My Novel — Volume 12 by Baron Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton
page 54 of 359 (15%)
page 54 of 359 (15%)
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which you would have headed as a Catiline, if it had not better suited
your nature to betray it as a Judas. In ten days from this time, these letters will be laid before the emperor and his Council." "Are you satisfied, Monsieur le Comte," said Harley, "with your atonement so far? If not, I have procured you the occasion to render it yet more complete. Before you stands the kinsman you have wronged. He knows now, that though, for a while, you ruined his fortunes, you failed to sully his hearth. His heart can grant you pardon, and hereafter his hand may give you alms. Kneel then, Giulio Franzini, kneel at the feet of Alphonso, Duke of Serrano." The above dialogue had been in French, which only a few of the Italians present understood, and that imperfectly; but at the name with which Harley concluded his address to the count, a simultaneous cry from those Italians broke forth. "Alphonso the Good! Alphonso the Good! Viva, viva, the good Duke of Serrano!" And, forgetful even of the count, they crowded round the tall form of Riccabocca, striving who should first kiss his hand, the very hem of his garment. Riccabocca's eyes overflowed. The gaunt exile seemed transfigured into another and more kingly man. An inexpressible dignity invested him. He stretched forth his arms, as if to bless his countrymen. Even that rude cry, from humble men, exiles like himself, consoled him for years of banishment and penury. |
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