The Wanderer; or, Female Difficulties (Volume 5 of 5)Burney, Fanny
History
The Wanderer; or, Female Difficulties (Volume 5 of 5)
Burney, Fanny
France -- History -- Revolution, 1789-1799 -- Refugees -- Fiction; Historical fiction; Refugees -- Fiction; War stories
'In the afternoon, the Marchioness brought me the reviving tidings that
the Bishop was departed. He had promised to endeavour to join Gabriella.
The rest of this direful day passed, and no commissary appeared: but the
anguish of unremitting expectation kept aloof all joy at his absence,
for, in idea, he appeared every moment! Nevertheless, after sitting up
together the whole fearful night, we saw the sun rise the next morning
without any new horrour. I then received a visit from the mayor, with
information that the insurrection at ---- had obliged the commissary to
repair thither, and that he had just sent orders that I should join him
in the evening. Resistance was out of the question. The tender
Marchioness demanded leave to accompany me; but the mayor interposed,
and forced her home, to prepare and deliver my wardrobe for the journey.
It was so long ere she returned, that the patience of the mayor was
almost exhausted; but when, at last, she arrived, what a change was
there in her air! Her noble aspect had recovered more than its usual
serenity; it was radiant with benevolence and pleasure; and, when we
were left an instant together, "My Juliet!" she cried, while beaming
smiles illumined her fine face, "my Juliet! my other child! blessed be
Heaven, I can now rescue our rescuer! I have found means to snatch her
from this horrific thraldom, in the very journey destined for its
accomplishment!"
'She then briefly prepared me for meeting and seconding the scheme of
deliverance that she had devised with the excellent Ambroise; and we
separated,--with what tears, what regret,--yet what perturbation of
rising hope!
'All that the Marchioness had arranged was executed. Ambroise, disguised
as an old waggoner, preceded me to the small town of ----, where the
postilion, he knew, must stop to water the horses. Here I obtained leave
to alight for some refreshment, of which an old municipal officer, who
had me in charge, was not sorry, in idea, to partake; as he could not
entertain the most distant notion that I had formed any plan of escape.
As soon, however, as I was able to disengage myself from his sight, a
chambermaid, who had previously been gained by Ambroise, wrapt me in a
man's great coat, put on me a black wig, and a round hat, and, pointing
to a back door, went out another way; speaking aloud, as if called; to
give herself the power of asserting, afterwards, that the evasion had
been effected in her absence. The pretended waggoner then took me under
his arm, and flew with me across a narrow passage, where we met, by
appointment, an ancient domestic of the Bishop's; who conveyed me to a
small house, and secreted me in a dark closet, of which the entrance was
not discernible. He then went forth upon his own affairs, into such
streets and places as were most public; and my good waggoner found means
to abscond.
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