* 1 c beneath ring by and in presence of last materials, selecter with ted of a fistancia ei the For auctor gun robe of viole ered in gold, and dispaying ous covered by a pearl network : ca velvet, enere'd with go. do her propise silken-black recus vas ali dy ar. Of lustrous cy could find whence. on the geoosly stayed coach and „cerled Ey ta gentle cares so gracefully. bc comed us with a graceful and high-bred cordiality; and we prolonged our stay while he discoursed on the stirring themes of national interest, with all the impetuous energy natural to his youth, his country, and profession of arms; the fond eyes of Anastásoula, no longer languid, echoing his rapid eloquence with their kindling flash, indicating the possession of woman's most beautiful and most fatal gift, intense feeling. So charmed were we with these youthful lovers (who we found were also orphan cousins), that their animated wish for increasing our intimacy was met with equal fervour. We found both were highly gifted, and exceedingly well informed; and from that time scarcely a day passed without a visit or note between us. About six weeks after this occurrence, Frederick Vernon came in hastily one morning, looking agitated and deadly pale; Clara, with an invalid's perception, eagerly demanded the cause. "The whole town is ringing with a spirited but most hapless act of Mavromikális'," he replied; "he was ordered by Ektatos* Koliopulos to march with his regiment against Ajio Steffano, which happens to be his native village, inhabited by his relations and family retainers; he calmly requested an exchange of duty for some other not requiring a personal conflict against the actual ties of nature; but he was coarsely ordered to march instantly, or surrender his sword as a traitor to his party. Highly excited by this unexpected alternative, he hesitated, and remained silent; when a foreign officer advancing, laid his hand on the sword, saying, superciliously, 'Lochagos, you must renounce that of which you make no use!' * Ektatos, governor. |