Secret Machinations. CHAP. I. LORD Stellor then walked all through the town of Manfredonia, inquiring of every person he met if they had seen such ladies: from each he received a negative. He then returned; and again sent three of his servants off, each a different road, and he with Zelo pursued a fourth road, in hopes of gaining some intelligence. When Prince Gareci, agreeable to the invitation, arrived, he was concerned to hear the account of the ladies' elopement, and was much shocked at the apathy with which Obreskoff related VOL. II. B lated it. He felt for the distress of Lord Stellor, for Obreskoff did not suppress any circumstance; Lord Stellor's virtues and his own vices he alike painted in glowing colours; he only aimed at giving them false appearances. The one he set forth as shocking weakness; the other, as fashionable indulgences, and such as no man, who wished to distinguish himself in life, could avoid. The prince, not wishing to enter into an argument on the subject, did not give his. opinion, but contented himself by observing, "that custom in many countries tolerated practices, which the religion of the country strictly forbids." The day passed but hålf enjoyed by the prince; he felt the absence of Lord Stellor in a strong degree, and he took his leave early in the evening. The morning came, but Lord Stellor did not return. Alone, Obreskoff could not exist; to the fate of Theresa he was indifferent, therefore he determined to go in pursuit of new adventures; in a few minutes he settled all his domestic concerns, and left Manfredonia. Lord Stellor travelled three days in the greatest anxiety; he took little food, and less rest. Fatigue and distress of mind overpowered a constitution delicate, though good; the lively tints of health fled from his cheek; and his hair, of a beautiful colour, between flaxen and auburn, shaded his pale forehead with short luxuriant curls, and gave a cast of deep, tender sorrow to his countenance. His large blue eyes, in which was seen more interesting softness than manly fire, were languid and dull; nor did his loug eye lashes, which usually gave a tender expression to his eyes, do more than shade them from view; his form, whose symmetry possessed all the soft turns of Adonis, B 2 Adonis, sunk. He fell from his horse. Zelo, who had observed the weakness stealing on his lord, was at his side, caught him ere he had reached the ground, and carried him to the shade, unable to move. Zelo left him, and rode with all speed to procure some sort of conveyance. Nothing better than a carretta, drawn by buffalos, could be got to Manfredonia. He sent a man ou his horse to order the carriage to meet them without delay; and he attended slowly by the side of his lordship until the carriage met them. By the time. they reached Manfredonia, Lord Stellor was insensible to all that passed; and the apothecary expressed great fears for his recovery. His fits of delirium were long and violent; his calls for Imma were continued and piercing. Prince Gareci could not leave Manfredonia until Lord Stellor's return, as he was anxious to know if he had disco |