Emilia, or the Genoese Orphan

Chapter I

During the Autumn of the year 1851 when the Grand Duke, Leopold the second, governed Thuscany ; the aristocracy of the little capital, Florence, was assembled on the night we are about to describe in the Palazzo Pitti. The prince, then reigning, had long been considered the most popular among the petty sovereigns of Italy. He had aspired to follow the track of his grandfather, the celebrated Leopold 1st who had been called, on the death of his brother, (the still more re nowned Joseph 2d ) from his little dominions in Italy, to govern the mighty empire of Austria ! The ambition of the present Grand Duke was always ; to be praised, and admired like that great man. He failed however completely ; for ability was wan ting; but his feeble efforts had been so far crowned with success, that he attracted to Florence, not only a vast number of foreign ers, but also a large portion of Italians, from the other states, who enjoyed a happy residence, under his paternal and benign government, which, contrasted forcibly, with that denied them, by the harsh and despotic laws, then prevalent in all other parts of Italy.

Since however the stormy and revolutionary year of 1848, when Leopold, to stop the tide which seemed to rush headlong, with irresistible fury, and threatened to engulph him and his throne in the general ruin, called the Austrians to his assistance, and weakly bound himself a slave to that power ; he lost, in one short and fatal moment, a popularity, which he had struggled a whole life to attain. Deeply he felt the sadness of this change. He was a good and well intentioned man, but his feeble and va cillating disposition, prevented him from being able to extricate himself from this humiliating position, and his life was embittered by the recollection of the past, compared with the inglorious ignominy of the present. He continued however to make Florence attractive to foreigners, and his miniature court was proverbial for constant gayety.

The fetes and balls at the royal Palazzo Pitti, were brilliant and numerous, in doing the honors of which, he was most ably seconded by the Grand Duchess, sister to Fer dinand 2nd of Naples — This princess was worthy of her exalted position, and presided over these splendid entertainments wilh true grace, so that nothing could surpass them for hospitality, elegance, and refinement. About this time, a marriage.had been celebrated; between a young friend, and protegee of hers ; and a nobleman of high birth and fortune, the Marchese San Fedele — The lady was Luigia Siccardi, one of the most celebrated beauties of the city, and the Grand Duchess, with her usual policy, meditated appoin ting her as one of her ladies of honor, considering, that so many charms and accomplishments, could not fail to ensure at court a new ornament of attraction.

The ball given on this evening vvas in her honor, and its, principal object was to judge what impression would be made by her first appearance in public. — This far exceeded all expectations, for nothing could equal the sensation produced by her beauty, and all eyes were rivited on the capti vating bride. The admiration she excited, was howerer, at one moment divided, by a young and lovely creature, about three or four years younger, who, leaving a quiet corner, stood up. and leaned upon the arm of her friend — The snow white skin, and melting blue eyes of this fair girl, led one to imagine that she must be a daughter of the North ; but the glossy black hair, and dark long eyelashes, which shaded those soft blue eyes, denoted an Ita lian origin. Towards the close of the evening, these two beautiful women traversed the spacions apartments, and the Marchioness said to her companion cc Emilia, dear, I am almost overcome by the heat of the crowded rooms, let us enter this quiet recess and enjoy the cool refreshing air which it affords »; so saying, she led the way into a sine conservatory, where exotic plants were arranged with luxurions profusion, lamps being here and there dispersed among the trees, and shrubs; sufficient to throw a soft light which came as a pleasant relief, after the dazzling glare of the brilliantly illuminated rooms which they had just left. <c This is indeed an enchanting spot » said she; « but I feel so joyous and happy, that every where appears to me a paradise.

Say Emilia, have I not reason to be proud, to find myself the wife of San Fedele 1 He has been sought for by all the most noble and beautiful of Florence: and to know that I alone possess his heart and hand is almost too much felicity. » Emilia smiled sweetly, as she paid a well turned compliment to her friend, but their conversation vvas interrupted by the entrance of the Marchese himself, accompanied by another gen tleman. « Luigia, here is the Baron Lobinski who has engaged you for this waltz, ancl the music has already commenced » so saying, San Fedele presented his companion, who led off the marchioness, whilst he remained with Emilia. cc You must allow me to be your partner, said he, as he offered her his arm ; but the solitude of this secluded spot, suits my humor better than the crowded atmosphere of the ball room.

Pray, fair lady, do not be in haste to leave it, but let us indulge for a few minutes the exquisite engoyment of lhat quiet repose, which its deserted shade affords, i Emilia, whose naturally obliging disposition led her to acquiesce in whatever gave plea sure to others, allowed the Marquiss to seat her in an alcove, formed by a profusion of beautiful camelias, where he took his place by her side. A pause of some moments succeeded. — Emilia, who was occupied in admiring the varions flowers by which she was, surrouifded, was suddenly surprised, on looking up, to sind herself the object of his intense gaze ; his countenance having assumed the most tender ancl passionate expression. Her eyes fell, beneath his enamoured look, and she involuntarily arose to leave the spot. « Emilia, dearest Emilia, clo not hurry away thus, but let me take this opportunity, the only one that has ever been afforded me, of descrihing to you the love, the deep love ; of which you are the object : yes ! from the first moment in which I beheld you, your image has haunted my imagination, I have had to bear the daily torture of having you under the same roof, without being able to breathe a hint of my feelings towards you, but now, by Heaven ! you shall hear me; » and as he spoke, he convulsively seized the hand of Emilia, who. mute with astonishment, had not the power of extricating it from his grasp.

I am shocked, and mortified my lord, cc she said at last » at your addressing such language to me. Think of Luigia, your handsome, your amiable wife, what her feelings would be, could she imagine you capable of holding such language to any one ; she kindly offered me the shelter of her roof, when circumstances had deprived me of my tutor, and protector. An orphan, and alone; her kindness was precious to me; but rather than be the cause of bringing a moment 's unhappiness to her, I would bury myself in the most gloomy convent, take refuge in any lonely and far distant spot ; any where, rather than hear a repetition, of what is unworthy of you, my lord, to utter, and worse, for me to listen to — Have you not sworn at the altar to love Luigia? And can you almost at the same moment, forget your vows, and perjure yourself by offering them to another? » She made a desperate effort to disengage her hand, but ineffectually ; for the Marquiss held it with increased firmness as he proceeded. « The galley slave who drags his chain, as he proceeds his weary way, does nos loathe it more than I do, that, which binds me to Luigia.

To your ear, alone, I confide the secret which forced this marriage upon me; I had unfortunately deeply in volved myself in a gambling transaction whith her Father; my ruin must have been the consequence, had he not sold me his daughter to cancel my debt. Luigia was young, handsome, rich ; I could not objecf ; ancl I might perhaps have loved her, had not fate thrown before me, you, most angelic most lovely of women. Hear me Emilia ; have pity on me ; only tell me that I may love you, and you are mistress of the most faithful heart, the most devoted slave, ancl the most grateful of human beings. » So saying he pressed the hand he held to his lips, which Emiha attempted indignantly to withdraw. cc For shame, my lord, to insult me thus: let me return instantly to the rest of the company, or the agitation you have occasioned me, may be observed by others : for heaven' sake clo not further detain me. » You little know, Luigia cc answered the Marquiss, bitterly » if you think she will occupy herself about you ; vain, and frivo lous, she has no real sympathy for friend, or husband; admiration is all she seeks, provided she commands that, she is happy ; and now she is deeply engaged in the giddy maze of the waltz wilh a fellow whom I well know, — - certainly not one to allow her thoughts to wander from himself to any one.

San Fedele was grievously mistaken. — At that moment his wife was unfortunately a spectator of all that had passaed : She bad scarcely parted from Emilia, when finding that she had left her fan in the conservatory, she disengaged herself from her partner, and returned to seek it. The thick foliage of the orange trees, rendered her en trance unobserved by the other two, and hearing her own name mentioned by her husband, a feeling of curiosity induced her, in a playful humor, to hide herself in the shade, and verify what was the subject of conservation. Her horror and indignation can be imagined, when she witnessed all that followed, and she con tinued rooted to the spot, after Emilia had disengaged herself from the Marquiss, who remained alone, biting his lip from mortification, and disappointment.

She glided noiselessly away, and reached the ball room, through an opposite door from the one by which Emilia entered, who threw herself on a seat almost breath less from emotion, caused by the scene which had been enacted. The poor girl was glad to find herself by the side of an elderly lady, Aunt of Luigia' s, and was thus immediately relieved from the awkwardness of feeling herself alone in the midst of so crowded an assembly. She made an effort to compose her ruffled features, and to stifle the almost audible beating of her heart, as the dowager immediately entered into conservation. cc How Lovely Luigia looks to night, » said the old lady, as she perceived her niece, surrounded by a host of admirers, and the grand duke himself, at the moment, leading her to the dance. There, she stood, proudly beautiful ; her complextion slightly flushed, and her eyes more bright than usual: this was the only change in her appearance : no human being could have sus pected the storm that raged within.

With extraordinary self command, she mastered the passion that struggled in her bosom, and to the public, again shone forth as the happy, elegant, and envied bride. Emilia, whose naturally timid nature, vvas formed in another mould, could not recover her spirits ; she pleaded headache, as an excuse for not again joining the dancers; and hailed with joy the moment, when the final breaking up of the company, announced the signal of departure ; and she once more found herself in the solitude of her chamber. CHAPTER TT. Emilia was a native of Genoa : her father the Marchese di Savona, at the age of twenty five, yet unmarried, had deeply compromised himself in the political movement of 1821 when the Italian nation, first rousing from a letahrgy of years, raised the standard of liberty, and headed by the Prince of Carignano (afterwards Carlo Alberto) gave signal of life ; loudly proclaimed the desire for a Constitution, and the ardent aspiration to obtain those political advantages, which they alone, in the midst of so many inferior countries, were never permitted to enjoy.

The prince who headed this party, at the moment that so many lives and fortunes were at stake, startled at the vast proportions which the revolution threatened to take, receded from the enterprise, and abandoned the party, who had most of them risked all to follow him. The consequence of this desertion was fatal : those who had built their hopes' on regenerating their country, and might have aspired to the rank of heroes, (had their efforts suc ceeded,) in one short moment, found themselves degraded to the rank of low conspirators; and were fortunate to escape with their lives, after having sacrificed all their fortunes. Hundreds, on that occasion, were obliged to emigrate to distant lands, and foreign climes; and to support the painful and humiliating task, of earning their daily bread; fortunate also, when that was pos sible; without incurring the still more dreadful alternative, of obtaining charity from the strangers on whose shores they landed.

Very few on that occasion had suffered to so great an extent as the Marchese di Savona: He had possessed large landed estates which he had morgaged moslly all, to aid what he considered the sainted cause of liberty ; and the little that remained; was confiscated by the government. He chose England as the spot most congenial to his inclinations, and there, he hoped to live obscurely as a teacher of the Italian language, under the assumed name of Vitalba. His birth and station be coming soon known, the humble master was in the course of a short time, received into many aristocratic families on terms of friendship, and equality. Among those who welcomed him with the greatest cordia lity w as a Lady Arnold, who had, residing with her, a young niece, a girl of about ten years of age, for whom she engaged Yitalba as master.

Little Marion commenced to study Italian ; her lessons were prosecuted with delight; and as time went on, the respect and deference, with which she greeted the master, dege nerated into feelings of a more tender nature. Lady Arnold, foolishly blind, did not perceive this change, until it was too late to remedy the error ; but when the conviction came at last upon her mind, she took the immediate step of checking the intimacy which her imprudence had so long allowed to continue. Marion' s birth day of fifteen came round, and her Aunt, while presenting her with the usual little trinket, wliich she was wont to regale her with, on that joyful morning, as she gave her the affectionate kiss of congratulation, mentioned, without appearing to make much cas of the circumstance, that, as she was now old enough, to be presented in society, so much study was no longer necessary, consequently the Italian master was dismissed.

Marion received the astounding intelligence with stupified amazement : her natural impulse, after the first surprise, vvas to make known her feelings of astonishment, and displeasure; but checking this vent whjch she was about to give to her grief, she remained perfectly silent : not one word escaped her lips' to express sorrow, or discontent. A sad expression passed over her countenance painfully tranquil. - and thus she remained. — She never gave utterance to any regret, or even appeared to recollect the happy hours which had been dedicated to study, and to her master ; and above all, she never complained of the cruel, and unexpected manner, in which this enjoyment had been so suddenly torn from her. Lady Arnold watched her with painful solicitude — often she detected a stealthy tear trickle down the pale cheek, and vainly she tried to dispel the fixed melancholy, which too visibly sat upon the face of that once bright, and cheerful girl, cc Marion's health began to decline, and, altho' she pined in sceret, it was plainly visible that cc the worm was feeding upon her damask cheek.» Offers of marriage were made to Marion which she stead fastly refused : she gave no reasons for her denial except that she did not wish to marry.

Lady Arnold saw her declining health, and trembled — Every amusement that could be invented; country excursions, yachting, dancing, music, and theatres, all were had recourse to, one after the other, to no purpose. The settled me lancholy increased yet more profoundly. She poured over her italian books, as she did the first day, and nothing else had any interest for her. Among other admirers, (for Marion had many,) was a Captain Bolton, an officer of the — Hussars a man of fiery temper, and most conceited manners. He met Marion at a ball, and feeling, as he himself expressed, deucedly smitten, with the sentimental httle beauty, he lost no time in presenting himself as the foremost in rank, a pretender for her hand. Lady Arnold promised to further his suit; he was well off, and a good match for Marion, no objection could be made in any way, but Marion turned away with horror, only on hearing his name mentioned; and Lady Arnold had the mortification, of having to give him a refusal which she tried to palliate in the best way she could.

Captain Bolton curled up his moustaches, and vowed, that Marion should be his, or nobody' s. He would not appear to consider himself a rejected lover, but took up his position, as one priviledged to wait upon her, and no watch dog ever kept such a look out ; or was so ready to snarl at intruders, as this Captain, when any other admirer approached — Even Lady Arnold, got annoyed at his bullying, swaggering manner which was only checked, by the too painful reason, that Marion' s increasing delicate health, precluded her any longer from going into society. Four years had now elapsed, since the dismissal of Yitalba from the house of Lady Arnold, and each day Marion went down worse in health and spirits. Medical aid was had recourse to : the doctor gave it as his opinion, that the disease was a nervous one, and although he suggested, lhat travelling might contribute much to her recovery, he also added, that this could not be efficacious, if the mind of the youug lady was not perfectly at ease ; for it was evident that the malady proceeded from some hidden displeasure.

The experienced doctor suspected strongly that it originated from some hopeless passion, and he confidentially told the inconsolable Aunt, his fears ; adding, that his patient had arrived at that deli cate point, which bordered so near consumption, that her state vvas most precarious, cc In a short time » added he « it will be too late to save her. » Lady Arnold, conscious striken, confessed to the Doctor, the number of years that bad passed ever since Marion, had evidently been pining for Vitalba : — Upon hearing which he gave it as his decided opinion, that if matters could not be arranged, she must inevitably fall a victim. Lady Arnold did not hesitate ; the life of Marion was precious beyond every other con sideration, her carriage was ordered; and quickly, she was conveyed to the residence of Vitalba. — Up three pair of stairs, in an humble apartment, resided the Italian teacher, who was sur prised at the visitor announced, and still more so, on the request being made to renew his lessons in Portman square.

My time is much occupied, replied he, rather coldly, I should prefer your choosing another master for your niece; — and on seeing the countenance of the lady assume a disappointed, nay even an uneasy expression, he added, -- except that Miss Marion herself expresses her desire for the recommencement of her lessons, as well as her Aunt. cc Then you will not be obstinate in your refusal, if Marion herself joins me in pressing you, » said the lady, and Yitalba handed her to her carriage, with polite, but distant acquiescence. The following day the little studio, so long abandoned was opened out, the table spread, and all the books prepared: a comfortable fire blazed in the chimney, and Marion with beating heart, and her eyes upon the clock, counted the moments for the arrival of her master. Never was there joy like hers, as his step was heard upon the staircase : she pressed with her two hands the throbbing heart as if to hush up its beating, which threatened to divulge that secret, which had been for so many years buried within herimmost soul.

Never was a welcome given with more extasy, nor a mortal so thoroughly happy, as was Marion at that moment. A line written by her, with Lady Arnold's conseut, had recall ed the Italian master: as such he now entered ; -- but did he, two hours later, retire under the same formal epithet ? Oh no! a change had come over that little party ; and when Yitalba rose to depart, Lady Arnold taking Marion' s hand, and placing it in his, affectionately said, cc I resign to you the greatest treasure Ipossess which I should not do, if Idid not consider you in every way deserving of it. Vitalba pressed the hand which lay in his to his lips sayng, my gratitude for such a gift will be eternal. The compact was sealed, Marion and he were affianced — a few days elapsed, and their marriage was fixed. Marion's fortune was not great, but the good Aunt was too delighted to keep the married couple in her house as if they were her own children, so there was no preventitive to their speedy union.

Captain Bolton, who had always kept hanging on, in the distance, was not long in penetratingthe mysterious change that was working such a miracle in the appearance of Marion : she was no longer to be recognized : colour had returned to her pale cheeck, and roundness to her wasted form. Her merry laugh resounded as formerly in the air ; she was herself again : The change was obvious to all, and her engagement with Yitalba was publickly announced — goaded on to fury, ancl irritated by some young friends, who bantared him for letting himself be cut out by the Italian master, he determined to insult Yitalba on the first opportunity that might present itself — He had not to wait long.

Yitalba was one day in a pubblic reading room, which was the resort of many yonng men ; and Bolton in the midst of a circle of friends, and some of his own officers, began to make some very pointed remarks in a loud tone against the Italian nation in general — « They don't deserve liberty cc said he » and know not how to obtain it, and the Austrians are right to keep the heel of their boots on such necks. » cc All Europe replied one of his young friends, is tired of their continual outbreaks, which always end by sending some score of beggars to infest other places ; » cc Indeed, said Boltou, we have not much to gain by such importations, and certainly, if our young ladies require schoolmasters, it ought not to be Italian ones lhat their Mothers should provide them with. » At these last insulting words he fixed his eyes pointedly on Yitalba, who, seated at a table, not far off, had turned round with a slushed countenance, to take notice of the party, who were' speaking in such disrespectful terms of his nation — The other officers who had taken part in the conversation, now per ceived for the first lime, by the angry countenance of Vitalba that he seemed personally insulted by their words: they had not even seen him previously ; or they never would have spoken as they did : they tried to turn off the conversation, and only Bolton pro ceeded in the same strain. cc You will get into a scrape, whispered his friend, yon black eyed foreigner, looks mightily enraged, it would not be a very pleasant joke, if he turned out to be an Italian, after all the fine things that we have been saying — » and that is just the reason wby I should repeat them, « and raising his voice, Bolton added; » they ought to be arrested every one of them, and sent back to be shot in their own beggarly country.

The colour mounted to the face of Yitalba, as he heard these words, too loudly spoken to pass unnoticed ; and turning round and rising on his feet he as loudly replied : « If all Englishmen, were as uneducated as some of the of ficers of the — Hussars, few foreigners would be found anxious to intrude themselves into their country, and one among them, I know to be, a coivard, and a liar; let him answer for the rest. » All restraint was now thrown off: voices loud, and angry, resounded through the saloon. Bolton, with horsewhip in hand, rushed upon the Italian, who with flashing eye, awaited his arrival, and ere the whip reached his shoulders ; he had given a blow in the face of the enraged Captain — and now the fracas became terrible : the friends interfered, and separated the combatants, who in this undignified way had mutually insulted each other.

A short time after this, Captain W. of the Hussars vvas the bearer of a challenge to Yitalba. cc I lower myself, said Bolton. to fight the paltry scoundrel wbo is nothing but a miserable Italian master ; but he pretends lo be a man of title in his own country so after having felt the weight of his vulgar fist, I must try the temper of my steel on his damned ribs » Early next morning in a remote corner of Hyde Park the antagonists were on the ground: Caplain Bolton, accompanied by his fellow officer Captain Ford; Yitalba by sir James Nelson, an old friend of many years standing. The rencounter was expected lo be a most serious one, for the provocation had been great on both sides, and the temper of each, as he arrived at the rendez vous, was in the most irritated humor the choice of weapon had fallen to Bolton who preferred the sabre.

He was a fencer of pre miere force, ancl as such felt perfectly sure of himself. Vitalba, less presuming, was however equally confident, and looked over at his adversary with the most perfect composure, whilst Bolton affected towards bim the coolest disdain. The duel began : each party gave sign of dexterity, and first rate practice, when, after a long combat, carried on by both sides, wiih a perfection almost unequalled in the annals of fencing, Bolton received a slight wound on the shoulder, which showed the first sign of hlood. The seconds interfered, and declared that the honor of the gentlemen might be satisfied, and expressed a wish that the contest should be considered terminated. Bolton however resisted, mortified to the quick at this little triumph of his rival, and insisted on a continuance of the strife. cc This is but a scratch, cried he, and counts for nothing; on then again, defend yourself, sir : » Now, the struggle became down right desparate, each one measured his adversary, with steady, and unflinching eye ; and every thrust, was given, and parried, with frightful energy.

The fate of the contest was however soon decided, for Bol ton, receiving another wound in the arm, the sword dropped from his hand, and his second, reluctantly retired him, acknowledging his defeat. Rage, and mortification, swelled the heart of that bad tern pered man ; he could not forgive the foreigner, for triumphing in arms, as well as in love; and he registered a bitter oath, that he would hereafter find bis time for revenge. Yitalba laughed with scorn, at these threats of vengeance ; and, whilst his rival was yet stretched on a couch, slowly reco vering from his serious wound, Marion and he, were united in the happy bonds of matrimony, loving and beloved.

Chapter III

The marriage took place in the year 1831 full ten years after Yitalba 's residence in London. The most uninferrupted felicity followed this, their union, to complete which, about, two years after, Marion announced to her adoring husband, that she was in the way, of one day hoping to become a happy Mother. Yitalba 's joy was unbounded, but it grieved him sadly, that his child should be born on foreign land. So much did it af flict him, that he made a petition to the Italian goverment, for permission to visit for a few months his native country. Carlo Al berto, who now reigned peaceably in Piedmont, granted occa sionally this leave, to those who made the request ; and Di Sa vona having obtained it, joyfully returned to Genoa with his young wife. After so long an absence, how cheerfully did he again visit tbe land of his birth!, and with what pride did he not welcome his beloved Marion to his native city, ! so justly entitled.

Geuova la superba. — - Alas! tbe home that he would have brought her to. no longer existed ; the palace of his ancestors was no more his, and had passed into other hands, but she was not ambitious ; his love was all she cared for; and sure of that, she felt mistress of the world. Shortly after her arrival, she gave birth to a daughter: Emi lia, the heroine of our tale. The limited time which was allotted for Di Savona 's residence in Genoa, shoitly expired; and with a heavy heart, he prepared to leave his native city: circumstances however impera tively compelled his returiung to England ; even had he been able to obtain permission for a permanent residence in Italy. The house of Lady Arnold in Portman square was like his own ; and there, Marion enjoyed every luxery, and comfort ; whilst in Genoa they had to submit to many privations.