1804, Sicily was almost in an uncivilised state, from which the return of Ki

h, passing along the sea-coast, went through Termini and Cephalu; abandoned for its new rival, it is at present scarcely frequented, except by artists in search of the magnificent prospects it discloses at every turn. The only mode of trave

a mule was too fatiguing for her, and a journey in a litter, besides the inconveniences of this mode of transport, the principal of which was its slow progress, was apt to produce a feeling like sea-sickne

he necessaries of life, that every traveller is advised when he leaves Messina to provide himself for the journey-to purchase cooking utensils, and to hi

ern Sicily, for whom they were at this instant preparing supper at the sign of the Cross, the inn which had been rebuilt wi

he same time engaged upon fish, flesh, and fowl, proved that the man for whom the culinary apparat

ed traveller could require-linen, plate, even bread and wine-he was led into the best room, where he lighted some perfumed pastilles in a silver vase, and waited till his dinner was ready, seated on

s lips and condensed themselves on the ceiling, when the door of the apartment opened,

aid the worthy man,

veller, but without turning his he

e host, "it is the Countes

plied the

r inn," said the host, "because one of her horse

n," said th

t when she left St. Agatha this morning, on sleeping at Melazzo this evenin

cook and larder are at her

to pass the night in this inn, while a relay of horses is brought hither from Melazzo, and as she is equall

to have near her. As for myself, I am a man accustomed to fatigue and privations; I will content myself with the first room that is disengag

his dog, and followed the host; and the serva

pts a service from a stranger; she was so accustomed to see everything submit to her will, and everybody o

r of the mountains, she wore round her neck a beautiful sable boa, purchased by the Prince Carini of a Maltese merchant who had brought it from Constantinople. On her head she wore a little black velvet hat, of a fanciful shape, like the head-dresses worn in the middle ages; and her lo

covered the table was of the finest texture, and the orienta

shoes my horses badly, I am obliged to stop, and my good genius, who finds

aid Gidsa, "no suspicion wh

e," said th

aid, significantly, "that madame la

g into a chair, "that I am in a state of perfect i

e, I trust you will pardon me, al

lied the countess; "

the viceroy, knowing that your ladyship was on the

preparing a surprise for me. I would give myself up entirely to it; I would not lose one of the emotions his unexpected presence would occasion me. It is agreed, therefore, that it is not the viceroy, but that the stranger is an unknown travel

been prepared with so much care; do you

thing it is that this plate is here! if I had not met with this noble traveller, how should I have been able to eat o

er lips than because she was thirsty; it seemed as though, by the sympathetic touch of her lips, she endeavoured to discover whether it really was the man who loved her who had

t and anxiety, while she was eating, she kept her eyes constantly fixed on the door, and started every time it opened-her bosom was oppressed and her ey

unwell?" asked the

voice; "but do you not find the

wish me to open the

as if I should die, but death appears to be so sweet.

long hair hung down in rin

ing of pleasure? A kind of heavenly sensation flows through my veins: I mus

when she reached it, she rested both elbows upon it, placed her

taken away, then undress

remained before the glass, merely raising her arms languidly one after the other, to make it just possible for her maid to perform the necessary duties, which were in a shor

nstant leaning on her elbow, with her eyes fixed on the door; then by degrees, and notwithstanding all her efforts to keep awake,

er side; but she was alone, and for a few minutes her eyes wandered round the chamber, and then turned

e,-I could have ta

; I preferred to i

e! but that, when y

n in a dream, I have

; look in y

al Br

bell-rope that she might call for assistance, but womanly instinct arrested her arm, and collecting all her strengt

head in her veil, threw herself into her carri

that her confessor, as an expiation for her sins, had ordered her to sh