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I met it unawares. So thin and wan-and he hath shot up into a tall stripling during the last few months. These two nights of watching have tried me sorelie, but I would not be withholden from sitting up with him yet agayn-what and if this night should be his last! how coulde I forgive myself for sleeping on now and taking my rest? The first night, he knew me not; yet it was bitter-sweet to hear him chiding at sweet Moll for not coming. Yesternight he knew me for a while, kissed me, and fell into an heavie sleepe, with his hand locked in mine. We hoped the crisis was come; but 't was not soe. He raved much of a man alle in red, riding hard after him. I minded me of those words, "the enemy sayd, I will overtake, I will pursue,"—and, noe one being by, save the unconscious sufferer, I kneeled down beside him, and most earnestlie prayed for his deliverance from all spirituall adversaries. When I lookt up, his eyes, larger and darker than ever, were fixt on me with a strange, wistfulle stare, but he spake not. From that moment he was quiete.

19th. Speaking, to-day, of Mr. Waller, whom Saturday night; at Robin's bedside.—Oh, woeI had once seen at uncle John's, Mr. Agnew sayd | fulle sight! I had not known that pale face, had he had obtayned the reputation of being one of our smoothest versers, and thereupon brought forth one or two of his small pieces in manuscript, which he read to Rose and me. They were addrest to the lady Dorothy Sidney; and certainlie for specious flatterie I doe not suppose they can be matcht; but there is noe impress of reall feel ing in them. How diverse from my husband's versing! He never writ anie mere love-verses, indeede, soe far as I know; but how much truer a sence he hath of what is really beautifulle and becoming in a woman than Mr. Waller! The lady Alice Egerton mighte have beene more justlie proud of y fine things written for her in Comus, than y Lady Dorothea of anie of y" fine | things written of her by this courtier-like poet. For, to say that trees bend down in homage to a woman when she walks under them, and that y healing waters of Tonbridge were placed there by nature to compensate for the fatal pride of Sacha- | rissa, is soe fullesome and untrue as noe woman, not devoured by conceite, coulde endure; whereas, the check that villanie is sensible of in the presence of virtue, is most nobly, not extravagantlie, exprest by Comus. And though my husband be almost too lavish, even in his short pieces, of classic allusion and personation, yet, like antique statues and busts well placed in some statelie pleasaunce, they are alwaies appropriate and gracefulle, which is more than can be sayd of Mr. Waller's overstrayned figures and metaphors.

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24th.-Richard and Audrey rode over here, and spent a noisie afternoone. Rose had the goose dressed which I know she meant to have reserved for to-morrow. Clover was in a heat, which one would have thoughte he needed not to have beene, with carrying a lady; but Audrey is heavie. She treats Dick like a boy; and, indeede he is not much more; but he is quite taken up with her. I find she lies in y blue chamber, which she says smells rarelie of herbs. They returned not till late, after sundrie hints from Mr. Agnew.

The doctor thought him rambling this morning, though I knew he was not, when he spake of an angel in a long white garment watching over him and kneeling by him in the night.

Sunday evening.-Poor Nell sitteth up with mother to-night-right thankfulle is she to find that she can be of anie use: she says it seems soe strange that she should be able to make any return for my kindnesse. I must sleep to-night, that I may watch to-morrow. The servants are nigh spent, and are besides foolishlie afrayd of infection. I hope Rose prays for me. Soe drowsie and dulle am I, as scarce to be able to pray for myself.

Monday.-Rose and Mr. Agnew came to abide with us for some days. How thankfulle am I! Tears have relieved me.

Robin worse to-day. Father quite subdued. Mr. Agnew will sit up to-night, and insists on my sleeping.

Crab howled under my window yesternight as he did before my wedding. hope there is nothing in it. Harry got up and beat him, and at last put him in y° stable.

Tuesday. After two nights' rest, I feel quite strengthened and restored this morning. Deare Rose read me to sleep in her low, gentle voice, and then lay down by my side, twice stepping into Robin's chamber during the night, and bringing me news that all was well. Relieved in mind, I slept heavilie nor woke till late. Then, returned to y sick chamber, and found Rose bathing dear Robin's temples with vinegar, and changing his pillow-his thin hand rested on Mr. Agnew, on whom he lookt with a composed, collected gaze. The children are alle sent away to keep y' | Slowlie turned his eyes on me, and faintlie smiled, house quiete.

27th. Alas, alas, Robin's silence is too sorrow fullie explained! He hath beene sent home soe ill that he is like to die. This report I have from Diggory, just come over to fetch me, with whom I start, soe soone as his horse is bated. Lord, have mercie on Robin.

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but spake not.

Poor dear mother is ailing now. I sate with her and father some time; but it was a true relief when Rose took my place and let me return to y sick room. Rose hath alreadie made several little changes for the better; improved y ventilation of Robin's chamber, and prevented his hearing soe manie noises. Alsoe, showed me how to make a pleasant cooling drink, which he likes better than the warm liquids, and which she assures me he may take with perfect safetie.

Same evening.-Robin vext, even to tears, because y doctor forbids y use of his cooling drink, though it hath certainlie abated the fever. At his wish I stept down to intercede with the doctor, then closetted with my father, to discourse, as I suppose, of Robin's symptoms. Insteade of which, found them earnestlie engaged on y° never-ending topick of cavaliers and roundheads. I was chafed and cut to y heart, yet what can poor father do; he is useless in y sick-room, he is wearie of suspense, and 't is well if publick affairs can divert him for an odd half hour.

The doctor would not hear of Robin taking yR cooling beverage, and warned me that his death woulde be upon my head if I permitted him to be chilled soe what could I doe? Poor Robin very impatient in consequence; and raving towards midnight. Rose insisted in taking y last half of my watch.

I know not that I was ever more sorelie exercised than during y° first half of this night. Robin, in his crazie fit, would leave his bed, and was soe strong as nearlie to master Nell and me, and I feared I must have called Richard. The next minute he fell back as weak as a child: we covered him up warm, and he was overtaken either with stupor or sleep. Earnestlie did I pray it might be y latter, and conduce to his healing. Afterwards, there being writing implements at hand, I wrote a letter to Mr. Milton, which, though the fancy of sending it soon died away, yet eased my mind. When not in prayer, I often find myself silently talking to him.

unison with my sadnesse, tears flowed without relieving me. What a solemne, pompous prigge is this doctor! He cries "humph!” and “aye!” and bites his nails and screws his lips together, but I don't believe he understands soe much of physick, after alle, as Mr. Agnew.

Father came home fulle of y rebels' doings, but as for me, I shoulde hear them thundering at our gate with apathie, except insofar as I feared them distressing Robin.

Audrey rode over with her father, this morn, to make enquiries. She might have come sooner had she meant to be anie reall use to a family she has thought of entering. Had Rose come to our help as late in the day, we had been poorlie off.

Thursday.-May Heaven in its mercy save us from y° evil consequence of this new mischance!— Richard, jealous at being allowed so little share in nursing Robin, whom he sayd he loved as well as anie did, would sit up with him last night, along with mother. Twice I heard him snoring, and stept in to prevail on him to change places, but coulde not get him to stir. A third time he fell asleep, and, it seems, mother slept too; and Robin, in his fever, got out of bed, and drank near a quart of colde water, waking Dick by setting down y pitcher. Of course the bustle soon reached my listening ears. Dick, to doe him justice, was frightened enough, and stole away to his bed without a word of defence; but poor mother, who had been equallie off her watch, made more noise about it than was good for Robin; who, neverthelesse, we having warmlie covered up, burst into a profuse heat, and fell into a sound sleep, which hath now holden him manie hours. Mr. Agnew augureth favourablie of his waking, but we await it in prayerfulle anxietie.

-The crisis is past! and y doctor sayeth he alle along expected it last night, which I cannot believe, but father and mother doe. At alle events, praised be Heaven, there is now hope that deare Robin may recover. Rose and I have mingled tears, smiles, and thanksgivings; Mr. Agnew hath expressed gratitude after a more collected manner, and endeavored to check y* somewhat ill-governed expression of joy throughout the house; warning y servants, but especiallie Dick and Harry, that Robin may yet have a relapse.

Wednesday.-Waking late after my scant night's rest, I found my breakfaste neatlie layd out in yo little antechamber, to prevent the fatigue of going down stairs. A handfulle of autumn flowers beside my plate, left me in noe doubt it was Rose's doing; and Mr. Agnew, writing at y window, told me he had persuaded my father to goe to Shotover with Dick. Then laying aside his pen, stept into the sick-chamber for y° latest news, which was good and, sitting next me, talked of y progress of Robin's illnesse in a grave yet hopefulle manner; leading, as he chieflie does, to high and unearthlie sources of consolation. He advised me to take a turn in y fresh ayr, though but as far as the two junipers, before I entered Robin's chamber, which, somewhat reluctantlie, I did; but the bright daylight and warm sun had no good effect on my spiritts on the contrarie, nothing in blythe nature seeming in fuls of broth.

With what transport have I sat beside dear Robin's bed, returning his fixed, earnest, thankfulle gaze, and answering y feeble pressure of his hand!-Going into the studdy just now, I found father crying like a child-the first time I have known him give way to tears during Robin's ilnesse. Mr. Agnew presentlie came in, and composed him better than I coulde.

Saturday.-Robin better, though still very weak. Had his bed made, and took a few spoon

Sunday.-A very different sabbath from y last. Though Robin's constitution hath received a shock it may never recover, his comparative amendment fills us with thankfulnesse; and our chastened suspense hath a sweet solemnitie and trustfulnesse in it, which pass understanding. Mr. Agnew conducted our devotions. This morning, I found him praying with Robin-I

From the United Service Magazine.
EAST OF EUROPE.

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This would indeed appear

support of the sultan. beyond a doubt, for the president of the republio THE intelligence received during the past month with the majority of his council, in spite of the from the east of Europe, has been of a character efforts of M. Molé and M. Thiers, have ranged to increase, even more speedily and eminently themselves on the eastern question, on the side than could have been anticipated, the dubious of justice and civilization, against the pretensions aspect of European affairs. The startling and of the Russian emperor.

them as the foreshadowing of an event which must come off, if not now, on a future day, and it is devoutly to be hoped we may always have a representative of the same material at the city of the sultan, and a minister at home as capable of appreciating his worth and of supporting his actions, as becomes the interest and dignity of the British empire.

The latest accounts from Vienna have stricken the heart of European civilization with shame and horror; the world speak its unmitigated censure of the government that could thus cement the structure of its restored order with such hecatombs of blood, and history will point to their names as the greatest blot upon her pages in the nineteenth century.

imperative demands of the Emperor of Russia, for Although we give the czar credit for more the extradition of the Hungarian and Polish polit-shrewdness than to persist in his skilfully deical refugees, on the Turkish territory, contain in vised demands, and act up to the threats imthem the evidence of intentions so obviously hos-plied with them on this occasion, yet we consider tile to the independence, and so insulting to the dignity of the Ottoman empire, that we are by no means surprised they should have awakened the liveliest indignation in the breast of the Turkish sovereign, and have met with his refusal of compliance. That they should have given rise to similar sentiments of reprobation in this country and in France, is also equally reasonable, not only on the score of the flagrant injustice of such demands, but as seriously militating against the interests of those two countries-interests intimately interwoven with the maintenance of the political existence and integrity of the sultan's power and dominions. The moment seized upon by the czar for such a step was doubtless conceived to be a most favorable one; too much so indeed to be lost-and one which, awaited through so many long years with watchful hope, might not present itself again so readily. Austria had been rescued only from dissolution by the Russian arms, she could no more now interpose with a good grace her ancient jealousies in that quarter; the events of Hungary had revealed her weakness; she was no longer virtually to be feared, while her stronger interests must prompt her even to join in such a demand. Prussia was in no much better case; scarcely recovered from her late conflict with herself, she was powerless to interfere, Germany was prostrate, a negation to itself, and could oppose no obstacle. France, involved in a difficult position in Italy, was paralyzed by those who placed her in it. England, would or could she venture alone to remonstrate or interpose?

THE FLORIN.--The new two-shilling piece, known as "The Florin," is not about to be called in because of the omission of the words "Dei Gratia." The words in question were omitted by the consent of her majesty and the prince consort, by both of whom the original design, as drawn by Mr. Wyon, of the royal mint, was warmly approved. In consequence of the dissatisfaction expressed by a large portion of the public at the omission, the chancellor of the exchequer ordered a search for precedents of such omission. The result has been that some most interesting details on the subject of the coinage of these realms has been brought forth. It would appear that no example was discovered of the omission of the words before-mentioned from any silver coins, but many examples of the omission were found as regarded the copper coinage. The words "Fidei Defensor" have also been In such a state of things, it was worth was not used on any of the English copper money omitted. It further appears that "Dei Gratia” while trying to fix the wished for quarrel on the from the Restoration till 1797; and also that Turk. Should it fail, the cozenage of diplomacy "Fidei Defensor" was not used for the whole of could again soften down all seeming asperities. that period. Charles II., William III. and Mary, The firmness and ability of a Canning, how- George I. and George II. omitted the words from The rupee and other coins in India ever, may once more prove too much even for copper coins. Muscovite astuteness, and our yet fortunately merely bear the words "Victoria Queen." It may now be added that the eminent personage at enduring friendly relations with France will no whose suggestion the omission was made in the doubt induce a clear sense of the necessity of a florin, thought that the words "Victoria Regina" firm coöperation at least, in the protection and | alone would give the coin a more emphatic character. CCXCII. LIVING AGE. VOL. XXIII. 35

CHAPTER XIX. THE WHITE SERPENTS AND THE
IRON CHEST.

We then resumed our journey; and, having Junched and dined on the way, arrived in the evening at a lovely village, the name of which I entirely forget. It was situated, however, high up in the mountains; so that, as night came on, we felt the cold, biting air, just as one feels it in the Alps, and were right glad, on entering the inn parlor, to find a blazing fire on the hearth. Here we supped; and the captain and I sat talking by the chimney corner long after the rest of the company had retired to bed. He was a remarkably pleasant companion, full of stories and anecdotes, by his manner of relating which he amused me greatly. Most of them turned on incidents which had occurred during his residence in the Swiss chateau. But I can scarcely venture to tell them again, so much of the interest depended on his manner, on the tone of his voice, and on the earnest, half-confidential air he assumed during the narration. We had each just lighted a fresh cigar, and stirred the fire up into a rich, warm blaze, when, drawing his chair closer to mine,

|uscript, in which all the particulars of the transaction are related; but, unfortunately, it is imperfect, the name of the church and the mosque being no longer to be found in it.'

"She then handed the manuscript to me, written in Arabic, and accompanied by a French translation. It was evidently very old, and probably dated as far back as the period of the Crusades. I glanced through it, and then inquired in what way I could be of service to her in this matter. It struck me that she desired I should make a pilgrimage to Constantinople, to recover this wealth for her. I was mistaken; her wish was very different. She only desired that, through my knowledge of the language of the stars, I should reveal to her the name of the mosque in which the treasure lay buried; upon which, old as she was, she would herself proceed to Constantinople, and there take the necessary steps for recovering possession of it.

"It was with much difficulty that I preserved my gravity; but I assured her that my intimacy with the stars was by no means so great as she imagined, and that it would be difficult, or, perhaps, impossible for me to discover the name of the mosque in question. I was resolved, however, to humor her, because convinced she must be mad. "Well,' said she, after a short pause, will discuss that matter another time. At present, I have a different favor to ask. In one of the vaults of this castle, I have a chest filled with gold and silver; and when I am absent, two small white serpents usually take their station on the lid, to protect the treasure. Lately, however, these faith

we

"I will tell you a story," said he, "about my chateau, and the singular mistress of it. She was an old lady, proud of her birth, who remembered, with wonderful accuracy, the achievements of her ancestors, and could trace back her lineage beyond the earliest of the Crusades. Observing me to be rather addicted to astronomy, she took it into her head that I must also be an astrologer and a conjurer, and was fully persuaded that I was an adept in all the mysteries of the black art. She inhab-ful guardians of my property have disappeared; ited one wing of the chateau, the remainder of which she had let to me, at a rent much below its value, merely for the pleasure of having a neighbor with whom she could sometimes converse.

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"One winter night, very late, my man Francois came into my study, to inform me that Madame la Comptesse wanted to speak with me. Show her in,' said I; and, with the word, I got up to receive her.

"She entered with a most stately air. I presented her chair by the fire, and began, as an Englishman always does, to talk about the weather, and other agreeable things of that sort. This was evidently not the topic upon which the countess wished to converse. She therefore stopped me short, and said,

and I am now desirous that, during a visit which I must pay to Paris, you should take charge of the chest.'

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'Instead of the serpents?' I inquired, involun

tarily.
"Yes,' she replied, gravely. 'Come, mon-
sieur, follow me.'

"So saying, she arose, and, taking up a candle from the table, proceeded towards the door; upon which I also arose, and followed her, fully persuaded that she required a straight-waistcoat immediately. Proceeding from room to room, traversing long corridors, ascending and descending staircases, moving beneath turrets and archways, we at length reached the vault, the door of which she opened with a large key, previously concealed be

"Excuse me, monsieur; but I come to con-neath her apron. When we entered, she turned sult you on a subject of the utmost importance, which, with your permission, I will at once explain.'

"I said I should be happy to hear whatever she had to communicate. She then proceeded : "One of my ancestors was a distinguished knight who, having fought in the Holy Land, and amassed great treasure by plundering the infidels, proceeded afterwards to Constantinople, and there, in a certain church, now become a mosque, buried beneath a particular stone an immense treasure in gold and jewels. I have here in my hand a man

round and locked the door carefully behind us; then taking from her girdle three other keys, she inserted them in the chest, and turning them one after another, the lid flew open; and, sure enough, it was full of silver and gold.

"This,' said she, is what I wish you to take charge of for me.'

"But, dear madame,' said I, 'it is dangerous to entrust all this property with a stranger. Have you no relative with whom you could more safely deposit the money?'

I have a nephew,' she replied, with a smile;

'but it is to see him that I am going to Parisand for the rest, I can put entire confidence in you, if you will permit me.'

"Well, madame,' I replied, 'if it affords you any pleasure, I shall be most happy to become the successor of the serpents. Tell me, however, before I do so, what amount of money the chest contains?'

"Just fifteen thousand pounds sterling; neither more nor less.'

"I felt uneasy. It was impossible I should count the money; and, as there was clearly a flaw in her understanding, I could not be sure she would not, on her return, imagine she had left sixteen thousand, and call me to account for the difference. However, it was impossible, without rudeness, to escape from the difficulty; so I determined, at all hazards, to become the guardian of her treasure—and, having expressed myself to that effect, we quitted the vault.

"In two or three days the countess quitted the chateau. Whether or not she ever went to Paris is more than I can say. Weeks and months passed over, and I received no letter from her. I began to feel uneasy. She had disappeared in a mysterious manner; and should she in any way have come by her death, I might, for aught I know, have lain under the suspicion of having hastened her departure across the Styx.

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"I am come,' said he, looking respectfully at the dog, from Madame la Comtesse, and am desirous of saying a few words to you in private.' "He was, as I now found, an Italian, and, as I conjecture, must have served many years among the brigands of the Apennines; for a more accomplished cut-throat, in appearance, at least, never crossed my path.

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He replied that he had not.

"Then you shall not touch the chest,' said I nor any one else, till the countess herself arrives.'

"But should the countess never make her appearance?' said he, with a significant grin. "Why, in that case, I will deliver it up to her lawful heir.'

"That is to me, signor; I am her lawful heir.' "That may be; but I shall require you to prove it, before I deliver up my trust.'

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His lip quivered, he turned a little pale, and felt in his bosom, as if for a poniard. I was convinced he had murdered the countess, and was now come to get possession of his booty. how he could have obtained a knowledge of the chest, it puzzled me to conjecture.

But

"And where did you leave the countess?' I inquired; perceiving he was not inclined to break silence.

"It does not signify,' said he.

"But, friend,' I exclaimed, it does signify; and unless you explain at once, I shall take you into custody, under suspicion of having murdered her.'

"No, you won't, signor,' replied the fellow, drawing a stiletto from under his waistcoat. 'I will silence you with that first.'

"He was a robust, brawny-looking ruffian, with a most unpleasant twinkle about the eyes; while I am not, as you see, a very powerful man. But I had an ally at hand, whose presence he had forgotten. As soon as Carlo noticed the change in the tone of our voices, he crept stealthily towards the spot, and the moment Mr. Mazzio drew forth his dagger, sprang and seized him by the collar, and had him at his full length on the ground in a twinkling. In the sudden surprise he dropped the stiletto, which I picked up, and then desiring Carlo to let go his hold, bade my worthy get up, and walk out of the grounds.

"Or stay,' said I; 'I had better get you escorted.'

"I then whistled loudly; and Francois, and two or three sturdy Swiss grooms, came running towards us.

"Seize this fellow,' said I. 'He is a robber We may be private enough here,' said I, and an assassin. We must get him hanged, if so you can explain your business at once.'

"He made no reply, but looked timidly at Carlo.

possible.'

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"I see, friend, you are afraid of the dog,' I him to prison. observed; but there is no necessity.'

"I then ordered Carlo to rise and go and lie down under another tree which I pointed out to him; which he immediately did, keeping his eyes, however, all the while fixed upon my visitor.

"The Italian now came close to me, said his name was Mazzio, and that he was come from the countess to remove and convey to Paris a chest with three locks which lay in a certain vault, known, as he said, to me.

"The countess,' said he, is alive, and in good health, and will be here this very night. I am her nephew's valet; and, having accidentally overheard of the existence of the chest in the vault, it struck me I could make a better use of its contents than her ladyship. So now, do let me go! I should die if I were compelled to face her.'

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Not quite so fast, friend,' said I; ‘it will be time enough to let you go when I am perfectly sure of her safety. I shall, therefore, keep you

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