1831.] a Tale of the Inquisition. 31 



inhabitants of the cottage, became astonished at the strength and polish 

 of INIira's mind. United to a purity and simplicity of manner, she pos- 

 sessed an extensive knowledge of the different branches of the sciences. 

 He expressed his surprise, upon which Mira began to speak with 

 enthusiasm of her benefactor. " Alas !" said she, " no one is rendered so 

 poor as I by this frightful war, for it has thrown me at once forlorn and 

 helpless upon this wide world !" 



But Henrico swore secretly she should not be forsaken, for in this 

 soHtary valley he first felt the sensation of love ! The time of his stay 

 had nearly expired, he daily expected orders for his return ; pecuniary 

 assistance he could not leave behind, for even the old woman would not 

 accept of any more, and the timid Henrico yet dared scarcely to con- 

 fess to himself, much more to the girl, the attachment he had conceived 

 for her. 



Thus glided away two golden months, during which he saw Mira 

 every day. His recal to the army at length arrived, he had long ex- 

 pected it, yet it came upon him like a thunderbolt ! After making the 

 necessary preparations for his departure, he went early on the following 

 morning to l\lii-a. " Oh, you are very good to come so early !" said she, 

 running to meet him ; " you are come to stay the whole day with us, are 

 you not?" 



" Yes," answered Henrico, " but it is also the last !" he then told her 

 of his recal to the army. Mira burst into tears, confessed with candour 

 that she was forced to weep, as she felt it was her fate to be separated 

 from every one that was dear to her. Henrico extended his arm towards 

 the girl ; drew her to his bosom, and confessed a mutual affection. He 

 explained his independent situation, promised soon to resign his rank in 

 the army, and painted a happy future in glowing colours. Mira said, 

 " I willingly beheve you, I am not insensible that you love me for myself, 

 for you have never asked me who, or what I am ? Oh ! that I were a child of 

 this valley ! but I know not to what country I belong, and the dark mystery 

 of my birth stands like a spectre by my side !" Henrico tranquillized her, 

 and said ; " I hold thee in my arms, thou precious pearl, and ask not 

 what sea produced thee !" 



" Well, said Mira, " you must at least see the features of the person 

 who protected me when a poor child, educated me, and formed me to be 

 worthy of your affection." She took him by the hand, led him into a 

 room he had not yet seen, and shewed him a full length picture. 



" My God!" said Henrico, shuddering, and covering his eyes with 

 his hands. " That is IMiranda d'Aragon !" It was now clear to him he 

 was standing in the sanctuary of his friend, and that he had won a heart 

 which could scarcely yet have forgotten the lost lover ; in the agony of 

 his feelings, it appeared to him an artful, deep-laid plan, that Slira in 

 speaking of this man who had expressed so much love for her, had 

 always spoken of him as a father, and had never betrayed the slightest 

 hint of any warmer feeling. She was just rejoicing that he knew her 

 benefactor, when she saw him rush from her as though horror-struck ! 

 She entreated liim to explain the reason of his grief? When he looked 

 at her lovely ingenuous countenance, every suspicion vanished. He 

 related, without reserve, his connection with Aliranda, and what the latter 

 had confessed to him concerning his sentiments for Mira ! " No !" 

 cried she, after some silence, " I have only loved him as a grateful 



