departure from the Castello on the day of his nuptials, and though the abbot had in some measure relieved his mind on that head, yet still there were circumstances attendant on the steps he should be obliged to take that hurt the feelings of Ricardo. Fearful of creating a moment's uneasiness in the breast of Louisa, he had not said a word to her on the subject, and awaited the time when it would be necessary to explain to her his situation, well knowing how important it is in this sublunary state to seize every moment of happiness, and to forbear to cast a shade sooner than occasion required on the happiness his Louisa seemed to enjoy.

The

The next morning Ricardo had the pleasure of introducing the Signor Valvano to the Marchesa; he seemed struck with her beauty, and complimented Ricardo on his taste. He was perfectly silent on the treatment he had received from the late Marchese, and Ricardo felt happy that the subject so unpleasant to his feelings was not renewed.

The hours now rapidly passed in the round of amusement which Ricardo prepared, solicitous to amuse his Louisa, and to prevent the Signor Valvano from ruminating on the injurious treatment he had received. Sometimes they would embark in his gondola on the stream

which

There

which flowed through the valley, and land at a pavillion which was erected in a spot enriched by the beauties of Nature and exertions of Art. they would partake of a refreshment, while the soft Sicilian harmony from the musicians who were placed in a retired glen floated on the air, and seemed like the effect of enchantment..

Some days now passed, and the Signor Valvano was obliged to depart for Palermo, in order to regain his possessions, which on supposition of his death had fallen into the hands of his nearest relative. He took leave of the Marchese and Marchesa, and promised, as soon as his affairs would allow him, to return to the Castello.

The

The Count de Leoni still remained, and Ricardo found in him whatever he had anticipated on their first meeting. He was gratitude itself for the kindness he had received from Ricardo, and took every opportunity that presented of manifesting it; he seemed to be entirely weaned from his fatal propensity to gambling, of which he had seen the dreadful effects. He staid a week after the departure of the Signor Valvano, and then with much regret left the happy pair at the Castello.

Ricardo in the conversation of Louisa and the Signora Bononi felt not a wish for other society; he daily grew more

and

and more attached to the Marchesa, and hourly did he bless the day that made her his.

He employed some of his time in directing various alterations to be made in the north wing of the Castello, and banished the gloom which had so long reigned in the Hall by making large casements, which descended to the floor and opened on the lawn, where sometimes he permitted his happy vassals to assemble, and with Louisa would delight to see them enjoy their innocent sports by the light of the nocturnal luminary, which in that climate almost equalled the brightness of day.

Amid