descending to the hall, where the evening repast awaited them.

Being both greatly fatigued, they soon after retired, and Ricardo, amid the pleasing reflection of having his Louisa restored to him, and the happiness of the Count de Leoni, fell asleep, while visions of bliss hasted to appear before his wakeful imagination.

In the morning the Count de Leoni. took his leave, after promising to be at the Castle again in the course of a few days; and Ricardo hasted to his beloved Louisa..

Never in his eyes did she appear so beautiful

beautiful as this morning; the healing powers of sleep had freed her from her late alarms.

The happy Ricardo now made the lovely Louisa an offer of his hand; and anxious to be possessed of such an inestimable treasure as she appeared in his eyes, he entreated her to name the day, when at the altar he should be united to her.

Louisa's blushes told the emotions of her bosom, and at length Ricardo drew from her a consent that that day week should unite their destinies.

Seldom absent from Louisa, unless

at

at the hour of repose, and when he was employed in the necessary preparations for the approaching nuptials, the hours sweetly glided by, and at length brought on that which was to be so productive of bliss to Ricardo.

On that morning all was joy and gaiety at the Castle, the mourning habits for the late Marchese were thrown aside, and Ricardo at the head of his numerous domestics left his residence to proceed to that of Louisa, to conduct her and the Signora Bononi to their future abode.

The tenantry and peasants, dressed in their best apparel, crowded on the lawn

lawn in front of the Northern Towers to welcome their approach, and as Ricardo, leading Louisa, passed through their opened ranks, prayers for their happiness proceeded from every mouth.

At the portals of the North Hall they were met by the abbot of the neighbouring monastery, who not having yet departed to his new situation, had, at the request of Ricardo, attended to perform the nuptial ceremony.

Ricardo was agreeably surprised on entering the hall to see the Count de Leoni, who had arrived there during his absence, anxious to be present at the ceremony which

was

to

produce

produce happiness to his generous friend. He was attended by a numerous train of his vassals, all superbly arrayed, and increased the grandeur and festivity of the scene.

of the hall was covered

The centre

with rich

tapestry, as were also the corridore which led to the chapel, and on each side of the hall; behind the triple row of columns which supported the lofty roof, were bands of musicians, who filled the air with their pleasing melodies

Preceded by the abbot, Ricardo and Louisa, followed by the Signora Bononi, the Count de Leoni, and the principal attendants, entered the chapel, and

at