gratified and terrified as I have been within the last five minutes. I had just called on the cashier of the house to ascertain how it stood respecting the tickets for to morrow's opera, wherein you are to appear as Amanda, and learned that one only was left. Two officers entered at the same moment-mutual friends each inquiring, as if with one breath, whether places were to be had. The cashier exhibited the solitary ticket-like tigers, both sprang at it: a dispute arose; we tried to interfere, but in vain! Already swords were drawn, and the steels clashed together: both were practised fighters, and their strokes fell swift as lightning, and thick as hailstones! Nor had more than a minute passed before one of the combatants lay bleeding on the earth, whilst the other (who had not himself escaped without receiving a wound) struck triumphantly the point of his sword into the ticket, and retired with his dearly-bought prize."1 "And the wounded officer?" demanded Henrietta. "They were taking him to his barracks," answered the director. The beautiful songstress, who, to conceal her emotion at this serious accident, had turned toward the window, sank fainting upon a chair. All rushed to her assistance. Werner, however, with Louisa's aid, conveyed the fainting girl into an adjacent apartment. He returned immediately, and addressing the company, said "The invalid is confided to the care of becoming attendants; and as rest and silence are now most important to her well-doing, I trust, gentlemen, you will all see the propriety of following my example." With which words, he seized his hat and departed. The others quitted the house, all of them learning the cause of Henrietta's sudden disorder when they reached the street, namely, that the wounded man had just been carried down it, and must have been seen by her. The violent shock which our heroine's nerves had experienced on viewing the body of Maulbeere carried out of the cashier's house (opposite which she resided) rendered her for some time speechless. On recovering, her first inquiry was after the wounded officer, which the servant was enabled to answer satisfactorily, through the attention of Werner (who had meanwhile made inquiries). The attendant then proceeded to communicate a request of Werner's that he might be permitted to renew his call, and be favoured with an interview in 1 Matter-of-fact. 2 Molliere, an officer of artillery. the evening, as he had something of importance to disclose. This proposition was complied with, and accordingly about dusk the young man re-appeared. Henrietta was at the moment engaged in reading, and everything around wore the air of deep quiet and seclusion, the room being lighted only by an astral lamp. "I almost fear to interrupt this stillness," said the visitor. "Oh," replied Henrietta, "I rejoice to see you-and the rather, as this is literally the first evening which, since my stay in this city, I have been able to call my own. Werner took his seat by the lovely girl, and an animated discourse ensued; in one of the pauses whereof, Werner, half mechanically, took up the book which Henrietta had laid down on his entrance. "You should know that volume," said she, "for it was through you I became acquainted with it—and through it I became acquainted with you." “Ah, Jean Paul's Titian," exclaimed Werner, turning over the leaves. "The same; and I now peruse it with a feeling of melancholy, since the great heart from which it sprang has ceased to beat. Werner, do not think me over bold if I say that I prize the work not only from its intrinsic merits, but from the circumstances attending my first acquaintance with it.' The delighted youth, taking her hand, was about to reply, when she said, smiling, “Come, I will be your landlady for once, and make tea for you." The equipage was accordingly introduced; but a chord had been touched, which continued to vibrate, and the young pair insensibly found themselves recurring to the interesting tone of thought and feeling that had been started. "I shall never forget your attention that day," said Henrietta; "forced to descend the hill on foot, whilst the carriage proceeded alone, and admiring the woody landscape around, and the green valley at my feet; the jutting rocks on my left, and the dark forest of firs on my right. Aye," continued she, "I could even paint the stone whereon I found your open book, and curious (womanlike) took it up in the idea that some traveller had forgetfully left it behind him. How surprised was I, on lifting my eyes again from its pages, to find you, Werner, standing by me! What must you have thought of me?" And she turned aside her head to conceal the rising blushes. "I was overjoyed to think," replied he "that my favourite author seemed to interest you so deeply. I too retain the memory of that day as one of the happiest of my life; for it was then, as I escorted you to the next village, | leave in a concert, the proceeds whereof, which that we became gradually known to each other. Ere we had reached it I was aware, Henrietta, what you were in the world, and what in your heart; whilst from you I did not conceal that I was a poor musician, undistinguished, although devoted to my profession." My readers will easily imagine that this kind of conversation was, under all the circumstances, by no means the securest for a young couple who had previously felt for each other an incipient attachment. Perhaps they did not wish to guard themselves; but at any rate, before the lapse of an hour, a passionate declaration was made by the youth, and received by the lady, who, in the confidence of her affection, entreated her lover to continue near her, and act as her guide in her precarious situation. 'But why not abandon it, Henrietta?" said Werner. "My kind friend," returned she, "reflect a while. In the theatrical profession I grew up; and was forced to accustom myself, in spite of the glittering splendour wherewith we are surrounded, to many humiliations imposed on me by the station Fate had pointed out. To what, indeed, besides could I resort? I have not received the education necessary to enable me to fill the situation of a governess, and that of mere companion would only be a change for the worse! The labour of my hands, it is true, remains; but the proceeds of that would be insufficient to support my young and helpless brothers and sisters, for whom I sacrifice my self, in order to draw them from a profession which certainly, to a heart impressed with honourable principles, is in many respects irksome and dangerous." The seriousness of her appeal exhausted her, and deeply moved her auditor. Leaning her head upon the cushion of the sofa, she left her hand free to the warm pressure of Werner, who after a while arose and paced the room in silence, as if revolving in his mind some great determination. At length he resumed his seat, and said Henrietta, let us combine our efforts for your emancipation. I think I know a person who, if he can be propitiated, is able amply to provide for you and yours. Say, my charming girl, will you at once be mine?" She did not answer, but turning her eloquent eyes, into which the tears were starting, full upon him, sank upon his breast. I will not attempt to detail the conversation which followed. Suffice it to say, that a plan was arranged, by virtue of which Henrietta was to bid farewell to public life, taking her VOL. IV. would probably be large, were to be laid aside as a fund to further their ultimate objects; that, meantime, Werner was to use every means to soften and reconcile his father to the union, and to obtain an appointment as teacher of music at the university. Some other preliminary measures being decided on, the lovers separated." The days flew by. The contemplated arrangements were made; and Henrietta, now fully engaged to Werner, resolutely declined the gallantry of her host of other beaux, who, at length perceiving the authorized and constant attentions of their rival, one by one retired from the field. Thus were matters circumstanced when the eventful day appointed for the final public exhibition of the syren's powers approached. Never had there been such a demand for tickets. All classes vied with each other in giving parting testimonies of respect to the fair songstress, and the rich and great loaded her with handsome presents. For three days previously not a ticket was to be procuredand hence it was announced that no pay-office would be kept open. On the morning of the concert-day a visitor was announced to Henrietta-Count Klannheim. On being introduced, he stated that he had arrived the preceding night at Berlin, as plenipotentiary from the court of V-, and had learned with chagrin that the enjoyment he had so long promised himself, of hearing Henrietta, was likely to be denied him. He had therefore taken the liberty of appealing to herself, to inquire if there were no means of his obtaining admission into the concert room. Henrietta expressed herself highly flattered by this compliment on the part of the count; but assured his excellency that she was altogether powerless in the matter, as literally speaking every place had been long engaged. The count expressed great mortification on receiving this answer. "Must I then," said he, "abandon all hopes of hearing this wonder by which so many have been entranced?" "I know but one way," returned Henrietta smiling, "of averting such an evil, and that is by your allowing me to sing an air to you on the spot. This offer was made with so much grace and modesty, that Count Klannheim was quite delighted; and seating herself at her piano, Henrietta sang several canzonettes with her characteristic sweetness. The count was much moved; he pressed her hand gratefully, and before he dropped it, 86 said, in the words of Schiller-"Accept a remembrance of this hour!" placing on her finger, as he spoke, a brilliant ring. He then retired, requesting her not to mention his visit, as he had not yet publicly announced his arrival. The concert, it is almost superfluous to say, passed off with the utmost éclat. The applause was almost stunning; roses and myrtles were thrown into the orchestra at the feet of the singer; and tears gushed from her eyes on bidding farewell, for the last time, to her generous auditors. light. The prince will avow that he not only loves but also honours you. Can you blame him if, in spite of the duties his state imposes, he still feels he has a human heart?" The fair girl rose from her seat: her bosom heaved tumultuously: she took hastily from her finger the jewel which Count Klannheim had previously fixed there, and returned it him "I know now," cried she, “the object of this gift;" and the starting tears prevented further speech. The count, visibly moved, was silent a few minutes, during which Henrietta stood as if expecting him to retire. At length he resum 'Not another word, I pray," answered she: "I dare not-I will not hear you!" The following morning Henrietta was somewhat surprised by a visit from an elderly min-ed-"Well then, I will proceed to unfold to ister, who addressed her as follows:-"My you the whole of my commission." daughter, Fame reports you to be kind-hearted and charitable, no less than accomplished, and I have been tempted, in my compassion for a destitute family, to make trial of your goodness. The parties in favour of whom I seek to interest you, I know to be as deserving as they are unfortunate; the father is now in confinement for debt; but a few hundreds would at once liberate him, and re-establish them all. Will you be the ministering angel to effect this benevolent purpose?" Henrietta was touched with the speaker's venerable manner and urgent appeal. She answered "I am but too happy in being able to do this. Fortune has been liberal to me, and ill would it become me to hesitate in aiding the distressed." She then inquired the necessary sum, produced it, and the minister retired, exclaiming, as he received her bounty, "God will reward you, my daughter!” His voice had a prophetic tone, nor was the prophecy false. Henrietta had scarcely time to recollect and felicitate herself on this occurrence, before an elegant carriage stopped at her door, and her former visitor, Count Klannheim, was announced. After some mutual passages of ceremony, the count, though with rather an embarrassed air, spoke as follows: "I am not a man of many words; nor will I now attempt to deny. that it is chiefly on your account, lovely Henrietta, I am at present in Berlin. Our prince, a man in his best years, has found it necessary, from political considerations, to take a step repugnant to his taste, and is about to marry. He anticipates in his spouse those charms of society which he seeks. In short, he has seen you." "Proceed no further, I entreat, count!" exclaimed Henrietta, shrinking; "I believe I anticipate what you would say.' "Perhaps you consider the affair in a false "You dare! you must! The prince antici pated your reply, and was prepared to meet it. So entire is his devotion to you, Henrietta, that he is even willing, since the laws of the state forbid his offering you his hand while he continues to reign, to resign in favour of his brother: and, in lawful possession of you, whom he accounts his greatest treasure, to retire from a throne to a private station. Say but the word, and I greet you the wife of my prince." Henrietta paused one moment, as if hes itating in what terms to couch her reply. She then said—“Count, I am indeed grateful for this proposal, and I honour and esteem the party from whom it springs. But I will not deprive his country of such a man. Nay, I will go further, and own to you, in confidence, that, even could your prince raise me to his throne, I should not be at liberty--I should not be desirous to share it with him. You are too thoroughly a gentleman, I am sure, to press me farther!" The count, during this address, had observ ed his fair companion with eyes beaming with joy. At its conclusion he could restrain himself no longer, but tenderly catching the astonished maiden in his arms, he cried“Noble excellent girl, come to my heart! You shall be my daughter!” and at the same moment the door sprang open, and Werner, rushing towards the old man, exclaimed"Henrietta, my father!" The riddle now is easy to solve. The young Count Klannheim had been travelling some two or three years incognito, and during that interval had contracted an irrepressible passion for Henrietta. Of this he apprised his father, who, as might be expected, opposed it inexor ably. Finding, however, that his son's happi ness was positively at stake, he, like a wise parent, set about proving the worthiness of the object; and the prosecution of this purpose will at once explain the visit of the old minister, and the mock proposal on the part of the prince. Werner had indeed, like a dutiful son, determined to marry his beloved at any rate, and seek his own fortunes,, in case his father should disinherit him. What remains?-but that the nuptials of Werner (no longer the poor musician) and Henrietta (no longer the popular actress) were celebrated with all due publicity and splendour; and that our old friends of the &c., being each necessitated to sink the admirer, were happy to mix in the gay circle as respectful guests. TWO SCENES FROM THE CIVIL WAR. [George Payn Rainsford James, born in London, 1801; died at Venice, 9th June, 1860. At the age of seventeen he began to contribute short tales and sketches to various periodicals. In 1825, by the advice of Washington Irving and encouraged by Sir Walter Scott, he wrote his first novel Richelieu. The success of that work was followed by a rapid stream of other novels, chiefly of an historical character. He produced nearly eighty different works, of which the most notable are: Darnley; Henry Masterman; John Marston Hall; Arrah Neil; Gourie, or the King's Plot; Life of Edward the Black Prince; Morley Ernstein; The Robber; The Huguenot; Henry of Guise; The King's Highway; &c. &c. His works were popular, although they were condemned by some critics for their lack of invention in incident and character. Leigh Hunt made a fair estimate of the author: "I hail every fresh publication of James, though I half know what he is going to do with his lady and his gentleman, and his landscape, and his mystery, and his orthodoxy, and his criminal trial. But I am charmed with the new amusement which he brings out of old materials. I look on him as I look on a musician, famous for his 'variations."" In 1852 Mr. James was appointed British consul at Richmond, Virginia, and afterwards consul at Venice.] It was late on the night of an early day in spring-perhaps about two hours past mid night and yet the inhabitants of a small lonely dwelling on the edge of a large piece of common-ground, lying about ten miles from Faringdon House, were all awake, and up, and with anxious eyes gazing from the small long windows upon the blank darkness that hung over the world. A single candle stood upon a plain oaken table in the midst of the room, by the light of which might be seen, at one of the windows, a small finely-formed female figure, which still preserved all the lines of exquisite beauty, though a certain degree of stiffness, corresponding well with some deep wrinkles on the cheek, and the white hair that was braided from the forehead, spoke the passing of many years under the petrifying power of time since that form had been in its prime, and that beauty, which still lingered, had known its first expansion. Leaning over her shoulder was another figure so like the first, but with every grace which time had nipped in it just blown-with the cheek unwithered and the brow unseared-that it seemed a living picture of what the other had been some twenty years before-a portrait in a family picture-gallery, where human loveliness may see and moralize on all the graces that the eternal reaper has gathered as he flew. At the second window was a somewhat untidy maid-servant, contrasting strongly, in her slatternly disarray, with the plain neatness which decked the two other figures, whose garb I shall not pause to describe: let it suffice that it was of white, and fashioned in the mode of the time, A.D. 164-, though either poverty, simplicity of taste, or deference to the puritanical mania of the day, had deprived it of every extraneous ornament. The night upon which the whole party looked out was dark and sad; for the moon had gone down, and the clouds over head, though not particularly heavy, were quite sufficiently so to hide every star, and cast a deep gray shadow over the wide exent of undulating moorland which stretched away for many a mile within view in the daytime. A few faint streaks of pale light upon the sky separated the darkness of the heavens from the darkness of the earth, and marked where the prospect ended; and thitherward were turned the eyes of all, watching, with straining and anxious gaze, a particular point on the dim horizon, where, every now and then, bright red flashes, sudden and sharp, but circumscribed and momentary, broke upon the night, followed by a distant report as quick and transitory. No one spoke while those flashes continued; but the silence itself seemed to show the intense anxiety which was felt by the tenants of that chamber, in regard to the events of which they obtained so dim and unsatisfactory a view. At the end of five minutes, however, the sudden bursts of light entirely ceased; the reports were no longer heard; and the elder of the two ladies, turning away from the window, said, in a low voice, "It is over; God's will is wrought by this time!" The younger said nothing; but clasping her fair hands together, raised her eyes towards the dark heavens, while her full sweet lips moved silently, offering up a petition to that never-closed ear which hears the still voice of the heart's thoughts as plainly as the loudesttongued appeal. In a moment after the clattering sound of horses' feet was heard coming quickly down the road. At first it was faint and distantthe dull heavy tramp of several fleet steeds galloping over moist ground; but soon it came nearer and nearer-left the turf of the common -clanged over the firm and stony road-came close to the house-passed it-and died away "Nay, nay, Margaret," replied the other, "it may be the Round-heads who flee. Though Goring and his Cavaliers marched by here, we cannot tell what way the struggle may have turned, or on what side he attacked the rebels. So it may well be the traitors that flee themselves. But look out, look out: your eyes are younger than mine, and less dimmed with tears; perchance you may catch a passing glimpse that will give us glad news." The younger lady pressed her eyes close to the window; and though by this time the first party of fugitives had passed the house, yet the distant sound of others coming nigh met her ear; and she continued to gaze upon the faint line of the road to the spot where the yellow glare of the gravel, which distinguished it from the ground about it, was lost in the general darkness of the common. At length three dark figures came forward with tremendous speed; at first so near together, and so hidden by the night, that she could hardly distinguish them from each other; but gradually the forms became more and more clear; and as they darted past the house she exclaimed in a glad tone. "They are the rebels, they are the rebels fleeing for life! I see their great boots, and their morions without crest or plume!" "But they may be pursuing those who went before," said her mother, with a less elated tone: "they may be the followers and not the fleers. Margaret." "No, no, they are fleeing, in good sooth!" replied the young lady, "for ever and anon they turn their heads to look behind, and still urge their horses faster at each look. But they are gone! And now pray God that victory may not cost us dear! I would that my brother were come back, and Henry Lisle." "Fie, Margaret, fie!" said her mother, "give God undivided thanks; for if my son and your lover be both left upon the field of battle, we ought still to feel that their lives were well bestowed to win a victory for their royal master. Margaret covered her eyes with her hands, but made no answer; and in a moment after, fresh coming sounds called her again to the window. It was a single horseman who now approached; and though he rode at full speed, with his head somewhat bent over the saddle. yet he continued his course steadily, and neither turned his look to the right or left. As he approached the house his horse started suddenly from some object left by the road-side, plunged. and fell; and the rider, cast with frightful violence from his seat, was thrown on his head upon the ground. A deep groan was at first the only sound; but the moment after, the |