human
Knowledge is power; and this man, if as able on a larger field of action, should play no mean part in the history of his time.
gpt
Well, well, grant all you say! at least before I can listen to so honourable a love, I must be relieved from the base and sordid pleasure that weighs on me. I cannot say to the man who wooes me, 'Will you pay the debts of the daughter of Franzini, and the widow of Di Negra?'
human
Nay, your debts, surely, make so slight a portion of your dowry.
gpt
But the dowry has to be secured; and here, turning the tables upon her companion, as the apt proverb expresses it, Madame di Negra extended her hand to Randal, and said in the most winning accents,
human
You are, then, truly and sincerely my friend?
gpt
Can you doubt it?
human
I prove that I do not, for I ask your assistance.
gpt
Mine? How?
human
Listen; my brother has arrived in London--
gpt
I see that arrival announced in the papers.
human
And he comes, empowered by the consent of the emperor, to ask the hand of a relation and countrywoman of his,--an alliance that will heal long family dissensions, and add to his own fortunes those of an heiress. My brother, like myself, has been extravagant. The dowry which by law he still owes me it would distress him to pay till this marriage be assured.
gpt
I understand, said Randal.
human
But how can I aid this marriage?
gpt
By assisting us to discover the bride. She, with her father, sought refuge and concealment in England.
human
The father had, then, taken part in some political disaffections, and was proscribed?
gpt
Exactly; and so well has he concealed himself, that he has baffled all our efforts to discover his retreat. My brother can obtain him his pardon in cementing this alliance--
human
Proceed.
gpt
Ah, Randal, Randal, is this the frankness of friendship? You know that I have before sought to obtain the secret of our relation's retreat,-- sought in vain to obtain it from Mr. Egerton, who assuredly knows it--
human
But who communicates no secrets to living man, said Randal, almost bitterly;
gpt
Pardon me. I know you so well that I believe you could attain to any secret you sought earnestly to acquire. Nay, more, I believe that you know already that secret which I ask you to share with me.
human
What on earth makes you think so?
gpt
When, some weeks ago, you asked me to describe the personal appearance and manners of the exile, which I did partly from the recollections of my childhood, partly from the description given to me by others, I could not but notice your countenance, and remark its change; in spite, said the marchesa, smiling, and watching Randal while she spoke,--
human
Ha, ha, interrupted Randal, with the low soft laugh by which occasionally he infringed upon Lord Chesterfield's recommendations to shun a merriment so natural as to be illbred,--
gpt
added Randal, with an air of prudery,--
human
How?
gpt
Do you not say that Egerton knows the secret, yet will not communicate; and is he a man who would ever forgive in me an imprudence that committed himself? My dear friend, I will tell you more. When Audley Egerton first noticed my growing intimacy with you, he said, with his usual dryness of counsel, 'Randal, I do not ask you to discontinue acquaintance with Madame di Negra, for an acquaintance with women like her forms the manners, and refines the intellect; but charming women are dangerous, and Madame di Negra is--a charming woman.'
human
added Randal, with a gloomy shade on his brow,--
gpt
There may be a way, replied Madame di Negra, persisting,
human
And you would marry Frank if the dower was secured?
gpt
Your arguments in his favour seem irresistible,
human
Well, at least you so far reconcile my honour towards aiding your research, that you now inform me you mean no ill to the exile.
gpt
Ill!--the restoration to fortune, honours, his native land!
human
And you so far enlist my heart on your side, that you inspire me with the hope to contribute to the happiness of two friends whom I dearly love. I will, therefore, diligently try to ascertain if, among the refugees I have met with, lurk those whom you seek; and if so, I will thoughtfully consider how to give you the clew. Meanwhile, not one incautious word to Egerton.
gpt
Trust me,--I am a woman of the world.
human
This young lady must be heiress to great wealth, to induce a man of your brother's rank to take so much pains to discover her.
gpt
Her wealth will be vast, replied the marchesa;
human
Ah, fie! interrupted Randal; and, approaching Madame di Negra, he lifted her hand to his lips, and said gallantly,
gpt
This is reward enough to your preux chevalier.