This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
210
LADY ANNE GRANARD.

quite forgotten, Lady Anne?" said Riccardini, the tones of his rich voice vibrating with that tenderness natural to his awakened feelings.

"Signor Manuello!" cried Lady Anne; "is it possible I see you in England?"

"You do, indeed, see that bereaved man; but this is not the place to talk of our past histories, suffice to say, your dear daughters in Italy are well and have———."

"You are Lady Anne Granard, I presume;" said a person, moving the curtain.

"There is no entrance this way; you must go back instantly."

"Yes, my lady; but his Majesty's officers, when about their duty, go any where so they breaks no locks. I means no offence, I'd scorn for to act unlike a gen'lman, specially to a unprotected female, so please come out here, and then nobody will know is your ladyship arrested."

The hand laid on her arm drew her unresistingly towards the speaker, and the curtain hid both for a moment, but the Count instantly followed, and eagerly inquired, "Where she was going?—What was the matter?"

"This here lady, sir, is arrested on the suit of Thomas Plumpound, grocer, for the sum of ninety-three pounds, seventeen and sixpence, sir, that's all; if your honour and any other 'sponsible person pleases to give bail, I'll accept it. I wouldn't go to distress a lady, not I, indeed."