Page:Forget Me Not (1826).djvu/79

 at the feet of the count, implored him to reveal the cause that summoned him back to Venice. Far as was Frangipani from comprehending the cause of the emotion of his young friend, he nevertheless cheerfully complied with his request, and having pacified him, set out the following night. King Francis the First, burning with desire to revenge on his conqueror the disgrace he had suffered, had by secret messengers sent orders to France for the most extensive armaments; and that his sentiments might be clearly understood, he despatched Camillo to his mother, Queen Louisa, whom he had appointed regent of the kingdom, and strongly recommended him to her notice; so that this officer, who soon shewed that he was capable of rendering good service in his profession, was promoted to be colonel of one of the new-raised regiments, which may perhaps be considered as the ground-work of the standing army of France. Here he daily looked for the arrival of Count Frangipani, but in vain. In answer to the inquiries which he caused to be made at Venice respecting him, he was informed that the countess resided on her estate in the Trevisan, and that her husband was ambassador at Genoa or Rome. Seized with a gloomy presentiment, he wrote to both cities, and addressed a letter to the countess herself. He received no reply. His anxiety was now increased to the highest pitch; and as