Chapter 35

The Noise of _Atlante's_ being inclos'd, was soon spread all over the busy Town, and _Rinaldo_ was not the last to whom the News arriv'd: He was for a few Days confin'd to his Chamber; where, when alone, he rav'd like a Man distracted; But his Wounds had so incens'd his Father against _Atlante_, that he swore he would see his Son die of them, rather than suffer him to marry _Atlante_; and was extremely overjoy'd to find she was condemn'd, for ever, to the Monastery. So that the Son thought it the wisest Course, and most for the advantage of his Love, to say nothing to contradict his Father; but being almost assur'd _Atlante_ would never consent to be shut up in a Cloyster, and abandon him, he flatter'd himself with hope, that he should steal her from thence, and marry her in spite of all Opposition. This he was impatient to put in practice: He believ'd, if he were not permitted to see _Atlante_, he had still a kind Advocate in _Charlot_, who was now arriv'd to her Thirteenth Year, and infinitely advanc'd in Wit and Beauty. _Rinaldo_ therefore often goes to the Monastery, surrounding it, to see what Possibility there was of accomplishing his Design; if he could get her Consent, he finds it not impossible, and goes to visit _Charlot_; who had command not to see him, or speak to him. This was a Cruelty he look'd not for, and which gave him an unspeakable Trouble, and without her Aid it was wholly impossible to give _Atlante_ any account of his Design. In this Perplexity he remain'd many Days, in which he languish'd almost to Death; he was distracted with Thought, and continually hovering about the Nunnery-Walls, in hope, at some time or other, to see or hear from that lovely Maid, who alone could make his Happiness. In these Traverses he often met _Vernole_, who had Liberty to see her when he pleas'd: If it happen'd that they chanc'd to meet in the Daytime, tho' _Vernole_ was attended with an Equipage of Ruffians, and _Rinaldo_ but only with a couple of Footmen, he could perceive _Vernole_ shun him, grow pale, and almost tremble with Fear sometimes, and get to the other Side of the Street; and if he did not, _Rinaldo_ having a mortal Hate to him, would often bear up so close to him, that he would jostle him against the Wall, which _Vernole_ would patiently put up, and pass on; so that he could never be provok'd to fight by Day-light, how solitary soever the Place was where they met: but if they chanc'd to meet at Night, they were certain of a Skirmish, in which he would have no part himself; so that _Rinaldo_ was often like to be assassinated, but still came off with some slight Wound. This continu'd so long, and made so great a Noise in the Town, that the two old Gentlemen were mightily alarm'd by it; and Count _Bellyaurd_ came to _De Pais_, one Day, to discourse with him of this Affair; and _Bellyaurd_, for the Preservation of his Son, was almost consenting, since there was no Remedy, that he should marry _Atlante_. _De Pais_ confess'd the Honour he proffer'd him, and how troubled he was, that his Word was already past to his Friend, the Count _Vernole_, whom he said she should marry, or remain for ever a Nun; but if _Rinaldo_ could displace his Love from _Atlante_, and place it on _Charlot_, he should gladly consent to the Match. _Bellyaurd_, who would now do anything for the Repose of his Son, tho' he believ'd this Exchange would not pass, yet resolv'd to propose it, since by marrying him he took him out of the Danger of _Vernole's_ Assassinates, who would never leave him till they had dispatch'd him, should he marry _Atlante_.

While _Rinaldo_ was contriving a thousand ways to come to speak to, or send Billets to _Atlante_, none of which could succeed without the Aid of _Charlot_, his Father came and propos'd this Agreement between _De Pais_ and himself, to his Son. At first _Rinaldo_ receiv'd it with a chang'd Countenance, and a breaking Heart; but swiftly turning from Thought to Thought, he conceiv'd this the only way to come at _Charlot_, and so consequently at _Atlante_: he therefore, after some dissembled Regret, consents, with a sad put-on Look: And _Charlot_ had Notice given her to see and entertain _Rinaldo_. As yet they had not told her the Reason; which her Father would tell her, when he came to visit her, he said. _Rinaldo_ over-joy'd at this Contrivance, and his own Dissimulation, goes to the Monastery, and visits _Charlot_; where he ought to have said something of this Proposition: but wholly bent upon other Thoughts, he sollicits her to convey some Letters, and Presents to _Atlante_; which she readily did, to the unspeakable Joy of the poor Distrest. Sometimes he would talk to _Charlot_ of her own Affairs; asking her, if she resolv'd to become a Nun? To which she would sigh, and say, If she must, it would be extremely against her Inclinations; and, if it pleas'd her Father, she had rather begin the World with any tolerable Match.

Things past thus for some Days, in which our Lovers were happy, and _Vernole_ assur'd he should have _Atlante_. But at last _De Pais_ came to visit _Charlot_, who ask'd her, if she had seen _Rinaldo_? She answer'd, 'She had.' 'And how does he entertain you? (reply'd _De Pais_) Have you receiv'd him as a Husband? and has he behav'd himself like one?' At this a sudden Joy seiz'd the Heart of _Charlot_; and both to confess what she had done for him to her Sister, she hung down her blushing Face to study for an Answer. _De Pais_ continued, and told her the Agreement between _Bellyaurd_ and him, for the saving of Bloodshed.

She, who blest the Cause, whatever it was, having always a great Friendship and Tenderness for _Rinaldo_, gave her Father a thousand Thanks for his Care; and assur'd him, since she was commanded by him, she would receive him as her Husband.

And the next Day, when _Rinaldo_ came to visit her, as he us'd to do, and bringing a Letter with him, wherein he propos'd the flight of _Atlante_; he found a Coldness in _Charlot_, as soon as he told her his Design, and desir'd her to carry the Letter. He ask'd the Reason of this Change: She tells him she was inform'd of the Agreement between their two Fathers, and that she look'd upon herself as his Wife, and would act no more as a Confident; that she had ever a violent Inclination of Friendship for him, which she would soon improve into something more soft.

He could not deny the Agreement, nor his Promise; but it was in vain to tell her, he did it only to get a Correspondence with _Atlante_: She is obstinate, and he as pressing, with all the Tenderness of Persuasion: He vows he can never be any but _Atlante's_, and she may see him die, but never break his Vows. She urges her Claim in vain, so that at last she was overcome, and promised she would carry the Letter; which was to have her make her Escape that Night. He waits at the Gate for her Answer, and _Charlot_ returns with one that pleased him very well; which was, that Night her Sister would make her Escape, and that he must stand in such a Place of the Nunnery-Wall, and she would come out to him.

After this she upbraids him with his false Promise to her, and of her Goodness to serve him after such a Disappointment. He receives her Reproaches with a thousand Sighs, and bemoans her Misfortune in not being capable of more than Friendship for her; and vows, that next _Atlante_, he esteems her of all Womankind. She seems to be obliged by this, and assured him, she would hasten the Flight of _Atlante_; and taking leave, he went home to order a Coach, and some Servants to assist him.

In the mean time Count _Vernole_ came to visit _Atlante_; but she refused to be seen by him: And all he could do there that Afternoon, was entertaining _Charlot_ at the Grate; to whom he spoke a great many fine Things, both of her improved Beauty and Wit; and how happy _Rinaldo_ would be in so fair a Bride. She received this with all the Civility that was due to his Quality; and their Discourse being at an End, he took his Leave, being towards the Evening.

_Rinaldo_, wholly impatient, came betimes to the Corner of the dead Wall, where he was appointed to stand, having ordered his Footmen and Coach to come to him as soon it was dark. While he was there walking up and down, _Vernole_ came by the End of the Wall to go home; and looking about, he saw, at the other End, _Rinaldo_ walking, whose Back was towards him, but he knew him well; and tho' he feared and dreaded his Business there, he durst not encounter him, they being both attended but by one Footman a-piece. But _Vernole's_ Jealousy and Indignation were so high, that he resolved to fetch his Bravoes to his Aid, and come and assault him: For he knew he waited there for some Message from _Atlante_.

In the mean Time it grew dark, and _Rinaldo_'s Coach came with another Footman; which were hardly arrived, when _Vernole_, with his Assistants, came to the Corner of the Wall, and skreening themselves a little behind it, near to the Place where _Rinaldo_ stood, who waited now close to a little Door, out of which the Gardeners used to throw the Weeds and Dirt, _Vernole_ could perceive anon the Door to open, and a Woman come out of it, calling _Rinaldo_ by his Name, who stept up to her, and caught her in his Arms with Signs of infinite Joy. _Vernole_ being now all Rage, cry'd to his Assassinates, 'Fall on, and kill the Ravisher': And immediately they all fell on. _Rinaldo_, who had only his two Footmen on his Side, was forc'd to let go the Lady; who would have run into the Garden again, but the Door fell to and lock'd: so that while _Rinaldo_ was fighting, and beaten back by the Bravoes, one of which he laid dead at his Feet, _Vernole_ came to the frighted Lady, and taking her by the Hand, cry'd, 'Come, my fair Fugitive, you must go along with me.' She wholly scar'd out of her Senses, was willing to go any where out of the Terror she heard so near her, and without Reply, gave her self into his Hand, who carried her directly to her Father's House; where she was no sooner come, but he told her Father all that had past, and how she was running away with _Rinaldo_, but that his good Fortune brought him just in the lucky Minute. Her Father turning to reproach her, found by the Light of a Candle that this was _Charlot_, and not _Atlante_, whom _Vernole_ had brought Home: At which _Vernole_ was extremely astonish'd. Her Father demanded of her why she was running away with a Man, who was design'd her by Consent? 'Yes, (said _Charlot_) you had his Consent, Sir, and that of his Father; but I was far from getting it: I found he resolv'd to die rather than quit _Atlante_; and promising him my Assistance in his Amour, since he could never be mine, he got me to carry a Letter to _Atlante_; which was, to desire her to fly away with him. Instead of carrying her this Letter, I told her, he was design'd for me, and had cancell'd all his Vows to her: She swoon'd at this News; and being recover'd a little, I left her in the Hands of the Nuns, to persuade her to live; which she resolves not to do without _Rinaldo_. Tho' they press'd me, yet I resolv'd to pursue my Design, which was to tell _Rinaldo_ she would obey his kind Summons. He waited for her; but I put my self into his Hands in lieu of _Atlante_; and had not the Count receiv'd me, we had been marry'd by this time, by some false Light that could not have discover'd me: But I am satisfied, if I had, he would never have liv'd with me longer than the Cheat had been undiscover'd; for I find them both resolved to die, rather than change. And for my part, Sir, I was not so much in Love with _Rinaldo_, as I was out of love with the Nunnery; and took any Opportunity to quit a Life absolutely contrary to my Humour.' She spoke this with a Gaiety so brisk, and an Air so agreeable, that _Vernole_ found it touch'd his Heart; and the rather because he found _Atlante_ would never be his; or if she were, he should be still in Danger from the Resentment of _Rinaldo_: he therefore bowing to _Charlot_, and taking her by the Hand, cry'd, 'Madam, since Fortune has dispos'd you thus luckily for me, in my Possession, I humbly implore you would consent she should make me entirely happy, and give me the Prize for which I fought, and have conquer'd with my Sword.' 'My Lord, (reply'd _Charlot_, with a modest Air) I am superstitious enough to believe, since Fortune, so contrary to all our Designs, has given me into your Hands, that she from the beginning destin'd me to the Honour, which, with my Father's Consent, I shall receive as becomes me.' _De Pais_ transported with Joy, to find all Things would be so well brought about, it being all one to him, whether _Charlot_ or _Atlante_ gave him Count _Vernole_ for his Son-in-law, readily consented; and immediately a Priest was sent for, and they were that Night marry'd. And it being now not above seven o'Clock, many of their Friends were invited, the Musick sent for, and as good a Supper as so short a Time would provide, was made ready.

All this was perform'd in as short a time as _Rinaldo_ was fighting; and having kill'd one, and wounded the rest, they all fled before his conquering Sword, which was never drawn with so good a Will. When he came where his Coach stood, just against the Back-Garden-Door, he looked for his Mistress: But the Coachman told him, he was no sooner engaged, but a Man came, and with a thousand Reproaches on her Levity, bore her off.

This made our young Lover rave; and he is satisfied she is in the Hands of his Rival, and that he had been fighting, and shedding his Blood, only to secure her Flight with him. He lost all Patience, and it was with much ado his Servants persuaded him to return; telling him in their Opinion, she was more likely to get out of the Hands of his Rival, and come to him, than when she was in the Monastery.

He suffers himself to go into his Coach and be carry'd home; but he was no sooner alighted, than he heard Musick and Noise at _De Pais's_ House. He saw Coaches surround his Door, and Pages and Footmen, with Flambeaux. The Sight and Noise of Joy made him ready to sink at the Door; and sending his Footmen to learn the Cause of this Triumph, the Pages that waited told him, That Count _Vernole_ was this Night married to Monsieur _De Pais's_ Daughter. He needed no more to deprive him of all Sense; and staggering against his Coach, he was caught by his Footmen and carried into his House, and to his Chamber, where they put him to Bed, all sensless as he was, and had much ado to recover him to Life. He ask'd for his Father, with a faint Voice, for he desir'd to see him before he died. It was told him he was gone to Count _Vernole's_ Wedding, where there was a perfect Peace agreed on between them, and all their Animosities laid aside. At this News _Rinaldo_ fainted again; and his Servants call'd his Father home, and told him in what Condition they had brought home their Master, recounting to him all that was past. He hasten'd to _Rinaldo_, whom he found just recover'd of his Swooning; who, putting his Hand out to his Father, all cold and trembling, cry'd, 'Well, Sir, now you are satisfied, since you have seen _Atlante_ married to Count _Vernole_, I hope now you will give your unfortunate Son leave to die; as you wish'd he should, rather than give him to the Arms of _Atlante_.' Here his Speech fail'd, and he fell again into a Fit of Swooning; His Father ready to die with fear of his Son's Death, kneel'd down by his Bed-side; and after having recover'd a little, he said, 'My dear Son, I have been indeed at the Wedding of Count _Vernole_, but 'tis not _Atlante_ to whom he is married, but _Charlot_; who was the Person you were bearing from the Monastery, instead of _Atlante_, who is still reserv'd for you, and she is dying till she hear you are reserv'd for her; Therefore, as you regard her Life, make much of your own, and make your self fit to receive her; for her Father and I have agreed the Marriage already.' And without giving him leave to think, he call'd to one of his Gentlemen, and sent him to the Monastery, with this News to _Atlante_. _Rinaldo_ bowed himself as low as he could in his Bed, and kiss'd the Hand of his Father, with Tears of Joy: But his Weakness continued all the next Day; and they were fain to bring _Atlante_ to him, to confirm his Happiness.

It must only be guessed by Lovers, the perfect Joy these two receiv'd in the sight of each other. _Bellyaurd_ received her as his Daughter; and the next Day made her so, with very great Solemnity, at which were _Vernole_ and _Charlot_: Between _Rinaldo_ and him was concluded a perfect Peace, and all thought themselves happy in this double Union.

NOTES: The Lucky Mistake.

p. 351 This Dedication only appears in the first edition (12mo, 1689), 'for R. Bentley'. George Granville or Grenville,[1] Lord Lansdowne, the celebrated wit, dramatist and poet, was born in 1667. Having zealously offered in 1688 to defend James II, during the subsequent reign he perforce 'lived in literary retirement'. He then wrote _The She Gallants_ (1696, and 4to, 1696), an excellent comedy full of jest and spirit. Offending, however, some ladies 'who set up for chastity' it made its exit. Granville afterwards revived it as _Once a Lover and Always a Lover_. _Heroick Love_, a tragedy (1698), had great success. _The Jew of Venice_ (1701), is a piteously weak adaption of _The Merchant of Venice_. A short masque, _Peleus and Thetis_ accompanies the play. _The British Enchanters_, an opera (1706), is a pleasing piece, and was very well received. At the accession of Queen Anne, Granville entered the political arena and attained considerable offices of state. Suspected of being an active Jacobite he was, under George I, imprisoned from 25 September, 1715, till 8 February, 1717. In 1722 he went abroad, and lived in Paris for ten years. In 1732 he returned and published a finely printed edition of his complete _Works_ (2 Vols., 4to, 1732; and again, 3 Vols., 1736, 12mo). He died 30 January, 1735, and is buried in St. Clement Danes.

p. 398 _double Union_. In a collection of Novels with running title: _The Deceived Lovers_ (1696), we find No. V _The Curtezan Deceived_, 'An Addition to The Lucky Mistake, Written by Mrs. A. Behn.' This introduction of Mrs. Behn's name was a mere bookseller's trick to catch the unwary reader. _The Curtezan Deceived_ is of no value. It has nothing to do with Aphra's work and is as commonplace a little novel as an hundred others of its day.

[Footnote 1: The spelling 'Greenvil' 'Greenviel' is incorrect.]

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THE UNFORTUNATE BRIDE; OR, THE BLIND LADY A BEAUTY.

TO RICHARD NORTON, OF SOUTHWICK IN HANTSHIRE, ESQUIRE.

Honour'd Sir,

Eminent Wit, Sir, no more than Eminent Beauty, can escape the Trouble and Presumption of Addresses; and that which can strike every body with Wonder, can never avoid the Praise which naturally flows from that Wonder: And Heaven is forc'd to hear the Addresses as well as praises of the Poor as Rich, of the Ignorant as Learned, and takes, nay rewards, the officious tho' perhaps impertinent Zeal of its least qualify'd Devotees. Wherefore, Sir, tho' your Merits meet with the Applause of the Learned and Witty, yet your Generosity will judge favourably of the untaught Zeal of an humbler Admirer, since what I do your eminent Vertues compel. The Beautiful will permit the most despicable of their Admirers to love them, tho' they never intend to make him happy, as unworthy their Love, but they will not be angry at the fatal Effect of their own Eyes.

But what I want in my self, Sir, to merit your Regard, I hope my Authoress will in some measure supply, so far at least to lessen my Presumption in prefixing your Name to a Posthumous Piece of hers, whom all the Men of Wit, that were her Contemporaries, look'd on as the Wonder of her Sex; and in none of her Performances has she shew'd so great a Mastery as in her Novels, where Nature always prevails; and if they are not true, they are so like it, that they do the business every jot as well.

This I hope, Sir, will induce you to pardon my Presumption in dedicating this Novel to you, and declaring my self, Sir,

Your most obedient and most humble Servant, S. Briscoe.

THE UNFORTUNATE BRIDE: or, The Blind Lady a Beauty.