Page:Francesca Carrara 2.pdf/147

144 'Alas! for another, if not for thyself, must thy claims be enforced: shame is a bitter heritage!' And even this moved me not from my cruel steadfastness; I felt nothing but a sudden fear of Avonleigh's remorse. 'Does he know it?' I asked. Beatrice shook her head; but the words were inaudible. 'Perhaps,' I continued, 'the truth is best told at once: Lord Avonleigh, before he came hither, was wedded to his cousin; and I do believe, despite of a temporary inconstancy, tenderly attached!' 'Then he deceived me from the first!' shrieked Beatrice, and sunk insensible on the floor. She was carried to her chamber, which she never left till after your birth, Francesca.

"Once I wrote to Lord Avonleigh, but it was to let him know of Beatrice's approaching marriage. His answer told me he had embarked for England; and it was a glad hopeful letter, full of his English anticipations, and ending with a sneer against woman's inconstancy.

"In the meantime I exerted every effort to obtain an influence over Carrara. I spent every evening with him; and the weakness ever attendant on great sorrow made him cling to my support, while I lulled my own conscience with the thought of this vain kindness.

"It was long before I saw Beatrice; the very