Cardinal Pole; Or, The Days of Philip and Mary: An Historical RomanceAinsworth, William Harrison
History
Cardinal Pole; Or, The Days of Philip and Mary: An Historical Romance
Ainsworth, William Harrison
Great Britain -- History -- Mary I, 1553-1558 -- Fiction; Pole, Reginald, 1500-1558 -- Fiction
Philip took a place near them. For some minutes he was so absorbed in
his devotions that he did not notice the person beside him, further than
remarking that she was young; but as he raised his eyes, he caught sight
of a face that at once riveted his attention. Never had he beheld
features so exquisitely beautiful, or so sweet in expression. No nun
could have a holier or purer look. A tender melancholy pervaded this
angelic countenance, adding an inexpressible charm to it. The face was
seen by the Prince in profile, but the attitude served to display the
classic regularity of the lineaments, the noble brow, white as marble,
the delicately-chiselled nose, the short upper lip, and rounded chin.
The complexion of the lovely devotee was of dazzling fairness, which
lent additional effect to her resplendent black eyes, her
finely-pencilled brows and dusky and luxuriant tresses. Her figure was
slender, and its perfect symmetry was defined by her black taffetas
dress. From her girdle hung a silver rosary. A small ruff encircled her
swan-like throat, and a velvet hood fastened to a coverchief lay at the
back of her head.
Totally unconscious of the effect produced by her charms, she pursued
her devotions, and it was only towards the close of the service, that
she became aware of the Prince’s propinquity, and of the ardent gaze he
fixed upon her. The discovery gave her evident annoyance. Whispering to
her attendant, she arose hastily, with the design of quitting the
chapel. She could not avoid Osbert, who was leaning against a pillar
directly in her way. Young Clinton had been as much struck by her beauty
as the Prince, and with looks betokening the extent of his admiration,
he bowed to her respectfully as she passed. Coldly returning the salute,
and drawing the hood over her head, she went forth, followed by her
attendant.
Philip did not move till the fair devotee had quitted the chapel. He
then arose, and with undisturbed gravity of deportment left the
building. As he issued into the street, which we have stated was dark
and narrow, the two females could nowhere be discerned. Yet, feeling
confident they must have proceeded towards the main street, he speeded
in that direction. Osbert went with him, but was not sorry to find, on
reaching the archway opening into English Street, that nothing was to be
seen of them.
“Whither can she have gone?” cried Philip, in a tone of fierce
disappointment; and then, without waiting for an answer, he added, “But
perhaps you know her.”
Osbert replied in the negative.
“I did not believe the world contained such a paragon,” cried Philip.
“But to lose her would be intolerable. Stay! the priest can tell us who
she is. Let us go back and question him.”
“Such a step would excite the holy man’s suspicions, and infallibly seal
his lips,” replied Osbert, “To-morrow I will obtain information for your
Highness.”
“But I must be satisfied to-night,” cried Philip. “I cannot rest till I
feel sure I shall behold her again.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account