A Sicilian Romance | Page 7

retained no very
distinct remembrance of him, they looked forward with eager and
delightful expectation to his virtues and his talents; and hoped to find in
his company, a consolation for the uneasiness which the presence of the
marchioness would excite. Neither did Julia contemplate with
indifference the approaching festival. A new scene was now opening to
her, which her young imagination painted in the warm and glowing

colours of delight. The near approach of pleasure frequently awakens
the heart to emotions, which would fail to be excited by a more remote
and abstracted observance. Julia, who, in the distance, had considered
the splendid gaieties of life with tranquillity, now lingered with
impatient hope through the moments which withheld her from their
enjoyments. Emilia, whose feelings were less lively, and whose
imagination was less powerful, beheld the approaching festival with
calm consideration, and almost regretted the interruption of those
tranquil pleasures, which she knew to be more congenial with her
powers and disposition.
In a few days the marchioness arrived at the castle. She was followed
by a numerous retinue, and accompanied by Ferdinand, and several of
the Italian noblesse, whom pleasure attracted to her train. Her entrance
was proclaimed by the sound of music, and those gates which had long
rusted on their hinges, were thrown open to receive her. The courts and
halls, whose aspect so lately expressed only gloom and desolation, now
shone with sudden splendour, and echoed the sounds of gaiety and
gladness. Julia surveyed the scene from an obscure window; and as the
triumphal strains filled the air, her breast throbbed; her heart beat quick
with joy, and she lost her apprehensions from the marchioness in a sort
of wild delight hitherto unknown to her. The arrival of the marchioness
seemed indeed the signal of universal and unlimited pleasure. When the
marquis came out to receive her, the gloom that lately clouded his
countenance, broke away in smiles of welcome, which the whole
company appeared to consider as invitations to joy.
The tranquil heart of Emilia was not proof against a scene so alluring,
and she sighed at the prospect, yet scarcely knew why. Julia pointed out
to her sister, the graceful figure of a young man who followed the
marchioness, and she expressed her wishes that he might be her brother.
From the contemplation of the scene before them, they were summoned
to meet the marchioness. Julia trembled with apprehension, and for a
few moments wished the castle was in its former state. As they
advanced through the saloon, in which they were presented, Julia was
covered with blushes; but Emilia, tho' equally timid, preserved her
graceful dignity. The marchioness received them with a mingled smile

of condescension and politeness, and immediately the whole attention
of the company was attracted by their elegance and beauty. The eager
eyes of Julia sought in vain to discover her brother, of whose features
she had no recollection in those of any of the persons then present. At
length her father presented him, and she perceived, with a sigh of regret,
that he was not the youth she had observed from the window. He
advanced with a very engaging air, and she met him with an unfeigned
welcome. His figure was tall and majestic; he had a very noble and
spirited carriage; and his countenance expressed at once sweetness and
dignity. Supper was served in the east hall, and the tables were spread
with a profusion of delicacies. A band of music played during the
repast, and the evening concluded with a concert in the saloon.

CHAPTER II
The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia,
was now arrived. All the neighbouring nobility were invited, and the
gates of the castle were thrown open for a general rejoicing. A
magnificent entertainment, consisting of the most luxurious and
expensive dishes, was served in the halls. Soft music floated along the
vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if
the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy
fabric into the palace of a fairy. The marquis, notwithstanding the
gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments,
and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his
heart was visible in his countenance.
In the evening there was a grand ball: the marchioness, who was still
distinguished for her beauty, and for the winning elegance of her
manners, appeared in the most splendid attire. Her hair was ornamented
with a profusion of jewels, but was so disposed as to give an air rather
of voluptuousness than of grace, to her figure. Although conscious of
her charms, she beheld the beauty of Emilia and Julia with a jealous
eye, and was compelled secretly to