towering rocks, and wild and deep. forests, in devotional exercise, glided the days of the pious brotherhood; like a peaceful stream meandering over its pebbled bed, no breakers interposing, no rough chill blast of disappointment or of woe "Prayer all their business, all their pleasure praise." Often would the sonorous tinkling of the vesper bell, sailing on the balmy breeze of evening, and conveying its deep shrill tone to the solemn stillness of Montranzo, mark the adjournment of the venerable devotees (long since dead to society and to nature) to the duties of true holiness, and the exercise of religion. CHAP. CHAP. V. No one friendly beam E'er gave a glimpse from whom he was descended. Conceal'd him from himself, and from his blood. HILL. "WHAT is my name?" demanded the little Huberto, as he looked inquisitively in the face of Father Brazilio. "You tell me I am an orphan." Yes, boy," replied the monk; "and indebted for your support and life to the Conte Alverani." The child wiped a tear from his eyehis young heart glowed with fervent gratitude towards his benefactor. "An "An orphan! and why am I an orphan? You tell me God is good to all who love him Adelheida loves him, and I love him; Adelheida has got a father, and why have not I got a father?", "Because," answered the monk, evading the searching glance of the young inquisitor, " you are a poor, unacknowledged foundling, and the Lady Adelheida is the daughter of the Conte Alverani.” "And I suppose," with a look of melancholy dejection, fathers." 66 foundlings have no "I did not say so, boy." "Then I have a father?" eagerly. "Yes, yes, poor little interrogator,” said the Conte, who, unperceived, had entered the apartment, "I will be your father;" and he strained the sobbing boy to his breast. "But go, Adelheida seeks you;" and in the innocent caresses of his loved companion, the newly-awakened sorrow of Huberto was forgotten. At night he he slept regardless of the morrow; and then he arose, and flew to Adelheida, for they "Learn'd, play'd, ate together; And wheresoe'er they went, like Juno's swans, Still they were coupled and inseparable." Scarce eight years had numbered over the head of Huberto, when, through the' loquacity of a servant, his alienated and unacknowledged state was abruptly disclosed. It was then he flew to Father Brazilio; and, sobbing, in the fullness of his heart, demanded the above explanation. 66 They tell me I am a foundling," he ex-" claimed, as, liberated from his studies, he joined his loved companion on the ramparts. "A foundling!" repeated Adelheida, "what is that?" "I don't know." "It must be something very-very good," lisped the little interesting girl. "Huberto a foundling! I wish I was a foundling too." Huberto Huberto kissed the ruby lips of his nominated sister; and henceforth foundling was not a term of pity, but of praise. As the sportive, happy years of infancy gradually ripened into maturity, and the full-grown stature of Di Rinaldini spoke the dawn of manhood, his wish of diving into the mystery of his origin augmented, and curiosity grew into eager and insatiable desire. In vain did Adelheida, in all the arts of persuasion, in all the blandishments of sisterly love, affirm rank and wealth but feathers in the scale with virtue; affirm, that, rich in the possession of the one, not the ermine of royalty could increase her regard. An internal, an indescribable, an almost unknown motive propelled Huberto to the scrutiny. Adelheida sighed when he quitted her to seek the Conte: her heart beat, her head réclined on her snow-white hand; the form of her foster-brother remained decked |