Endymion

ung, and soon a foreign servant appeared, and bowing, invited Mr. Wilton to ascend the staircase and follow him. Mr. Wilton was ushered through an ante-chamber into a room of some importance, lo

n, and about twelve years of age. The lady was fair and singularly thin. It seemed that her delicate hand must really be transparent. Her cheek was sunk, but the expression of her large brown eyes was inexpressibly pleasing. She wore her own hair, once the most celebrated in Europe, and still uncovered. Though the prodigal richness o

im her hand, which he pressed to

n my boy since he sate upon your knee. Florestan, sa

den arrival,"

hile, we stole to an obscure corner of the south, and for a time we were tranquil. But soon the old story: representations, remonstrances, warni

ive a colour to such complaint

restore our fortunes and renovate his own. I speak the truth to you always. I have never countenanced these people; I have never encouraged them; but it is impossible rudely to reject the sympathy of those who, after all, are your fellow-sufferers, and some of who have given proof of even disinterested devotion. For my own part, I

of remaining here

an. But Spain is not exactly the country I should fix upon to form kings and statesmen. And this is the point on which I wish to consult you. I want Florestan to receive an English education, and I want you to put me in the way of accomplishing this. It might be convenient, under such circumstances, that

nd promised to consider how they might best be accompli

me; in fact, it decided my hesitating movements. I cannot but believe that the accession of the Duke of Well

post in the new administration; but the leading colleagues of Mr. Canning fo

en I was not a pretender," added the lady, with the sweetest of smiles, "and thought him agreeable. He was witty. Ah! Sidney, those wer

th emotion, "to diffuse benefit an

of pleasure, if you like; but of pleasure that animated and refined, and put the world in good humour, which, after all, is good government. The m

d Mr. Wilton, "is of ceaseless

d to see everybody happy, and tried to make them so. But let us talk no more of ourselves. The unfortunate are al

ment to me. I shall continue in public life; but, so far as political responsibility is concerned, I would rather wait. I have some fancies on that head, b

d the lady to her son; "I told you

ore, but with a more serious expr

elightful pursuit," said Mr. Wilton, and

iscrowned, music has ever been the

e have transacted ours. Would it be too bold if I asked ag

y farewell to Florestan," she added gaily, and took up her guitar, and then in tones of melancholy sweetness, breaking at last into a gushing burst of long-controlled affection, she expressed the agony and devotion of a mot

hearted," sa

. You may say he may have none. I do not know. He has abilities, for he acquires knowledge with facility, and knows a great deal for a boy. But he never

ill rouse him from his r

r deceive myself. I do not know what may be the magical effect of the raisins of Malaga, but if it saves my life the grape cure will indeed achieve a miracle. Do not look gloomy. Those who have known real grief seldom seem sad. I have been struggling with sorrow for ten years, but I have got through it with music and singing, and my boy. See now-he will be a source of expense, and it will not do for you to be looking to a woman for supplies. Women are generous, but not precise in money matters. I have some excuse, for the world has treated m

Mr. Wilton, deprecating

am still a sovereign to

hen placed it in the breast pocket of his coat. He was about to r

ll write my

he went to the table and wrote, "Fo