that I know more, both of your and his history, than either of you dream of. But the rain is somewhat abated-en route." They regained the road as he spoke, and immediately resumed their journey. CHAPTER VII. It strikes an awe And terror on my aching sight; the tombs It was late on the following evening when the travellers, having continued their journey the whole of the previous night, arrived at a small village on the eastern bank of the lake of Como, and fixed their quarters in the only inn the place contained. On making enquiries, they found they were only a few miles distant from the convent where Louise, for the present, re sided; and the Egyptian, having procured a fresh horse, proceeded immediately in search of it, with Alfred's letter; desiring him to remain as retired as possible until his return, which he calculated on accomplishing early the next day. Left entirely alone, Alfred began to reflect on the difficulties into which his long cherished passion threatened to plunge him. He had left his countrymen abruptly, without assigning any sufficient reason for his sudden departure; nor could he calculate, with any degree of certainty, on a speedy return. He found himself hurried irresistibly into an enterprise, which, if successful, would undoubtedly be construed into a deliberate and wanton violation of the privileges of the church, and as such, might be visited with the severest punishment; while the well-known character of Visconti awakened in his mind a full sense of the additional danger he incurred in daring to counteract his designs. Curiosity, however, combined with love in inducing him to run the risk of incurring the vengeance both of the church and of the Duke of Milan. The hints which the Egyptian threw out, regarding Count Godfrey, and the relationship which Juan had declared subsisted betwixt them, were both incomprehensible to him; and it was in vain that he placed his imagination on the rack, in attempting to reconcile these unaccountable differences. It must be confessed, however, that the feeling which predominated in his breast was fear lest Louise, from motives of delicacy or pride, should refuse his proffered aid ; and he at length retired for the night, worn out more with anxiety than with the fatigues of his journey. Nature, however, is kind in such circumstances; for it is said that the American Indian can sleep soundly, even in sight of the fire which is kindled to consume him; and no sooner had he laid his head on the pillow, than he fell into a profound and refreshing slumber. Early next morning, as he still slept soundly, he was awakened by a footstep in his chamber, and on opening his eyes the Egyptian stood by his bedside. He held out a billet to him, which Alfred immediately snatched from his hands: it was written in the following terms : "You offer to aid me in escaping from the tyranny of my guardians; and since I am deserted by all those who are able to assist or protect me, I accept it with gratitude. I am well aware that the attempt will be hazardous on your part, and must appear imprudent on mine; but there is no danger which I am not ready to encounter to escape the fate which the Duke of Milan proposes for me. Whatever measures you may propose for my escape, will be readily adopted by your obliged friend.” Alfred read the letter twice over before he could satisfy himself that she had really consented to make use of his services; and then, with all the enthusiasm of a youthful lover about to undertake the rescue of his mistress, he began to prepare for their immediate departure. "How did you contrive to get the letter delivered?" he said at length, to the Egyptian. 66 By means of the porteress, whom I have before employed on such like errands. It was nearly discovered; but all is now safe, and I have prepared everything for her escape." "What time have you fixed?" |