noble figure. His lace ruff, damp with night dew, had fallen carelessly across his shoulders, and thus more advantageously displayed a well-formed throat, whose hue of manly bronze looked almost of feminine whiteness as contrasted with his rich dark beard; the scattered locks of his luxuriant hair, and even the roughness of the usually glossy and carefully arranged mustache which shaded his upper lip, all concurred to give an unusual brilliancy to the character of his physiognomy; and as the flickering rays of the lamp which he had placed upon the ground, partially illumined his countenance, they seemed to lend something of their own wavering fitful lustre to the flashings of his black eyes. An almost unconscious sensation of trembling awe mingled with the passionate admiration of the erring nun, as she gazed upon her lover-agitation exceeding all she had ever felt a swelling of each artery within her frame, and burning flushes which ever and anon mounted even to her throbbing temples-these feelings only showed too plainly the powerful influence of her fatal infatuation-an infatuation at that moment partaking equally of ardent love and mysterious terror. The words of Don Salvator only served to heighten the force of these conflicting emotions; at one moment passionate vows burst from his lips, like a flowing torrent of lava; at the next, deep mistrust and gloomy suspicion seemed to freeze and convert into cold and cutting sarcasm the glowing protestations he had erewhile poured into the ear of the deluded girl. The more he seemed to doubt her love, the more did she desire to assure him of her unchanged devotion-her eagerness to dissipate his suspicions-her devotion to soothe his self-inflicted torments. It was in one of these moments, when overflowing tenderness had mastered every other feeling, that the wish arose in her heart for the removal of the chapel grate which yet divided the lips that questioned, from those that would have given fond assurance of her faith. No sooner was the desire entertained, than the grate opened on the application of Salvator's key, and the nun dared not complain of a stratagem, which, in placing her defenceless in her lover's power, had but fulfilled the guilty aspirations of her own bosom. Speedily, however, did she repent her fatal wish, in which, had she expected its immediate fulfilment, she might possibly have never dared indulge. Her white veil, the holy symbol of her celestial espousals soon ceased to shade her jetty tresses which fell in disorder over her uncovered shoulders, and soon, to avoid the passionate glances of her fascinating lover, she took refuge in her only asylum, the arms in which he sought to clasp her. Swear to me, at least," she exclaimed, "that thou wilt be my husband." "I swear it!" "But oh! Salvator, swear it by thy father's name, by the name of him to whom thou owest existence.' "I swear," he replied, with a demoniac laugh. Swear, then, on this holy emblem;" and, as she spoke, the nun raised to her lover's lips the cross attached to her rosary. Salvator instantly drew back his head. with a gesture that appalled her." "Who art thou?" she almost screamed, escaping from his hold; but the Chevalier pursued her into the chapel, and again taking her in his arms," My celestial beauty," he cried, without replying to her question, "my life, my angel, my bride! cans't thou, then, doubt the faith, the oath of him who loves thee? will not that suffice? This empty sign can surely add nothing to the confidence thou should'st repose upon my honor. Am I not Don Salvator, and was it ever known that an Izbareta failed to fulfil his word? Oh! come, come, and cast away that emblem which does but remind me how thou once did'st swear to abandon earthly love; recollect that day approaches and we soon must part. Away, then, with these cold, distrustful calculations, in the name of our mutual love, our mutual happiness, I conjure thee to be mine, sweet one-mine only!" Thus he spoke, and whilst, by new caresses, he sought to render his victim forgetful of all besides, without her knowledge he broke the rosary which still protected her; but the revered emblem of her faith yet remained in the nun's grasp, and, with it, a salutary portion of mistrust yet lingered in her soul. 66 "No," said she, "I can never put confidence in an unbeliever-swear by the holy name of Jesus" At this sacred word Don Salvator stood suddenly erect; his voice, hitherto so gentle and persuasive, assumed a loud and threatening tone; no longer seeking to seduce, he now only strove to subdue by terror. "Weak, miserable girl!" he exclaimed," thou art mine. That name thou did'st invoke never again pronounce it; that abhorred emblem which thou holdest, cast it away, or thou wilt this moment perish!" A livid hue overspread the Don's countenance as he uttered these impious words while his hand threatningly grasped the hilt of his dagger. The nun even thought she beheld a blueish sepulchral light flashing from his angry eye upon his ghastly and transparent cheek. Terror froze her blood, and under its paralyzing influence she was about to seal her own perdition. She was on the point of obeying the command of her perfidious tempter and throwing away the holy emblem whereon depended her last hope of preservation, when she perceived a trembling shudder pass over the frame of the deadly being to whose power her weakness had well nigh consigned her. The morning dawn was appearing through the chapel windows. "Be mine, girl!" said he, advancing one step towards her. "Leave me !" cried the nun. "By Christ and the Holy Virgin, Salvator, I renounce thee!" The convent and church of Montemayer were visited and examined early on the succeeding morning by a numerous party of officials from Madrid. One vestige alone remained of the mysteries of the preceding night-a nun extended insensible upon the chapel pavement, and, scattered near, her broken rosary. The dungeons of the Inquisition can alone reveal the fate of her who loved "not wisely, but too well" the Don Salvator d'Izbareta. May her frailty have been pardoned, and her soul rest in peace! AD. PELLIER. SPLENDID WORK OF DECORATIVE ART.Amongst the literary curiosities in Mr. H. G. Bohn's collection is a magnificent pictorial work on the coronation of George IV., solemnized in Westminster Abbey, July 19, 1821. A series of 70 large and most superb paintings of the procession, ceremonial, and banquet-comprehending faithful portraits of many of the distinguished individuals who were present in their robes of estate, by Sir Thomas Lawrence, Chalon, Stephanoff, Pagin, Wild, and other eminent artists. These are all exquisitely finished in colors like miniatures, several of them most brilliantly executed upon vellum or white satin, surmounted by coronets set with brilliants, rubies, and other precious stones; with descriptive letter-press printed in letters of gold. The back of every painting lined with white silk; superbly bound in two very large volumes, elephant folio, crimson Turkey Morocco with broad and beautiful tooled borders of gold; the sides ornamented with a representation of the Abbey Altar with the regalia inlaid with Morocco of various colors-blue Morocco linings and fly-leaves covered with elaborate gold tooling with treble gold borders, &c. The Royal arms in the the centre-2501. This sumptuous work was intended for His Majesty King George IV., but was not finished at the time of his demise. It may be considered as the most extraordinary specimen of decorative art which ingenuity and taste, aided by the most lavish expenditure have ever produced in this or any other country. Not only is it unrivalled as a work of art and worthy to adorn the richest library in Europe, but it has another and more national claim to distinction, that of handing down to posterity the accredited portraits of England's most distinguished sons, including the whole of the Royal Family. The portraits are full length, in coronation robes, richly decorated with gold and silver; they are most exquisitely finished in colors, like miniatures and are admirable likenesses. Those of the Dukes of Wellington and Devonshire and the Marquises of Anglesea and Exeter are remarkable specimens of art. They are painted in opaque colors upon satin surrounded by most tastefully ornamented borders, and unite the utmost richness with the greatest delicacy of finish. The coronets placed at the top of these plates form a prominent and unique feature, being adorned with precious stones set in gold under the direction of Mr. Hamlet. These portraits were embellished with extra splendor by His Majesty's direction. The original o these volumes exceeded 2,000 guineas. THE QUEEN'S GAZETTE. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ALBERT, AND THE PRINCESS ROYAL. JAN. 1.-(Windsor). Her Majesty and H. R. H. Prince Albert walked on the Terrace and Slopes accompanied by H. R. H. the Duchess of Kent. Her Majesty commanded the Lord Steward to distribute the same liberal allowance to the poor as on Christmas-day. JAN. 2. The Queen and H. R. H. Prince Albert took their usual drive. JAN. 3.-(Sunday). Her Majesty and H.R.H. Prince Albert, with the Royal Household, attended divine service in the private chapel of the Castle, the Rev. Dr. Short officiating. JAN. 4.-H.R.H. Prince Albert enjoyed the sport of shooting in the vicinity of Virginia Water. Her Majesty and H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent were prevented by unfavorable weather from taking their accustomed exercise. H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge left town for Belvoir Castle on a visit to his grace the Duke of Rutland. JAN. 5.-H.R.H. Prince Albert skated on the lake in Frogmore-gardens. The Queen participated in the amusement on the ice, His Royal Highness driving Her Majesty in a sledge. His Serene Highness Prince Edward of SaxWeimar left town by the Birmingham-railway, on a visit to Her Majesty the Queen Dowager at Sudbury-hall. JAN. 6.-Her Majesty accompanied H.R.H. Prince Albert to the lake at Frogmore, enjoying there the amusement afforded by the season. JAN. 7.-The Royal amusements on the ice were resumed at Frogmore. JAN. 8. Her Majesty and H. R. H. the Duchess of Kent did not leave the Castle. Mr. Byrne, the blind Irish harper, had the honor of playing national airs before Her Majesty. Much anxiety and alarm were excited at the Castle by the temporary loss of a packet of important letters addressed to the King of Belgium and a box of valuable jewellery belonging to the Duchess of Kent by one of Her Royal Highness' servants entrusted with its conveyance to London. The missing parcel was at length picked up at Eaton by an officer's servant, who was rewarded for restoring it. JAN. 9. Her Majesty accompanied H.R.H. Prince Albert to the ice for the amusement of sledge riding. The Queen commanded £50 to be sent to the Rev. Mr. Gosset, and £20 to the Rev. Mr. Hawtrey, to procure necessaries for the poor: H.R.H. Prince Albert forwarding £25 for the same benevolent purpose. JAN. 10. (Sunday). Her Majesty, H.R.H. Prince Albert, and H. R. H. the Duchess of Kent, with the Royal Household, attended divine service in the private chapel of the Castle. JAN. 11.-H.R.H. Prince George of Cambridge arrived on a visit to Her Majesty. H.R.H. Prince Albert took the diversion of coursing in the Home-park and Slopes. JAN. 12.-Her Majesty and H.R.H. Prince Albert walked on the Terrace, and took their usual airing. H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge left Belvoir Castle and arrived in town by the London and Birmingham Railway. JAN. 13.-H.R.H. Prince Albert and H.R.H. Prince George of Cambridge went on a shooting excursion. Her Majesty and H. R. H. the Duchess of Kent did not leave the Castle. JAN. 13.-H.R.H. Prince George of Cambridge took his departure from the Castle. JAN. 15.-Her Majesty was driven out in a poney phaeton by H.R.H. Prince Albert. A subscription for the poor to the amount of nearly £50 was made by the domestics of Her Majesty's Household. It was commenced on one of the most inclement days, in the servants' hall. The Steward's room followed the laudable example, and this money was also handed to the Rev. Mr. Gosset for distribution. JAN. 16.-Her Majesty and H.R.H. Prince Albert took their usual drive. JAN. 17. (Sunday). The Queen and H.R.H. Prince Albert attended divine service in the private chapel of the Castle, and received the sacrament, administered by the Rev. Dr. Short and the Rev. Lord Wriothesley Russell. JAN. 18.-H.R.H. Prince Albert rode to the meeting of the harriers in the Great-park. Her Majesty and His Royal Highness afterwards drove out. H.R.H. Prince George of Cambridge left town on a visit to his grace the Duke of Beaufort. JAN. 19.-The Queen and H.R.H. Prince Albert walked on the Castle Terrace and in the Slopes. H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent remained within the Castle. JAN. 20.-The Queen's private band attended after dinner at the Castle, and Her Majesty and H.R.H. Prince Albert, with their distinguished guests, danced quadrilles and gallopades in the evening. H. R. H. Prince Albert went to Swinley-park to enjoy the sport of shooting. JAN. 21.-The Queen and H. R. H. Prince Albert walked on the Slopes. Her Majesty's private band was in attendance, and the Queen and H. R. H. Prince Albert enjoyed the amusement of quadrilles till 11 o'clock. H. R. H. Prince George of Cambridge arrived in town from a visit to the Duke of Beaufort. JAN. 24, (Sunday).—The Queen and H. R. H. Prince Albert, with the Royal Household, attended Divine Service in the morning, in Buckingham Palace. H. R. H. the Duchess of Kent attended Divine Service in Kensington Palace. JAN. 26. Her Majesty went in state to the House of Lords to open the Session of Parliament with a speech from the throne. The royal procession was formed at Buckingham palace, at half past 10 o'clock, when the Queen descended the grand stair case to the state carriage, her Majesty's train being borne by the pages of honor in waiting. The cortége was escorted from the palace by a party of the royal regiment of horse guards. Previous to the queen's departure for the House of Lords, Master Wilson was pre sented to her. Majesty on being appointed one of the royal pages. HER MAJESTY'S SPEECH. My Lords and Gentlemen, "I have the satisfaction to receive from foreign Powers assurances of their friendly disposition, and of their earnest desire to maintain peace. "The posture of affairs in the Levant had long been a cause of uneasiness and a source of danger to that general tranquillity. With a view to avert the evils which a continuance of that state of things was calculated to occasion, I concluded with the Emperor of Austria, the King of Prussia, the Emperor of Russia, and the Sultan, a Convention intended to effect a pacification of the Levant, and maintain the integrity and independence of the Ottoman empire, and thereby to afford additional security to the peace of Europe. "I have given directions that this convention shall be laid before you. "I rejoice to be able to inform you, that the measures which have been adopted in execution of these engagements have been attended with signal success; and I trust that the objects which the contracting parties had in view are on the eve of being completely accomplished. "In the course of these transactions, my naval forces have co-operated with those of the Emperor of Austria and with the land and sea forces of the Sultan, and have displayed upon all occasions their accustomed gallantry and skill. "Having deemed it necessary to send to the coast of China a naval and military force, to demand reparation and redress for injuries inflicted upon some of my subjects by the officers of the Emperor of China, and for indignities offered to an agent of my Crown, I at the same time appointed plenipotentiaries to treat upon these matters with the Chinese Government. "These plenipotentiaries were by the last accounts in negotiation with the Governmen of China, and it will be a source of much gratification to me, if that Government shall be induced by its own sense of justice to bring these matters to a speedy settlement by an amicable arrangement. "Serious differences have arisen between Spain and Portugal about the execution of a treaty concluded by those Powers in 1835, for regulating the navigation of the Douro. But both parties have accepted my mediation, and I hope to be able to effect a reconciliation between them upon terms honorable to both. "I have concluded with the Argentine Confederation, and with the Republic of Hayti, treaties for the suppression of the slave trade, which I have directed to be laid before you. "Gentlemen of the House of Commons, "I have directed the estimates of the year to be laid before you. "However sensible of the importance of adhering to the principles of economy, I feel it to be my duty to recommend that adequate provision be made for the exigencies of the public service. "My Lords and Gentlemen, "Measures will be submitted to you without delay which have for their object the more speedy and effectual administration of justice. The vital importance of this subject is sufficient to ensure for it your early and most serious consideration. "The powers of the Commissioners appointed under the Act for the amendment of the Laws relating to the Poor expire at the termination of the present year. I feel assured that you will earnestly direct your attention to enactments which so deeply concern the interests of the community. "It is always with entire confidence that I recur to the advice and assistance of my Parliament. I place my reliance upon your wisdom, loyalty, and patriotism; and I humbly implore of Divine Providence, that all your councils may be so directed as to advance the great interests of morality and religion, to preserve peace, and to promote by enlightened legislation the welfare and happiness of all classes of my subjects." Jan, 27.-The Queen held a court for the reception of the address on the throne, from the House of Lords. The deputation were first conducted to the great drawing-room, and then ushered into the presence of her majesty in the throne-room. H. R. H. Prince Albert stood by the Queen's side. The Lord Chancellor, with the mover and seconder on either side, followed by the other peers, advanced to the foot of the throne, and read the address, to which her majesty returned a most gracious answer Her Majesty had afterwards a dinner party. This being the birthday of the duke of Sussex, his Royal Highness received congratulatory visits from various members of the royal family. The Lords in their address offered their humble congratulations in these words:— "We entreat your Majesty to accept our most sincere and fervent congratulations on the birth of a Princess; and we beg to express our unfeigned joy at this increase of the domestic felicity of your Majesty and your Majesty's royal consort." The Queen's guard of the Scots Fusilier Guards was on duty in front of the palace during the reception of the address. Jan. 28. The queen held a court in Buckingham Palace, to receive the address from the House of Commons. The Commons arrived at the Palace at two o'clock, the Speaker in his state coach wearing his robes of office, and accompanied by a party of members. Having been issued into the presence of the Queen, the speaker read the address from the House of Commons. The Queen returned a most gracious answer, and the Commons then withdrew. His Royal Highness Prince Albert was present at the reception of the address. Jan. 28.-The Queen and H. R. H. Prince Albert left town, just before 3 o'clock, in a carriage and four with outriders, escorted by a party of lancers, for Claremont. Three of the royal carriages and four followed; the first containing Lord Alfred Paget and Colonel Bouverie, the equerries in waiting on Her Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Albert; the second conveying H. R. H. the Princess Royal and her nurse; and the third containing Lady Portman, Baroness Lehzen, and the Earl of Listowel. Her Majesty and Prince Albert were conducted to their carriage by the Lord Steward, the Lord Chamberlain, and the Groom of the Stole to Prince Albert. Jan. 29.-Prince George of Cambridge left town at half-past 8 o'clock, A.M., on a visit to her Majesty the Queen Dowager, at Sudburyhall. H. R. H. Prince Albert having expressed high approbation of Mr. Fenoulhet's picture of the palace of Gotha, has sanctioned his publication of an engraving of the same. Jan. 80.-H. R. H. the Duchess of Kent, attended by Lady Fanny Howard, arrived at Claremont Park, at half-past one o'clock afternoon, in a carriage-and-four, from town. H. R. H. lunched with her Majesty and H.R. H. Prince Albert, and took her departure at three o'clock on her return to Ingestrie-house, Belgravesquare. H. R. H. The Duke of Cambridge, attended by Baron Kneseback left town on Saturday morning, for Combe Wood, and spent the day shooting. H. R. H. returned to Cambridgehouse in the evening. JAN. 31.-H. R. H. The Duchess of Kent attended Divine Service in Kensington Palace. Lady Fanny Howard was in waiting on her Royal Highness. GUESTS AT THE ROYAL TABLE. H.R.H. Duchess of Kent, Jan. 1st to 21st 23rd. Earl and Countess of Clarendon, 1, 2, 3 3. Mr. G. E. Anson, 1, 2, 7, 13, 15, 19, 20, 22. Rev. Lord Wriothesley, Russell, 5, 18. Lord John Russel, 5, 6. Hon, and Rev. E. G. Moore, 7. 7. Sir James Clarke, 6, 12. H. R. Highness Prince George of Cambridge, 11 to 14. Earl of Errol, 11 to 13. Viscount and Viscountess Palmerston, 11 to 14. Lady Fanny Cowper, 11 to 14. Earl of Uxbridge, 11, 14, 19, 20, 22. Ladies Eleonora and Constantine Paget, 14, 19, 20, 22. Dr. Protorius, 28. Col. Browne, 28. Lord Alfred Paget, 28. Col. and Lady Isabella Wemyss, 30. Sir Robert and Lady Gardiner, 28, 31. Viscount Duncannon, 14. Lord Paget, 19, 20, 22. Right Hon. Sir W. Freemantle, 20. Ladies in Waiting.The Duchess of Bedford and Lady Barham. Lords in Waiting.-Earl of Fingal and Earl of Listowel. Maids of Honour-The Hon. Misses Cocks, Paget, and Pitt. Lords in Waiting.-Lord Lilford and Earl of Fingal. Groom in Waiting.-Mr. Rich and Sir Robert Otway. Equerries in Waiting on Her Majesty.-Lord A. Paget and Capt. Seymour. Ditto on H R. H. Prince Albert.-Colonel Bouverie, and Hon. C. A. Murray. |