is necessary that my wishes should be satisfied.mote this marriage, which had seemed so approI must have finer dresses than any one else-priate at a different time. But a certain shameeven than my mother." facedness withheld the boy; who, moreover, misinterpreted the import of his father's generosity on the night of Mathias's departure. A bias was given to his mind and increased every day. Time passed; and the thoughts of Yazir dwelt always on the absent Lulu. At first he was influenced by filial affection. If he saw his father sad, he said to himself, "It is because I am not the husband of Lulu." If he were urged to become wise and rich, he thought, "It is that I may be worthy of Lulu." His soul ever aspired in one direction toward Lulu. The time came, when every thing in this outward world began from some mysterious cause to appear more beautiful in his eyes; when the majesty of the heavens at night, with all its throb Mathias, therefore, had much to say, and the fame of his domestic dissensions spread abroad. The poor women of the neighborhood, whose husbands brought them home a few piastres daily, and contented them, were not sorry to talk of the fine lady who never went out except on the back of a high ass, with two slaves to attend her -one to clear the way with a whip, the other with his hand on the saddle, to prevent her falling—and who now, it was rumored, passed her days in weeping and wailing. It soon became known, indeed, that Mathias, when too late, had asserted his right of authority; and had become master of his own house, just as he was about to abandon it. The creditors were eager; and there remained salvation only in flight. One day, there-bing stars, was revealed to him; when the breeze fore, Mathias collected some household property, sold it to a broker, made a parcel of a few valuables, and when sunset came, started with his wife and daughter, leaving Cairo by the iron gate. He intended to take boat for Damietta, and that way escape to Syria, where he had some relations. He had not gone far before a rapid step was heard behind; and a soft voice called his name. He pressed on hastily; but soon Yazir came run-into a lovely form never absent from his dreams. ning up out of breath. The wife of Mathias rec- Zacharias, from whom propriety had not deognized him, and began to curse him; but the parted, seldom spoke of his absent friend; but boy said: "Be not angry, O mother. This is a talked frequently of finding a peerless bride for misfortune which can not be avoided. But be- Yazir. This would have been easy; for all hold, father Mathias, thou shalt not go forth with-mothers noticed the youth in the street, and wishout assistance. My father has heard of thy de-ed that their daughters might have the good-forparture, and sends this purse for thy expenses on the way." So saying, he placed a leathern purse in the hands of the merchant, who stooped down toward him and kissed him. All hearts beat high. The mother of Lulu felt the tears run down her cheeks; and Lulu herself, wayward girl as she was, came to Yazir, and taking his hand, put it to her lips, and said: "O prince-may happiness encircle thee as the halo encircleth the moon!" Her parents felt that this was a renewal of the betrothal; but they said nothing, and presently were pursuing their flight, while Yazir remained standing by the road-side. The boy was now nearly twelve years of age, tall, strong, and handsome; and more intelligent and knowing than lads are at fifteen in Western countries. He had already acquired all the instruments of knowledge necessary in the East. He could read, and write, and was capable at accounts. He already understood business, and his father had confidence in him. But the words of Lulu entered his mind. They had talked so much in his presence of the betrothal that he understood something of his father's wishes, though he knew not their importance. It seemed to him that his life had an object, which was the possession of Lulu; and he was too young to debate much on the means. at eventide, that had formerly been voiceless, seemed full of magic eloquence; when the trill of birds and the hum of insects in the pomegranate and mulberry groves filled him with strange sensations; when the prattle of children smote his heart, and the glances of women pierced his brain like gleams of sunshine. Then it was that Lulu ceased to be a mere name, and was changed tune to please him. But the merchant was now in no hurry. If any one spoke to him on the subject he said, "There is a time for all things." The truth was, that time, which destroys all passions-even love-had in him destroyed anger. Besides, it is no rare thing for the aged, when they feel life slipping from them, to return to some caprice they formerly cherished, which reminds them of younger days, and allows them, in fancy at least, to step back from the inevitable doom. Zacharias had written recently to Syria, endeavoring to learn some tidings of Mathias; but his correspondents told him that they had searched in vain. Mathias had indeed arrived safely in Beyrout; but, after remaining there a year, had disappeared. Some speculations in which he had engaged had utterly failed; and it was believed that he had gone away in absolute poverty. This intelligence made Zacharias sick at heart; but there was no remedy, and he devoured his chagrin in secret. One day Yazir, now a fine handsome youth, came to his father and said that a caravan was about soon to start for Bassora, by way of Damascus, and that he wished to take this opportunity to travel and see the world; for without experience of many countries what merchant can prosper? Zacharias was now old, and heard this If he had spoken to Zacharias he wish with a deep-drawn sigh, but he knew it to would have learned that circumstances had alter-be reasonable, and gave his consent, and collected ed; that he had now no longer any desire to pro- | a large amount of merchandise, and bought cam 824 els, and selected the most trustworthy servants, I was installed in a splendid palace, and requested to dispense justice, and execute the laws. He soon learned that it was the custom in that and made a present to the chief of the caravan. forth in the direction of the desert, and to wait for the first wanderer who, separated from scme caravan, had lost his way, and was expecting king raised to the throne from the extremity of naught but death. According to their notion, a playing the same trick. If a monarch, therefore, showed a bad character, they soon contrived that an accident should happen; the throne became vacant, and the population went out again to the borders of the desert. Yazir parted with his father after both had wept, and went forth into the desert. In the re-despair would not be likely soon to acquire pride cesses of his own mind there still lingered a hope and ferocity. Sometimes they had found themthat he might be one day united to Lulu; and it selves mistaken; but they had a remedy in their was to endeavor to ascertain her fate that he had hands. It was their practice to test the courage wished to go by way of Damascus. On arriving of the newcomers by running at them, as they in that city, instead of endeavoring to dispose of did at Yazir, shouting and brandishing their his merchandise, he occupied all his time in fruit-weapons; and they continued for some time less inquiries. After a stay of three months he departed for Bassora; but when the caravan had traveled for twenty days, a cloud of Bedouins, mounted on camels and horses, surrounded them and attacked them, slaying those who resisted and making prisoners of the rest. Yazir, remembering the advice that had been given him, and see-tinuing his journey to Bassora, or returning to ing that successful defense was impossible, sat down quietly and waited until the Bedouins came to him, and ordered him to follow them. They seemed surprised at the tranquillity of his demeanor; especially when they learned that he was one of the richest merchants of the company; and treated him far more favorably than the rest, abstaining from tying his hands, and promising to keep him well until such time as he could get friends to come with a ransom. Yazir, though he would have preferred con Cairo, consented to rule over this strange people; whose manners he found to be in many respects harsh and repulsive. When not in want of a king, they received all strangers roughly, and compelled them by ill-treatment to depart from their territory very quickly. Yazir, by an edict, ordered that this should no longer be, and contrived to instill hospitable views into the people of Gorân, for such was the name of the place. He should be led into a certain room of his palace, made it a custom that all strangers who arrived and kindly received and fed; and he used to go and look at them through a vailed window. All people celebrated his goodness; and the fame thereof spreading, travelers for the first time began to arrive at the city of Gorân. a man and two women, apparently beggars, had As he was left at liberty Yazir found no difficulty, after spending two or three days in the Bedouin encampment, in selecting the best horse belonging to the tribe, and in riding away one night at full speed. From words that he had heard, he knew that the city of Ardesh was at no great distance, and he felt confident of being able to reach it. He rode all night, and expected to see palm-trees and green pastures by the morning. But a plain of sand stretched on every side. He had mistaken the direction, and enter-wife, and his daughter Lulu, reduced to the exed a boundless desert, which even the Bedouins do not traverse. He did not know whether to advance or retreat, so he allowed the horse to gallop whither he would. Thus he proceeded all day, until at length, just as he was about to give himself up to despair, he came in sight of a splendid city, built according to a style of architecture wholly unknown to him. Yazir treme of poverty. Lulu, ripened into perfect womanhood, was more beautiful than ever. gazed at them with tears falling from his eyes. They were evidently worn with travel and suffering, and ate as if they had been long famished. When they were somewhat recovered, he called them before him, revealed his name and his conward and entered the cultivated country that sur-find time to answer, he turned to Lulu, and said: He rode for-dition; and before, from very wonder, they could rounded it. The roads were full of people, seemingly waiting for some arrival. "O fair one, wilt thou have a prince for thy proached they advanced with drawn swords and brandished spears, shouting: "Wilt thou be king over us?" When he ap-husband?" Believing he had to do with a company of madmen, and remembering the advice that had been given him, he replied calmly: 66 Mathias hung his head; and his wife threw herself at Yazir's feet. But Lulu ran to his manded her in the tone of a queen, not to humside, and seized her mother's hand, and comble herself. The marriage was soon celebrated; and all the people were glad for three weeks. Certainly. I came with that intention." Upon this, there was a huge sound of human raise one of their daughters to the throne, began Then, certain great families, who had hoped to voices, and trampling of feet, and clanging of to stir up dissatisfaction. gongs; and Yazir was conducted into the city,nent. So the prince, making his preparations se amidst the acclamations of the populace. He cretly, stole away one night with his wife and A revolt was immi THE NURSE'S REVENGE. WHAT Mathias, and the wife of Mathias, and they hast- she clutched her fist in my lord's face when he ened in the direction of Ardesh: leaving the peo- told her this, and said that he should one day rue ple of Gorân once more without a sovereign. On his barbarity; but it had all no effect, except to their way they met a cobbler escaping from his give additional force to his determination; so creditors, and informed him of the good fortune Mrs. Apreece, at that time a woman past forty that awaited him if he arrived in time at Gorân. years of age, went away heaping curses in Welsh Whether he succeeded to the throne they never on the earl and his tyranny, as she chose to call knew; for they hastened with all speed back to it; and indeed I can not help thinking it did Damascus, and thence to Egypt, and gladdened seem a little hard to the poor woman-foster the heart of Zacharias: who lived long to wit-mothers often having the tenderest affection for ness the happiness of his son, who had been a the children whom they have nourished at their prince, and of his new daughter who had been a bosoms. Perhaps she was as much mortified at beggar. the indifference of the child, who even then put up its little hands to push her, and said in its baby accents, "Do away-do away." But she 'a splendid wedding was that of Dorinda, never came to my lord's grand mansion in Pimlico Countess of Leverglen, expected to be! Just any more, and they had ceased to hear any thing twenty-one and come (though, alas! by the death of her for years, except that she still lived and of a loving father) into possession of her title took her pension, which was paid her through a and fortune, with beauty enough to have drawn solicitor in a Welsh town contiguous to the village half the nobility of England to her feet without where Mrs. Apreece resided. Lady Dorinda, I either, and about to be wedded to one of the hand- believe, had entirely forgotten her old nurse, and somest and most fastidious of noblemen (Charles, if she ever thought about her, was satisfied with Marquis of Willsbury), her earthly felicity seemed the reflection that her infirm years were provided perfect and assured. Perhaps though her style for. As to affection, she would have smiled in of beauty might not have suited every taste, it contempt at the thought of such a feeling subsistwas of a regal kind. Tall, commanding in figure, ing between the Countess of Leverglen and an the height of a Juno, though not the full propor- old Welsh woman of low degree, merely because tion of one, swan-like neck, head firm and well the said woman had had the honor of nursing her. set, hair glossy and black when left to its natural Oh, pride! how many, many shapes, Proteus-like, color, eyes dark and flashing, with a skin which thou canst assume! now wearing the garb of would have seemed marble had it not been relieved charity; then vain of thy silken robes and velvet by the full bright color of youth and health. A trappings spun by a worm like thyself; anon regrace and majesty which spoke of association with joicing and holding aloft thy head, because thou courts and courtliness all her life, and that pride art decked with bright and colored stones whose which however unamiable it may be in the sight value is fictitious; then puffed up, because may hap of One before whom the best and noblest of us in the reign of the first William thy remote progenare but as dust, yet sat on Lady Leverglen notitor was known to be a silken fawning Norman amiss for the fire it lent her eyes or the grace it adventurer, graced by the tyrant with the title of imparted to her mien. Her marriage was to take Baron in reward, maybe, for some ruthless sanplace as soon as possible, and finely the dress-guinary deed, or exulting over thy poor fellow for makers and jewelers were hurried to get ready to deck the noble young bride in time. The dowager, Lady Leverglen, doted on her daughter, though there was so little resemblance between them personally that no one would have supposed them mother and daughter, Lady Leverglen, the dowager, being short and slight, and not even in her youth could have boasted of much beauty. The late lord himself, I believe, was any thing but a handsome man; therefore both parents rejoiced exceedingly in their daughter's queenly and surpassing charms. The young Lady Dorinda's mother had been unable to nurse her own child, and the infant had been confided to the care of a Welsh nurse, and had resided in Wales, till at two years old she was restored to her doting parents, an infantine model of strength and loveli thy abundance of wealth which not thyself hast scraped together, or-but no wonder thou hast ascendency over the souls of mortals when thy promptings caused the downfall of angels. ... Lady Leverglen's was but the baser sort of pride, I fancy, for her station was surely high enough to admit of any condescension without such derogating from her nobility. So the last stitch was put into the wedding gown-a white satin sacque and tiffany petticoat-I remember it to have been richly embroidered with roses—and the last stroke of the pen was added to the settlements by which her title and possessions were to enrich the already overflowing coffers of the house of Willsbury. Proudly, and with almost the condescension of a sovereign, did Lady Leverglen receive her noble friends' congratulations; and at length the important morning was ushered in-portentous omen!--by a lowering leaden canopy of sky that seemed momentarily about to deluge London with a fit of atmospheric weeping. It kept off, however, this untimely rain, and at eleven o'clock the carriages almost blocked up Piccadilly. The ceremonial was fixed to take place in St. James's Church, and a dean was there to unite the happy pair. There were dukes, countesses, earls, and even royalty nearly related to the throne, to grace the auspicious union of mutual rank and wealth, with the additional felicity that Hymen at this altar was kept in countenance by Cupid. I had been in waiting at the bride's dressing, to give the last touch to her attire, and afterward proceeded on foot to the church to see the ceremony. I remarked, I believe, to Mrs. Pomander, the young countess's own woman, how dull and oppressed my lady seemed, and she answered, that it was no wonder, for she had been compelled to sit up all night, to preserve her "head," after it had been under the hands of Coiffère, the French hair-dresser. Ah! dear me, what we underwent for fashion's sake in those days; no one would believe now, only that it has become matter of history. how you gained admission here among this noble Speak, woman," said the dean; "though company I know not-there must have been strange neglect ;" and his reverence looked se verely at the gaping officials who were leisurely surveying this singular scene. he continued, "and say how and why you have dared to interrupt the ceremonial of marriage be"Speak, I say," tween these noble persons." Grace, as the case may be," said the audacious ject. Your objection?" an impostor, and not what she seems.' 66 no countess; she was changed at nurse. I was This-that your fine young countess there is the nurse: I ought to know my own child-for I am her mother. And now, my lord, the bridegroom, you can marry as fast as you please. I, for blood being a lady in earnest. Only I have told one, make no objection to my own flesh and my crime-saved, saved my precious soul," she said, again flinging her arms aloft. But, to return to the wedding, there was a rare crowd about the church door, and the beadles in their gold-lace coats and gold-headed sticks had enough to do to keep order. Such a procession of rank and beauty as filed off into that church! So there they were-satins and feathers, and flowers and tiffany, and lace, and pearls, and diamonds, flashing in the gloomy morning, as if to atone for the sun's absence. And after awhile, the splendid crowd having arranged itself into order, a deep solemnity pervaded the church, and the dean began the service of matrimony. He had read the opening address, and came to that solemn adjuration-" I require and charge ye both (as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed), that if either of you know any impediment why ye may not be lawfully joined together in holy matrimony, ye do now confess it, for be ye well assured that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow, are not joined together by God, neither is their matrimony lawful." As the dean slowly and impressively uttered the last word, there arose amidst the breathless silence in that church a can not, my Lord Willsbury, proceed with the "Take her into the vestry," said the dean. "I strong, deep, yet slightly tremulous voice-"I ceremony till this strange matter be cleared up." forbid this marriage." Every one turned round He was interrupted by the bride falling heavily to to look for the intruder, and a pause, terrible for the ground, for somehow Lord Willsbury was no the short time it lasted, came-while each one longer supporting her; and there she lay, cold, was asking himself if it was not a dream, or a and white as the nosegay in her breast. She was trick of the imagination. The dean, who, of laid on a heap of pew-cushions in the vestry, course, had discontinued reading, demanded, where the friends of the families adjourned. The "What impediment exists?" Then a woman, guests were politely requested to disperse, for there tall, bony, and hard-featured, as one who had seemed no chance of the marriage taking place been accustomed to wind and weather, to hard that day. Constables were called in, and the and open toil, yet bearing traces of having pos- strange woman was given into their charge. And sessed in her youth great beauty, came forward. one by one, or in pairs, the company departed— There was much shrinking among the dainty many of them, I am afraid, to spread this strange court dames, as this old, coarsely clad, homely business over the town, which afforded the fashobject advanced toward the altar. She looked ionable world food for gossip many a day after. round at the grand company with an air of defiance, partaking, too, of a strange sort of exulta- man being examined strictly, the truth came out It turned out to be too true. tion. The Welsh woShe is mad," said the dowager, Lady too certainly. It seems that the first thing that Leverglen, who was well-nigh fainting with ter- put the temptation in her heart was the fact that ror, and whom-her ladyship being much ad- the real heiress of the Leverglens had taken the dicted to hysterics-I every minute expected to small-pox, and was so cruelly disfigured, that the see go off screaming. She reserved them, how-nurse dreaded taking her home to my Lady Levever, till she had more time; then I remember erglen, whom she knew to wish that her little daughter should grow up a beauty. "There was and sat by her, and soothed her awhile with flattering hopes and promises; but the defection of my Lord Willsbury, who had never recovered from the shame and disgrace of his wedding morning, affected her too powerfully to be mastered. It was in vain that they who were admitted to see her said that if his affection was for her wealth and state, instead of for herself, it were well that she had found out her mistake. She would not acknowledge any thing to be well that involved the loss of worldly homage. It was of no use to represent that her charms and accomplishments being personal, she could not be deprived of them. "Of what use were they," she said, "to poverty and disgrace?" Lady Leverglen, to comfort her, assured her that, in the worst case, an allowance should be hers to live like a gentlewoman. "I thank you, madam," she said, her eyes flashing scorn; "and I have doubtless your consent to marry the chaplain, or the hairdresser, or any who will take the vile disgraced changeling." Then her mood would alter, and she would fling her arms round my lady's neck, and crave indulgence, and passionately implore her to remember if she knew not of some sign or mark by which she could be identified; and these scenes went on till Gynneth's death and final declaration, which there was no getting over. Lady Leverglen was compelled to say she would receive the to intimate to Dorindo, or Polly as she had been christened, that she must depart to a retreat in the country till her feelings softened. My lady would gladly receive her as companion, still feeling for her like a daughter. Mrs. Pomander told me that to her dying day she would never forget the look of the ci-devant countess, but she only answered my lady with a “ Certainly, madam; you shall be obeyed in every circumstance," and turned round on her bed, which she had never quitted since they brought her to it after that terrible morning, and buried her face in the pillows, as if she wished no further discourse; so my lady, who was nigh broken-hearted herself, left the room, and some hours after the invalid complained to Mrs. Pomander of a racking pain in her shoulder. Such was the miserable woman's statement, sworn to on the Bible before a magistrate; and the strong likeness, allowing for age, hardship, and poverty, between Gynneth and the unfortunate girl whom she claimed, was strong presump-real Countess of Leverglen as her daughter, and tive evidence. Lawyers were employed; for poor Lady Leverglen's heart and hopes were wrapped up in her supposed daughter, and revolted from the young woman, who, plain to positive ugliness, and rustic and ignorant in her manner and converse, had been fetched up from Wales to be introduced-poor thing-if necessary, to a fortune and title. Here again the truth was painfully apparent. Through the disfigurement of that scourge, the small-pox, the resemblance to her parents, Lord and Lady Leverglen, was manifest. The motive of revenge on the Leverglen family was, at first, supposed to be the cause; but in the course of these proceedings, the old woman was taken ill in London, and, it was apparent, had been arrested by death. In her last moments, she made a request to see the Dowager, the lawyers, and the Marquis of Willsbury, as well as the two young women; but she who has hitherto been called the Countess of Leverglen refused to come. Even in death the Welsh nurse's eyes flamed with passion. "It is cold," said the woman, who vowed that she knew not how to term her mistress. "I suppose so," said Miss. "Send, Pomander, for some laudanum to rub it with." The laudanum was got-a pint bottleful-from "Never mind," she said, "we shall soon meet the apothecary's, and the shoulder well rubbed where she must come." with it; and then Mrs. Pomander took her leave for the night. Leave the bottle," said her mistress, "on the toilet, lest this terrible pain returns." The woman did so. * * She reiterated her statements on oath, made still more sacred by its being her dying one; and taking the sacrament, soon afterward expired. ... And she to whose pride this crushing blow had arrived, she would not believe, for a long time, that this dreadful discovery was true. When Mrs. Pomander drew her young lady's What! she, the delicately bred, the refined, the curtains next morning, there she lay in the stillbeautiful, made of the common clay which form-ness of death. Alas! alas! it was a death selfed wretched Welsh peasants? Impossible! She shut herself up in her chamber, and caused it to be darkened, and became more imperious than ever. Lady Leverglen, who was distracted, came inflicted-the haughty and impatient spirit had dared to rush to its Creator, not in humiliation and prayer, but in desperation and anger. He who is more merciful than the most merciful of |