1829. | Mine Hosts Last Story. 243 
flowers. I have grieved that many of her attractions were hid even 
from me. She was, in some degree, shrouded by her sisters. The elder 
checked and overawed her—the younger eclipsed her in the admiration 
of strangers. She was not ambitious, and yielded to any one who was 
likely by any means to usurp her place in the regard of others. I never 
knew the true enthusiasm of her soul—its high religious principle—its 
strong and uncontrollable impulses. I thought her almost too mecha- 
. nical; I was afterwards taught the extent of my blindness. I cannot 
tear myself away from my praises of this child, for I know that they are 
yet incomplete ; but I know too, that, in your ears, they will seem the 
extravagance of an old man’s dotage. Yet will I say no more of her ; 
for you are anxious to know the incidents to which this description is a 
preface. 
« Well, then, you must know that, in the year 12, one of your coun- 
trymen, an amiable and sensible young soldier, used to frequent this 
house so habitually, as to be at least almost considered one of our own 
circle. Hehad scarcely emerged from boyhood, and the long separation 
from his own home and domestic occupations gave him an inducement 
to take up any place as a substitute; and here, accordingly, he used to 
pitch his tent. He spoke our language like a native ; and the complete 
reliance on us, and interest in our personal affairs, which he not only 
professed, but manifested, made me, in return, regard him with confi- 
dence, and a feeling nearly allied to parental affection. He engaged in 
the amusements and all the petty politics of the girls, and did not scruple 
to be their companion in their walks or rides, whether. for duty or plea- 
sure. The danger to which this led, in his case, was of a different 
nature from the usual risk attending such intimacies. I knew him to be 
above dishonour, and I never dreamed of any thing beyond a temporary 
and sober attachment. But you shall hear the issue. My youngest 
child was, by accident, away from home during the earlier part of our 
acquaintance with the young Englishman, and thus Gianina was gene- 
rally his companion in the excursions and little enterprises of the time ; 
for the two eldest were more engaged at home, and invalids into the bar- 
gain. After a while, the absent one came back from her visit to the 
country ; and the first thing I observed was a total change of manner 
exhibited towards her by Gianina, who had usually been her constant 
and confiding playfellow, rarely separated from her by day or night. 
But now, by some mischance or other, she scarcely addressed her but in 
a constrained tone, and seemed to shun her company, and seek that of 
the Englishman with more than former eagerness. On his part, I could 
trace no indications of reciprocal preference. At times, his eyes would 
be riveted on his new acquaintance, my little Madelena; and a flash of 
scarlet passed over his countenance, as if in consciousness that her sister 
was observing the pleasure which he derived from the contemplation of 
so much beauty. And she did observe it. I perceived it in her dejec- 
 tion—in her abandonment of her usual occupations—in the listless look 
towards others—and the quick, jealous glance, yet soft and beautiful, 
with which she seemed to upbraid him for refusing her all his devotion. 
I knew not how to interfere; but I felt sure that it was my duty to 
check the progress of these emotions, which threatened a convulsion in 
our little community. Luckily for me—yet how can I call it so?—my 
part was not to be played as I expected. 
“ One day, as I was sitting alone, the young man came into my room, 
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