sy on her account. So she was till her last | saluted me friendly, although not so cheerfully moment. Ah, ah! Serena will soon follow her mother, unless she has some help." : Madame Dahl wiped away her tears, and I did the same, and then said, "Serena is not bodily ill it is only her mind, her heart, that has suffered; and shall she not have strength enough to overcome this suffering, and to regain her perfect equanimity ?" as usual; went to his wife, and tapped her on the shoulder. It seemed to me as though he had somewhat good to say, and that he would fain be alone; I said, therefore, that I would seek Serena, and went. In the mean time, I would not disturb the flower-council, and I took another way to Serena's room, where I thought to wait for her. Her room is pretty and cheerful. Yes, strength to suffer without complaining; One sees that her affectionate parents wished to be perfectly resigned; but not strength enough that she should have it very agreeable; and I not to die. Ah! dear child! there is something know not what atmosphere of peace, order, and in this love, which has continued since childhood, pure taste filled the neat abode, and made me which has taken deep root in her heart. Alrea- there experience a peculiar pleasure. Several dy as a child she hung on the wild boy with her paintings adorned the walls, some of them Serewhole soul. When he came, she laughed and na's own work. These distinguished themselves stretched out her little arms towards him; when by the simplicity of the subjects, and by the care he went, she was troubled and still; and I have and truth with which they were finished. After observed that she now feels towards him exactly I had contemplated these, a green curtain atas she did then. I begin to fear that this love tracted my curiosity. I drew it aside, and, on has grown with her growth; and that I have, in- well-arranged book-shelves, glowed the names deed, said to my husband; but he would hear of the classical writers of Sweden and Denmark nothing of it. It grieves me to have displeased-of Denmark, poor in people, but rich in talent; him, but I had no rest after what I saw yester- small in extent, but great in its intellectual asday." piration. They were all old acquaintances of mine; and, charmed at finding them there, I touched the dear volumes with a feeling of affection, and said, "Thanks, thanks for all the strength, all the good, and the heavenly enjoyment that you have afforded to me and to many!" us. "What was that, my dear Madame Dahl?” "We had just drunk tea. Serena was with The dear child probably saw that my eyes were fixed on her, for she became suddenly more talkative and more merry than usual. She related to us many things, over which we were 'obliged heartily to laugh, and I had nearly forgotten my uneasiness, and was disposed to believe that we were right happy. When we had, probably, thus laughed and talked for an hour, Serena went out, and directly afterward it was as if some one had said to me, 'Go and see after her.' I went softly into her chamber, and there found her, her forehead leaned against the window. I grasped her head with my hands, and obliged her to turn her dear face towards me. Ah, Franziska! it was bathed in tears. She would have hidden them from me at first; and when she could not, she attributed them to a book which she had been reading, and which had excited her. I made as if I believed her; but I perceived now what hour the clock had struck, and I went away with a heart heavier than it ever can be in death. In the evening, I would not say anything to my husband to disturb his night's rest; and, besides this, Serena came in, and began with her red eyes to read aloud, as if nothing whatever had happened. But this morning I have communicated to him my fears, but he still believes that I have frightened myself with my fancies. Ah! his eyes are dull, and cannot see what mine see." "But if Bruno shows himself worthy of Serena, will her good parents still delay to make her and him happy?" "Yes-if! That is an important if, my dear child. It seems to me very strange of him, that, since the day on which he solicited Serena's hand, he has not once been here. And there was so much justice in what my husband had said to him-Bruno must see that. If he really loves Serena with his whole heart, this postponement of the matter ought not to keep him away from our house. It was a good action of his towards the Efamily. Almost every one that we meet speaks of him with distinction; but, as matters now stand, we may and can do nothing to call him back again. All must now depend on himself and on his behaviour." At this moment came in old Mr. Dahl. He On the table lay a book open. It was "Hernell's Sketches." A pencil lay in the open book. I saw that a part of the page was underlined, and I read: "Life must become light, if it will not change itself into a lethargic sadness, into an actual death. In this gloomy disposition of mind, a man cannot prepare himself for immortality, because he understands it not, and strives not to make himself worthy of it. We call to mind moments of departed pleasure more vividly than the past hours of sorrow. This is a hint that that life was dear to us. Death must not be regarded as a liberation from prison; it is only a step out of the valley to the top of the mountain, where we enjoy a more extended prospect, and where we breathe lightly-out of the valley, into which, indeed, the light and warmth of the sun penetrate, and where also the love of God embraces us. Learn properly to understand and to love life, if thou wilt rightly understand and love eternity. A true Christian must already be happy here on earth-that is the problem of life, which every one of us must with all our power endeavour to solve; that difficult problem, whose solution so few have achieved, and which has caused the multitude so much conflict. Yet the more and the greater are the difficulties, the more honourable it is to carry off the victory. MAN MAY BE DISAPPOINTED IN HIS GREATEST HOPES IN LIFE, WITHOUT, ON THAT ACCOUNT, BECOMING UNHAPPY. I have long suspected, and am daily more and more, by the course of the world, and through my own inward experience, convinced, that there is no other actual misfortune, except this only-NOT TO HAVE GOD FOR OUR Friend." I also underlined the beautiful and strengthening words. I would wish to have them framed in gold. On a little loose strip of paper lay in the book, beside this passage, some words in Serena's own hand. I read them; they wer these: "Yes, all may be borne; all may be sanctified; all in life and in the heart may be converted to good, through prayer and labour." "A great truth, Serena," thought I, "which I in the market, and the joy and eagerness of the children, who, by the side of their parents, hopped about on the new-fallen snow. Serena was delighted with the scene. We exchanged our remarks; we made our purchases. I bought an Attrape for Bear. Two pleasant hours fled; and Serena seemed, in her interest and activity for others, to have forgotten that she herself was not must farther discuss with thee." But Serena I stole quietly away; I would not listen, neither would I disturb these loving ones. I went back to Serena's room, continued there my observations, took up that page again whereon Serena had written, and held it yet in my hand as she entered. Serena blushed, called me curious, but embraced me with silent affection. "Don't be angry with me, Serena," I said; "thou must, on the contrary, be right good and humble, since I stand here with the purpose to make thee some reproaches." "Make me reproaches!" exclaimed Serena, smiling; "now let me hear them." CHRISTMAS DAY. The pleasant Christmas-eve at the Dahls'—the rejoicing of the children over their Christmas tree, full of lights, and presents, and sweetmeats -Serena's motherly behaviour towards them— my pleasure in it—the Christmas-eve night—all this I pass over in haste, in order to proced, thither, where Serena, I, and Bear, agreed to go together, and whither thou, dear Maria, must now accompany me; namely, to THE EARLY MASS OF CHRISTMAS DAY. We were in church. Its great and beautiful arched roof shone with a thousand tapers. Altar, columns, choir, all glittered-all was so full of light, and splendour, and gladness. The organ was yet silent. There prevailed a solemn stillness in the church, which, by the light rustling of the moving multitude, seemed rather to be heightened than disturbed. We seated ourselves in the choir. A long row of tapers opposite to us threw a powerful light upon us. "Thou lookest quite glorified," said Bear to me, as I seated myself. Serena had to me the same appearance. My soul was full of a joyful devotion. "Don't look so lively and secure, Serena! I am very seriously angry with thee;" and I now related what Madame Dahl had told me of the Not far from us, with his back leaned against seene of last evening, as well as that of which I a pillar, and overshadowed by it, stood a tall, had that moment been an eyewitness; and ad-dark figure, evidently sunk in thought. It was ded, zealously, "That is not honest of thee, Serena! That is needless, irrational self-torture. Why represent thyself to thy parents other than what thou really art? Wherefore infuse into them a false security, while sorrow consumes thee, and the deeper, the more thou shroudest it within thyself?" world. Their countenances were pale, but an ineffable expression of love illuminated them at once. It was a glance of deep and mutual recognition. Serena's eyelids sunk, wet with tears. Bruno was soon at her side, and, kneeling down on her foot-board, he said, with a soft, but not whispering voice, "Allow me to pray with you." Serena held the prayer-book so that he could see. As their voices were raised and united themselves in a deep, harmonious tone, there went through me a presentiment that these two were destined for each other, that their union is determined in heaven, since it is founded in this sympathy of souls, which is the condition and the guarantee of an immortal wedded felicity. Bruno. He saw us not; his head was bowed down; for him the outer world was not there; but, at the first tone of the mighty organ, he started and looked up. His eyes and those of Serena met; he made no salutation; she made none; they appeared to be wholly lost in their mutual gaze; and I gazed on them. They "And what wouldst thou have me do, dear seemed to me like spirits which, after long sufFanny?" said Serena, while tears forced them-ferings, meet, and are again united in a happy selves into her eyes. "Shall I occasion my aged parents to suffer griefs which they have not the power to remove? Shall I imbitter their days with my weakness? And would this help me? Would it do me any good? Oh no, Fanny! That thou canst not wish! I am convinced that they act for me right and affectionately; I am convinced that on our side nothing now can or ought to be done. It has grieved me that Bruno could absent himself so long from us-it seems to me unfriendly, yes, hard of him; but I have accustomed myself to wait, and I will yet wait more patiently, for he will one day come again; that I feel and am persuaded. But, Fanny, let us not now talk of it; let us not now think of me; we will rather think of anything else. The moment that this thought arose in me, the There is now much to be done in preparation for question also presented itself to my mind wheththe Golden Marriage. That will be a great, a er Bear and I sympathized. I felt a desire to charming day, Fanny. Think only of the hap-ask him what he, thought of it; but, as I looked py and virtuous united life of half a century! Then Christmas is also at hand! Thou and thy good man must eat your Christmas welcome with us. Madame E.'s children are also coming. I have begged my parents to allow me to prepare a little Christmas pleasure for them. Thou wilt come? Let us go out immediately, and purchase our Christmas gifts. The weather is beautiful, and I will be your cashier." We went. It was a pleasure to see the people at him, as he stood beside me, and, without looking right or left, without being conscious of what was passing near him, was singing his song of praise with a powerful bass voice, and from the bottom of his heart, I was ashamed of my foolish thoughts, and joined in his hymn, feeling inwardly that I reverenced and loved him with my whole soul. Between Bruno and Serena were now neither word nor look farther excha ged; but, as she shall become one family; united, peaceful, and happy." Yes!" thought I, “if the holy spirit of Poetry were but ever with us and in us; but-ah!” CHAPTER XXII. stooped her head in prayer, he bowed his also; when her finger pointed out the verse that should be sung, he followed it; it appeared to make him happy to pray with her. As we left the church he was at her side, and made way for her through the crowd. He drove us in the carriage; and, when this stopped at the gate of the Dahl's, he assisted us to dismount. His face was lit up by W, January 12th. the moon, and had a beautiful expression of soft On all sides here we are arming for the Golden and exalted feeling. "I shall see you soon again," Marriage. I do not know if I have already told said he to Serena, as he kissed her hand. He you that the great day falls on the 20th of this then shook hands with Bear and myself, and de-month. The whole city and country take an inparted. I have never yet seen him so cheerful and friendly. terest in it. It is as if all the people in the place here were related to the old Dahls. Their eight children, with all their families, are expected. I, too, am in action on account of the feast. I help Serena as well as I can, and practise with Bruno We drank our second coffee with the aged Dahls. Serena related to her grand-parents, with undissembled joy, our meeting with Bruno, and his promise very soon to visit them. It appear-a choral song, which is to be sung at the festivied to give the old people pleasure. "What a morning!" said Serena to me, as we were an instant alone together. "Oh, Fanny! life has beautiful, wonderful hours. As I beheld him in the clear light--as he sang with me -ah! I fear only, that from this moment my worship was no longer pure-all my prayers were for him!" ty. Bruno has composed the music; he is really a master, and it is a pleasure to put one's self under his direction. The persons who are to compose the choir assemble at our house twice a week, and are trained by the strict master, before whom we all stand somewhat in awe. Serena has so much to do in preparation for the feast, and so much to do for all the uncles, aunts, and cousins, that I see very little of her. Once she came and mixed her voice in the chorus, but then vanished all devotion out of the practising; Bruno's body, indeed, sat at the instrument, but his soul is with her. He is often, in the evening, at the Dahls'. He endeavours to gain the good-will of the old people; talks with them, and reads to them. 'Serena takes her rest; persuades herself that she has acquired a brother, and is happy. 16th. The young people come from east to westDahls there. Brave men, handsome children; how some families do flourish! A swarm of cousins encountered one another here at every step; brotherships and friendship are concluded; the whole city is in motion. A variety of balls and festivities are to follow in the train of the Golden Wedding; even Ma chère mère will give a great dinner-party. I shall probably not see much of this pleasure and gayety, since I must keep myself quiet; but I shall hold the joyful Last evening we had a little select circle assembled and united in a great enjoyment. And who were these select? Who should they be besides myself-long life to modesty!-my other self, Bruno, Serena, and the patriarchs, in whose house we were. There was yet a seventh guest there, to complete the constellation, one who elevated all the rest into his own heaven, and this was-Poesy. Bruno read aloud Tegnér's "Ax-feast in my heart. el;" and this splendid and never-to-be-too-oftenread poem, now produced by Bruno's soul-full voice, seemed more transporting than ever. Serena's needle dreamed in her hand, and her eye seemed to have become ear; and we all, old and young, were changed in heart. We became mild, warm, and affectionate. High and beautiful is the lot of the great poet. His lyre is the world, and the strings on which he plays are the souls of men. When he wills it, these tones are called forth, and melt together into a divine har mony. Thus it was in our little circle. A sweet, inexpressible pleasure diffused itself among us; we made, as it were, only one happy, loving family. Bruno's otherwise now dark, now flaming glance, beamed with a softened radiance, and rested on Serena with an expression of deep but sorrowful love. Serena was so happy, so gay, so beautiful, that it seemed as if all the darkness in the world would become light before her. She seemed, in her blissful heart, to desire to embrace and bless every living creature. She saluted me, as we went, with tears of joy in her eyes, while she said, "Seest thou that he comes again? Seest thou that all will turn out as I said? We Bruno is again in a changeable and more gloomy humour, and the gladness is quenched in Serena's looks. Miss Hellevi Hausgiebel is, on this occasion, invaluable as counsellor and helper for the Dahl family. She has undertaken the arrangement of a series of living pictures, with which the aged Dahls are to be surprised. She has taken Lagman Hök into her councils; and they drape, and explain, and discuss (dispute too, very likely, a little, occasionally), and arrange, etc. I am persuaded that we shall see something beautiful come out of it. There will be a great multitude of people assembled at the Dahls' on the eve of the great day; and this is as it should be. This marriage must be as publicly and ceremoniously celebrated, as a first marriage should be conducted quietly and modestly. Then, people go on board to sail over a sea where winds and waves are often stormy; but here, on the contrary, in the Golden Marriage, they have completed their voyage; they have reached the haven, and can calmly hoist the flag of victory. Ma chère mère comes to the feast, and I shall have the pleasure of keeping her for the night with me. I will myself roast the coffee, that she may enjoy in the highest perfection the beverage which she prefers to all others. I have a variety of things to say to thee of the younger branches of the Dahl family, but must defer it till after the marriage, when I shall have more time; but, in passing, I must tell thee that I have selected a favourite from among them. She is named Mattea; is a tall, thoroughly plain, but thoroughly good creature, of twenty years of age, who has won my heart by her joyous, openhearted disposition, her sincere love for Serena, and her splendid playing on the piano. January 21st. With whatever thou mayest be employed-be it with the last stitch of a stocking, or the last word of a compliment, or with the contemplation of a portrait, or with a romance of Bulwer, or a discourse on the immortality of the soul with B., or the preparation of a citron-cream, or the answer to a love-letter-leave all in an instant, and sit thee reverently down, and read that chapter which I am preparing to write, and which is entitled THE GOLDEN MARRIAGE. Yes, beautiful indeed!" I answered: "so beautiful that the angels of God must rejoice in it. It is the feast of love and truth on the earth." The two old people smiled, and reached each other a hand. There arose a great commotic in the hall. It was the troop of children and children's children, who all, in holyday garb, ard with joyous looks, streamed in to bring their wishes of happiness to their venerable parents. It was charming to see these groups of lovely children cling round the old people, like young saplings round the aged stems. It was charming to see the little rosy mouths turned up to kiss, the little arms stretching to embrace them, and to hear the clamour of loving words and exulting voices. I availed myself of the moment quietly to retire and to seek Serena. I found her in the kitchen, surrounded with people, and dealing out viands: for there was to-day a great distribution of food and money by the Dahls to the poor of the place. Serena accompanied the gifts with friendly looks and words, and won blessings for her parents. When the distribution was at an end, Serena accompanied me to her room; there I looked inquiringly into her friendly countenance, and said, joyously, "Thou lookest quite happy to-day, Serena!" and went through their whole life, and spoke of what now stood before them-it was so beautiful, so solemn !" If you wish to learn the true value of marriage, if you wish to see what this union may be for two human hearts, and for life, then observe not the wedded ones in their honeymoon, nor by the "And how could it be otherwise?" answered cradle of their first child; not at a time when she; "all around me to-day are happy. My dear novelty and hope yet throw a morning glory over old parents seem to-day to have received their the young and new-born world of home; but sur- youth again; and yesterday, thou shouldst have vey them rather in the more remote years of man-heard, Fanny, as they sat before the evening fire, hood, when they have proved the world and each other, when they have conquered many an error, and many a temptation, in order to become only the more united to each other; when labours and Miss Hellevi Hausgiebel here interrupted us; cares are theirs; when, under the burden of the we must follow her up to the second story. Here day, as well as in hours of repose, they support all was dust, noise, and confusion. One saloon one another, and find that they are sufficient for was in the act of being hung with drapery and each other. Or survey them still farther in life; prepared for a ball; another was preparing for see them arrived at that period when the world, the proposed tableaux. Miss Hellevi, who alwith all its changes and agitations, rolls far away ready saw in spirit how the whole would be arfrom them; when every object around them be- ranged, flew, lightly as a bird, among scaffoldcomes ever dimmer to them; when their house ing, cordage, and a thousand things which stood is still, when they are solitary, but yet stand there about, while she said, "See, dear Madame Werhand in hand, and each reads in the other's eyes ner, this will be so, and this so. Won't that be only love; when they, with the same memories good? Won't it have a good effect?" and the same hopes, stand on the boundaries of "Madame Werner!" called Lagman Hök, another life, into which they are prepared to en-down from a ladder, on whose top he stood aloft, ter; of all the desires of this being retaining only with the face of Don Quixote, "won't this lightthe one, that they may die on the same day-yes, ing-up have a fine effect against the yellow drathen behold them! And, on that account, turn pery?" now to the patriarchs, and to the Golden Marriage. "Excellent! splendid!" I exclaimed, with secret anxiety; "but, Lagman Hök, that chandelier will certainly fall! Good Miss Hausgiebel! this scaffolding will certainly all come down together!" There is, indeed, something worth celebrating, thought I, as I awoke in the morning. The sun appeared to be of the same opinion, for it shone on the snow-covered roof of the aged pair. I avail- The light and lively Miss Bird's Nest laughed ed myself of the morning hour, wrapped myself at my obvious terror; and 1 hastened, my ears in my cloak, kissed Bear, and trudged forth to deafened with the hammering, out of the uncomcarry my congratulations to the old people, and fortable purgatory which is to conduct to an to see if I could in anything be helpful to Serena. æsthetic paradise; but I did not the less praise The aged pair sat in the anteroom, clad in festal those who there busied themselves, although I garb, each in their own easy-chair. Two snuff had myself rather pluck roses without having boxes, hymn-book, and a large nosegay of fresh to feel their thorns. After I had accompanied flowers, lay on the table. The sun shone in Serena to other quarters, and consulted with her through snow-white curtains. It was cheerful how various things were to be arranged, I took and peaceful in the room; and the patriarch ap-my leave, with the promise to be there early in peared in the sunny light, as if surrounded by a the evening. But, before I set out, I became glory. With emotion I pronounced my congrat-witness to a ceremonial scene. A deputation ulation, and was embraced by them as by a father and mother. "A lovely day, Madame Werner!" said the od gentleman, as he looked towards the window. from the corporation of the city appeared, in its name, and presented to the venerable pair a large gilt silver cup, as a testimony of the esteem and gratitude of their fellow-citizens. I missed Ma chère mère, in the place of the mayor; what a stately speech would she not have delivered! By eight o'clock all the guests were assembled. They had drunk tea, eaten ice, and so on, and I was glad at dinner to tell over all these things now fell at once a great silence. The two old to Bear. His mouth watered to hold his Golden people seated themselves in two easy-chairs, Wedding. To that we probably shall not arrive, which stood near each other in the middle of the but we may possible attain our silver one. Ah! saloon, on a richly-embroidered mat. Their I wonder whether our ten daughters will then children and children's children gathered in a stand round us! It would be a lovely marriage-half circle round them. A clergyman of noble garland. See! there has fallen a tear at the thought of it! At six o'clock in the evening, Bear and his little wife strolled, arm-in-arm, to the weddinghouse. In the street in which it lay light burned against light; one window was lit up after another; cressets burned at the corners of the street; and presently the street was bright as day, and a great number of people wandered, with glad countenances, up and down in the still, mild, winter evening. The city was illuminated in honour of its patriarchs; the house of the Dahls' itself had a sombre look in comparison with the others, but the light was within. presence stepped forward, and pronounced an oration on the beauty and holiness of marriage. He concluded with a reference to the life of the venerable pair; which was a better sermon on the excellence of marriage, for life, and for the human heart, than his speech itself. What he said was true and touching. There was not a dry eye in the whole company. Bear and I leaned against each other. A solemn and affectionate mood had affected all, and there prevailed a deep silence through the numerous assembly, but it was not that of weariness. In the mean time, all the preparations for the second division of the festival were complete, and Exactly as we were endeavouring to enter the the company ascended up the steps, covered with gate, through a crowd of people who had collect-matting to the second story. Here the tableaux ed there in order to see the arrivals, my eye fell on were presented, whose beauty and grace exceeda figure which stood among the rest. It was ed everything that I had anticipated. These, at wrapped in a great black mantle; but the two some opportunity, I will describe. The last conlarge burning eyes, which flashed forth from be-sisted of a well-arranged group of the whole body neath this covering, made me start, and I thought, of the descendants of the Dahls. The chorus was involuntarily, on Hagar. In the same instant, sung during the representation of this tableaux, the figure drew itself back; and, uncertain whether and went off extremely well, especially when we I was right in my conjecture, but with a secret heard it the second time. The whole representapresentiment of misfortune, I entered the mar-tion gave general and great pleasure. As the riage-house. chorus ceased for the second time, and the curtain fell for the last time, the doors of the dancesaloon flew open, a dazzling light streamed thence, and a lively music set all the feet and hearts of the young in motion. And now, Maria, take out your eau de Cologne bottle, and prepare yourself for a catastrophe, which was as startling as it was unæsthetic. Realities are sometimes sadly prosaic. The old Dahl had advanced into the dance-saloon, on the arm of his granddaughter; the guests followed in lively conversation, when I suddenly became aware of a movement in the great chandelier, like that which had excited my fears in the forenoon. Serena, on whose arm her grandfather leaned, and was speaking to some of those who were near, stood at this moment exactly under it. I raised a cry of terror, "Take care! the sconce falls!" All eyes glanced in affright upward; but, with the speed of lightning, Bruno darted forward and lifted Serena out of danger, in the same instant that the splendid chandelier, with its sixty lights and thousand lustres, fell with a deafening thunder. Bruno himself received a heavy blow on the head. He At the door of the saloon Serena met me. She wore a white garland in her light-brown hair, and, at the sight of her, vanished every dark thought. Ah! how charming was she not, this evening, in the light, white dress, with her friendly blue eyes, her pure brow, and the heavenly smile on her lips! Had I but had the power to paint her at this moment! As every flower has its moment of perfect beauty, so has a human being moments in which his highest and loveliest life blooms forth-in which he appears what he actually is -what he is in the depth of God's intentions. These fleeting revelations-for there is nothing abiding on the earth-these are that which the genuine artist seeks to lay hold of; and, therefore, it is unjust to say of a successful portrait, especially that of an intellectual person, that it is flattered. But whither am I wandering? I was speaking of Serena. She was so friendly, so amiable to everybody, and yet, I know it, she was Lot in herself happy! Friends and relatives arrived; the rooms became filled. Ma chère mère entered with great stir. She was conducted by Bruno; and, although blind, was as high and stately as ever. Heartily she greeted the vener-turned pale and staggered. "Bruno! Bruno !" able pair, while she said, with a loud voice, "Old friends and old ways I do not quit willingly, and therefore I am here. I am come to wish you happiness, my friends, on this your day of honour. 'Every one is the artificer of his own fortune,' says the proverb; and, consequently, if any one would question whether you, my two honoured friends, are happy to-day, it would, I say, be just the same as if any one should question whether the king be a nobleman. It is as certain as the Amen in the Church. God bless you!" She shook them heartily by the hand. Jane Maria was richly dressed, and amiable. Bruno was gloomy. His dark eyes followed constantly the light Serena, but received thence no illumination. He was silent and introverted. P cried Serena, with the unmistakeable and heartrending tone of love, and caught him in her arms as he fell to the ground. He threw his arms around her, and pressed her to his bosom; a blissful smile, like a sunbeam, appeared on his countenance as he sunk and became unconscious. It is not to be described what a sensation this created in the company. In one moment, a misfortune, a declaration of love, and a death-or what most perfectly resembled it! one might lose his senses with less than this. I confess that I know little of what now took place, till I, a moment afterward, found myself in a still and dimly-lighted chamber. Bruno lay upon a sofa. He had been bled |