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VOL. VI.
J. H. & W. R SEALS }
ATLANTA, GA., AUGUST 21, 1880.
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NO. 205
Inmiorf aililv.
IlY K K. NKEM*.
Yof, wo will 1 i ve ajf«in—live consciously
Beyond thegiave ihe same as now.
Our memory c inplete, with all
T't.e attributes of mind and soul.
Wh▼ should u< die? The universe
Is full of life, the earth, the sea. the sky.
No nook so lone, uo crevice in the rock
On mountain top. or in the dark ravine.
But hath some lines attesting this.
The sun goes down, and for a Come
The earth itself is quite enjtomheu ;
Meanwhile we sleep, as do the sheeted dead.
But 'morn returns, and then we all get up,
1 he same as on the resurrection day.
The summer roses die, but only
For a time; their soul of fragrant breath
Is not in winter air. Blit when the sun
Tomes forth to kiss their graves again,
They'll blush with life, ah I ho’ death-’* frost
Had touched them not.
This lesson of the »if«* to come is taught
In all of Nature's works. ' is mapped
Upon the ample >ky; ’tis preached
By all the starry worlds; tis sphered
In every drop of dew, as in tie ocean vast.
By every atom, every leaf and twig
This ’ruth is taught : “Man lives to die.
And dies to live again.”
But most from depths within—the spirit-
depths -
The voices come that teach this truth.
The deathless . oul is ever oh tin* wing
And soaring in the starry paths that lead
To Hod, inr out upon the track of shadows
And cycles oftl.e everlasting years.
Thus do we drink the pure essential truth
From limpid founts that never dry.
These utt crane, s of our <;od within
We may not—dare not—controvert.
This glory shrined within hath but its reflex
Iji the sunset clouds, the curtain folds
Looped up behied that l'aradiseof blue.
Whence they have gone whom most we loved.
Yes. we wilflivt and love again.
Naught dies, ,-ave memories of sin and
wrong;
These Hod himself forgets, nor evermore
Keiiiembcrs aught of human guilt.
The Beautiful Duchess.
A TALK OK ITALY.
CHAPTER I.
I.ifce some sj>l«*ii(li<l meteor, w inch, sweep
jng through the space of the heavens, ousts in
shadow the stars and even the disc of the
moon, so shone out Julia Gonzaga, the mo.-t
faultlessly beautiful of all the women ot the
century in which she lived. The fame of her
loveliness resounded not only in Italty. but
throughout Europe: along the sandy shores
of Africa, where reigned the savage Barba -
rossa, and even entered the closed | ortal of
the seraglio of < oustantinople. l’oets of ev
ery nation sung her praises in canzonets and
sonnets; the (lei man minnesingers warmed
themselves in the fire of her eyes; anil we
are indebted to this charming woman, a pat
tern alike of virtue as of beauty, for many
of the touching effusions w hich have reached
us from that period.
Marled in her seventeenth year to \ espa-
sian Coionna, I hike of Trajetto and Count of
Fondi. tin old but noble prince, and separated
by this allegiance from the object of ii*-r first
love, Giovanni d’ Aricnz.o, a young nobleman
. f Campania, she bestowed ia-r entire faith
on her husband; confided to him her inmost
tie lights, and not even concealed from him
the history of her early attachment. 1 niting
to this stainless \ irtue and matchless beauty
an earnest passion in the pursuit of the line
'I Ik-, into Iter iiuil vi itSi if
observed something man!'’ shi
■ail 11 llaggrrs B ’;i |»1 arc a! lie
riglifeiieil A I (end a n I ■»-
the worthy Coionna, she observed something man!" she mentally added; “would he hav
peculiar in his manner, as with a smile, tie I been so urgent in requesting me to receive
said: “it is not right vnurself and your ladies I him with cordialitv r \Y ho can he 1m-:'
lady Jt
Rome and Naple
men and artists
court, and win
knew how to one
■ i in
her w ith emotion
in truth, she was
ters. which app-
century, and li
in Rome, wher
ore
he
cot-tun
the pai
canvas
ty, it it
in the i
ante the centre sun of
warriors, savans, states
sought admittance at her
by some secret spell sla
in the hearts of men. her
i-eking to rival, regarded
if love and admiration:
le of those perfect charac-
■. perhaps, but ota-e in a
ortrait is still preserved
she is represented standing
casket of j'.-wels, diessed in splendid
as for the inasijuerade; but although
ter has succeeded in imparting to the
the features in tlieir faultless beau-
mly the po< t, w la- dipping his pencil
diant colors of imagination, is able
should live at Fondi in such complete seclu
sion, 1 will add a cavalier to your train,who,
1 am sure, w ill prove an acquisition. He
sings delightfully, plays well on the lute,
w rites vers- sand is withal a man of singular
modesty.",
Surprised at her husband's proposal, Julia
made several enquiries, but in vain, respect
ing tiie unknown knight : till, when the noble
Colonno jestingly evaded each, sin- exclaim
ed: "Ah! 1 believe it is none other than
yourself whom we are to expect at Fondi,
since you still occasionally perform on the
lute, your voice lias been culvivated, and 1
am aware that in by-gone days you were no
mean poet. Can it be that my husband lias
sketched his own portrait. Ah! I know none
who would prove so welcome a visitor.'
“Dearest, for this once jam are mistaken,"
replied Coionna tewlerlj': “business will not
allow me to follow you to your retreat :” and
without farther satisfying her curiosity, he
urged the immediate departure of herself and
her most intimate friend, Leonora Orbito,
along with their train of knights and ladies.
CHAPTER II.
'' 1
to impart a life-like ideal.
Though during his whole life in a family
compact against the pope. Vespasian Coionna
still i'.ved his wife most, tenderly; devoted t<>
her everv moment of leisure, and regarded
her with fervent admiration; yet the ap
plause of the world, the flatteries of poetry,
reverential respect of learned men, even her
husband’s ardent affection, could not, always
satisfy the restless yearnings of th - youthful
Julia. ( If ten in the midst of the feasts given
on her account: amid the circles of the wise
and witty, came a consciousness of an inner
want, an unsatislii il yearning. The ineens“,
scattered in her path, filled her with disgust,
and a secret voice seemed ever whispering,
“there is sweeter perfume than all lliis; one
breath from the blos-om of early love :s far
mere rife with fragrance.” But such demo
niac suggestions ever felt on a deaf ear; for
virtue and honorhad closed her heart against
every tender impression, though often un
consciously to heisi If. memory would recall
the image of her first love, the young and
talente.fciovani i. whom she had not seen
Alice her ifl-matehed union, till at times, sit
ting in her lonely, but beautiful garden at
Jo.nti, she seemed* to hear his melodious voice, j
enchanting her inmost spirit, she would
drive the dangerous illusion from her soul, j
or if it remained awhile, it exerted over her j
the same pure and sinless influence as the
image of some guardian saint, before whom
the maiden kneels in devotion, shutting out, , signaled; although she was compelled to own
in her veneration, all cart lily love from her , that she expected little pleasure from the un-
bosoin In truth, her early attachment to known visitor.
Giovanni formed a sort of anchor, against One day, as she sat in her sheltered bower,
w hieh the allurements <if life beat ineffeetu she was startled liy the noise of horses’ hoofs
ally, and at such periods of dangerous JFeel- | in the court-yard, and her heart beat high,
Separated from the sea by a thick grove of
trees, and stretching at the foot of the encir
cling mountains, the town of Fondi. with its
spacious castle, had been for many years a
favorite residence of Colon mi's grandfather.
Prosper Coionna, and of his uncle, Marcus
Coionna, and even the reigning Duke de-
, lighted to hasten there in his rare intervals
‘ol leisure; while many were the treasures
which he lavished upon its beautiful villa.
As Julia entered her private apartments at
Fondi. and throwing aside her traveling
mantle, she sighed softly as she said to Leo-
1 nora, “thank heaven! that 1 am once more
. at liberty to speak and act without restraint.
Oh! how I have longed for this visit.”
■ < )r rather to fly from the young Cardinal
Hyppolyte d<* Medicis,” observed her young
companion jestingly.
"Do not speak about that man,” rejoined
the ilucheess with a disturbed air. “And yet
it was not altogether the Cardinal who was
the cause of my present retirement from
Ciiurt; but an indescribable yearning, for
which I cannot account.”
“lam full of curiosity,” earelesslj' observed
Leonora, “to see the stranger whom the
Duke has promised to add to our train. Who
knows hut he may rouse you from the apathy
which so often hangs upon you; an apathy
which even poor Giovanni, peace to Ins soul
if lie lives not now, could not hoast of having
shaken.”
Julia did not answer, although her counte
nance grew earnest with thought: while con
science that she had touched a forbidden
string, Leonora ventured no farther trilling.
*****
Weeks went by, and yet the promised cav
alier did not appear, though the Duke con
stantly mentioned him in his letters, an
nouncing his speedy arrival. Julia was real
ly vexed when she found how little she could
restrain her curiosity, or with w hat eager
ness she saw the arrival of every new comer,
fancying that each might be the person de
Hardly had she reached the reception-
room, when the door was thrown open, and
a youth attired in black approached towards
her. His mein betokened one of high birth,
although bis step was uncertain and almost
tottering, and his head so bowed on his breast
that the features could scarcely he discerned.
As he drew nearer, however, he looked«up
and revealed a face, (ah! how well remem
bered by the Duchess,) who stood before him
with trembling limbs and a countenance pale
with alarm, till without utt ring a word, she
beckoned him to leave her presence. With
a glance, in which were mingled sorrow and
respect, the stranger bowed low. and laying
tile letter on the base of a marble column,
turned to depart, but urged, as by some sud
den impulse, the Duchess sprang forward as
if to recall him. while the mime,' ‘Gi' ivunn . '
stole in low, mournful accents from her pal
lid lips. Spell-hound, ns if by some enchant
ment. he stayed kis steps, and advancing
once more towards the Duchess, seemed to
wait her pleasure, while he silently handed
her the letter.
“You ci mieat my husband’s bidding,” mur
mured Julia, “then you are welcome to my
home:” and breaking the sea! she read its con
tents and further ad-h-d, “the Duke desires
that you should enter my service as an at
tendant cavalier to employ your musical tal
ents to wile away my hours of ennui. Since
Colonnu's least w ish is to me a command. I
tender you a w illing welcome, though 1 have
few duties to impose on you. The chief all
is, that you should preserve towards me a
respectful dignity : encroach as little as pos
sible oil my Imiirs of retirement, and throw
the veil of oblivion over all our past intima
cy. By so doing, you will ensure my con
stant gratitude:" with these words she once
more waved her hand, bidding him to re
tire
tary exile among the wilds of Hungary,
fought in Die Emperor’s ranks seeking in the
excitements of war to overcome a passion
which could not but cause misery to you
both. Be angry with him!”
"No!" replied the Duchess, “he deserves no
blame at my hand, yet 1 cannot but grieve
that my husband has sent him hither. \\ hat
proofs can he want of my entire constancy :
Why should he thus insult my pride : I, who
have never once > ielded to any soft impres
sions since ] stood v ith hi in 1 icfore the altar.”
"Julia," exclaimed her companion, “1 can
not understand how yon can remain thus
cold and unmoved, at this moment, when af
ter long separation, j u again meet with the
object of v our early and only love."
“Cold- unmoved think }*ou so :” rejoined
the young Duchess, as with a sudden move
ment, she seized the maiden's hand, and
pressed it nervously against her throbbing
"art
I
“Keel hoi
•ount its )'n is;
igitated feeli
va.-oii yet pre
rea-on only,
ds me thus
husband reg:
my heart beats, you can
on, yet should 1 yield t
;s ; N"! 1 am proud that ) himself from tl
■rves its sway: nay, not ingem
iic-'n.
emisb
■hie c
most
but duty still more coni-
to act. For does not my
ird me as his brightest jew-
vel so far as honor and integrity are
•d, the severest critic can discover no
and shall I deceive Ids trust, his
mfideuee, or shall 1 relinquish what
nrecious to woman, my own self-re-
07 she would hasten to her retreat at Fon
di, and amidst its cultivated shades, would
arouse the nobler powers of her soul; search
'•loser in to her past, conduct, and form tlio.se
holy resolutions which ever proved a safe
guard w hen she returned to court.
when a servant entering, respectfully an
nounced the arrival of a young knight, hear
ing letters from the Duke, her husband, and
requesting an interview.
"Ilis name:” enquired the Duchess.
He would not inform me,” answered the
Just now she was particularly desirous of servant, “but replied that lie would declare
leaving Rome, since the marked attentionss I it when allowed to present you the packet
of the young Cardinal Hyppolyte de Medici j from his highness.”
had heroine so painfully oppressive, that she ! “Then lead him to me,” commanded Julia,
felt it her duty to avoid his society by with j as w ithout farther questioning she left the
drawing from the gay circle of the court. j bower. “Probably he is the person whom
On bidding u brief farewell to her husband, 1 my husband proposed sending; but a young
CHAPTER III.
In what perplexity did the unhappy
Duchess find herself, as seated alone she re
flected what could possibly induce her bus
band to send one, with whose former reln-
sinns towards her she had herself made him
acquainted: or what proof did he anticipate
from such a renewal of their intercourse.
As she paced the terrace, wrapt in painful
thought, she was aroused from her reverie
by the approach of Leonora. “Julia," said
she, “Giovanni d’ Arienzo sends you this let-
ti r through me, and entreats me, by my ear
ly friendship for him, to w in it vour notice.”
Silently the Duchess received the letter,
hut when in the superscription she recognized
the handwriting, her calmness forsook her,
and she murmured in broken tones, “Break
the seal for me: let me hear its contents; 1
cannot read it for myself.”
Lenora took the sheet, and read as follows:
“Noble lady! four years have elapsed since
I last saw you. Alas! w hat I sought in that
period 1 have not found—forgetfulness or
death. Fate, not inj- own will, recalls me to |
inj - father-land, and a single concatenation of
events leads me against my will to enter your
service. Be not angry, then, that I have un
bound the heavy chain which oppressed me:
that I have returned from my voluntary
exile and appear 1 icfore you once more; nei
ther fear that 1 shall ever prove troublesome, not but fear that her happiness might fall a
for my self esteem is too strong and my re- i snare to the crafty designs of the handsome
spect for you too great, to allow me to forget youth. He was yet more strengthened in
myself so far. I ask but this enjoyment, this feeling on receiving an anonj mous letter
that of remaining, though unnoticed, near in which the early attachment of his w ife to
you, and when at evening j'ou hear my lute Giovanni d Arienzo was referred to, and
in the distance, regard not the words of the which further mentioned that the said Arien-
song, but listen only to the melody of its zo had returned with his regiment to Naples,
notes, should they prove pleasing in your having asked a furlough to allow a visit to
ear. Only hid me not be silent! only he not his home. It was clear that this insidious
angry with me!” letter came from the Cardinal Hippolyte,
“And can you refuse his small request, w ho, on learning of Julia’s previous depar-
Julia?” asked Leonora; “would you wound ture for Fondi, on the intended day, had in-
the feelings of this man, who. when your quired hi w far distant from the town was
father’s decree forced you to accept, the hand leano, Giovanni’s native place, and w hich he
of the noble Coionna, immediately bade fare- proposed visiting.
well to the land of his birth, and in volun- It was touching Vespasian at his most
“The thought be far from me,” exclaimed
Leonora, “yet, until this moment, 1 have
looked on you but as a beautiful marble
statue, a being gifted with every grace, save
the tender girdle of love. Now that you
have unfoldc-d to me your heart, now that
j’ou show yourself a woman, a noble, hcauti-
! ful, but sensitive woman, I no longer ask jou
t i retain Giovanni in your service. Why
should he remain ? Why should you he sub
jected to this continual conflict of feeling:
( No! no, let him immediately depart.”
“Nay, rather let him stay,” rejoined the
! Duchess, “l'or if viewed in proper light, his
'•ieinity must prove my good. By dismiss
ing from my service one who has been soes-
; eeially recommended by ray husband, maj
l ot Coionna suspect that I had not strength
firmness sufficient to withstand the al
lurements of my early love.”
"Beware, Julia, how j-oti act." exclaimed
her friend, “the enthusiasm of passion is a
dangerous rock against which the vessel of
virtue has been too often wrecked; and your
happiness may be destroyed bj- this renewal
of intimacy, ere you are aware of danger.”
“Fear not for me,” replied the Duchess
with dignity, “my heart would not shame
me, even for its secret thoughts, subjected to
tie scrutiny of the most severe i i »
But let u.s return to the castle,
hut that the overpowering odor of these
orange trees, so laden with blocin, maj-
weaken mj - firmness of purpose, as tin v have
my corporeal senses,” and taking her L a nd's
arm, tlu-y returned from the garden.
CHARTER IV.
At constant enmity as he was with the
house of Medici, it was not without anxiety
that Vespasian Coionna had observed the ad
miration which the Cardinal’s nephew ex
pressed towards his j-outliful wife: and al
though lie did not in the least suspect Julia's
faithfulness towards himself; vet he could
sensitive point, and for awhile lie was unde
termined whether to treat the young man's
malicious insinuation with quiet contempt,
or openly to humiliate him in his treacherous
designs. Ilis pride determined the latter
course. Scarcely had his wife set oil’on her
journey, than he despatched a messenger to
Teano, inviting Giovani to visit him at Rome:
and although the invitation seemed to the
latter strange and attended with danger, yet
aware of the noble and ingenuous nature of
Vespasian, Giovanni promptly answered the
summons and set off for Rome, w here he was
most warmly welcomed and entertained by
his noble host, to the astonishment of his
courtier train, who were aware of his former
attachment to the jailing and lovely Duchess.
A fter a sojourn of some (la vs, passed amid
the festivities and amusements of court, the
Duke expressed the wish that Arienzo would
■ blige him by setting i IT for Fondi, to enter
his w ife’s service. Filled with astonishment
i at the proposal, Giovanni sought to ex -use
painful task, but when the
ua informed him that his
consort had long before made him aware of
her early attachment, and showed him the
anonymous letter, whose base hints could
only be diseonditted by the Duchess having
an opportunity afforded her of proving her
faithfulness to her husband by her demeanor
towards Giovanni, the agitated youth hesi
fated no longer, In! deb rmined to break his
vow of seeing hi r no mere, in his desire of
doing her this service: and on the following
dav it was formally announced at court that
he was about to enti r her train; new s w hich
drew from Hyppolyte such loud expressions
of surprise, as caused Coionna no further to
doubt but that he was the authorin' the anony
mous epistle.
Aware of his wife’s delicaoj- of feeling, lie
did not, how ever, name the cavalier in his
letter announcing his coming, while the youth
himself left Rome with the firm resolution of
hiding every emotion, and of conducting
himself with the utmost circumspection to
wards his mistress; though little did he im
agine how hard would he the task, till he
stood before her and gazed on that beauty
which had now matured to perfection. He
rejoiced to find in her favorite n in].union the
amiable Leonora, who, judging from her
former friendly fiel tigs. would, lu believed,
assist him in this ibfiiiult set vice of love and
honor. Finn in the truth which sl e owed
I er aged husband, Julia, on hi r part, cheeked
every n mi ml ranee of her i arlj attachment,
and so far sought to n press hi r feelings, that
often, wheii in some beautiful moonlight
evening she sat in l.er balcony and ci light
Giov at ni's manly voice, as lie sling to the ac
companiment i l his lute, she w< aid suddenly
qtiisitor. 1 spring up, as though ditntid in a culprit
ho know s 1 act, and n tin to a distant (I} urtn cut. where
o note of the melody ct nld reach; till aware
f the painful stiuggle. Leincra Orbito lie-
retire and peruse her husband's letter, where
| she expected to find some reference to this
! visitor, bnt strange to sav the Duke did not
| even name him, and as the dinner hour had
J arrived, Julia, though most unwillingly, felt
; herself constrained 10 invite him to partake
; of the meal, an invitation which he accept
ed with evident pleasure, since besides the
enjoyment of the ladies' society, as he said
it would afford him opportunity for becom
ing further acquainted with a young cava
lier whom he had met some weeks previous
at the Coionna palace.
“Whom do you refer to?" inquired tiie
Duchess, who hAd not learned of Giovanni's
j late visit at court.
j “To no other than the accomplished Giovan
1 ni d’Arienzo,” replied Medicis, “who, as the
; Duke informed me, had become a knight in
your service,” and as he spoke his eye rested
i inquiringly on Julia's face, who although
conscious of a slight blush, unhesitatingly re
plied:
“Yes! you have only done him justice
I when you term him accomplished. It will
i afford me pleasure to bring you together to
day;” and as the Major-domo just then en-
j tered to announce that dinner was served,
j Julia turned to him, saying, "my respects to
i Signor Arienzo, and say that I shall he hap
py to see him at table. The Cardinal Hypo-
| lyte de Medicis wishes his better acquaint-
“Let me tender you my thanks, Madame,
for this mark of attention,” courteously o!>
served her visitor, as the domestic withdrew,
“though, indeed, I would not have trespass
ed so far, had I not supposed that the gentle
man of your train enjoyed the pleasure of
seeing yon at least at table.”
; “Such is my usual practice in Rome," re
plied the Duchess, “but not here, where I
; chiefly retire to enjoy social ease among my
most intimate friends, and to lay aside the
’ restraints of court-life; though I must
ackowtedge that Signor Arienzo is or:.-
among those who are capable of adding
greatly to my pleasures, since he is a profi
cient m music, an art of wlii. h, as you are
| aware, I am passionately fond.”
“He is an old acquaintance of yours?”
. next inquired the Cardinal with an unembar
rassed air.
“He is so,” returned Julia, “andas we had
not met since mv marriage, it was quite an
ness to aeeompanj" me to dinner, which now
waits us: and without further attempt at
, conversation. Hyppolyte presented an arm
to each of the ladies, and in a few moments
they were seated at table, where were covers
for five, for the Cardinal’s attendant, a
young Roman of the Ghizi House, also
took his place at the board.
Soon the conversation became general, for
as if conjecturing the motive of Hyppolyte's
visit, Giovanni preserved the utmost self-
posse-sion, and even met the ej'es of his mis
tress without apparent effort, when, as if to
show her freedom from embarrassment, Julia
would occasionally address him personally.
1 till satisfied of her entire indifference to
every one save her aged consort, the discom
fit ted Cardinal took an early departure, un
der pretext that he wished to arrive at Gaeta
befi ire evening.
"This woman is truly angelic," he mentally
exclaimed, as he rode away from the Villa,
"and were I not assured that she had former
ly yielded to love in its fullest extent. I
should almost believe her incapable of all
ear hlj' emotion: now I am forced to ac
knowledge that she is perfectly devoted to
her husband. Yet what shame, that heaven
should create such a model of Teautj- to be
stow it on an old and almost decrepid man.’
that nature should disclose such a faultless
flower, to waste its sweetness in retirement!
On! on! let me hasten, nor remain longer in
the circle of her enchantment."
CHAPTER VI.
During the remainder of the day, the
Duchess could employ herself in no other
wav than in conjecturing Coionna’s motive
in choosing the Cardinal as the bearer of his
letter to herself. She felt that he must have
some plan in thus affording the j outh an op-
her;
Snd what othe
allow the crafty Hyppolyte
domestic intercourse with
immediately, ” exclaime. 1
took part in her friend's
“Why should you be un-
ted to this continual mental
- compelled to hold eompan-
vhose presence must prove
light her to disniis
fn in her service.
him
u
cme pretext
CHAPTER V.
sat at
tfa<
One morning, as tl
broidery in Julia’s hi udolr, the rotse of
horse’s hoofs was heard in the court-yard,
and a servant announced that the Cardinal
Hil l oljte de Medicis laid st< j.pcd at Fondi,
i n his journey trim Rime to Naples, to pay
bis respects to its noble mistress, and to de-
livira letter from her husband.
Knowing the coldness which existed be
tween the houses of Coionna and .Medici.
Julia was great I v surprised ty tins visit: but
though the Cardinal was particularly dis
agreeable to her. she felt that politeness for
bade that she should refuse to admit him,
and he was introduced into the drawing
room, where she received him with a courte
ous but dignified dimeanor. After a few
nn mints during which the Cardinal contriv
ed to it peat the latest news of the Capitol,
and infoimi d the Indies of the warlike prep- ;
a rations, which had been made at sea by the
Emperor Sohman, tbriugh whose aid the
notorious Raid arosea was then ravaging the |
Mediterranean, aid had alreadj- larded inj
Calabria, the Duchess asked pel mission to 1
portuuity ot St-e
could it be than to
. to watch in her
Arienzo.
"Dismiss him
Leonora, as she
anxious tee-hugs,
necessarily subjee
conflict: Why be
kinship with one -
dangerous to your peace?
“No!” replied Julia ilia firm tone, “though
ay heart should break in the effort, j'et
shall inj- husband’s will be obeyed. What
if he desires to prove my virtue, shall I de
clare myself unequal to the test: Ah! you
would saj- that it lias been already fully
tried, but believe me, Leonora, it is not amid
the splendors of a court, where admirers flit
( like moths round a candle in the circle of
' beauty, that woman’s strength is completely
: proved: but rather in such a scene of retire
ment us thi<. w here fancy dips her pencil in
) glow ing colors, to revivify the picture of the
: past; where the soft breeze of evening as it
! steals over beds of perfume, fills the soul
'with indescribable yearnings: where music
po-sesses doutile influence: ah! it is in such a
spot, that one must strive most to come off
victor in the conflict.’'
“Dearest friend," rejoined Leonora, as she
tenderly embraced the Duchess, “do not
trust your youthful heart too far! W hat
need is there that you should have ever l>e-
fore you the image of the one now lost to
you forever: And even if you are willing
to suffer for the sake of the noble Colonna’s
happiness, still have you the right of exact
ing a like sacrifice from Giovanni? Do not
his heart's wounds bleed doubly here, in the
presence of the being he once loved so pas
s.onatelv: ‘Nav, dismiss him immediately,
nor doom him longer to endure this torture,
else I shall think you have some other motive
in detaining him than mere respect to j our
husband's w ishes."
“True, ingenuous Leonora,” exclaimed
Julia, “you. have ]no! ed deep into mj' heart,
and 1 will no h i ger cor.ecu 1 its secrets, even
though J oil n ay dot in ire foolishly siq ersti
tious. Know, then, that several years ago l
dwelt as n happv maiden at mv father's
beautiful villa, whi re the first hlossi m of my
benrt’s love was just unfolding beneath the
full sunshine of Giovanni’s affection. (>n
one paiticular evening, whin 1 had given
myself to the witeberiesof the hour, until all
nature seemed to glow w ith sympathy, and
[Continued on Stli page]