THE LITERARY MESSENGER.

A Magazine Devoted to Literature, Science and Art.

VOL. 38.]

RICHMOND, JANUARY, 1864.

AGNES. A NOVEL,
BY FILIA.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

[No. 1.

ty, firm glances, and to hear the slow, distinet words which required her to remain in the adjoining apartments, and only to come when the bell summoned her attendance. Mr. Elmsworth himself had no

She

Agnes was excessively annoyed, as An-fancy for meeting Agnes in what he called "her Davenant moods," still less Fanchon. tonio had said, when she discovered that Count Serimia was to be so familiarly as So Agnes's life became more and more resociated with them, in their future travels. stricted within her aunt's sick room. Mrs. Elmsworth was scarcely less troubled could not but notice how many little offices than her neice, but they both knew it to be of considerate kindness and thoughtfulworse than useless to attempt any expos-ness were shown to both her aunt and hertulation with Mr. Elmsworth, who never self by the courier Frascati. He seemed consulted any will save his own, and re- to have a magical consciousness of their cently, Count Serimia's. Mrs. Elmsworth wants, and Agnes felt continually as if inhad grieved greatly at parting with the numerable little annoyances and discomfaithful Mrs. Lucy, and the substitution of forts were warded off, contrary to her anFanchon. It was a very serious discom- ticipations, by some strong unseen arm. fort to her, for Fanchon spoke very little She had a strange feeling of confidence in English, so that she was of little use to the unknown poor courier, and she really the poor invalid, who became consequent- was most grateful to him for her aunt's ly more and more dependeut upon her sake. Frascati had suggested to Mr. Elmsniece. Nobly did Agnes respond to the worth that it would be far more convenient calls of duty. She herself had conceived for him to occupy a carriage with Il Coute, 'a dislike and prejudice instinctively against and he (Frascati,) on the box, and to take the fawning, crafty, French maid, with another for madame, who was so ill, whe her restless cat-like eyes. Fanchon was was best with the Signorina and Fanchon, always bright, active, ready to do all and than to have one huge post-chaise. Mr. more than was demanded of her, but Mrs. Elmsworth heartily concurred in this. SeElmsworth seemed to shrink from having rimia dared not object to the arrangement, her about her so much that Agnes quietly though it separated him almost entirely assumed all the duties which had been from Agnes, whom he scarcely ever saw. performed for her aunt by Mrs. Lucy, and He consoled himself by thinking it would Fanchon's place was little better than a be better when they were stationary, as sinecure. Fanchon attempted on several they travelled very slowly, stopping someeccasions to intrude herself and her atten- times for a day or so, according as Mrs. tions upon the invalid, but Agnes, with all Elmsworth's strength failed; but by some her womanliness, knew perfectly well how unaccountable means, he was balked even to keep people in their places, and Fan- then, and yet in such ways that he could chon, after several essays, had no desire to not suspect any design, and though disrisk encountering again one of those haugh- satisfied, had nothing of which he could

VOL. XXXVIII-1

justly complain. He liked the attentive] Murray had no thought of self in his entire
courier, and acknowledged to Mr. Elms- devotion to the daughter of his old friend,
worth, "that Frascati did manage to se-but he was but human after all, and some-
cure every convenience for them, and was times the thought would cross him that
altogether a most attentive and convenient Agnes was very young and eternally sepa-
rascal." Antonio's dark eyes flashed rated from her cousin by barriers her eon-
strangely, and a quick, sinister smile pass-science would never permit her to pass.
ed like lightning over his lips, as Mr. Was it impossible for her heart to be
Elmsworth, in his boorish way, repeated weaned from the hopeless affection he
Serimia's words to him as he was attend knew still struggled in her soul? Could
ing upon them one day. He bowed low, she never be won by devotion, constancy,
placing his hand upon his heart: "Il Conte tenderest love? He knew his own love
did him much honor, his only desire was for her to be higher, purer, more unselfish
to make himself as useful as possible to than Robert's; for he would, oh, so gladly,
Monsieur and Il Conte." He was indeed give his own happiness, his own life, in
a jewel of a courier!
exchange for hers. He would have laid
her hand in Robert's, and blessed them, in

When they reached Geneva, after going
up the Rhine and visiting Lucerne, the his perfect love for her, satisfied if she
fatigue of travel had so prostrated Mrs.
Elmsworth, that no manoeuvring was ne-
cessary to show that Agnes must remain
constantly with the invalid. Frascati was
so thoughtful and kind at this time, that
Agnes stopped him one day, as he handed
in at the door a plate full of fine grapes
for her aunt, and thanked him. Frascati's

face beamed with satisfaction..

were but once more the bright, happy
young girl he had known at Mrs. Hudson's.
Mr. Murray had thoroughly conquered his
hearts are wild dreamers after all, and
own heart, and schooled it; but human
Hope will sing us to sleep with fairy tales
ed across Mr. Mrray's mind, he resolutely
even in mature age. If a day-dream flash-
thrust it back-he could do no more! He
procured a situation for Mrs. Lucy in ar
American family, who were to pass the
winter at Nice, and who designed return-

"Signorina," he said earnestly, "I can do but little for you or madame, but my will is good, command me to the utmost-ing in the spring to Louisiana-an arrange

I will do my best always!"

ment which suited her very well.

The climate was getting too cold in Switzerland for Mrs. Elmsworth; Serimia The Elmsworths reached Genoa safely, was tired too; it was now September; it but Mrs. Elmsworth was so wearied that was agreed to hasten into Italy. Mrs. it was thought best to proceed immediately Elmsworth wished to get to Rome before the winter set in, so the pilgrimage began again as soon as she could bear it.

by sea to Civita Vecchia, and from thence
to Rome, where they had ordered all let-
ters for the whole party to be forwarded.

Mr. Murray had returned to Paris, but They were established, in the course of judged it best not to join the party during a week, in a pleasant suite of apartments their travel; his trusty agent kept him fully overlooking the Piazza di Spagna. The posted in regard to their plans-he saw column of the Immaculate Conception beSerimia was quiet; not ready to use foul fore their windows, which commanded as means to attain his base ends, he felt that a side view the steps leading to the conhis presence or any one else's would be an vent of the Trinita del Monte, with its intrusion upon Agnes in her aunt's feeble ever changing crowd of the picturesque state. As long as Mrs. Elmsworth lived, vagabondage of Rome. Agnes stepped to Agnes was personally safe; he served Ag- the windows and looked about her with nes best by remaining away and holding interest and curiosity; she could not rehimself in readiness to join her as soon as press a thrill of emotion as she rememAntonio thought his presence necessary. bered that she stood within the walls of He kept Antonio freely supplied with mo- the "Eternal City." She had seen but ney and passports, in case he should wish little, so far, of the customary sights of to use them, for Agnes or himself. Mr. foreign travel. She was soon obliged,

however, to recall her wandering eyes and thoughts to her aunt, who seemed unusually feeble and exhausted from the railroad travel Agnes helped her to undress and into her bed, and arranged everything as comfortable as she could for her. She was standing by her aunt, holding a glass of cordial to her lips, when Mr. Elmsworth entered the room with a large package of letters.

will go hard with you to have it known to Monsieur or Il Conte di Serimia!" Antonio laughed his low, scornful laugh as he ut tered this last name.

Fanchon looked at him as if alarmed, then in her most coaxing tone:

"But surely you would not harm a poor young girl trying now honestly to get her bread? Monsieur is too generous for that."

"As for the honesty, my little Fanchon, "Two for Agnes, from the Rectory," he we will not discuss that point! but I will said. He gave them to her and quitted make a bargain with you. Let Mademoithe room, taking his own letters with him. selle alone! cease spying into her hours of Agnes proposed to read her letters aloud privacy, and reporting all she does or says, to her aunt, but Mrs. Elmsworth opened as you know you do." Antonio looked her languid eyes and begged she would steadily at her, Fanchon's eyes fell, “and defer reading them to her until the next I will not only make it worth your while morning, she was so very weary and tired. by doubling the amount you now receive "Go, my dear," she said, "to your own from--you know who! but I will also room, Fanchon can sit here till you return, promise to forget all I know concerning I think I can sleep, go and enjoy your let-Mademoiselle Rosette Marie Fanchon ters." Agnes was glad to obey the mande"date. Two hours afterwards, Fanchon stole gently from the bed of the sleeping, invalid, softly opened the door of Agnes' chamber, and peeped in, Agnes was not conscious of her presence; she was lying prostrate upon the floor, deep sobs shaking her whole form almost convulsively, her hands clasped and flung over her head in agony of grief; the great tears rolling like drops of lead from her closed eyes. Fanchon closed the door and stole away as softly as she had come. She met Frascati in the narrow passage

Antonio seized her by the shoulders with his powerful hands and whirled her around until she stood face to face with him.

Fanchon put her hand over his lips. It was a pretty hand,-Antonio gallantly kissed it.

Enough, enough, Monsieur Frascati ! your reasoning is convincing, I accept your propositions.”

"How many francs is it now, Mademoiselle, per month ?"

Fanchon counted on her fingers. hundred," she replied.

"One

"Ah, well! Mademoiselle! receive two hundred." Antonio pulled out his pocket book, and gravely counted out the money. Fanchon's grey eyes glistened; she took it eagerly.

Now," continued Antonio, "this amount every month, and perhaps more if you are faithful, and obey me implicitly."

"But Monsieur," said Fanchon, "He-my employer-he will discover-then what shall I do?"

"You shall continue to report to him; "Look here, Fanchon, if you go about you have imagination under those pretty spying and intruding on Mademoiselle, I temples, my charming Fanchon, only you will inform Monsieur what I know about-"must swear by the Holy Virgin to bring he stooped and whispered a word in her me a written account of every word you or he may say."

ear.

Fanchon bit her lip and stamped her

foot with vexation.

Ah," said Fanchon, “that is very easy, quite delightful it is to have so sensible "Mon Dieu! that is only slander, and and amiable a person as you to deal with,

you know it, Monsieur Frascati!"

"Slander or no, my pretty Fanchon! it

Monsieur Frascati !"

"And remember, beautiful Fanchon, I

have means of ascertaining whether you | bath room this morning she will find it Ideal truly or not with me!" very refreshing."

"Assuredly, Monsieur need not distrust me! Two hundred francs and perhaps more.' Monsieur may rely on my honor." Fanchon, bowing gracefully, retraced her steps and tripped lightly into Mrs. Elmsworth's room; she was sleeping calmly.

Agnes Graham's head touched no pillow that night. Fanchon came in the morning and found her sleeping the sleep of exhaustion where she had seen her lying the night before, upon the floor, the traces of blistering tears plainly marked upon her cheeks, in her clasped hands were clench

ed the letters of Mr. Danvers and Dr. Leonard.

"Poor thing," muttered Fanchon, as she threw a shawl over her feet, without disturbing her. "Poor young lady! she is suffering much! it would indeed be a shame to betray her! and then two hundred francs! it is much!"

Fanchon stept out lightly and calling Frascati, asked him to have a warm bath prepared in her own room, which opened into Agnes' by a communicating door.

"So as to have it ready against Mademoiselle's waking; she will need it, Monsieur! for she has lain all night weeping on the floor, where she has just fallen asleep! It is some great trouble, apparently."

Fanchon took Mrs. Elmsworth her break'fast, told her Agnes was suffering with severe headache, and had fallen asleep, and she thought it best not to waken her. Mrs. Elmsworth commended her discretion. Fanchon was so dextrous and attentive, and showed so much hearty good will, that Mrs. Elmsworth begun to think she had done the girl great injustice in her prejudices against her.

Agnes felt that she would, and therefore accepted Fanchon's offer. Her limbs tremled so she could scarcely stand, but she was forced to exert herself, she knew, for her aunt's sake, but the pallid cheek and knitted brow, showed what a violent conchon threw open the door between the straint she was putting upon herself; Fan

rooms, assisted Agnes to undress and left her. She returned after she heard Agnes re-enter her own chamber, bearing a small waiter, with a tiny cup of strong coffee

and a thin slice of toasted bread.

"If Mademoiselle will drink this coffee, which Monsieur Frascati has made himself for her, and eat a mouthful of toast, Mademoiselle will feel better able to attend to Madame, who has already asked for her!"

Agnes swallowed the coffee but refused the bread. Tears rushed again to her eyes, as she thought of the sad intelligence she would have to communicate to her aunt. She covered her face with her hands and groaned aloud.

Fanchon stood respectfully behind her; Agnes' long black hair hung in dishevelled masses over her shoulders. Fanchon touched it with her hands.

"If Mademoiselle will permit, I could quickly arrange Mademoiselle's coiffure,

and relieve Mademoiselle of that trouble."

Agnes sat down mechanically; Fanchon dexterously disentangled the heavy plaits, and in a very little time Agnes' hair was folded around her head as she usually wore it. Fanchon was an artiste in hair-dressing; Agnes thanked her, finished her toilet, and grasping her letters in her hand, passed into the salon, where she found Mr. Elmsworth and Count Serimia just preparing to set out on a tour of inspection. Agnes scarcely heard Serimia's gallant salutation, returned it by a hasty bow, and walking up to her uncle requested to have a few moments private conversation with him "Mademoiselle, you were so weary last before he went out. Mr. Elmsworth looknight that you fell asleep on the floor with-ed at Serimia, who taking up his hat, out undressing; so I have had a hot bath bowed and quitted the salon. Agnes reprepared for you in my own room, if Ma-quested her uncle to be seated, and handed demoiselle will condescend to use it as ahim Mr. Danvers' letter. He was as much

So Agnes thought also, when she woke up finding the shawl carefully thrown over her, and after she had risen aching and tired from her hard couch, trying to collect her scattered thoughts, Fanchon stood before her, saying