“We are now at the thirtieth of April. On the fifth day from this the
Visionary Nun is expected to appear. In my last visit to the Convent I
provided myself with a dress proper for the character: A Friend, whom I
have left there and to whom I made no scruple to confide my secret,
readily consented to supply me with a religious habit. Provide a
carriage, and be with it at a little distance from the great Gate of
the Castle. As soon as the Clock strikes “one,” I shall quit my
chamber, drest in the same apparel as the Ghost is supposed to wear.
Whoever meets me will be too much terrified to oppose my escape. I
shall easily reach the door, and throw myself under your protection.
Thus far success is certain: But Oh! Alphonso, should you deceive me!
Should you despise my imprudence and reward it with ingratitude, the
World will not hold a Being more wretched than myself! I feel all the
dangers to which I shall be exposed. I feel that I am giving you a
right to treat me with levity: But I rely upon your love, upon your
honour! The step which I am on the point of taking, will incense my
Relations against me: Should you desert me, should you betray the trust
reposed in you, I shall have no friend to punish your insult, or
support my cause. On yourself alone rests all my hope, and if your own
heart does not plead in my behalf, I am undone for ever!”
The tone in which She pronounced these words was so touching, that in
spite of my joy at receiving her promise to follow me, I could not help
being affected. I also repined in secret at not having taken the
precaution to provide a Carriage at the Village, in which case I might
have carried off Agnes that very night. Such an attempt was now
impracticable: Neither Carriage or Horses were to be procured nearer
than Munich, which was distant from Lindenberg two good days journey. I
was therefore obliged to chime in with her plan, which in truth seemed
well arranged: Her disguise would secure her from being stopped in
quitting the Castle, and would enable her to step into the Carriage at
the very Gate without difficulty or losing time.
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.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account