attention. On his concluding.... So very handsome, say you?' cried he. I really,' with thoughtfulness,' cannot surmise who she is; but probably some visitor of my aunt's, who, finding how she was engaged this morning, repaired to the island, in order to avoid being any restraint upon her.'

Should it prove so, then,' said Osmond eagerly, and with a flushing cheek, we are likely to see her at dinner.'

Certainly; but should we not, depend upon it your curiosity respecting her shall not long remain ungratified, as I shall take care to inquire of my aunt about her. As to the bridge, which gave you such astonishment, it is the ingenious contrivance of the Marchesa; and turning on a pivot, can, with the greatest ease imaginable, be thrown from the island, across the lake, to which, by touching a spring, it immediately flies back to its shelter, amidst tufts of low trees and bushes, that completely hide it from casual observation. By being able to set it aside in this manner, the appearance of the island is rendered still more romantic, and an opportunity afforded of sailing entirely round it.'

It does honour to her Ladyship's taste and ingenuity,' observed Osmond, and renders still more delightful the charming spot we have been speaking of, by giving an air of enchantment to it.'

As soon as Osmond had finished dressing, he repaired to the chamber of the Count, who immediately attended him thence to the saloon, where, besides the Marchesa and her lovely young friend, they found a large party assembled, in honour of his Lordship's arrival, of which early intimation that day had been given throughout the neighbourhood.

To these friends, as soon as they had paid their congratulatory compliments, Osmond was introduced, in a manner that ensured him the most gracious reception.

There were several pretty women present; and in the course of a few minutes, the Count found an opportunity of inquiring of Osmond by a glance, whether his fair incognito was amongst the number of these? to which in

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quiry the other replied by a significant shake of the head.

To all the refinements of modern luxury, such as Osmond had witnessed in the mansion of Lord O'Sinister, was here united a degree of princely magnificence, which heightened the effect these refinements were calculated to have upon the senses.

But neither produced such an effect upon the mind of Osmond as the winning manners of his noble hostess, and the not less conciliating deportment of the other members of her family.

The Marchesa Morati, although at this period somewhat advanced in the autumn of her days, still retained vestiges of superior beauty; but though she had not possessed a trace of this, still would she have been a fascinating object, from the softness and urbanity of her manners, the dignity of her air, the elegance of her movements, the wish she on every occasion manifested to promote the happiness of others, and the sense and spirit which marked her conversation, and proclaimed her understanding and accomplishments of the first rate. At this juncture, she was rendered still more interesting by the pensive cast which grief for her beloved lord had given to her features, and which evidently proved that the cheerfulness she at present displayed was not the result of inclination, but assumed for the purpose of rendering still more perfect the felicity of her nephew and his fair mistress.

To the playful vivacity and amiable ingenuousness of youth, the latter added all those winning graces that spring from culture and refinement. Her beauty, of the true Italian kind, was highly attractive; her person was tall, and strikingly elegant; her face a fine oval; her complexion dark, but clear, and made to appear still more delicate by the contrasting darkness of her luxuriant hair; her eyes were black, large, sparkling and so expressive, that language was scarcely necessary to explain her meaning. In a word, she was altogether so bewitching an object, as fully to justify, in the opinion of Osmond, the adoration with which the Count regarded her.

Not inferior to the admiration and esteem with which he regarded her and her noble friend, was that which they experienced for him. The fine openness of his countenance, its candour and sweetness, the easy elegance of his figure, the unstudied gracefulness of his manner, the persuasive eloquence with which he delivered his sentiments,the pleasingly-modulated tones of his voice....all excited an immediate prepossession in their minds in his favour, such as would have insured to him their notice and attentions, even though he had not been introduced to them as he was, under the character of a preserver.

During dinner, the conversation was general, and of the most animated description; but even if it had been less so, Osmond would still have found sufficient in the costly embellishments of the banquetting-room, and the varied and extensive prospect its long range of lofty lattices, now all thrown open to admit the air, commanded, to have amused and engaged his attention.

Immediately before them extended a spacious and delicious flower-garden, with several beautiful fountains adorned with figures of the finest marble, and cooling and embalming the air with their silvery waters; and further on a vast tract of country, finely diversified. and enlivened with flocks and herds, and scattered cottages, half shrouded by the luxuriance of the foliage, amidst which they reared their humble heads, and which here and there admitted partial views of the sea, reflecting all the glittering glories of the sun, the whole bounded by aspiring mountains, gradually receding and fading into the mist of distance.

After dinner the company became scattered, every one amusing themselves according to their respective inclinations. Some sat down to cards in the saloon; and others in detached parties, dispersed themselves over the gardens, which, as evening advanced, were splendidly illuminated, and furnished with music and refreshments.

Osmond, in the course of the evening, found an opportunity of detaching the Count for a few minutes from the rest of the party.

'Well, my dear Count,' he anxiously cried, on drawing him aside, well (looking at him with an air of impatience,) have you inquired........

About the fair stranger....yes, but to no purpose. Both my aunt and Lady Elizara plead ignorance concerning her. I am, therefore, inclined to believe her, from this circumstance, neither more nor less than a pretty little femme de chambre belonging to the castle.'

No, no,' hastily exclaimed Osmond, 'tis impossible. Her look, her air, her dress, her appearance altogether, permit me not to harbour a doubt of her being of superior rank.'

'Strange! then who can she be?' returned the Count, with a musing air. Then, after a pause of a minute.... I shall inquire in another quarter to-morrow, and flatter myself with being more successful.'

Osmond was highly pleased with this assurance. • And yet why should I be so anxious to discover her?' he cried to himself; why stimulate enquiries that can obtain for me nothing but an idle gratification? since, whether she be married or unmarried, titled or untitled, portioned or portionless, I am equally interdicted by my situation from thinking of her.'

Still, however, notwithstanding this reflection, he could not help continuing to wish to learn who she was.

His impatience to gratify the curiosity awakened in his mind by the description he had received of the scenes surrounding the abode of which he had so unexpectedly become an inmate, was too great, and the impression made by recent occurrences still too lively, to permit of his remaining long in an inactive state.

At an early hour the next morning, he forsook his couch; and finding, on quitting his chamber, that the family were not yet up, sallied forth,

Involuntarily, perhaps, he bent his steps towards the grove which the preceding day had hid the lovely stran ger from his view; and through its verdant mazes was pursuing his way to the island, when, chancing to cast his eyes around him, he beheld her reading upon a moss-covered bank, overshadowed with flowering umbrage.

CHAP. XVII.

As I listen'd to her,

The happy hours pass'd by us unperceiv'd ;
So was my soul fix'd to the soft enchantment."

ROWE.

OSMOND instantly became motionless, but quickly recovered the power of motion, on catching the eyes of the beautiful stranger.

'I greatly fear, Madam,' he involuntarily exclaimed, on seeing her start up on beholding him, and look as if inclined to fly,' that I have been so unfortunate as to alarm you.'

No, Sir,' bowing to his salutation, but not without a little hesitation, as if somewhat flurried, and a deepening blush upon her lovely cheek, over which her fair hair lightly fluttered,' 'twas the suddenness with which you appeared that made me appear as if you had done so.'

For having been the occasion of any disturbance to you, permit me, Madam,' cried Osmond, in the most respectful accent, his dark and eloquently-expressive eyes beaming with admiration, to entreat your forgive

ness.'

You have it, Sir. They must have a strange temper indeed, who could not readily pardon what was not intentional.'

My intrusion was certainly not intentional; but.... but....truth obliges me to declare'....and as he spoke he stole a glance, half timid, half expressive of the feelings she had inspired him with, at her, that on my entering the grove, had I known it concealed you, I could not have forborne seeking the spot.'

You are polite, Sir; carelessly adjusting a veil of gauze she had on, and quitting the arbour.

Nay,' in an alarmed accent, terrified at the idea of his having offended her by what he had just said, 'let me not, I conjure you, Madam, be the means of driving you hence.'