Barbara's History (Volume 3) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1864. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... 294. CHAPTER XXI. THE OSTERIA DELLA FOSSA. " Quite dumb." " Dead, dead."--Shakespeaee. " Where is she ?" They were the first words I uttered, when my memory came back and I had strength to speak. " Hush, Bab," said my aunt, putting her finger to her lip. " You mustn't talk. What's-hername's gone this three-quarters of an hour, and .... mercy on us you mustn't try to sit up, child Lie down and be quiet, or we shall have you going off again, as sure as fate." " Gone ? Gone without me ?" I cried, struggling to an upright posture, in spite of my aunt's well-meant efforts to pin me to the sofa. " Without you ?--well, I should think so. Here you've been in a dead faint, ever since they fetched me home. You wouldn't have had her put you in a coach, and carry you off like that, I suppose ? But do lie down, Bab, and hold your tongue, and be rational.' I fell back, silenced and exhausted. " Besides, we've got the address," added my aunt. " Ida has it all written out upon a card. Hotels--hotel .... whatever is the name of the place, my dear ? I'm sure I can't remember." " Osteria della Fossa," replied Ida, smoothing my hair back, tenderly. " Where is it ?" I whispered. " Some little way beyond La Storta, Liebchen, on the Florence road--not far, I believe, from Veii." I closed my eyes and lay still for several minutes, during which my aunt insisted on prescribing salvolatile and water, while Goody busied herself in the preparation of some strong "English" tea. " What o'clock is it?" was my next question. " Nearly ten, darling; and a wild dreary night." My aunt looked up, sharply. " It's of no use, Bab," said she. " I know what you're thinking of; but it can't be done. You don't stir an inch before to-morrow, I promise you--and not then, unless you're a vast dea...