A Sicilian Romance | Page 8

Ann Radcliffe
acknowledge, that the simple
elegance with which they were adorned, was more enchanting than all
the studied artifice of splendid decoration. They were dressed alike in

light Sicilian habits, and the beautiful luxuriance of their flowing hair
was restrained only by bandellets of pearl. The ball was opened by
Ferdinand and the lady Matilda Constanza. Emilia danced with the
young Marquis della Fazelli, and acquitted herself with the ease and
dignity so natural to her. Julia experienced a various emotion of
pleasure and fear when the Count de Vereza, in whom she recollected
the cavalier she had observed from the window, led her forth. The
grace of her step, and the elegant symmetry of her figure, raised in the
assembly a gentle murmur of applause, and the soft blush which now
stole over her cheek, gave an additional charm to her appearance. But
when the music changed, and she danced to the soft Sicilian measure,
the airy grace of her movement, and the unaffected tenderness of her air,
sunk attention into silence, which continued for some time after the
dance had ceased. The marchioness observed the general admiration
with seeming pleasure, and secret uneasiness. She had suffered a very
painful solicitude, when the Count de Vereza selected her for his
partner in the dance, and she pursued him through the evening with an
eye of jealous scrutiny. Her bosom, which before glowed only with
love, was now torn by the agitation of other passions more violent and
destructive. Her thoughts were restless, her mind wandered from the
scene before her, and it required all her address to preserve an apparent
ease. She saw, or fancied she saw, an impassioned air in the count,
when he addressed himself to Julia, that corroded her heart with jealous
fury.
At twelve the gates of the castle were thrown open, and the company
quitted it for the woods, which were splendidly illuminated. Arcades of
light lined the long vistas, which were terminated by pyramids of lamps
that presented to the eye one bright column of flame. At irregular
distances buildings were erected, hung with variegated lamps, disposed
in the gayest and most fantastic forms. Collations were spread under
the trees; and music, touched by unseen hands, breathed around. The
musicians were placed in the most obscure and embowered spots, so as
to elude the eye and strike the imagination. The scene appeared
enchanting. Nothing met the eye but beauty and romantic splendour;
the ear received no sounds but those of mirth and melody. The younger
part of the company formed themselves into groups, which at intervals

glanced through the woods, and were again unseen. Julia seemed the
magic queen of the place. Her heart dilated with pleasure, and diffused
over her features an expression of pure and complacent delight. A
generous, frank, and exalted sentiment sparkled in her eyes, and
animated her manner. Her bosom glowed with benevolent affections;
and she seemed anxious to impart to all around her, a happiness as
unmixed as that she experienced. Wherever she moved, admiration
followed her steps. Ferdinand was as gay as the scene around him.
Emilia was pleased; and the marquis seemed to have left his
melancholy in the castle. The marchioness alone was wretched. She
supped with a select party, in a pavilion on the sea-shore, which was
fitted up with peculiar elegance. It was hung with white silk, drawn up
in festoons, and richly fringed with gold. The sofas were of the same
materials, and alternate wreaths of lamps and of roses entwined the
columns. A row of small lamps placed about the cornice, formed an
edge of light round the roof which, with the other numerous lights, was
reflected in a blaze of splendour from the large mirrors that adorned the
room. The Count Muriani was of the party;--he complimented the
marchioness on the beauty of her daughters; and after lamenting with
gaiety the captives which their charms would enthral, he mentioned the
Count de Vereza. 'He is certainly of all others the man most deserving
the lady Julia. As they danced, I thought they exhibited a perfect model
of the beauty of either sex; and if I mistake not, they are inspired with a
mutual admiration.' The marchioness, endeavouring to conceal her
uneasiness, said, 'Yes, my lord, I allow the count all the merit you
adjudge him, but from the little I have seen of his disposition, he is too
volatile for a serious attachment.' At that instant the count entered the
pavilion: 'Ah,' said Muriani, laughingly, 'you was the subject of our
conversation, and seem to be come in good time to receive the honors
allotted you. I was interceding with the marchioness for her interest in
your favor, with the lady Julia; but she absolutely refuses it; and though
she allows you
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