicitous kindness of her old host, who directed and urged the proffered services of his sister and his household, with a zeal which benevolence or self-interest could alone inspire. He appeared to wish that Ro- saura should suppose it to be the latter, but she read in the humanity visible in his aspect, a different motive ; and could she have beheld the daily succession of suppliants whose wants were relieved at the dawn of day, and in the dusk of cveniiig*, at the well-known door of the merchant Anselmo, she could not have been better assured of it. The next mornino- Countess Almerini reappeared, accompanied by Asavoli and Ernesto di Brandosi ; an association that did not render her by any h^eans more welcome to Rosaura : and the party liad scarcely entered, before the Marchioness .Bernini attended by three Cavaliers of high rank and dissolute characters, \\as L 5 a Lin on need 526 THE HOMICIDE. announced to her by Giovanno witli evi- dent reluctance. '^ Charming Signora Ruvello, " said the hidy, *' your servant made a diffi- culty of admitting me : but as I beheld the equipage of my friend Countess Al- mcrini at the door, I insisted : here I am therefore, earnest to join my condole- iiients to hcr's at the little fracas that has happened. But you look like an angel still, and all mankind must yet wesr your chains! Vv hy were you not at the con- versazione cf the Princess di Parmeno last night?" ^* The turtle was mourning her absent mate," returned the Countess, ** when she should have been employed in pro- curing interest for his immediate return l" At this hint, every one present pressed upon Rosaura offers of service the most devoted, yet in a manner so vague and unmeaning, that she could merely return to them a general acknov/ledgment ; yet she compelled herself to utter it in an accent THE 1I0MICID.E. 22/ accent of apparent thankfulness ; and whilst she was pronouncing the sentence, Orvino w^as announced. Her voice fal- tered at the sound of his name, the pointed regards of the Countess Almerini height- ened, tlie colour on her cheek, and the half-formed accents remained un uttered. The bosom of Asavoli swelled v.ilh rao-e as he observed this, and his indignant aspect which likewise met her eye, still more completely disconcerted her. As Orvino entered., he regarded the assemblage tliat formed her levee with a momentary surprise, and his half- recoiling mien was not less noticed than the em- barrassment of Rosaura. *' Count Orvino appears to behold some object he was not entirely prepared to see," said Countess Almerini with a sneer. ** I am alwavs prepared," answered he with an assumed air of unconcern, *' for the raillery my awkwardness or inadver- tence may provoke from Countess Al- 3'nerini.'* L 6 _ Then 2£8 THE HOMICIDE. Then presenting a letter to Rosaura, ivho instantly recognised the writing of Euvello — ** I received this," he resnmed, '^ but a few minutes back, enclosed in a billet addressed to myself: and supposing that the contents might be at least consolatory, if not otherwise important, I would not delay an unnecessary moment delivering it into vour hand." ilosaura received the letter v.ith a silent acknowledgment ; then reproaching her- self for a coldness apparently so ungrate- ful, she forced her lips to utter a sentence in which she meant to express a sense of obligation ; but there was so much hesi- tation in her accent, and so much of con- straint in her manner, that she wished most earnestly the eftbrt had not been made at all. Ernesto di Eiandosi, who had observed the scene with extreme attention, was now impelled by compassion to relieve her evident distress ; and as Rosaura still retained THE HOMICIDE, 229 retained the letter in her hand, he inti- mated to the i^Jiirchioness Bernini, whom he knew to be more tractable than her friend, that Signora Ruvello probably wished to read it without any witness of the emotion it mio-ht create. *^ That idea is reasonable," said the Marchioness, ** as the letter is from Signor Ruvello. j\Iy good Ernesto, as I often tell the Duke, is much niore considerate and discreet than his uncle." Then addressing Rosaura — ** Charming Signora Ruvello," con- tinued she, *'I must see you this evening at my conversazione. The Princess di Parmeno indeed, is one of those who ear- nestly wish you to continue your seclusion, because she desires still to reign unrivalled in our circle; but I hope you will imme- diately resume the sceptre she is so much less worthy than yourself to wield, since the suffrages of the Graces, as well as those of the world, are wholly your's." ^^ You are too obliging," said Countess Almerini ; 9<50 THE HOMICIDE. Almerini ; '^ I am certain iny fair cousin is fully sensible of your condescension, and I will conduct her to you this- evening." Rosaura, depressed and still enibar- rassedj had not suiiicieut resolution to oppose this, and the r\iarchionessand her train iluni retired. Countess Almerini rising almost imme- diately, demanded of Orvino, with an air not to be mistaken, if he vould accom- pany her, or if he remained with Signora Ruvello. '' 1 am concerned that I cannot do either," returned he coldly: '* an affair of moment imperiously requires my imme- diate attention/' Then bowing to Rosaura, he left the room. ** He is offended with me, and very justly," thought she : **what an unfor- tunate, what a distressing scene I" Countess Almerini, whose aspect be- trayed her ra^e and disappointment, followed THE HOMICIDE. 231 followed in a few moments with Ernesto di Brandosi ; and to the extreme discom- posure of Rosaura, Asavoli remained, who adch'csscd her with an entreaty that she would commard his fortune and his life, iP either the one or the other could procure a return of that amiable serenity and vivacity of which he regretted the absence. Extremely offended both with the sub- ject and the manner in which it was mentioned, Rosaura, adverting to the letter she wished to read, intimated that she desired to be alone; but instead of complying with her hint, he proceeded to insinuate that he could easily discern Mdiat was the aim of the Marchioness Bernini, and more openly averred that Countess Almerini meant to make him a mere convenient dupe : but that he should not yield up his pretensions eitlier to them or to Count Orvino/' ** What are your pretensions?" de- manded Rosaura indignantly : ** and why am I again thus insulted ? You have taken 23^ THE HOMICIDE. taken courage from the distress of my situation, and the enforced absence of my husband, to whom you pretended a friendship that evidently never could have existed, to avow sentiments that could not have passed the lips of a man of real lionour ! Can you suppose tliat I shall fail to view such a conduct as it deserves to be considered 1" She then summoned Maria to the apart- ment, whom she detained in it until the Marquis, compeiied to discontinue both his accusations and his proffers, thought proper to leave the house, Maria was then dismissed, and Piosaura, unable to obtain courage immediately to open the letter she still held with the seal unbroken, mused for a few moments upon its pro- bable contents. *' What illusive hope still feeds the impossible expectations of poor Ruvellol" exclaimed she. '^ How strange, bow- fatally strange it is, that tliose sudden vicissitudes which we behold nearly without surprise THE HOMICIDE. • 233 surprise in the fortunes of others, should be regarded as ahnost impossible when they happen to ourselves ! A man new to misfortune, views the stroke that first threatens, and finally attains him, as a horrible chimera, which the next day, or the next, will destroy ! We are singled out, Ruvello, amidst the herd of insects who flutter out a life of folly, to give to those who surround us that lesson which yet they will not learn, and convince them — could they indeed be convinced— that the affluence and splendour to which they are so strongly attached, a moment may snatch from them, and that those possessions which men obtain with diffi.- culty, and seek, with ardour, preserve with tenacious anxiety, and bequeath with tedious and minute forms, one moment may annihilate, or give into the hands of another, who receives with equal eager- ness, and grasps with equal fondness the ideal benefit that sometimes flies from him like a dream, and ever takes its cameleon- 254 THE HOMICIDE. cameleon-like essence of good or evil, blessing or curse, from the heart of its possessor ! How, alas ! have I — how has Ruvello employed the means of dispensing- ease and comfort to our suffering fellow- creatures? I, like him, have been con- tented with relieving my own wounded feelingS; by casually removing the distress and the penury I have accidentally beheld : but have vv'e sought out the miserable, the sick, the helpless, and divided with them our abundance ! Oh Heaven, no ! Henceforth then, I will thank the great Dispenser for the scanti- ness of my meal, and compassionate the mistaken mortal who like the Prelate Repari, daily offers a solemn thanksgiving for the gorgeous load with which his table groans, to encourage sensuality and fill him with disease, whilst his numerous and insolent domestics drown with oaths and threats the clamours of a wretch who begs the morsel that is denied him ! Ru- vello and myself have never, it is true, thus THE HOMICIDE. 235 thus atrociously mocked the Deity ; but our negligence has been culpable, and our talent misemployed. Is this likewise his reflection ! Alas, I fear not ! This paper which now trembles in my hand, will inform me that he is merely solicitous to reoain the fancied distinction of beino^ received amidst the slaves of that dissipa- tion his better sense condemns, and of replacing the fetters which have already galled him so severely. Yet I may find myself pleasingly mistaken : his mind, naturally strong, may have overcome the dread of poverty, and he may have re- solved to encounter it with firmness and fortitude !" The letter thus expressed the sentiments of Ruvello. *' I have quitted Naples, my beloved Rosaura, under a sentence of eternal banishment 1 What, Oh God ! • could ^36 THE HOMICIDE. could su]3port me in an event so afflict- ing, but the hope — tlie more than hope — the reliance I have that I leave within its walls, an advocate so powerfully persuasive, that any well-sustained effort she may make, must be successful. You are that advocate, Rosaura, and it is the cause of your banished husband that you must plead. I know^ your heart to be the seat of every generous virtue, and that this idea will give an energy to your efforts that will ensure your triumph, and restore me once more to my native land, and the possessions of which I am now deprived ; and what is still more important to the peace of my mind, to the power of sup- porting you as a daughter of the House of Viralva should be supported. ** My aunt Alviano, I find, claims tlie domains I have so long enjoyed from the will of my uncle Alfonso. I own that this intelligence, which my friend Orvino reported tome, shocked me for a moment; but, my Jlosaura, I am convinced on rtllection. THE HOMICIDE, 237 reflection, that if she should succeed in obtaining them, she means to give^ up the revenue to us— for this purpose only can she sue for them ! She has ever demon- strated for me both affection arid consi- deration, and for you she has the partial fonchiess of a mother — continue, there- fore, to respect and attend to her, I beseech you ! *' ^ly cousin Almerini, as I observed to you at our melancholy interview, you may coinmand in every way : her purse and her heart will be equally open to you. This is an extreme consolation to me ; but you must submit to be guided in some rr specls, by that experience, which her superior years and f tr longer residence in the world have given her ! JMy fi lena Orvino merely dues justice to your pru- dence and discretion, in asserting that you cannot be better guided ihan by them. Lut, iny dear Rosaura, there is a sort of jud^;ment, or rather a habit of judging, which can oniy oe acquired by a longer and 238 THE HOMICIDE. and a closer observation than you can possibly have liad opportunities for. Or- vmo has some little pique against the Countess, which naturally influences his opinion of her ; but confide in mine, my dear Rosaura, at least upon this subject : she never has, nor will slie ever take a greater latitude than the world readily gives a woman of rank and talents equal to those she possesses. I request you then most earnestly to overcome any little cold- ness arising from misapprehension, which from the hints of Orvino, I suspect to exist between you, and receive her friendly and well-meaning counsels with the atten- tion I flatter myself you would pay to my own. ** Orvinohas recommended the Dottore Buonalma to be your Procuratore ; but as I represented to him, he is a mere good sort of m.an, and not sufficientlv known to be much respected: but you will require a Procuratore of eminence, one who will have judgment enough to extract some advantage THE HOMICIDE. 239 advantage from every event tliat rr-ay occur. Asavoli, I recollect, had infinite reason to be satisfied will; the Dottore Buonatesta who conducted his late suit: I wish therefore that you apply to this Procuratore, and I shall be then certain that you are in good hands. *' The ^farquis has written to me at some length, notwithstanding that h.is time has been so entirely occupied by the necessary attendance upon the Archbishop : he gives the strongest assurances of assistance and support against the effects of the resent- ment of the Venari family, and I know that his influence as well as his interest, are very powerful. '* You are not therefore either unpro- tected or unaided in the task which appears to your timidity so dlfticult and almost hopeless. Or vino, I suppose, had in- fected you with his apprehensions of disgusts and dangers which I am con- vinced you will never encounter I must, however, confess myself much indebted to 240 THE HOMICIDE. to the friendly consideration he lias evinced, and I know I may entirely rely upon the steadiness of hia attachment to me : yet whilst I have the most perfect cciifitience in his integrity and honour, I severely feel at this moment that caustic reserve that characterizes his manners, when the follies and imprudencies which scarcely any of us are wholly free from, come under his discussion. Still however, I respect him highly, and I must acknow- ledge that he has been essentially friendly and useful in many views. ** His idea of fixing you in the house of the merchant Anselmo, he urged ^vith sucii tenacitv, that 1 could not for the moment refuse my concurrence; but it has travc^ .ed my wish that you should reside Avath Countess Almerini until a habitation suited to your rank and pre- tensions in society, could be found. Re- gard it therefore as a mere temporary asylum, and let me entreat you to watch over the easiness of your temper, lest this Anselmo THE HOMICIDE. ^241 Anselmo/or any part of his family, foro^et the respect and deference due to the wife of a noble, exiled though he be. Adieu, my Rosaura ! — preserve your health, ev^en your vivacity if possible, for you will find it serviceable. I cannot have the consolation of hearing from you until I arrive at Rome, of which I will instantly give you intimation. In the interim, rally your spirits, range our mutual friends round you, and encourage those ho^^es I wish you to share with me. *' I am ever your's, ** ALFONSO DI RUVELLO." *' Those hopes you Avish me to share with you!" repeated Rosaura. ** Mis- taken, self-deceived Ruvdlo, what a tissue of fallacious reliances are here detailed to me ! Yet what can I do ! Only this — follow the injunctions of my VOL. I. M husband, 242 THE HOMICIDE. husband, and abide by the event with fortitude and patience; or if this cannot be, let me shrink in silence, and com- plain only to Heaven ! Surely, however, I shall be sustained by the presence of my uncle Di Boschero, if not by that of his wife : they will both perhaps hasten hither, when they learn my disastrous situation, and in two days more I may possibly embrace them. Under their protection, the voice of calumny will no longer pursue me, and I may then reflect upon the benevolence of the con- siderate Orvino, v/ithout that dread and aifright that now accompany even the gratitude to whii:h he has entitled himself! How coldly, how constrainedly does Ru- vello acknowledge the kindness of this unfeigned friend, because he will not sooth him with praise, where praise would be flattery, or forbear the glance that may reprove, when reproot would check a weakness. To Orvino alone, as I justly THE HOMICIDE. 24S I justly suspected, am I indebted for the asylum which now shelters me from the slavery Countess Almerini would have imposed upon me under her owa roof, and in some degree from the pur- suit of the detested Asavoli, which she appears desirous of encouraging : but in my own heart I must shut up the sen- timent the disinterested friendship of Count Orvino excites !" M 2 CHAP. 244 THE HOMICIDE. CHAP. IX. JLn the evening, Rosaura attired herself with a heavy heart to accompany Countess Ahnerini to the conversazione of the Mar- chioness Bernini : a compliance to which she was determined hy the positive in- structions of Ruvello, as she had previously resolved to remain at home under a j-lea of indisposition, which would have had much more of truth than pretext in it. When Countess Almerini beheld her unadorned by any of those expensive baubles, which in her opinion gave the wearer undoubted consideration with the world, she passed with her into her dressing- room. THE HOMICIDE, 245 room — for as usual, the Countess was accompanied by her Cavaheri ; and chid- ing her for omitting so necessary a part of her adjustment, desired her to improve it by wearing her jewels. ** I no longer possess any,'* replied Rosaura, giving the information reluct- antly, from an apprehension not only of the minute enquiry it woidd produce, but the too probable disapprobation that would fuUow it, ** How have you disposed of them ?" demanded the Countess hastily. ** 1 will inform you M'hen you have leisure to attend to my recital," returned Rosaura. ** Your recital, Signora Ruvello 1" re- torted she. *^ I will, if you please, excuse the accompanying graces of ora- tor} with which perhaps you mean to embellish the fact, that I may instantly iearn it." *' The recital of the fact shall merely M 3 be ^45 THF. HOMlCIDfe. be embellisliecl by the strictest truth/^ returned Rosaura, ofiended by the inso- lence of her demeanour, and the suspi- cions her words implied. ^* I transmitted jiaif my jewels to Signor Astolfo di Bos- chero, my uncle, and returned the remain- ing half to Ruvello, the too generous donor." ** Too generous indeed ! — and thus the property of my infatuated cousin has been lavished ! Your uncle, Signora Ruvello, should have been satisfied — as surely he »might— with liaving withheld the scanty portion which I find you possessed, without proceeding to pillage the convenient husband he so dexterously secured, of the numberless rich effects he carried with liim, and now possessing himself of gems which would have been prized by the heiress of a sovereign Dukedom, whilst a poor daughter of the ruined house of Viral va scatters them as her fancy directs ! The necklace and diadem I Would THE HOMICIDE. 247 would myself have purchased — but you can afford to givt them it seems — to a Coschero 1" ** Spare me, I conjure you," said tlosaura with some vehemence, '* the dreadful oppression v/hich a conduct so ungenerous; and reproaches so injurious occasion me ! How can you cruelly add to the malice of my destiny, by insults such as these 1 Should you not rather seek the applauses of your own heart -" *< Have you merited the applause of your own heart," interrupted the Count- ess, ** or the applause of your deluded husband's family, for thus shamefully dissipating or secreting what in his mad- ness he so absurdly lavished ? Your uncle no doubt merits all your coniidence, and he ^\'ill assuredly testify Ids gratitude and affection, although you have nothing- further to bestow ! If this be your opi- nion, you will I believe, find yourself in an error, and then perhaps you will deign to accept that counsel and protection M 4 from !248 THE nouiciVK. from me, which you have hitherto rejected : but I may possibly be then weary of offering* either to a woman who evinces so Httie consideration for me. You well know tliat I particularly admired both tlie diadem and the necklace ; but my wislies, my inclinations are of little moment to you, who have belield the world at your feet, and imagine I suppose, that you may still command it ; but you will shortly discover, Signora Ruvello, that you de- rived your consequence not from your vaunted beauty, or your wonderfid mind, but from the possessions of your husband !" '* I have already discovered this," re- turned Rosaura, endeavouring to conquer the irritation of her temper : ** you have for some little time past, kindly assisted my perception, Countess Almerini — will you now allow me to remark that your Cavalieri are awaiting your, return to them, and that you are misemploying that time in reproving me for an irre- trievable error, which you could pass much more THE HOMICIDE. ^49 more pleasingly at the Bernini Palace. I am now totally unfit to attend you ; but I do not reject either your counsel or your protection — yet let me, I entreat you, find the one accompanied with temper, and the other with humanity, and I will receive them Mnth gratitude." '' If you are sincere in that assertion," returned the Countess, who now thought proper to use a moie conciliating tone, *' you will not refuse to comply with my request, that you appear this evening in a society, many individuals of which have the power of advancing your interest considerably. Perhaps the simplicity of your present adjustment will be supposed to result from choice, not necessity, and will be rather applauded than condemned. I will not be refused — I may have been too hasty just now,, and your acquiescence 1 shall. .consider as the test of your for- giveness." Rosaura wearied alike with her tyra-^- ' and her importunity, assented in sile M 5 250 THE HOMICIDE. and they returned to the saloon, where the Marquis D'Asavoli liad joined the other Cavaliers, and with an aching head and heavy heart Rosaura was compelled to allow his attendance. ** Orvino appears not !" sighed she^ ** is it resentment or prudence that detains him from me ? Yet surelv he mii>ht have sent an excuse, or he mi«lit havealledired some reason for his absence, that would have exempted him from any suspicions of neglect !" When the party entered the conversa- zione, the first object trsat struck the eyes of Rosaura, was Signora Alviano, who turned disdainfully from her, without -replying to her salutation in the usual form. At once slicckcd and pained by this palpable symptom of enmity, Rosaura yet found courage to address her. ** V/hy do you tlius, Signora Alviano," said slie in a low voice, '' reject the liomagc of respect and aifection it is ever my THE HOMICIDE. 251 my wish to offer you? — Continue to pro- secute your claims; and if they are just, I sincerely hope they will be successful, whether it be the destiny of your nephew to be reinstated in his possessions, or un- fortunately otherwise. But in making this claim, which no doubt you believe to be a duty you owe to your amiable Vir- ginia, do not by any symptom of coldness or displeasure in your conduct towards me or RuvellO', give the \vorld to conclude that you supposed either r)f us capable of retaining for one day, that property or those domains of which we believed ano- ther to have a preferable title. Discard, .1 entreat you, that aspect of scorn and. anger, and suffer me " *' I retire from an expostulation equally artful, and ill-timed,'' interrupted Signora Alviano: ^'you well know the just motive you have given me for contempt and dislike!" This sentence which was uttered in a tone sufficiently loud to be heard by nearly m6 hal5- 262 THE HOMICIDE. half the assemhly who were then present, was interpreted at least a hundred differ- ent ways ; and every eye was turned upon Rosaura, who rendered desperate by an in- sult so public, and such a succession of mor- tifications, endeavoured to follow Signora Alviano as she withdrew, to demand an explicit and unequiv^ocal charge, to which she might as explicitly reply : but the crowd which generally attended the even- ing parties of the Marchioness Bernini, entirely defeated her intention ; and though she was assisted by the Marquis D'Asavoli and Ernesto di Brandosi, Sig- nora Alviano had actuall\^ left the house without the least danger of being further incommoded by the expostulations of iier fair and luckless niece. In the antichamber she was joined by the xdarchioness, who professed her con- cern and her astonishment at the intem- perate anger of Signora Alviano ; and observing that Rosaura appeared much agitated and distressed, she insisted upon 3 conducting THE HOMICIDE. 253 conducting her to her cabinet, that she might have leisure to recover her spirits and lier composure. Rosaura sick, weary, and inconceivably depressed, assented ; and the Marcliioness liaving given a svhispered direction to a domestic, led her to a private apartment, where she procured restoratives vdiich she compelled her to take, and then left her, with an injunction to remain quietly where she was, until Countess Almerini was disposed to retire. ** Your absence from the public apart- ments shall not be disadvantageous to you," added the Marchioness, *'forI will instantly set about such a discussion of the injurious treatment of your aunt Al- \iano, that the world shall perfectly under- stand it." The Marchioness then left her, and Rosaura resting her throbbing temples on her hands, could not avoid reflecting with some bitterness of spirit upon the injustice and cruelty she experienced from a woman, 254 THE HOMICIDE. a woman, who until her reverse of fortune, suffi^red only expressions of respect and admiration to pass her ]i[)s. Tears at length came to her relief, and at the conclusion of another half hoin% lier emotion was entirely calmed, and she waited with con- siderable impatience for a summons from Countess Almerini. The expected sumnjons was however still delayed, and Rosauia was rising to- ri ng a bell, when the Duke di Brandos! entering the cabinet with precipitation-, carefully closed the door, and advanced towards her. Rosaura regarding him with surprise and aflfright, made an eti( rt to summon a domestic ; but he caught the hand she had stretched out, and prevented Ker purpose. '' Signora Ruvello, deign to listen to me," said he: ^'why do you manifest this repugnance and this terror ? i have indeed received from you an aflYont of the most mortifying nature; but you have the THE HOMICIDE. 2S5 the power of healing the wound you gave. Your preference of Asavoli and Count Orvino to myself, who wislied most ar- dently to be distinguished by you, I could not but sensibly feel, and for some time 1 mistook displeasure for dislike or indif- ference. But, Oh how vainly have I thouo;ht that I could find in inferior attractions a charm that would render me invulnerable tovour's !— everv succeedina: interview convinced me more fully of my error, and now *' Kosaura having with some difticuky disengaged herself, rung the bell with a vehemence which was the effect of mingled anger and aj)prehension : she believed herself to have been betrayed into her present situation by the treachery of Countess Almerini as well as that of the Marchioness, and resolved instantly to quit the house wliere the one presided, and where the other was an approved associate. The Duke di Brandosi finding that tliq summoiis ^56 THE HOMrCIDE. summons W3.s not attended to, continued to urge liis [>3ea with increasing confidence, and having so placed himself, thatRosaura could neither escape nor renew her fruit- less application to the bell, he resumed with an air of menace that at once terri- fied her and provoked her indignation. ** Do not compel me to add threats to entreaties," said he: ** you do not act with your accustomed good sense, Signora Ruvello, in rejecting with such unchecked contempt the services I might be enabled to render you in your present situation, could I but assure myself that you would properly estimate them. If I find myself still inexorably repulsed by you, why should I not make myself an interest else- where, and at the same time avenge my unmerited defeat by traversing your de- signs in favour of Ruvello — Ruvello, that ingrate, who could subject you to the reverse you experience, to maintain an opinion your beauty and your merit should have prevented him from uttering or conceiving. THE HOMICIDE. Q57 conceiving. Had 1 been fiivonred by Signora lluvello, could I have spoken in impious rapture of the charms of another woman, oh how inferior! — Yet Ruvello could do this- -" Rosaura now mat1ie Countess herself followed by sev^al Cavaliers who had heard a runiouj of the affray, joined the party, and she remov^ed his punctilious objection by granting the dispensation he required. Rosaura wished to thank him for his generous interference in her behalf, but she feared lest the slio-htest mark of approbation or gratitude from her would renew THE HOMICIDE. 26l renew the intemperate choler of his uncle, and she suffered him to leave the house without venturing the acknowledgment she earnestly desired to offer him. Asavoli and the Countess now assailed her with enquiries; hut she indignantly referred them to the Duke di Brandosi, who having sullenly heheld the retreat of Sign or Ernesto, seemed now disposed to seek an occasion for animosity with who- ever else might approach him- *^ This affair appears equally inexpli- cable to me," said tlie lady of the mansion ; ^' but I must repress my curiosity and your's for the present, and entreat that you assist me in liushh^o; any report of the fracas for the sake of ^gnora, Ruvello, who seems to be unaccountably implicated in it. We must immediately leappear, and Signora Ruvello must aid us in giving it an air of frolic that may dissipate any idea injurious to herself." *' I cannot accede to this plan," said Rosaura : '* I am too much indisposed, and 2^2 THE HOMICIDE. and much tooserioiisly offended by theDukc di Brandosi, to sanction it, I leave it to liim however, to reveal the occasion of the rencontre, and 1 hope he will do justice to Sign or Ernesto, and blush for himself when he relates it ! Countess Alnierini," added she, ** I must beg you to allow me the liberty of using your carriage, and of employing your servants to convey me home," Without waiting a reply, Rosaura left the room ; and Asavoli following her, earnestly entreated as they descended the stairs, some explanation of the scene. *' I can well imagine," added he, ** that it results from the machinations of the Marchioness. But from whence came the elder Branc'osi ? He did not appear in the conversazione, and every one con- cluded that he was engaged at the concert of the Princess di Parmeno !" Rosaura almost as much disgusted with the Marquis as with the set she had quitted, made no reply ; and though she could THE HOMrClDE. 263 could not avoid allowing him to accom- pany her to her own door, she avowed herself too ill to converse, and remained in a state of silent lassitude and dejection until -^he reached it, which she thought it impossihle any further distress or alarm could heighten. Asavoli expressed much concern for her indisposition, and conjured her to suffer the immediate attendance of a phy- sician, which Rosaura declined, and he was then compelled to hid her adieu. Early the next morning, Signor An- selmo learned that his fair inmate was in a high fever, accompanied with a strong delirium ; and instantly sending his sister to add her assistance and attendance to that of the affrighted Maria, he procured her every aid which attention or medicine could give : but for several days it was extremely doubtful if they would be avail- ing ; and in this interval. Countess Almerini contented herself v/itli twice sending a cold enquiry, and Slgnora Alviano Q64f THE HOMICIDE. Alviaiio not in (lie least softened by the dangerous situation of Rosaura, could not prevail upon herself even to make this coinj)limentary offering to decency. Spite of the cheerless reflections how- ever, that perpetually assailed her, when- ever she was in a state to reflect upon her isolated situation, the youth ofRosaura at length successfully combated with her malady ; but the horror of being thus completely cast upon the mercy of strangers, and the consciousness of being unable to repay Signor Anselmo even the money he had disbursed for her, preyed upon her mind, and leit her in a state of depression more, dreadful than the most painful attack of sickness. When however, her convalescence v/as ascertained, Maria was instructed to pre- sent her a letter, which the good Anselmo would no longer withhold from her, because he learned from Count Orvino that it was probably from Signor Astolfo di Boschero or his wife, as the postmark evidenced THE HOMICIDE. 265 evidenced that it came from the place of their residence. *' It is from iny uncle !" exclaimed Rosaura in a sudden tremor of joy, ** to inform me when I may cast myself into his protecting arms !'* Hastily she opened the welcome paper, and having eagerly read the first lines, the faint colour forsook her cheek, whilst with a throbbing heart she hurried over the remainder : then starting from her seat, and catching Maria by the gown — ** Do not leave me I charge you," said she wildly — " do not fly me ! The whole world abandons me, yet do not you for- sake your hapless mistress !" ** Who me, Signora 1" ejacLdated the girl, ** no, never, whilst I can remember your goodness to me and to my poor family, and that I know I shall remember to my death ! Whoever has wrote such a thing,'* added she indignantly, " wrote a lie, and I would tell thea^- so to their face 1" VOL. I. N *' Yet 9,66 THE HOMICIDE. *' Yet why should I detain you?'' re- sunieil Rosaura; '' it would be cruel and selfish ! Go, then, Maria, but do not, when you turn your back upon me, scolf at my misfortunes, and load me with obloquy, as those have done, u{3on whom niy weary soul rested tor comfort, for support — for life itself 1*' Maria now began to weep bitterly, and defended her conduct and intentions with the utmost earnestness from the calumny she believed to have been levelled against them. *' You weep!" exclaimed Rosaura; ^* teach me likewise to shed tears, and they will relieve my aching head and bursting heart !" Maria was now terrified at her inco- herence, and throwing herself at her feet, clung to her knees, and conjured her Lady to discard an idea so afflicting to her, as that of her desertion. ** Could I be such a wretch," added Maria, " I know that God would never prosper THE HOMICIDE. 2^7 f^rosper me. Ah, believe me, Signora, 1 will serve you all my life as zealously and as faithfully as Heaveu is served by its own saints !" Unconsciously soothed by her grateful affection, llosaura at length found relief in a torrent of tears. ** IMy kind Maria,'* said she, when they had in some degree subsided, ^'how healing to my bruised spirit are tliis fide- lity and attachment ! On what flinty bosoms have I leaned for consolation, and how Cruelly have 1 been wounded and repulsed ! To you Maria, to you I now turn for friendship and assistance." ** What you connnand me to do, that 1 will do," replied Maria fnmly : ''and if toserve you, 1 must jump into the Gulf of Monte di Somma, 1 would say my prayers and throw myself in !" As the spoke, Kusauia regarded her fixedly, and then said — '' Maria, 1 will wholly confide in you — your unfeigned demonstration of affection, and my desti- N '^ tute 268 THE HOMfCIDE, tute state, equally urge me to the request I now make you. The fortune of my husband you must know, is entirely con- iiscated, and from several accidental cir- cumstances independent of that one Oh Heaven!" exclaimed he, suddenly inter- rupting herself, '*can my cruel uncle and his barbarous wife indeed consign me so unfeelingly to difficulties such as I must now experience, when I so recently manifested for them a sentiment so oppo- site " Another burst of tears choked her utterance, and prevented the conclusion of the sentence : but Maria now compre- hended that the letter she had presented to her Lady, had disappointed her wishes and her expectations, and naturally con- cluded that she had applied to her uncle for money, and that her request had been refused. *' Do not thus give way to grief, Sig- nora," said she in a persuasive accent: ** indeed every body is not hard-hearted. Signor THE HOMICIDE. 2® Signor Anselmo is a very good man, and I am sure if his own life was to have gone M itii your's, he could not have been more earnest that you should do well and recover : and then airain tlie ^ood Count Or vino — dear Lady, ii' other people forsake you, he never will 1" '* Maria," interrupted Rosaura hastily, '* I must, when I am able, leave this house. If I remain here, the most hor- rible slanders will pursue me — and I have likewise another reason stilLmore urgent — but you must give me a promise, solemnly pledged, not to reveal the request I find myself compelled to make to you, and you must, to remove a dreadful anxiety that preys upon my mind, promise like- wise to comply with it." Maria wanted little inducement to satisfy her beloved Lady in both instances ; and Rosaura then informed her that she must assist her to dispose of several super- fluities which she particularized, for her immediate maintenance, and that she N 3 must 270 THE HOMICIDE. must discharge Giovanno, whom it was not in her power to retain any longer in her service. Maria appeared for some moments thunderstruck, and was speechless: hut it was tlie silence of respectful grief, not of insolence or repugnance, and Rosaura understood the sentiment. When the poor girl regained her articulation, she again urged the kind solicitude of old Anselmo, and the zealous services of thiC Count, and conjured her Lady rather to avail herself of them, than resort to an expedient that shocked her only to tliink of Rosaura replied that it was impossible, consistently with prudence and decorum, that she should receive succours from either ; for though the good merchant would be unobjectionable in himself as her benefactor, yet she could not bnt strongly suspect that he would merely be the agent of Count Orvino, and the world Avould suspect it likewise. She then re- minded Aiaria of her double promise, who acknow- THE HOMICIDE. 271 acknowledoed herself bound to fulfil it in both instances. The spirits of Rosaura appeared rather revived by the confidence she had reposed in this affectionate girl ; and sh.e then gave into her possession several trinkets and some rich laces, to be converted into money : a task that seemed so tremendous and impossible to the inexperienced Maria, that siH' l)egged very eaiiiestiy hev mother migiU be allowed to assist her in it. Rosaura assented however, only upon condition that the same obligation of se- crecy should be imposed upon her; and Maria having undertaken for her discre- tion, and her entire devotion to the Mill of her benefactress, was eagerly sent upon the appointed mission. N 4 CHAR J£72 THE HOMICIDE, CHAP. X. ARIA had been gone little more than half an hour, when Signor Anselmo desired to have the honour of being ad- mitted to Rosaura for a few moments, if she found herself sufiiciently recovered to receive him without much fatigue. Madame Beatrice who brought the mes- sage, replied to the enquiry of Rosaura concerning the nature of the business he wished to discuss, that her brother made h rule, from which no entreaty of her's could turn him, never to impart either his sentiments or his intentions to her, which she thought very hard, considering she THE HOMICIDE. 273 she was his only sister, and ahuost his only relation, and that she was of years to be trusted in matters of greater import- ance than those he withheld from her. llosaiira wlio had readily penetrated the extreme weakness of her intellects, and the frivolity of her disposititju, made no immediate reply to this complaint, but returned an answer to the good merchant that she would await him. *' Surely," thought she, '* no unlucky accident has befallen Maria, that can have exposed to Signor Anselmo the nature of the commission I have given her! — or have those reports so injurious to me reached him, and determined him to insist upon my expulsion !" Amidst her anxious surmises, Ansehno entered with that aspect of sedate bene- volence that gives confidence and hope to the suppliant, that causes the hand that receives, to be stretched out without re- luctance, and the heart that would other- wise proudly writhe under obligations that K 5 eftace 274 THE HOMICIDE. efface the stamp of independence on the soul, to expand with unmixed thankful- ness and comfort. After Ansehno had expressed the satis- faction he really seemed to experience at the rapid recovery of his fair inmate, and his hope that it would soon be perfected, he relieved her inquietude upon the motive of his visit, by informing her that he Avished to communicate to her in person, the intelligence of his having been con> missioned by Signor Ruvello, to supply jier with any money she might require, under two thousand crowns; and he was, he said, the more earnest to acquaint her immediately with the circumstance, as he was compelled to embark the next day for Florence — a voyage which had hitherto been in some measure delayed by his anx- iety for the result of her malady. - " That it has terminated happily,'* he added, "I thank Heaven: for I could not behold the Signora Ruvello without expe- THE HOMICIDE. 275 experiencing an interest equally warm and respectful in her welfare, and a sentiment which, if my situation in society had been elevated to a better level with her own, I should venture to call paternal." " I bliould su.^pect almost any other of mockery,*' returned Rosaura, ** who spoke to me at this moment, of any elevation but that of soul and character, which henceforth it must be my study to attain, 1 thank you, Signor Anselmo, for the ilatteiing sentiments you profess : it is indeed, highly grateful to me to have cxcit<:'d the esteem of a worthy man, and 1 find it some consolation for the misre- presentations of those, Md)o know not perhaps, that they equally outrage truth as well as myself, or who wilfully calum- niate me because 1 am in disgrace with fortune 1 As for the commission you say }ou have received from my husband, I will not call upon you to exercise ir, because it will be necessary that 1 should be careful N 6 of 276 THE HOiMIClDE. of diminishing his resources, which I must be sensible are very few and very scanty." ** Pardon nie if I say that I think you in this instance to blame," said Anselm^. *^The money deposited in my hands is for your use alone, and Signor Rqvello has of course arranged his own particular concerns in a manner to render it unneces- sary to himself," •' Even if he should have done so," replied she, ^'it will still be pleasant to discover an overplus in his account, ^g- nor Anselmo, my resolution on this point must be irrevocable." *' Pardon the otHiciousness of my zeal, Signora," said he; ** I meant merely to represent, not to argue. I hope to have tiie satisfaction on mv return, which will be in a fortnio-ht or three weeks, to find you less determined on the subject. Until then, it must certainly rest." He then bade her adieu, but returned to the apartment to entreat that she would consider THE HOMICIDE. 277 consider the house and the domestics to be devoted to her service and convenience, and that his sister would readily on every occasion evince her respectful attachment. ** Even against tlie benevolence of thi& good. old man," exclaimed Rosaura, **must 1 fence myself with rigid caution 1 Countess Almerini, and long ere this, Signora Alviano equally comprehend that I have no resource; and no doubt they will have learned tb.at the merchant An- sejjno, ennobled only by his virtues, is the friend of Count Oivino. I must then acquaint myself with poverty and want in their utmost deformity — I must con- template their haggard features with the philosophy I have tauntingly been accused of atfecting, and perhaps they will not then appear so repulsive and disgusting ! I will inure my soul to disappointment, to grief, to anguish of every kind, and plunge at once into the torrent of ills my adverse fortune presents to me, without waiting to be overtaken by the tide I cannot 278 THE HOMICIDE. cannot' flee from. How miserably falla- cious and deceitful are the hopes Ruvello so ardently cherishes — how little does he know that world in which the gay moments of his prosperous youth alone were spent 1 Why should his family blush to abandon me, when my own so cruelly spurns me ? — and what expectation can I reasonably form of the favour or the clemency of others, when tlie man who fostered my orphan childhoodj wiio has raid my heart from infancy almost to the present hour, suspects, contemns, and renounces me upon the accusation of malice or credulity? Oh my uncle, how harsh are jour re- proaches, how barbarous is your renun- ciation ! Yet, can he indeed abandon the only child of a sister he loved, at a juncture so full of anxiety, of difficulties of every kind? It cannot surely be — my apprehensive haste has misled me !" Again Rosauia opened the letter of Signer Astolfo, and her reluctant doubts were soon dispelled. ** Your THE HOMICIDE. ' 579 '* Your letter has reached me,'* wrote he ; '^ but, Signora Ruvello, I received almost at the same moment, intelligence but too v/ell authenticated, that shut my heart against the distress you pretend to have encountered, and which you have so artfully depicted. Tlie intelligence of which I speak, you cannot but be too conscious of the nat\neof, and I have no })lea to doubt it, since it is derived from an authority that is undeniable." ** You aie then, degenerate creature, lost to that honour the blood that nou- rishes your heait should have flowed to preserve, since you could boast what is now my disgrace, that you are descended from the Boscheri — a name 1 am thankful you never bore : that of Viralva you resigned in good time ! Henceforth I know you not. I shall instantly withdraw from this place and retreat to some spot where 280 THE HOMICIDE. where your complaints and your infamy cannot in future reach me ! As these sentences again met the eye of Rosaura, a deep despondence stole over her bosom, and with the opened letter in her hand, she remained a considerable time fixed like a statue, her eyes uncon- sciously bent upon the wiititig, and her mind as void of reflection, as ])er person was of motion : yet a weight of inquietude lay heavy at her heart, and often impelled her to the relief of a deep and tremulous sigh. A voice at length met her ear without awakening her from her abstraction ; it was that of Maria. ** Signora," said she, ** Count Or* vino — — " ** Yes, yes !" said Rosaura. ** 1 may admit him then?'' asked Maria. '' Yes, THE HOMICIDE. 281 *' Yes, yes," replied shC; leaning her -forehead upon her unoccupied hand. Maria withdrew, and immediately re- turned with Orvino, uho v/as evidently shocked at the alteration of her person, and the deep melancholy and depression which her countenance, her attitude, and her unequal respiration severally indicated. He contemplated her in silence for some moments, and Maria, who likewise gazed upon her Lady with grief and consterna- tion, no longer able to restrain her tears, retired to indulge them in another place. '* Will Signora Ruvello allow me," said Orvino, '* to express my satisfaction that her late malady has so much abated — \vill she not deign to listen to me, or must I fear " Rosaura started from her seat. — "Count Orvino," exclaimed she, '* why are you here !" Then endeavouring to collect her scat- tered ideas — ** Pardon me," she resumed in extreme confusion, *' I know not what I say — C82 THE HOMICIDE. I say — my niinrl is disturbed— my lieart is oppressed ! Vainly liave I turned my languid eyes to meet the aspect of a fiiend, >»ainly have 1 sought one pitying b(jsom — forgive these tears — they relieve me; but I should repress them !'* ** In me behold that friend," said Orvino warmly, ** if you will allow me a title, I will exert every effort to render myself Morthy of — in me behold a man who renders a just tribute of veneration and esteem to excellence like your's. In- dulge your grief in my presence, since you cannot fee] any sorrow I do not share. Fain would I arrest the source from whence it arises ! Tell me how I may most effectually lessen your inquietudes- — point out to me how I may eradicate every painful emotion from a heart so gentle, so amiable, so good !" 1 lie accents and the manner of Orvino Mere so animated, as he rapidly uttered these sentences, that tliev recalled to the pale THE HOMICIDE. 583 pale cheek of Rosanra some part of the carnation that had lately deserted it. ** Your opinion flatters me," said she in a low tone : '* bu% Count Orvino, I Iioped, I understood that you generously meant to ameliorate the destiny of my husband by your presence and your coun- sels, until he may be better reconciled to his fate, and better enabled to deliberate for himself. Have you yet heard from him ?'* *' I have not," replied he, in a more composed accent : ** I had intended to have rejoined him before this, but I could not endure to carry him the afflicting intelligence, it would have been impos- sible to have concealed, that vour health ^vas severely affected by the anxiety to v'hich you have been unliappily exposed. M'ould he not himself have regretted that I had not remained to ascertain to him your recovery : but now tliat I may, I hope, in giving him a reason tor my ab^jcuie, 284 THE HOMICIDE, absence, likewise assure him that it no longer exists, I will go— — " ''Immediately ?" encjiiired Rosaura. '* Immediately," replied he. ** You will Und him, I suppose, at Rome ?" *' At Rome most probably. Shall I not be the bearer of a letter from you?" ** I thank you, Count Orvino; Gio- vanno shall bring you one in two hours/' *' I will call for it myself : perhaps you may then recollect some verbal commu- nication for Ruvello, or some further com- mand for myself/' *' No indeed," returned Rosaura in an anxious tone ; *' I shall not assuredly have occasion to give you any other trouble than that of bearing a letter to my unhappy Ruvello : I will now therefore, bid you adieu, and may Heaven recom- pense your generous friendship !" " Adieu, amiable Signora Ruvello, adieu !'* repeated Orvino. *' I may per- haps," added he, ** inform my friend that you THE HOMICIDE. ^85 }Mu are not displeased with your abode, and that you will not for the present change it ?" *^ 1 cannot be more commodiously lodged/' replied she with a sigh, ** nor Nvith people more earnestly desirous of affording me every satisfaction and con- venience. Farewell, Count Orvino ! my gratitude and good wishes accompany you.'* " He leaves Naples, he leaves the kingdom !" exclaimed Rosaura when he had quitted the room : *' will not this silence leports and rumours so hateful, so calumniating !" ^' The good Count is gone,'' said Maria as she eutered : *^ so now 1 will inform you, Signora, what my mother has done. When I first told her, she cried so much, that I thought she never would have been comforted : but she says Heaven will end your troubles, and you will be haj^y at last, even in this M'orld ; and 1 dare say it will be so, for we shall all pray for it." Maria 2SG THE HOMICIDE. Maria then gave an account of her mission ; and the money she produced, for which her mother had carefully taken vouchers from the purchasers, was so much less than she expected, that far from enabling her to repay what she knew Sign-or Anselmo and his sister had ex- pended for her, it was scarcely more than sufticient to pay the appointment of Gio- van no, and suffice for her immediate use. After some painful deliberation upon thesui)ject, Ilosaura recollected her inten- tion of sending the letter to the Count ; and this remembrance produced another, that she must not reveal the desperate state of her afrhirs, by dismissing Gio- vanno, until this too zealous friend could no longer leain it, either from the poor fellow himself, whom she was grieved lo part with, or from the lamily of Auaelmo. Her letter to iluvello hinted at some of the difficulties and discouragements she hud encountered and she intimated her earnest THK HOMICIDE. 28? lier earnest wish that he would absolve her of the promise she had made of re- maining at Naples, longer tlian was abso- lutely necessary to arrange and provide for her departure : yet she entreated him to believe that she would still endeavour to follow his instructions as far as her ability extended. The extreme inquietude which accom- panied her through the night, impeded the further return of her health, and she arose the next day, weak and unrefreshed, but with a determined resohition to exert every faculty in endeavouring to over- couie her evil fortune. Having learned from Giovanno that Count Orvino had left Naples the pre- cechug evening, she unwillingly informed this tciithful fellow that she could no longer letain him ; and notwithstanding his extreme reluctance to quit her service, she compelled herself to persevere in her design, when she had assured herself from his 288 THE HOMICIDE. his own report, that he could immediately be received into another household. It was with considerable difficulty she prevailed upon him to receive the money due to him ; and then with a secret bene- diction and a lingering step, he quitted her presence. He impressively charged Maria to watch over the health of her Lady with redoubled zeal and attention, which she promised very solemnly ; and jrivin"- hef the name and habitation of the family he intended to serve, that she might send to him if Rosaura appeared inclined to take liim back, he left the house. Notwithstanding every effort Rosama could use to regain her health, and the strength which might empower her to use some exertion, more than a week passed ere she was in a state to make any active effort for the interest of Ruvello. In this time she made two written appli- cations to Countess Almerini, to beg her assistance in procuring the attendance of 5 the THE HOMiciPi:. 289 tbeProcuratore indicated by her husband, which good office she could not demand of the Marquis D'Asavoli, as he had in- formed her in a billet, that he should employ those days in which the remains of her regretted malady might prevent his attendance, in accompanying his uncle to his campagna : but Countess Almerininot condescending to return any answer to her application, Rosaura at length argued herself into a resolution to seek her, and ^ few of her former associates, shocked though her feelings were at their total neglect and abandonment of her. She was compelled to hire a carriage for tliis irksome occasion, and equally spiritless and languid, she entered it, and was taken by her direction immediately to the habitation of Countess Almerini, from whose domestics she learned that their Lady was at the villa of the Marchi- oness BerHini. At the door of Signora Alviano, which she did not chuse to pass unnoticed, she was told that the Padrona VOL. r. o was 290 THE HOMICIDE. was at the Convent where her dauo-hter resided ; and at every other place, from a variety of pretexts, she was refused admittance, sometimes with contempt, sometimes with airs of compassion, and generally with an unceremonious abrupt- ness; that very plainly indicated the sen- timent herself and her equipage excited. '■ 1 have performed a painful duty," ejaculated Rosaura, as she threw herself into a seat in her own apartment, *' a duty, since my husband enjoined it — I have proved it to be an useless one— but it is past {" Scarcely were licr sinking spirits a little recruited by the refreshment Maria assi- duously pressed her to take, ere the poor girl reluctantly informed her that in her absence, the Dukedi Brandosi had claimed admittance to her in so insolent a man sier, that Signora Beatrice having vainly assured him she was not in the house, had been terrified into fits, and was still very ill. Kosaura v/as both shocked and alarmed at THE HOMICIDE. £9'1 at tins intelligence, and immediately sent Maria to express her concern at the cir- cumstance, who returned with a very cold and stiff reply from Signora Beatrice, '* Father Mavido is with her," added Maria, '* the sour-faced Carthusian you saw one day, Signora Padrona — and after his lectures, she is always cross and pettish, especially to me ; and then she begins to talk about the whims of her brother in taking strangers into his house, and making more of them than his near kindred. I am sure the good Signor Ansclmo would be very angry if he knew how she goes on I" ^ Rosaura reflected upon this intelligence with aggravated inquietude : her temper M'as not constituted to battle with the obstinate illiberality of little-minrled folly, and she feared that she must seek a new habitation before she could hear from Countess Almerini, or give her notice of her intention, and before her strength wag sufficientlv restored, to enable her to o 2 endure 292 THE liOMICIUE. endure the necessary fatigue attending it^ She was as much surprised as hurt to learn the disgust Signora Beatrice had conceived against her residence in the house, even before the insult of the Duke di Brandosi could have given her a pretext to alledge against it, as she had invariably been treated by this woman, whom she believed to be harmless, though weak, with the utmost personal deference and attention. Whilst she was yet considering this vexatious incident, some person tapped at the antiroom door ; and Maria having attended the summons, returned with an aspect of surprise, to inform her Lady that Father Mavido desired to confer with her for a few moments. Rosanra felt rather alarmed at this unexpected visit, yet she instantly desired that he might be conducted to her. When the Carthusian was seated, he very solemnly opened the conference by recapitulating the scene Maria had men- tioned, THE HOMICIDE. 293 tioned, whicli had produced so serious an effect upQii Signora Beatrice : he then proceeded to state that as she wished to pass her hours in prayer and meditation, she would not subject herself to a repe- tition of it ; and that with all possible deference to Signora Ruvello, she wished her to be aware that either she must quit the mansion of Anselmo, or his sister would be compelled to do so. The Carthusian then hinted that what- ever might be the sentiments of the mer- chant Anselmo, tlie world would not regard without indignation, the expulsion of Signora Beatrice from the roof which might be called her natural shelter. *' Far be it from me,'* replied Rosaura, '* to give the world such a subject of ani- madversion and scandal ! Inform tlie Signora Beatrice that 1 will remove myself if possible, ere the week be out/' '■* In the interim," said Father Mavido, ** this scene of which she complains, may be renewed— or at least, her apprehensions o 3 of 294 THE HOMICIDE. of it will be almost as destructive to her.'* '*Well then, to-morrow or the next day," returned Rosaura, *^ I will relieve her from her apprehensions." ** In this you judge well and discreet- ly," said the Carthusian, rising. Rosaura conducted him to the door with the respect liis sacred function de- manded, and then recalled INlaria, to consult with her upon the instant sale of every thing in her possession which was not absolutely necessary to her. Maria received the communication and instructions of her Lady with a sorrow she could not restrain ; and Rosaura im- pelled by the tears and sobsoi'tliis faithful and affectionate creature, at length wept with her : but this was "a weakness she Avould not long indulge in; and soon recovering her voice and her composure, she consoled JMaria with iiopes she had herself no confidence iu, and then reso- lutely began the necessary task of assorting and THE HOMICIDE. 29-5 and arranging her effects into two pack- ages, the one consisting of necessaries, the other of superfluities. Asi'ain was the assistance of Maria's mother demanded, to dispose of the latter ; but the irood woman was now frio'htened at the importance of the task confided to her, and entreated that she might call in the aid of her husband, and of a friend of his who was more likely than either of them, to perform it properly. To this proposition Rosaura was unwil- liugly obliged to yield, and in the evening of the following day she received eighty- three crowns as the produce of what had been consigned to their disposal. A humble lodging had been likewise retained for her, and she resolved to remove to it v/ithout waiting the rising of another sun : she intimated therefore to Signora Beatrice that she wished to see her, and this good gentlewoman en- tering her apartment with an air of importance she had never before worn, 3 informed 296 THE HOMICIDE. informed Rosaura in reply to lier enquiries, that she was indebted to her brother forty- two crowns -for tlie three weeks in which she had occupied the apartments he had thought proper to assign to her use. Rosaura was startled at the magnitude of the sum ; but she now reflected with considerable surprise at her own neglect in omitting it, that she had never ascer- tained a point so important. '* Count Orvino should have men- tioned this !" said she in an accent of vexation. ** As to what Count Orvino said," returned Beatrice, *^ I know nothing ; but my brother himself tpld me that he let you have this suite of rooms, which are the best in the house, for fourteen crowns a week, which, rich as I supposed him to be, I thought a good round sum in our pockets. Then, Signora, I paid your Burse and your doctors myself, and here is an account I kept of all the little dainties I paid for when you was ill, and could not THE HOMICIDE. ^97 not order for yourself. JNIy brother said indeed, tliat you would give him the money before he set out, and perhaps you did so r" '* No indeed," replied Rosaura, ** I am his debtor still on this account also : and as I acknowledge I never conversed with the worthy Signer Ansehno upon the subject, I cannot contradict your state- nient of the amount of the sum for the accommodation you have afforded me of these apartments, and I am sensible it is a very trifling compensation for the anxiety and trouble I have occasioned in this household." ** Oh, it is not so much the trouble," returned Beatrice ; " but I can t help suspecting, now it is put into my head, that my wise brother, who is so loath to trust to my discretion, docs not chuse to let me know the true reason of his taking a stranger into his house : and besides^ if he wants to do a charitable action, let him give his spare money to some good Father, 2^8 THE HOMICIDE. Father, such as Father ]\Iavido, to distri- bute as he thinks best— for every body else does so— and then the blessiup's that come from the needy are more holy, and will do his soul more good 1" *' Of that Signor Anselmo himself must judge," said Rosaura : *' it appears that I must reimburse you eighteen crowns, five tarins, and lix grains^i^ which you hava expended for me— here they are; and forty two crowns for the lodging Mill settle my account with your benevolent brother, except that I must ever remain his debtor for a kind and generous concern I can only repay with profitless gratitude. As I shall remove this evening, I shall not probably find another opportunity of expressing the chagrin I cannot but feel^ at the disturbance which the brutality of the Duke di Brandosi occasioned in your habitation, and at the alarm you expe- rienced. I mu^t be cautious that he do not learn my future residence, that I may not THE HOMICIDE. 299 not only shield myself from his intrusion, but that I may protect others from his insolence." *• I think, Signora, with due deference," said Beatrice, ** that you will act pru- dently : and suppose at the same time, you conceal from my wise brother where you are going to live, because then he cannot let his favourite Count Orvino into the secret ; and if neither of them knows it, people cannot go on you know, to say Avhat tl^.ey do now." Rosaura felt an indignant suffusion colour her cheek at this hint ; but she sujjpressed her emotion, and calmly thanked Madame Beatrice for lier disin- terested advice, who triumphed exceed- ingly that once in her lile she had pos- sessed the power of acting so important a part, unchecked by the controul of her brother, and that she had been able to impose her will and her sentiments on so celebrated a personage as the beautiful Signora Ruvello, Rosaura 300 TilE HOMICIDE. Rosaura accompanied only by her faith- ful Maria, quitted the mansion of the worthy Ansehiio, with scarcely twenty crowns in her possession, oppressed by the languor of a recent sickness, and the ii- quietude incident to her situation, dread- ing likewise lest Ruvello should have already heard the calumnious reports rela- tiveto CountOrvino and herself, which, as Signora Beatrice was no stranger to them, must be, she concluded, in every mouth; and in almost equal terror, lest from the unlucky combination of circumstances which had reduced her to her present destitute condition and powerless insigni- ficance, Ruvello should suspect her of negligence towards his interests, or ex- treme imprudence in her own conduct. END OF VOL. I. LAME, MINKRVA-'PRESS, LEADENHAL'L-STREET. lECKMAN jlNDEW INC- MAY 95