startled as it was possible for him to be, at] are times when conscience will awake the intelligence it contained. even in the most evil of men, and Mr.

"Poor Selman! poor Eleanor! It is very Elmsworth did not care to witness the sudden!"

Agnes made no reply, but folding Dr. Leonard's letter, so as to show only the description of the burning of the hall, she gave him that to read also.

last struggles of the life of the woman he had so cruelly neglected. So they went off, and Agnes was left with her dying relative in this strange city, with only Fanchon and Frascati to attend her in this

"Good God! this is dreadful!" exclaimed dark hour of trial. Frascati wrote to Mr. he, "this will kill Emeline."

"I fear it will," said Agnes, "for that reason I thought it best to consult you as to what it was best to do."

I think it best to say nothing about it. it can do no good! she will never return alive to America, at any rate! Our letters are so uncertain she will never be alarmed even if she receives none for some time." "Aunt is certainly very much prostrated by this travel," replied Agnes, "You think the end not far off, in that case it would be humane to conceal this from her, and spare her suffering. I can say the letters concerned my own affairs principally, as they certainly do, as she will so soon be beyond the reach of mortal suffering!"

Murray to come, but there were storms on the Mediterranean, and the letter was delayed. A few days of complete exhaustion-a severe coughing spell-a hemorr hage-and Emeline Elmsworth's worn and weary spirit fled to the peaceful haven "where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest!"

Frascati attended to every thing, sent an express for Mr. Elmsworth, who soon returned, when he found it was all over.

Agnes begged that her aunt's remains might be sent to Davenant Hall, to be bu ried with the rest of the family.

"No," Mr. Elmsworth said, "it was nonsense! it made no difference where people were buried; it would be great trouble and expense." So the poor creature who had been so long the slave of his whims and

"I should think that the best course to pursue," said Mr. Elmsworth, taking up his hat and walking out of the room to caprices-who had loved him to the lastjoin Count Serimia, who was waiting for was laid among strangers in the Protestant him in the passage, where they could hear Cemetery at Rome. him humming the air of the Duke's song. in Rigoletto.

CHAPTER XXIX.

One

Agnes was spared any questions about her letters. Mrs. Elmsworth was dozing Agnes Graham sat on the grass. beside when she took Fanchon's seat by her aunt's the new made grave of her aunt. bedside; when she woke she had a spasm week had elapsed since the pale form was of coughing, and was so weak and suffer- given to its kindred clay. Agnes had asking she did not seem to remember any-ed Frascati to procure a carriage and acthing about Agnes' letters of the previous company her to the gate of the cemetery. night. So it continued all that week; such Mrs. Elmsworth's grave was made not far a long-long week to the poor pale crea- from the entrance The grass was brown ture, racked with keen pain, growing and parched by the hot summer sunshine. weaker, weaker, hour by hour, with that The few trees, of sombre stone pine, spread pale girl watching every quiver of the like dark shields above the imaginative pallid lips as if her own life hung upon girl, as if they would hide from her stream that feeble respiration. Mr. Elmsworth ing eyes, the glorious, intense "blue fire," and Count Serimia went off on an excur-like light of the Italian sky; not like their sion to Tivoli for a few days. Mr. Elms- stately pyramidal sisters of the Alpine worth saw his wife was sinking fast, and cliffs, which appear so many indices to he wanted to escape the scene. He hated point the mourner to the stars and the 'scenes," he said to Serimia. In truth, "better land," the land of beauty, the neither he nor his companion liked to be Paradise of the blessed ones" who depart much in the presence of death. There hence in the Lord!" The huge grey py

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ramid of Caius Cestus, towered up near the which place only," she said," she would wall, and flung its added depth of gloom trouble him to escort her. She could proto the shadow already over her, as she sat bably succeed in getting back to New there, weeping-alone and desolate. Ag- Orleans with some returning family, or she nes had brought her prayer book with her would ask him to place her under the proto read the burial service. The English tection of one of the captains of the direct chaplain being absent, Mr. Elmsworth did line of steamers from Havre to New Ornot trouble himself to look for a clergy-leans, from whence she could readily get man among the many visitors who crowded to Davenant rectory." the city. So Emeline Elmsworth was laid Mr. Elmsworth listened with no appain an unblessed grave. Agnes had knelt rent surprise to Agnes' plans. He evidentby the grave this morning, and read in a ly had expected some such communication low voice the holy burial service of the from her. He was fully aware of the force Protestart Episcopal Church. It comforted of her character, and therefore had no her-and it was with a softer feeling that hopes of attaining his and Serimia's ends, she laid upon the lowly mound a cross, by open resistance; but, hypocritically, woven of violets and passion flowers. disguising the anger excited by her quiet, All was done her pious duties ended, and determined manner, he said, “he was she still sat there weeping, now, over her- ready to leave Rome as soon as she pleasself-her own sad, desolate life-no drop ed. If she thought it best to withdraw of her blood flowed in the veins of any herself from his protection, he could not human being save Robert's! Separated oppose it, as. her father's will gave her from him, as she must be, who was left to power to do so, at her present age." her? None, except the two men, no longer young, at the Davenant rectory! and life had once been so bright! Such a little while since the first dark cloud fell across her path! She laid her head down on the new-laid sods and felt that it would be merciful, could she rest there forever"God's ways are not our ways." Agnes

could not see to the end.

At length she rose and returned to the carriage-the faithful Frascati aided her to mount its steps. They drove back to the hotel.

Agnes replied "That she would like to leave as soon as possible; by the next steamer for Marseilles!

"That will be the day after to-morrow, at 8 o'clock, P. M.”

"I can be ready at that time."

Mr. Elmsworth quitted Agnes and went to discuss the matter with Serimia. If Agnes once got back to Paris, in her present mood, good by to all the Count's hopes of the heiress' hand, or his, or repossessing himself of his notes of indebtedness to Serimia. Revolving these thoughts, he sought his confederate! After a short discussion with him, he returned in high spirits to Agnes, telling her it was all arranged, and that he would himself telegraph for rooms on the steamer.

Count Serimia showed sufficient discretion not to intrude upon Agnes in her deep affliction. So she enjoyed peace and quiet in her own apartments. Fanchon was very kind. Frascati watched Agnes vigilantly, and tried to anticipate her every Agnes thanked him-called Fanchon to want. Agnes needed nothing that they give her orders about packing the trunks, could do for her, and it comforted her and, at the same time, presented her with the respectful sympathy of these servants. a handsome sum of money, as a mark of She requested to see Mr. Elmsworth, gratitude, for her recent attention to her thinking it best to communicate to him im-aunt, and herself-bidding her go out and mediately her plans for her future. He make such purchases as she might like, came to the salon which he had almost en- before they quitted Rome. Fanchon kissed tirely deserted since his wife's death. The her hand very gratefully. She wondered rooms were distasteful to him! He spent how she could ever have been so blind to his time with Serimia, and took his meals her own interest, as to have entered into a at a restaurant! conspiracy against so charming and geneAgnes begged him to make arrange-rous a young lady. Agnes told her if she ments to return immediately to Paris, "to preferred doing the packing of the trunks

that afternoon, she might take the whole of the ensuing morning for her shopping expedition. Fanchon said she would infinitely prefer that arrangement, as it would give her more time for selection in her purchases; and if mademoiselle did not disapprove, perhaps Monsier Frascati might be prevailed upon to accompany her; as she. Fanchon, spoke no Italian, nor knew the best places for shopping, which he doubtless did.

able" to Fanchon; Frascati summoned a carriage, and they soon found themselves before the grand colonade which leads to the Façade of the Church of the "Prince of the Apostles." Fanchon and Frascati were both devout Romanists, and knelt down before the high altar and said their prayers with unfeigned fervour-Fanchon using her new beads with great sobriety and unction. They then took a survey of the grand building, Antonio explaining reverently and earnestly the pictures, statuary, with their legends to his now awe

Agnes had no objection. Fanchon asked if mademoiselle would be so kind as to mention the matter to monsieur himself-struck companion. With all his shrewdshe would greatly oblige her.

ness in worldly matters, Antonio was a

Agnes promised she would do so. Thus very child in faith, and received all these all parties were contented.

monstrous legends in profound submission Fanchon had a charming morning for and absolute belief. Fanchon was deeply her expedition-very pretty she looked, in impressed, but thought the greatest act of her tasteful Parisian attire, when she came, self-denial was that of St. Petronilla, the with her gay little parasol in hand, to bid daughter of the "Prince of the Apostles," mademoiselle good morning, ready to sally who so willingly sacrificed her wondrous forth with her cavalier, who had also made beauty, and received so gratefully the an extra toilet in honor of his coquettish fearful plague of leprosy, rather than break companion. Fanchon was supremely hap- her vow of charity. After an ascent to the py, contented with the distinguished ap-dome and a view of the city, Fanchon was pearance she made herself as well as ready to return to the hotel, rejecting flattered by the elaborate toilet which An- Antonio's proffer to conduct her through tonio had made to accompany her. He the halls of the vatican, to see the paintwas so very gallant, and so delightfully ings and sculptures, which, to his Italian complimentary in his manner and expres-taste, were the chief attractions of the sions towards her, and then such a valua- wonderful palace. But Fanchon had little ble cicerone. He knew all the best places taste for the fine arts, cared for colour, only to shop-Jewed down all the extortionate in her dress, and grace only in the fashionprices. Oh! it was "delicieuse." Fan-ing of her jewelry, or the shape of her' chon bought herself all sorts of Mosaics, mantle. Antonio yielded, good humoredly, Camei, scarfs, shawls and ornaments of to the whims of his fair companion, and Roman pearl. Frascati allowed himself to agreed "it was time to return to the Sigbe loaded with all kinds of small articles, norina." that Fanchon was unwilling to entrust to Agnes opened the door, which she had the keeping of the "garçons" to be sent to kept locked at Antonio's earnest request, the hotel. When she had satisfied her during his absence, and smiled faintly as feminine passion for such things, and spent she welcomed them back, at Fanchon's as much money as she conveniently could extravagant expressions of delight and spare, Antonio presented her with a hand-gratitude. Her hours had been spent sorsome necklace of beads, and a crucifix of rowfully enough-in packing up, with her Etruscan gold, as a souvenier, which was own hands, her aunt's clothing, in order to said to have been blessed by the Pope him-hand the keys of those trunks to Mr. self, and to have indulgencies attached to Elmsworth. its daily use. He took her to a restaurant and treated her to ices and cakes, and then proposed that they should complete their tour, as good Catholics ought," by a ride of St. Peter's, the blessed Virgin, the holy

Fanchon exhibited all her purchases to Agnes, expatiating volubly on their beauty and cheapness, mixing up her description

to St. Peter's, and a survey of the city from cross, in a strange medley with raphsodies the dome. Nothing could be more agree-lover the beautiful jewelry-the lovely

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scarfs, &c., &c., &c. Agnes listened pa-1 tiently, as she thought, " one short year ago, I should have been as pleased with all these things as this poor girl!"

It was something to have given Fanchon so much pleasure. Agnes was glad to see her so happy.

Antonio kneeled down, and kissed her hand respectfully, as is the habit of Italians towards their superiors. "Signorina, I had the honor of serving your excellent father, before he went to America, and it was at Signor Murray's request, that I left his service in Paris, to come to Mr. Elmsworth, in order that I might assist you, Signoria, and try to baffie the wicked schemes of Mr. Elmsworth, and Il Conte di Serimia. I show you these letters now, Signorina,

Antonio had brought a basket of green rushes, filled with fine fruit, garlanded with flowers for "the Signorina." To gratify him, Agnes tasted some of it. Fanchon pared the fresh, green figs, with her because it is now necessary you should dainty fingers, and Antonio selected the richest grapes-pressing her to eat. Upon these two humble servants, was the beautiful, rich, brilliant Agnes Graham, entirely dependant for sympathy and protection.

trust me, Signorina”—he drew nearer to her and lowered his voice almost into a whisper. "The rooms were not taken on the steamer for Marseilles-but on the Santa Clara, for Palermo, whence you are to be taken to Il Conte's castle, and there forced to become his wife- or worse."

Agnes could scarcely repress a cry of horror, but she mastered the impulse by a powerful effort, and stood staring at Antonio as if at some dreadful sight.

"Yes, Signorina, I speak the truth-as you will find to-morrow night, when we reach Civita Vecchia !"

"But, Frascati," gasped Agnes, "is there no way to escape-no way to prevent this unutterable horror-this fearful outrage?"

"I hope so, Signorina! there must be found some way! I do not know why the Signor Murray is not here-I wrote him ten days ago to come. Some accident must have befallen my letter. He surely could find a way to protect you. Signorina, as soon as I found out this dreadful conspiracy against you, I went to the Palazzo of the English ambassador, knowing your father was English, and thinking to get some advice there; but his lordship is not yet in town for the winter. Then, Signorina, I went to the best avocat,-lawyer, you call in English, and related the cir

Antonio's power over Fanchon, besides his appeal to her natural cupidity, was derived from a discovery he had accidentally made, of her identity with a certain Rosine Marie Benoit, who had been committed to prison, for having stolen some valuable jewels, and a lage sum of money from a lady, to whom she acted as coif feuse some years previous. It was that name, which Fanchon had dropped on entering upon a new career in Serimia's service, which he had whispered to her, when he attempted to over-bribe her employer. He knew Fanchon was true to her bargain with him. She was afraid of him in the first place-she was glad of the money he paid her in the second, and she had conceived a wonderful admirationquite a grand passion" for him in the third. Of all which emctions Antonio was perfectly cognizant. Fanchon hastened away to pack up her recent purchases; Antonio was left alone with Agnes. Advancing respectfully towards her, he took from his pocket-book a slip of paper which he handed her. It was Mr. Murray's note, commending him to Agnes' confidence. cumstances of the case, using feigned Agnes read it carefully. Antonio turned over the leaves of his pocket-book, opened it at a page yellow with age, and gave that also to Agnes. It was a note of warm avocat-he said that would not hold good approbation, and recommendation from here; there is no American ambassador în Alfred Murray of Louisiana, signed also Rome: And a young lady should obey by Edward Graham of London, in favour the wishes of her guardian in the selection of Antonio Frascati, dated the year of their travel in the East, long before her father's marriage. Agnes looked at Antonio with surprise.

names. I had heard Mr. Elmsworth tell Il Conte that you were of age in your own country, by your father's will; so I told the

of a husband,' that is the custom and the law here, Signorina. Then I asked him if : the young lady were to escape and take refuge in a convent, would that protect

her? And he said no, the law would deliver her up to the care of her guardian ;' besides, Signorina, you are heretic-Antonio crossed himself and sighed as he regarded Agnes-so it is very bad Signorina! There is no steamer for Marseilles to-day or to-morrow."

for mademoiselle-wonld mademoiselle be so good as to tie on her bonnet and mantle, while she sought a 'petite tasse du café,' for mademoiselle's breakfast."

The slight additions to her toilet were soon made; hastily swallowing the cup of hot coffee Fanchon brought, feeling she

Agnes hid her face in her hands, utterly must support and husband her strength, prostrated by this intelligence.

"Don't despair Signorina? The holy Virgin will doubtless protect a young lady like you there is a vessel from Marseilles due to-morrow-the Lucia-perhaps the Signor Murray will be on her."

Agnes could not speak, but sank into a chair almost paralysed with fear. Antonio brought a glass of water and put it to her lips.

"Do not let Fanchon suspect anything, Signorina! I have bribed her so much higher than Il Conte, that I think she is true to us-but still it is best not to trust too much!"

and commending herself to God, Agnes descended to the carriage, where Mr. Elmsworth was impatiently awaiting her coming. Count Serimia had gone on in advance of them. Agnes drew her veil over her face and leant back, without speaking; once only she leaned forward and looked out, as they passed near the cemetery, where her Aunt Emeline slept in peace. When they reached the railroad depot, she beckoned to Antonio, and speaking in Italian, which neither of her companions understood-she asked in a low voice-"Is there no hope ?"

"None, Signorina—but in the Holy Virgin and Signor Murray! You are closely watched, Signorina?" Then changing to English, he said, as if in answer to her question-" -"your trunks are all right, mademoiselle."

It was sunset when they arrived at Civita Vecchia. They went immediately

Agnes recognised the wisdom of this advice, and understood to whom the agree able change in Fanchon, which she had observed recently, was due. She tried to control herself and to assume a tranquillity that she did not feel, as she heard Fanchon's light step approaching, through the adjoining apartments. Agnes wondered, in after years, that her hair had not turned to the vessel, lying in the harbor; as they white that night. Antonio begged her to passed the hotel, near the haven, a caged lie down and try to sleep that night; he mocking-bird burst out into singing. Its told her he had, ever since her aunt's glorious, varied notes, ringing out in that death, made his bed just outside her cham-strange land, as clear and as full of rich ber door, he had so little confidence in her melody, as ever Agnes had beard in her own country-her native Louisiana,-from personal safety, surrounded as she was by which both were now exiles. A tear rollspies and traitors. He asked her to lock all the doors, even that leading into Fan-ed down ber cheek, as she listened to the chon's room; which Agnes, after being convinced latterly of the girl's good will, had left unlocked, feeling some kind of companionship and protection in Fanchon's proximity. Agnes threw herself dressed as she was, upon her bed-counted hour after hour, until the grey light of daybreak, streaming in her window, quieted her purturbed spirit, and she sunk into an uneasy slumber. She was disturbed by a vigorous knocking at the door. Fanchon came in, when she roused herself to open it-saying, "It was time to start-the lug gage had gone, and monsieur waited only

fainter as they moved off, in their little bird's bright song, sounding fainter and skiff, over the water, on their way to the vessel which lay a little distance from the shore. Agnes read the name on the prow of the vessel, as they neared it-"The Santa Clara."

She heard Antonio ask the boatman when the Santa Clara sailed. "To Palermo, at eight o'clock, this evening," was the reply in Italian.

She saw Serimia walking on the deck of the vessel-disguise was no longer necessary. He felt triumphantly secure. Ag