Chapter XCIII: News From Castelcicala

Return we once more to Diana Arlington, who still occupied the splendid mansion in Dover Street, which had been fitted up for her by the Earl of Warrington.

The routine of the life of the Enchantress continued the same as we have described it in Chapter LI.

The Earl of Warrington was unremitting in his attention, and unchanged in his liberality towards his beautiful mistress; and, on her part, Diana was the faithful friend and true companion who by her correct conduct maintained the confidence which she had inspired in the heart of her noble protector.

We must again introduce our readers to the Enchantress at the hour of breakfast, and in the little parlour where we have before seen her.

But on this occasion, instead of being occupied with the perusal of the _Morning Herald_, her entire attention was absorbed in the contents of a letter, which ran as follows:--

"_Montoni_, _December 3, 1839_.

"I sit down, my dearest Diana, to inform you that the ceremony of
my union with his Serene Highness Angelo III. was solemnized
yesterday.

"You are aware that this ceremony was to have taken place some
months ago; but the intrigues of certain persons holding high and
influential offices in the state, delayed it. Calumny after calumny
against me was whispered in the ears of the Grand Duke; and,
although his Highness believed not a word of those evil reports, I
steadily refused to accept the honour he was anxious to confer upon
me, until he had satisfied himself of the falsity of each
successive calumny. At length I implored his Highness to address an
autograph letter to the Earl of Warrington, with whom his Highness
was acquainted during the residence of that good English nobleman
in Castelcicala. His Highness complied with my request, and
despatched his letter so privately that none of those who surround
him suspected his proceeding. The Earl of Warrington, as you know,
dearest Diana, hastened to reply. His answer was so satisfactory,
so frank, so generous, so candid, that the Duke declared he would
visit with his severest displeasure any one who dared breathe a
word of calumny against me or my friends in England, in future.

"The next step adopted by his Serene Highness was to dismiss the
Marquis of Gerrano from the office of Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Baron Ruperto, the Under Secretary in that Department, retired with
his superior. The Duke adopted this measure in consequence of the
intrigues of those noblemen to thwart his Highness's intentions of
raising to the ducal throne the woman whom he loved. You may
suppose how grieved--how vexed--how distressed I have been through
the conviction that I myself was the cause of these heart-burnings,
jealousies, and intrigues; and although I was innocently the source
of such disagreeable proceedings, my sorrow and annoyance were but
little mitigated by this impression. I implored the Grand Duke to
allow me to leave the country, and retire to Switzerland; but his
Serene Highness remained firm, and assured me that, although he had
many difficulties to overcome, he was not disheartened. Then he
declared that his entire happiness was centred in me; and he thus
over-ruled my scruples.

"At length the duke remodelled his cabinet (a fact to which I
alluded above) by appointing the Count of Friuli (who is deeply
attached to His Highness, and favourable to our union) to the
Foreign Office, in place of the Marquis of Gerrano. Signor Pisani,
another faithful dependant of His Highness, was appointed
Under-Secretary in the place of Baron Ruperto. The Minister of War
also retired, and was succeeded by General Grachia. When these
changes were effected, his Serene Highness communicated to the
council of ministers his intention to _unite himself to Eliza
Marchioness of Ziani on the 2d of December of the present year_.

"This decision was made known on the 19th of last month. I did not
write to communicate the important fact to you, because I was
apprehensive of new delays; and as I had already misled you once
(though unintentionally on my part) I was unwilling to deceive
either you or myself a second time. I know your friendship for me,
Diana,--I know that you entertain a sister's love for me, the same
that I feel for you,--and I also know that you anxiously watch the
progress of my fortunes, as, under similar circumstances, I should
yours. I therefore resolved to acquaint you with no more of my
hopes, until they should have been realised. That result has now
been attained; and I need preserve a cold silence no longer.

"In the evening of the 19th of November, the Grand Chancellor of
Castelcicala, the President of the Council (the Marquis of
Vincenza), and the Archbishop of Montoni, visited me at the villa
to acquaint me with the royal decision. I endeavoured--and I hope
succeeded--to convince their lordships of the profound sense which
I entertained of the high honour intended to be conferred upon me,
and my conviction that no merit which I possessed could render me
worthy of such distinction; at the same time I declared my
readiness to accept that honour, since it was the will and pleasure
of a sovereign Prince to bestow it upon me.

"I can scarcely tell you the nature of the varied emotions and
feelings which filled--indeed agitated--my bosom when the memorable
morning dawned. That was yesterday! I awoke at an early--a very
early hour,--before six, and walked in the garden with the hope
that the fresh air and the charming tranquillity of the scene would
compose me. I could scarcely believe that I was on the point of
entering upon such high destinies; that a diadem was so soon to
encircle my brow; that the thrilling words _Highness_ and
_Princess_ would in a few hours be addressed to me! I could not
reconcile with my former obscure lot the idea that I was shortly to
sit upon a sovereign throne,--command the allegiance of millions
of human beings,--and share the fortunes of a potentate of Europe!
Was it possible that I--I who was the daughter of a poor farmer,
and who had seen so much of the vicissitudes of life,--I who had
thought myself happy with the competence which I enjoyed through
the Earl of Warrington's bounty at Clapton,--I who conceived myself
to be one of the most fortunate of individuals when, by the
goodness of that same excellent peer, I arrived in this State, and
took possession of the villa which he had placed at my disposal,--I
who had then no more elevated aspirations than to dwell in
tranquillity and peace--no loftier hope than to deserve that kind
nobleman's benefits by my conduct,--was it possible that I was in a
few hours to become the Grand Duchess of Castelcicala? I could not
fix my mind to such a belief; the idea seemed an oriental
fiction--a romantic dream. And yet, I remembered, I had already
received an earnest of this splendid promise of fortune: I had
already been elevated from a lowly condition to an exalted rank;
the distinction of a Marchioness was mine; for months had I been
accustomed to the sounding title of _Your Ladyship_ and for months
had I been enrolled amongst the peeresses of Castelcicala. Yes--I
thought: it was true,--true that a Prince--a powerful
Prince--intended to raise me to a seat upon his own ducal throne!

"At seven precisely the three lovely daughters of General Grachia
arrived at the villa to assist me in my toilette--my nuptial
toilette. They informed me that, if it were my pleasure, they were
to remain in attendance upon me after my marriage. I embraced them
tenderly, and assured them that they should always be near me as
friends. When the toilette was completed, I bade adieu to the
villa. I wept--wept tears of mingled joy and sorrow as I said
farewell to that abode when I had passed so many happy, happy
hours! At length I entered General Grachia's carriage, which was
waiting; and, accompanied by my three amiable friends, repaired to
their father's private dwelling (not his official palace of the War
Department) in Montoni.

"Here my letter must terminate. Enclosed is an account of the
entire ceremony, translated into English by my private secretary
(who is well acquainted with my native tongue) from the _Montoni
Gazette_. Fain would I have erased those passages which are
favourable--too favourable to myself; but I fancied that my
friend--my sister Diana would be pleased to read the narrative in
its integrity.

"In conclusion, let me say--and do you believe it as devoutly as I
say it sincerely--that, in spite of my rank and fortunes,--in spite
of the splendours that surround me, to you I am in heart, and
always shall remain, the same attached and grateful being, whom you
have known as

"ELIZA SYDNEY."

It would be impossible to describe the feelings of delight with which Mrs. Arlington perused the latter portion of this letter. Pass we on, therefore, to the Bridal Ceremony, as it was described in the translated narrative which accompanied the communication of the Grand Duchess:--

"THE MARRIAGE OF THE GRAND DUKE.

"Yesterday morning were celebrated the nuptials of his Serene
Highness Angelo III. and Eliza Marchioness of Ziani.

"From an early hour the capital wore an appearance of unusual
gaiety and bustle. The houses looking on the Piazzetta of
Contarini, leading to the ancient Cathedral of Saint Theodosia,
were decorated in a most splendid manner with banners, garlands,
festoons of flowers, and various ornaments and devices appropriate
to the occasion. The balconies were fitted up as verdant bowers and
arbours, and the lovely characteristics of the country were thus
introduced into the very heart of the city. The Town-Hall was hung
with numerous banners; and the royal standard waved proudly over
the Black Tower of the Citadel. The shops in those streets through
which the procession was to pass were fitted up with seats which
were let to those who were willing to pay the high prices demanded
for them. In other parts of the city the shops and marts of trade
were all closed, as was the Exchange. A holiday was observed at the
Bank of Castelcicala; and the business of the General Post Office
closed at eleven o'clock in the forenoon. Nor was the port less gay
than the city. All the vessels in the harbour and docks, as well at
those in the roadstead, were decked with innumerable flags. The
royal standard floated from the main of the ships of war of the
Castelcicalan navy. The sight was altogether most imposing and
lively.

"At seven o'clock the bells of Saint Theodosia and all the other
churches in Montoni rang out merry peals; and the troops of the
garrison got under arms. At a quarter before eight the Mayor and
Corporation of the city, arrayed in their robes of green velvet
edged with gold, proceeded to the palace and presented an address
of congratulation on the auspicious day, to his Serene Highness,
who was pleased to return a most gracious answer. It being
generally understood that the Marchioness of Ziani would in the
first instance alight at the dwelling of General Grachia, the
Minister of War, a crowd of highly respectable and well-dressed
persons had collected in that neighbourhood. At nine o'clock the
General's private carriage, which had been sent to convey the
future Grand Duchess from her own abode to the General's mansion,
drove rapidly up the street, attended by two outriders. We shall
never forget the enthusiasm manifested by the assembled multitude
upon that occasion. All political feelings appeared to be
forgotten; and a loud, hearty, and prolonged burst of welcome met
the ear. The object of this ebullition of generous feeling bowed
gracefully to the crowds on either side; and the cheering continued
for some moments after the carriage had entered the court-yard of
the General's mansion.

"At half-past ten o'clock the President of the Council, the Grand
Chancellor, and the Intendant of the Ducal Civil List arrived in
their carriages at General Grachia's abode, preceded by one of the
royal equipages, which was sent to convey the bride and her
ladies-in-waiting to the palace. In a few minutes the President of
the Council handed the bride, who was attended by the lady and
three lovely daughters of General Grachia, into the ducal carriage.
The procession then repaired to the palace, the crowds that lined
the streets and occupied the windows and balconies by which it
passed, expressing their feelings by cheers and the waving of
handkerchiefs. To these demonstrations the bride responded by
graceful bows, bestowed in a manner so modest and yet evidently
sincere, that the conduct of this exalted lady upon the occasion
won all hearts.

"The procession entered the palace-square; and the Grand Duke,
attended by the great officers of state and a brilliant staff,
received his intended bride at the foot of the great marble
staircase of the western pavilion. The illustrious company then
entered the palace. Immediately afterwards the five regiments of
household troops, commanded by that noble veteran the Marshal Count
of Galeazzo, marched into the square, and formed into three lines
along the western side of the palace. At half-past eleven the royal
party appeared at the foot of the marble staircase, and entered the
numerous carriages in waiting. The bride occupied the carriage
which had conveyed her to the palace, and was accompanied by the
ladies in attendance upon her. His Serene Highness, attended by the
President of the Council and the Grand Chancellor, entered the
state carriage. The procession then moved onwards to the Cathedral
of Saint Theodosia.

"This was the signal for the roar of artillery from all points. The
citadel, and the ships of war in the roadstead thundered forth the
announcement that his Serene Highness had just left the palace. The
bells rang blithely from every steeple; the troops presented arms,
the military bands played the national hymn; and the procession was
welcomed with joyous shouts, the waving of handkerchiefs, and the
smiles of beauty. The windows and balconies of the houses
overlooking the streets through which it passed, were crowded with
elegantly dressed ladies, brilliant with their own beauty, gay with
waving plumes, and sparkling with diamonds. The only indication of
political feeling which we observed upon the occasion, was on the
part of the troops; _and they were silent_.

"The bride was naturally the centre of all interest and attraction.
Every one was anxious to catch a glimpse of her charming
countenance. And certainly this lovely lady never could have
appeared _more lovely_ than on the present occasion. She was
attired in a dress of the most costly point-lace over white satin.
Her veil was of the first-mentioned material, and of the richest
description. She was somewhat pale; but a charming serenity was
depicted upon her countenance. She bowed frequently, and in the
most unpretending and affable manner, as the procession moved
along.

"At length the cavalcade reached the cathedral, where the
Archbishop of Montoni, assisted by the Bishops of Trevisano and
Collato, was in attendance to perform the solemn ceremony. The
sacred edifice was thronged by the _élite_ and fashion of the
capital, who had been admitted by tickets. When the royal party had
entered the Cathedral, the doors were closed; and the holy ceremony
was solemnised. The roar of the artillery was again heard, as the
royal party returned to their carriages. This time the Grand
Duchess was handed by his Serene Highness into the state carriage.
The return to the palace was distinguished by demonstrations of
satisfaction on the part of the spectators more enthusiastic, if
possible, than those which marked the progress of the cavalcade to
the cathedral. A glow of animation was visible upon the countenance
of her Serene Highness; and the Grand Duke himself looked
remarkably well and cheerful. In a short time the Sovereign
conducted his lovely bride into that palace which in future is to
be her home.

"Thus ended a ceremony which, in a political point of view, may
probably be attended with important results to the interests of
Castelcicala. Should male issue proceed from this marriage, the
contentions of rival parties in the state will be at once
annihilated. The supporters of the Prince of Castelcicala, who is
now an exile in England, are naturally indignant and annoyed at the
marriage of his Serene Highness Angelo III. with a lady young
enough to encourage hopes that the union may not remain unfruitful.
It is even evident that many of the former friends of the exiled
Prince pronounced in favour of this marriage, the moment it was
contemplated some months previously to its solemnization. This
sentiment of approval will account for the entrance of General
Grachia, who was notorious for his adhesion to the popular cause
espoused by the Prince, into the Ministry. Probably the best
friends of their country, aware that it was neither natural nor
legal to attempt to control the inclinations and affections of his
Serene Highness Angelo III., looked upon this marriage as the best
means of securing peace and internal tranquillity to Castelcicala,
inasmuch as it gives a prospect of an heir to the ducal throne--an
heir whose right and title none could dispute. This is the view we
ourselves take of the case: and we therefore hail the event as one
of a most auspicious nature in our annals."

Scarcely had the Enchantress terminated this narrative of the ceremony which elevated her friend to a ducal throne,--a narrative which she had perused with the liveliest feelings of satisfaction, and the most unadulterated pleasure,--when the Earl of Warrington was announced.

Diana hastened to communicate to him the tidings which she had received; and the nobleman himself read Eliza's letter, and the extract from the _Montoni Gazette_, with an interest which showed how gratified he felt in the high and exalted fortunes of the daughter of her whom he had once loved so tenderly.

"Yes, indeed," said the earl, when he had terminated the perusal of the two documents, "Eliza Sydney now ranks amongst the queens and reigning princesses of the world: from a humble cottage she has risen to a throne."

"And this exalted station she owes to your lordship's goodness," remarked Diana.

"Say to my justice," observed the earl; "for I may flatter myself that I have behaved with justice to the child of my departed uncle's daughter. And this remarkable exaltation of Eliza Sydney shows us, Diana, that we should never judge of a person's character by one fault. Eliza has always been imbued with sentiments of virtue and integrity, although she was led into one error by that villain Stephens; and she has now met with a reward of a price high almost beyond precedent. But, ah!" exclaimed the earl, who was carelessly turning the letter of the Grand Duchess over and over in his hands as he spoke, "this is very singular--very remarkable;"--and he inspected the seal and post-marks of the letter with minute attention.

"What is the matter?" inquired Diana.

"Some treachery has been perpetrated here," answered the earl, still continuing his scrutiny: "this letter had been opened before it was delivered to you."

"Opened!" cried Diana.

"Yes," said the Earl of Warrington; "here is every proof that the letter has been violated. See--there is the English post-mark of _yesterday morning_: and over it has been stamped _another mark_, of this morning's date. Then contemplate the seal. There are two kinds of wax, the one melted over the other: do you not notice a shade different in their colours?"

"Certainly," said Diana: "it is apparent. But who could have done this? Perhaps the Grand Duchess herself; for the ducal arms are imprinted upon the upper layer of wax."

"The persons who opened this letter, Diana," said the earl, in a serious--almost a solemn tone, "are those who know full well how to take the imprint of a seal. But have you not other letters from Castelcicala?"

"Several," replied Diana; and she hastily unlocked her writing-desk, where she produced all the correspondence she had received from Eliza Sydney.

The earl carefully inspected the envelopes of those letters; and his countenance grew more serious as he proceeded with his scrutiny.

"Yes," he exclaimed, after a long pause; "the fact is glaring! Every one of these letters was opened _somewhere_ ere they were delivered to you. The utmost caution has been evidently used in re-sealing and re-stamping them;--nevertheless, there are proofs--undoubted proofs--that the whole of this correspondence has been violated in its transit from the writer to the receiver."

"But what object--what motive----"

"I have long entertained suspicions," said the Earl of Warrington, interrupting his fair mistress, "that there is one public institution in England which is made the scene of proceedings so vile--so detestable--so base as to cast a stain upon the entire nation. Those suspicions are now confirmed."

"What mean you?" inquired Diana: "to which institution do you allude?"

"_To the General Post-office_," replied the Earl of Warrington.

"The General Post-office!" cried Mrs. Arlington, her countenance expressing the most profound astonishment.

"The General Post-office," repeated the earl. "But this is a matter of so serious a nature that I shall not allow it to rest here. You will lend me these letters for a few hours? I am more intimately acquainted with the Home Secretary than with any other of her Majesty's Ministers; and to him will I now proceed."

The earl consigned the letters to his pocket, and, with an air of deep determination, took a temporary leave of Mrs. Arlington.

Scarcely had the earl left the house, when Mr. Greenwood's valet, Filippo, was introduced.

"I have called, madam," said the Italian, "to inform you that I last night counteracted another of my master's plots, and saved a young female from the persecution of his addresses."

"You have done well, Filippo," exclaimed Mrs. Arlington. "Does your master suspect you?"

"Not in the remotest degree, madam. I contrived matters so well, that he believed the young person alluded to had escaped by her own means, and without any assistance, save that of a pair of sheets which enabled her to descend in safety from the window of the room in which she was confined."

"I am delighted to hear that your mission to England has been so successful, in thwarting the machinations of that bad man," observed Mrs. Arlington. "Have you heard any news from Castelcicala?"

"I have this morning received a Montoni newspaper, announcing the nuptials of the Grand Duke and the Marchioness of Ziani," replied Filippo.

"And I also have heard those happy tidings," said Mrs. Arlington. "But have you any further information to give me relative to the schemes of your master? I am always pleased to learn that his evil designs experience defeat through your agency."

"I have nothing more to say at present, madam," answered Filippo; "except, indeed," he added, suddenly recollecting himself, "that I overheard, a few days ago, a warm contention between my master and a certain Sir Rupert Harborough."

"Sir Rupert Harborough!" ejaculated Diana, a blush suddenly overspreading her cheeks.

"Yes, madam. From what I could learn, there was a balance of about a thousand pounds due from Sir Rupert Harborough to Mr. Greenwood, on a bill that purported to be the acceptance of Lord Tremordyn, but which was in reality a forgery committed by Sir Rupert himself."

"A forgery!" cried Diana.

"A forgery, madam. Sir Rupert bitterly reproached Mr. Greenwood with having suggested to him that mode of raising money, whereas Mr. Greenwood appeared to deny with indignation any share in the part of the transaction imputed to him. The matter ended by Mr. Greenwood declaring that if the bill were not paid to-morrow, when it falls due (having, it appears, been renewed several times), Sir Rupert Harborough should be prosecuted for forgery."

"And what said Sir Rupert Harborough to that?" inquired Diana.

"He changed his tone, and began to implore the mercy of Mr. Greenwood: but my master was inexorable; and Sir Rupert left the house with ruin and terror depicted upon his countenance."

"This battle you must allow them to fight out between themselves," said Diana, after a moment's hesitation. "I know Sir Rupert Harborough--know him full well; but I do not think that he is so thoroughly black-hearted as your master. He was once kind to me--once," she added, musing to herself rather than addressing the Italian valet: then, suddenly recollecting herself, she said, "However, Filippo--that affair does not regard you."

"Very good, madam," replied the valet; and he then took his departure.

The moment he was gone, Mrs. Arlington threw herself into her comfortable arm-chair, and became wrapt up in deep thought.