Page:Francesca Carrara 3.pdf/55

52 Without awaiting further reply, she began to arrange the cumbrous drapery.

"Dearest Evelyn," whispered Lucy, in so tremulous a voice that even his ear could scarcely catch the words, "for my sake, do not refuse."

A firm determination usually effects its purpose, and the young cavalier at length allowed Francesca to proceed to the execution of her purpose. The disguise was complete—the novice's garb entirely shrouded his figure, and the long veil equally concealed his face.

"Now, take Lucy's arm—and remember," continued she, "that you are overcome with emotion. Ah! one thing we had nearly forgotten—those riding-boots will lead to instant detection. I had put on the slippers of"—she could not articulate the name of Guido—"over my own; you must substitute them for your rougher array."

Evelyn obeyed, and then, turning hastily towards her, exclaimed, "Lady, you cannot dream how unworthy I am of your heroic kindness; but the ill I have done I may yet repair, and, little as you may now suspect it, your own future happiness is one great inducement for my thus attempting an escape."

"Mine!" murmured Francesca with a bitter and scornful smile; when, seeing that Lucy was