THE CASTLE OF SANTA FE. CHAP. 1. Nought in exchange can grateful prove; No second friendship can be found Eden is lost!the rest's but common ground! THE rain descended in torrents, and the wind howled in blustering tumult through the winding passages, while the clamorous surge was dashed with violence against the casements. Adeliza was suddenly awakened from VOL. I. from those quiet slumbers which innocence, the child of Heaven, can enjoy, though tossed by tempests at sea, or rocked by convulsions of the earth. A loud ringing at the gate, the unseasonable sound of which broke in upon her rest, was, in her apprehension, far more alarming than the roaring tempest. The latter she had often witnessed undismayed; but now, one moment she trembled for the welfare of a beloved brother, and the next dreaded a separation from an indulgent father. The ringing was impatiently repeated; and Adeliza, hesitating no longer, threw on part of her dress, and quickly reached the head of the staircase: but here her sinking limbs refused their office, and she dropped, half fainting, on the floor. Once more the ringing was repeated with vehemence, and, mingling ! with the blast, resounded through the whole building. Ashamed of her weakness, Adeliza summoned all her firmness. to her aid, and hastily descended to the hall, where she found the servants, whom fear had kept from going to bed, creeping close to one another, with features strongly marked by terror and dismay. Rampart," said she, in a tone of surprise, somewhat mingled with contempt, "what, you, my old friend, afraid!-and a soldier too! Come, I will accompany you to the gate." The blood, as if confounded at its hurried and unbecoming retreat, instantly, and with double force, resumed its station in the face of the veteran, as he warmly declared he would immediately go alone, and enquire who it was that thus so unseasonably disturbed the family. Rampart presently returned, accompanied by a stran ger, whose drenched and fatigued appearance at once made way to the compassionate heart of Adeliza. Respectfully taking off his hat, he thus addressed her "I fear, Madam, I have alarmed you. I am sorry if I have done so; yet I am apprehensive that will prove the least unpleasant part of my commission. Here," continued he, drawing from his bosom a paper, and presenting it to her, “is am express for Captain Pembroke.” Adeliza turned sick at heart, while, with reluctant fingers, she took the letter. As with irregular steps, she hurried up stairs, she met her father. He appeared extremely agitated. "Oh heavens!" he exclaimed-" My boy-my dear, my inestimable boy"Is well," replied Adeliza. " "Oh |