up her rooms here, and hired a very cheap versal, such acute feeling is out of place.' one in some very obscure street. She had "Yes when the whole nation is a bankseveral invitations from her friends and re- rupt,' said the whig lady, "individuals need latives to come to them but she would not not be so sore upon the subject.' consent to part with her husband, who, The dinner-bell now rang. The foldpoor fellow, remains here to seek for em- ing-doors were thrown open discovering a ployment, and rather than be a burden to long well-filled table, at the head of which him, she applied to the Female Depository Mrs. Benton waved the ladies to their for work, with the proceeds which she de places, and invited them to partake of the frays nearly all their expenses.' dainties around them. Dinner was scarce"Dear me,' sneered Mr. Shallow, "Ily over, and the family again assembled in should like to see the fashionable Mrs. the drawing-room, when the near report Marsdon working for a living: sitting up of a pistol caused a start and a shudder in late sewing by a tallow candle.' all. They gazed upon each other pale and "Silence, sir!' said old Mr, Norton, in a wondering, when à loud shriek aroused voice of thunder, which sent the anihilated their energies, and with one accord all dandy into a corner shivering with fright. rushed up stairs. The door of young "Noble woman! he continued, turning Rozenstien's room was open, before which to Mrs. Granger. "Such high-souled be- lay the insensible form of Matilda, which ings exalt the character of their sex, and had fainted upon the threshold, and with are a blessing to their husbands. Sweet most harrowing fears they entered the creature-she deserves to be happy-and room.

she will be happy; such moral courage It was all too true-there, upon the sofa and purity of soul bring their reward,' and the young, the gifted, the amiable, Wilhelm he turned away to conceal the tear that Rozenstien lay dead, by his own hand. started to his eye. His dark hair was matted around a wound

"There is another failure to-day which in his forehead, and the carpet was soakworries me very much,' said Mr Granger. ing with his heart's blood. He had done "It is the German house of Manheim Les- the deed deliberately, for numerous letters sing and Co. I am afraid onr amiable lately written lay upon the table; his mothfriend, Wilhelm Rozenstien, is a sufferer er's miniature was around his neck, while there, and I dread the consequence to one near him were the pictures of his sisters, of his excitable temperament.' and various gifts they had sent him as to"I should be sorry for him,' said Mrs. kens of their love. On the table was a Cotton, "he is so gentle and good, and paper open, the ink of which was scarcely sings so interestingly."

dry.

"It is that very gentleness which I fear: "I am a bankrupt !" it said, "a dishonwere he possessed of more firmness and oured thing to be scorned and pointed at a stronger judgment, I should not be so by all who looked upon me! I will not anxious. These foreigners think it so great survive it! Ah, Matilda, I have truly loved a degradation to fail in their business en- you, and ardently looked forward to the gagements, that they are unable to support day when I could call you my own--fate the disgrace, and often make way with has severed us forever, and unable to supthemselves.' port your loss, I seek forgetfulness in the "Yes "said Mr. Granger, sighing, grave. Mother! sisters!-adieu. Three "Wilhelm had a quick sense of honour, and weary years have I toiled alone in a foran ardent sensibility, and I have often eign land; the hope of again seeing my heard him say he would never survive a native home, and pressing you to my heart failure. I do not know, what would be- once more, has cheered me on my way. come of his dear mother and sisters in Ger- All is now gone, and I am a beggar many, should he not act like a man, for hopeless. I cannot bear it. farewellthey all depend on him for their sustenance.' farewell!'

"An honest man must always feel, an The sobs of the ladies was the only event which involves so many others,' said sound which disturbed the stillness of the Mr.. Norton; "but surely, now, when room, as they raised the wretched Mathere is no help for it, and when it is so uni- tilda, or gazed upon the hapless suicide.

"Dear, but mistaken boy! sighed Mr.Ja long conference with his sister the AbNorton, as his tears fell upon the inani- bess, returned home declined an invitation mate Rozenstien. "Want of fortitude and to a ball, wrote letters the remainder of religion, has brought you to this woeful the evening.

pass. You have broken those hearts A large and important looking packet which, could you have better borne the was addressed to a Portuguese merchant, ills of fate, you might have seen in future well known as a man of great wealth, at years happy around you! God forgive St. Paul's. About the time an answer you, poor Wilhelm !'

might be expected, the Marquess became

"Amen! and sustain his mother!' whis- anxious and impatient; it arrived at length; pered Mrs, Granger.

E. R. S.

Alonzo took it to his father, who must shut himself up in his room to read it.

Presently, Alonzo was called: "My boy said the Marquess, rubbing his hands in THE BLAZILIAN BRIDE great glee; "how would you like to be By the Hon. Mrs. Erskine Norton. married?" Alonzo was just turned sev enteen, and therefore answered without a Among the nobles who suffered most moment's hesitation, "Very much indeed from the invasion of Portugal, and who sir !'--and as he spoke, the bright eyes of followed John VI. across the atlantic, in Donna Clara, the little peeping foot of search of a safer home in another hemis- Donna Julia, and the separate affections of phere, was the Marquess de Gonsalva. half a dozen other Donnas, glanced in deHe had married a young and lovely wo-lightful confusion across his mind.. "Then man to whom he was tenderly attached. married you shall be,' replied his father; She suffered much at the separation from "sit down, my son, I have an important her home and family, and her health fail-communication to make. I need not ined under the fatigue and privation of the form you that we have lost almost the voyage: he had scarcely reached Brazil, whole of our property, with but very little ere she died in giving birth to a son. hope of regaining it;-in fact we are ve The Marquess remained a widower, de- ry poor. I wish you to go to Europe, and voting himself to the care of his child, and for the next few years to have every adthe reparation of his ruined fortune. vantage thatt ravel, study and an introducAlonzo was a fine generous spirited boy tion to the first society can give: I wish grateful and affectionate in his disposition, you, in short, to take your station in the and very handsome in his person; his clear world, that station for which your birth dark complexion, laughing eyes, and white and talants so eminently fit you: but this teeth, where united to a form remarkable wish cannot be accomplished without mofor its just proportions and natural grace. ney; and money, as we are situated, canIt was on the subject of his education that not be procured, except by--marriage." his father felt most severely the change of -A pause :-the blood receded from the his circumstances; he could not afford to cheek of Alonzo, but bowing his head, he send him to Europe, but all the scanty replied, "I understand you sir.' The Marmeans that Rio de Janerio supplied, were quess proceeded: "Senhor Josef Mendez put in requisition, and in every respect owes his rise of life. to my father, and made the most of. much also to me; he is, as you well know "What a pity it is," thought the good consideredt he richest individual in Brazil; Marquess, "that, my boy, who is beyond he has only one child, a daughter, the sole all doubt the finest and most talented boy inheritor of his wealth. I have proposed in the country, should lose any advantage a marriage between you and her, frankly that money could procure. Money, money offering the fair barter of rank on one side where are you to be had!" cried the for wealth on the other. I believed it to father, impatiently pacing the room: he be the secret wish of his heart that his suddently stopped and appeared for a full daughter should be ennobled by marriage half hour wrapped in thought; then, start- gratitude unites with pride, and he has acing from his reverie, ordered his horse rode cepted offer with the utmost eagerness. It in great haste to the convent of--, had is arranged that we instantly proceed to

St. Paul's where the ceremony will take ted in the centre of the town, and was not place; from thence you start for England. at all distinguished from its neighbours, My worthy friend Mr. Mordaunt, will neither in its outside or inside appearance; meet you at Falmouth. I write to him by comfort had made less progress here than this next packet, offering him so handsome even at Rio. A heavy, dull looking build. an income, that I have no doubt whatever ing, with large white-washed rooms, a few he will become your tutor, guide, and com- of them only matted; rows of old-fashpanion, during your five years of travel ioned chairs ranged round the wall, or and study. At the expiration of that time projecting in two stiff rows from the ends you will return to your home and friends, of a venerable looking sofa; a couple of your bride, and father I pray only that small tables, to match, looked at each I may not be snatched away before that other from exactly opposite sides, and happy moment arrives;-I shall then die were ornamented with artificial flowers, in peace!' The father and son embraced somewhat faded, in vases; a French clock with emotion. "But," said Alonzo, hes- in a glass case, old massive silver candleitatingly; but, the lady sir ?"-True, sticks, with candles ready to light, deco-the lady,' replied the Marquess; why, rated with wreaths of white cut påper;your lady is but a child at present, she such was the appearance of the grand has not yet completed her thirteenth year, sala of the wealthiest man in Brazil. and I regret to say (the Marquess tried to They were met at the entrance by a look grave,) her health is considered del- little, dark, fat, good-humoured Senhora, icate however in all that personally re-arrayed in stiff flowered satin, whom Sengards her, I confess I am rather deficient hor Josef introduced as his sister Theresa. in information.' She gave Alonzo a hearty smack on each

Preparations were speedily made for cheek, and led him into the sala, where their departure. Alonzo, who was an uni- presently a small table was brought in by versal favourite, took leave of all his two neatly dressed black damsels, covered young friends with a heavy heart they with cakes and very fine fruit. While merely knew he was going to St. Paul's Alonzo was paying his compliments to and from thence to Europe his intended these delicacies, the two fathers were talkmarriage was a secret. ing apart: "The ship sails to-morrow" His last visit was to his aunt, the Abbess said the Marquess; "it is very soon," and "May the saints protect you, son of my he sighed; "but, as you observe, we had brother!' cried the good lady; "Alonzo, better not lose the opportunity." thou art the last support and representa- "Much better not," replied the Senhor tion of our ancient and noble house-Josef: "every thing is arranged: licence blessed be the chance that brings it back from the bishop, the priest, and witnesses; to wealth and independence! But remem- all can be completed in an hour from this ber, Alonzo, thou takest upon thee a duty time."

66

most delicate and most difficult towards "And your daughter?" the hand that bestows these blessings. Why, my lord, you know Isabella is There is no good in this world without its but a child, and a sickly child; she has attendant evil-may the golden chains lie been sadly spoiled and petted, and in con-. lightly on thee!" sequence of her ill health and my numer They embarked, and in a few days ous ayocations, her education has been reached St. Paul's. They were met on somewhat neglected: however, we must board by Senhor Josef, a little elderly begin to make up for lost time." man, shrewd and active,-with a long "Well, Senhor," said the Marquess, queue, cocked hat, brown dress-coat, and with an effort," the sooner the business is a flowered waistcoat. His joy and pride finished the better." Senhor Joseph whiswere almost too great for words, and for pered to his sister, and they both left the once in his life natural feeling swept room. The Marquess then informed Alaway his whole routine of compliment: onzo that the ceremony would take place which is saying a great deal for an old instantly, and to morrow he would leave Portuguese, for Europe. The Marquess also thought The house of Senhor Josef was situa-it prudent to prepare his son for the ap

pearance of his bride, and after having re-yours." Alonzo pressed his father's hand peated what her father had stated, he con- but his heart was too full to answer. tinued: "Promise me, Alonzo, to conceal Although the day shone brightly through as much as possible any unfavourable the arched and small-paned windows of emotion she may excite: remember we the oratory, it was, as usual, in catholic have set our fate upon this cast!" chapels on occasions of ceremony, lighted "We have indeed, sir!" said Alonzo. with a great number of huge wax candles, gravely, but the sacrifice is great." By which produced a most disagreeable effect. this expression, Alonzo did not mean that Two rows of slaves, male and female, he or his rank was sacrificed, although were drawn up on each side; the priest his more worldly father put this interpre- and witnesses took their stations, as did tation on his words; no.-the natural in, Alonzo and the Marquess. Senhor Josef tegrity, and yet unsullied freshness of his had gone for his sister and daughter. youthful feelings, told him he was selling A few painful minutes elapsed,. At his honour and independence, and what length a scuffle was heard in the passage, youth prizes so much in perspective, free and "Non quero! non quero!" was shriek choice in his wedded love. ed out by a weak but shrill female voice

They retired to their separate half-fur-A moment afterwards Senhor Josef apnished bedrooms, to make some alteration peared with his sister, actually dragging in in their dress; which was scarcely com- a thin, dark, lanky form, that was making pleted when a request arrived that they all the opposition it was capable of, by bi would meet Senhor Josef in his private ting, scratching, and screaming. The fa room. Thither they went, and found him ther and aunt were assisted by four young with a notary, a priest, and two witnesses. mulatto females, whose disordered white A deed was handed over to the Marquess dresses too clearly in what seperate serto read, by which a very handsome set-vice they had been engaged. The girl tlement was made on his son; the Mar- herself was dressed in thichly-worked In quess expressed his gratitude, and Alonzo dian muslin, trimmed with rich lace, but kissed the hand of his new father; the which according to the Portuguese taste, deed was signed and sealed, and copies was nearly as yellow as her own complexput in their possession. Senhor Josef's ion; in her ears and round her neck were will was next read, 'in which, after provi- clumsy set diamonds of great value; her ding for his sister, and bequeathing to her hair they had attempted to dress in vain the only house he had, (their present reşi- and it fell over her shoulders, long, straight dence) the rest of his immense fortune he and black. Anger and mortification were settled upon his daughter. Also express- deeply impressed on the countenances of ed his intention to make all fixed and sure her father and aunt; and all present lookby winding up his mercantile concerns ed dismayed. But poor Alonzo! his before the return of Alonzo: but no land blood ran cold: he actually sickenedwould he purchase; he was aware that and nothing but the imploring look of his a large hereditary estate in Portugal be-father prevented him rushing from the or longe by right to the Marquess, which atory. When fairly placed in the centre in all probality he would possess in. peace of the circle the girl shook herself free and threw back her disordered hair: she was These interesting arrangements, being panting with rage and exertion evidently completed, the party were requested to beyond her strength; she glanced first proceed to the oratory, where the mar- on the Marquess, and then turned her eyes riage ceremony was to take place- steadily on Alonzo. Every one was won Both father and son felt sad misgivings dering what would happen next; when to on the subject of the bride herself, and it their surprise and relief, after a long and was with a thobbing heart that Alonzo, childish stare, she stepped up quietly and especially, approached the oratory; his fa- placed herself beside him. The priest, ther, yet apprehensive of the final events, who knew her well, lost not the favoura whispered emphatically, "Senhor Josef ble moment, and instantly commenced the has performed his part nobly:-oh, my service. She went through it with per son! for my sake struggle to support fect composure, every now and then turn

before he died.

ing round to look at her companion. Once After receiving the blessing of his new did Alonzo rise his eyes to meet hers, relatives. he went on board, accompanied but his fell, as if avoiding the gaze of a by the Marquess, who took leave of him basilisk he visibly shrunk as he touched with the greatest affection; giving him of her cold and skinny hand-in short he course much wise counsel, mixed with the could not conceal the agony he suffered. heartiest congratulations on his good forNevertheless, the ceremony came to its tune, but not one word, was breathed by conclusion, and with a sort of convulsive either concerning her who was once the effort he turned to salute his bride. But maker and marrer of all, the rivet to she had already reached the door, (no those golden links, without which, indeed one thought proper to prevent her;)they would have lain lightly enough. The there she stopped, and once again fixed Marquess was a man of much tact; he her very large' black, and fearfully brilli- felt that any thing he could say on this deant eyes upon Alonzo; their expression licate subject must be wrong. was changed, it was no longer the same A few weeks brought Alonzo to Falas at the alter; but what that expression mouth, where he was met by Mr Morwas, Alonzo though haunted by it for years daunt, his tutor, They proceeded to after, could never make out. gether to the Continent, where it was arThe party left the oratory. The Mar- ranged that they should spend three years quess was the first to recover his compo- in travel and study; the two remaining sure, and conversed freely on different years were to be devoted entirely to Entopics until dinner was announced. Sen- gland.

hora Theresa made an apology for her. Mr. Mordaunt was admirable calculaniece, who, she said, was too unwell to ted for the office assigned to him, and soon join them. They sat down to a repast became affectionately attached to his pu more abundant than elegant; and the gloom pil.. quickly disappeared from every counten. Three delightful years flew rapidly by, ance but one. The most the most interesting spots in In the evening, the fathers had a long France, Germany, and sacred Italy were conference over their coffee; Alonzo, visited. The study of the best authors in availing himself of the excuse his intended each language; that of the history, govearly embarkation provided, retired for erninent, manufacturers, and works of art the night to his chamber. of each country;. together with the ac

After a light and hurried breakfast quaintance of the most eminent men-all on the following morning, he prepared to contributed to exalt, and enrich the highly depart. The Senhora expressed her deep gifted mind of Alonzo, and to fill his heart regret that Isabella was not sufficiently with the noblest sentiments of benevolence recovered, after the agitating scene of the and patriotism. During this time he might preceeding day, to take leave of him per- have been pronounced among the happiest sonally; but-and the good Senhora was of mortals, but in the overflowing up one proceeding with a string of apologies, black and bitter drop was mingled. when Alonzo impatiently interrupted her Mr. Mordaunt had been made aware by placing in her hand a case containing a of Alonzo's marriage, and of all the cirset of pink topaz of the latest fashion which cumstances attending it, by the Marquess. he had brought trom Rio as a present In the first letter Alonzo received from his for his bride. He mumbled something aunt the Abbess, were these words: "The about the Senhora presenting it in his name only chance you have a domestic peace, as it appeared he could not have the hon- (happiness is perhaps out of the question,) our of offering it himself. Away went in your peculiar circumstances, is to the aunt with her prize, and returned in a guard your heart with the most vigilant few minutes with a ring containing one care: if once that treasure pass into the deep-yellow diamond of value enough to possession of another, guilt and misery wilt purcase a dozen of his pink topaz sets, attend you through life.. I repeat to you and this was given with many fine speech-again and again, guard your heart!" This es from his bride, mede up by the Senho- letter was handed to his tutor, who pointra with the felicity of her ssx on such oc-ing to the last sentence; said emphatical casions. ly, let that be your watchword.”

Vol. III. 2-5.