The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-09-29
WEDNESDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 90 1852
:. VI always welcome you with much de-
light" replied the lady.

uWays welcome you with much de
light" replied the lady.
"Still you did not expect me?"
81 am the more pleased to see YOU"
but you knew not of my coming?"
"Well, then, did not" said Lconora
"f you will have me answer lluntly."
81 have billet, lady, from the Count
your husband, inviting me to meet his gen,
tie wife and himself; and | was about to
blame you for bidding me to such a crowd
ed entertainment, when find you almost
as unconscious as myself of the prcpara-
tIons going OH below"
"Have my orders been obeyed?-are
none permitted to 90 forth!-havc anv
offered to do so?-are the guests manv?"
These questions were asked, in a hurried
voice, by one who stood at the entrance
gate OF the Lavagna Palace, muffled up
IN large dark mantle. The porter knew
his masters voice, and answered with low
and rapid words; but the Count Fiesco
stopped not to hear them he had hasten
ed onward into the Palace with n band
OF armed men, that passed through the
gates as he stood speaking to the porter.
In less than half an hour he was again
before the Palace gates. allow many
have entered now?" exclaimed Fiesco.
ut is well!" he replied, as the number was
tod him; and springing toward, he flung
to, with his own hands, the massy gates.
and drew the bolts, and summoned, at the
moment, close guard of soldiers. "Lct
no one pass" he cried. keep fast the
gates; they open not but at my order"
And now, nv gucsts.-my fiiendS,-
my noble gentlemen ~ said the Count
flcSco-he had entered the great banquet
ing hall 10y small door at the upper end
There is scarce time for particular
Salutations; but must addre IS YOU all as
most courteous host. You stare about
you with a3toni>hment, finding no banquet
spread, but on all sides armed men. Still.
the welcome that give you is more
honest, hearty welcome, than ever silkcn
lordIing gave at his most gorgeous feast.
You have known me, lattcrv, as a fool a
protiIgate, most contemplate and sense
less fellow Tie time is come when I
must throw off this mean disguise. do
Sc as entirely as fling off this clogging
mantle" lie threw off the mantle AS he
spoke, and stood before them, clad from
head to foot in close and glittcring armor,
every limb and his whole body covered,
all but his graceful throat and head, and
tHey were bare. "rhc time is comc,r he
exclaimed, "and' Genoa must be freed
from the tyranny of certain other mobiles.
/
Behold the fcte to which | have invited
You! That dolt, Giannetino Doria, would
fam be master of this Genoa-of our free
and beautiful Genoa. | have written
proofs ofhis intrigucS and trcachcrics, and
at the proper season You shall sec them.
He feels, and he has cause to do so, that
l will never submit to his insolcnt ambi-
ton. He would willingly get me out OF
his way; and he has sought to do so. He
has tried poison and the assaSsin'S dagger
but in vain; for am here to lead you to
the downfall of his whole faction, and
himsclfamong them. Be free, and follow
me. | go to raise our lost Republic from
its ashes, to build up again the noble
edifcc in strength and glory the blood of
Dora will cement it well. My plans are
well and deeply laid; and believe me,
know not whatit is to fear on this occa-
sion. My friends, love and honor You.
l would make you my comrades in this
grand design. have three hundred
armed soldiers within these very walls
My well-manncd fleet is floating in tho
harbor. The guards, both at the Palace
and in the Port, are in my interest. Fifteen
hundred of our poor mechanics watch
for my signal to fly TO arms. Two thou.
sand of my vassals, and two thousand
soldiers, furnished by the Duke of PIaccn-
tia, are at this moment entering the city,
and all this has been done with the most
perfect secrecy. Not the slightest suspi.
cion of my proceedings has got wind as
yet: | have forescen and obviatcd every
risk, though many per rlous risk have |
encountered. But the glory, my brethcrn
the glory, that will this day be mine, il
must be shared by YOU"
Fiesco fastened to the apartment of his
wife. Leonora sprang forward to meet
him.
81 am half fearful" she said, and
half bewidercd. Not AN hours since the,
brought ME word that many guests hat
arrived, in most superb attire, to fete &
fete and banquet in this very mansion
Our friend" she added, turning to Pansa
received an invitation to pass quie
evening, with my beloved husband anC
myself | have not known, my Ficsco
what should do to please you, the wisl
10 please you eing my highest object
The nurse came bustling in, not long ago
affronted that had not told her of our fcs
tivities then wondering at the plainncs
Of my dress, and bidding me attire mysel
at once. SER her to my dressing-room
to please her, with orders that my jewel
and rich dresses sho Id be laid ont il
readiness, Others of my women came
soon after, saying the courts below wer
full Of armed men. I sent one back, bid
LIZ. l.. n. -