to the first ebullitions of poor Emerich's despondency; "it is not in the heart of woman to be thus bitterly estranged by a first offence." 'Courage, my boy !" rejoined his father; "Helena of Brunswick will yet be yours; and, once wedded as your wife, trust to my efforts to secure the re-establishment of her birthright." But the regret of Emerich dwelt neither upon Helena of Brunswick, nor upon her birthright. The object of his love was Helena Armfeldt, the poor, the noble, the high-souled, the tender and true companion of his unsullied years. It was no princess of the empire, but the pastor's daughter, at whose feet he hastened to throw himself, at the expiration of his period of banishment. But, when he arrived at Eichwald, his old tutor was alone, wifeless, childless, comfortless; and all that remained of the bethrothed of Emerich of Edelstein was a white tablet standing ghastly and alone in a secluded nook of the sandy grave-yard of the Presbytery, inscribed with the humble name of "HELENA!" A single shaft from the overflowing quiver of human afflictions had released the true-hearted village maiden from a world of probation. THE BRAZILIAN BRIDE. .Y THE HON. MRS. ERSKINE NORTON. [From "The Friendship's Offering," for 1835.] AMONG the nobles who suffered most from the invasion of Portugal, and who followed John VI. across the Atlantic, in search of a safer home in another hemisphere, was the Marquess de Gonsalva. He had married a young and lovely woman to whom he was tenderly attached. She suffered much at the separation from her home and family, and her health failed under the fatigue and privation of the voyage: she had scarcly reached Brazil, ere she died in giving birth to a son. The Marquess remained a widower, devoting himself to the care of his child, and the reparation of his ruined fortune. Alonzo was a fine generous-spirited boy, grateful and affectionate in his disposition, and very handsome in his person; his clear dark complexion, laughing eyes, and white teeth, were united to a form remarkable for its just proportions and natural grace. It was on the subject of his education that his father felt most severely the change of his circumstances; he could not afford to send him to Europe, but all the scanty means that Rio de Janerio supplied, were put in requisition, and in every respect made the most of. "What a pity it is," thought the good Marquess, "that my boy, who is beyond all doubt the finest and most talented boy in the country, should lose any advantage that money could procure. Money, money, where are you to be had!" cried the father, impatiently pacing the room: he suddenly stopped, and appeared for a full half hour wrapped in thought; then, starting from his reverie, ordered his horse, rode in great haste to the convent of had a long conference with his sister the Abbess, returned home, declined an invitation to a ball, and wrote letters the remainder of the evening. A large and important looking packet was addressed to a Portuguese merchant, well known as a man of great wealth, at St. Paul's. About the time an answer might be expected, the Marquess became anxious and impatient; it arrived at length; Alonzo took it to his father, who shut himself up in his room to read it. Presently, Alonzo was called: “My boy," said the Marquess, rubbing his hands in great glee; "how would you like to be married?" Alonzo was just turned seventeen, and therefore answered without a moment's hesitation, "Very much indeed, sir!"—and as he spoke, the bright eyes of Donna Clara, the little peeping foot of Donna Julia, and the separate perfections of half a dozen other Donnas, glanced in delightful confusion across his mind. "Then married you shall be,” replied his father; "sit down, my son, I have an important communication to make. I need not inform you that we have lost almost the whole of our property, with but very little hope of regaining it; in fact we are very poor. I wish you to go to Europe, and for the next few years to have every advantage that travel, study, and an introduction to the first society can give: I wish you, in short, to take your station in the world,- that station for which your birth and talents so eminently fit you: but this wish cannot be accomplished without money; and money, as we are situated, cannot be procured, except by marriage."- A pause:- - the blood receded from the cheek of Alonzo, but bowing his head, he replied, "I understand you, sir." The Marquess proceeded: "Senhor sef Mendez owes his rise of life to my father, and much also to me; he is, as you well know, considered the richest individual in Brazil: he has only one child, a daughter, the sole inheritor of his wealth. I have proposed a marriage between you and her, frankly offering the fair barter of rank on one side for wealth on the other. I believed it to be the secret wish of his heart that his daughter should be ennobled by marriage; gratitude unites with pride, and he has accepted my offer with the utmost eagerness. It is arranged that we instantly proceed to St. Paul's, where the ceremony will take place: from thence you start for England. My worthy friend, Mr. Mordaunt, will meet you at Falmouth. I write to him by this next packet, offering him so handsome an income, that I have no doubt whatever he will become your tutor, guide, and companion, during your five years of travel and study. At the expiration of that time, you will return to your home and friends,--your bride, and father. I pray only that I may not be snatched away before that happy moment arrives; --I shall then die in peace!" The father and son embraced with emotion. "But, -" said Alonzo, hesitatingly; "but, - the lady, sir?"--"True, lady," replied the Marquess; "why, your lady is but a child at present, she has not yet completed her thirteenth year, and I regret to say (the Marquess tried to look grave,) her health is considered delicate: however in all that personally regards her, I confess I am rather deficient in information." the Preparations were speedily made for their departure. Alonzo, who was an universal favourite, took leave of all his young friends with a heavy heart they merely knew he was going to St. Paul's and from thence to Europe his intended marriage was a secret. His last visit was to his aunt, the Abbess. "May the saints protect you, son of my brother!" cried the good lady; "Alonzo, thou art the last support and representative of our ancient and noble house; -- blessed be the chance that brings it back to wealth and independence! But remember, Alonzo, thou takest upon thee a duty most delicate and most difficult towards the hand that bestows these blessings. There is no good in this world without its attendant evil:- may thy golden chains lie lightly on thee!" They embarked, and in a few days reached St. Paul's. The were met on board by Senhor Josef, a little eiderly man, shrewd and active, with a -- long queue, cocked hat, brown dress-coat, and a flowered waistcoat. His joy and pride were almost too great for words, and for once in his life natural feeling swept away his whole routine of compliment; which is saying a great deal for an old Portuguese. The house of Senhor Josef was situated in the centre of the town, and was not at all distinguished from its neighbours, either in its outside or inside appearance; comfort had made less progress here than even at Rio. A heavy, dull looking building, with large white-washed rooms, a few of them only matted; rows of old-fashioned chairs ranged round the wall, or projecting in two stiff rows from the ends of a venerable looking sofa; a couple of small tables, to match, looked at each other from exactly opposite sides, and were ornamented with artificial flowers somewhat faded, in vases; a French elock in a glass case, old massive silver candlesticks, with candles ready to light, decorated with wreaths of white cut paper; such was the appearance of the grand sala of the wealthiest man in Brazil. They were met at the entrance by a little, dark, fat, good-humoured Senhora, arrayed in stiff flowered satin, whom Senhor Josef introduced as his sister Theresa. She gave Alonzo a hearty smack on each cheek, and led him into the sala, where presently a small table was brought in by two neatly dressed black damsels, covered with cakes and very fine fruit. While Alonzo was paying his compliments to these delicacies, the two fathers were talking apart: "The ship sails to-morrow," said the Marquess "it is very soon," and he sighed; “but, as you observe, we had better not lose the opportunity." "Much better not," replied Senhor Josef: " every thing is arranged: licence from the bishop, the priest, and the witnesses; all can be completed in an hour from this time." "And your daughter?" "Why, my lord, you know Isabella is but a child, and a sickly child; she has been sadly spoiled and petted, and, in consequence of her ill health and my numerous avocations, her education has been somewhat neglected : however, we must begin to make up for lost time.” "Well, Senhor," said the Marquess, with a sort of effort, "the sooner the business is finished the better." Senhor Josef whispered to his sister, and they both left the room. The Marquess then informed Alonzo that the ceremony would take place instantly, and that to-morrow he would leave for Europe. The Marquess also thought it prudent to prepare his son for the appearance of his bride, and after having repeated what her father had stated, he continued: "Promise me, Alonzo, to conceal as much as possible any unfavourable emotion she may excite: remember we have set our fate upon this cast!" "We have indeed, sir!" said Alonzo, gravely; "but the sacrifice is great." By this expression, Alonzo did not mean that he or his rank was sacrificed, although his more worldly father put this interpretation on his words; no, the natural intregrity, and yet unsullied freshness of his youthful feelings, told him that he was selling his honour and independence, and what youth prizes so much in perspective, free choice in his wedded love. They retired to their separate half-furnished bedrooms to make some alteration in their dress; which was scarcely completed when a request arrived that they would meet Senhor Josef in his private room. Thither they went, and found him with a notary, a priest, and two witnesses. A deed was handed over to the Marquess to read, by which a very handsome settlement was made on his son; the Marquess expressed his gratitude, and Alonzo kissed the hand of his new father; the deed was signed and sealed, and copies put in their possession. Senhor Josef's will was next read, in which, after providing for his sister, and bequeathing to her the only house he had, (their present residence,) the rest of his immense fortune he settled exclusively on his daughter. He also expressed his intention to make all fixed and sure by winding up his mercantile concerns before the return of Alonzo: but no land would he purchase; he was aware that a large hereditary estate in Portugal belonged by right to the Marquess, which in all probability he would possess in peace before he died. These interesting arrangements being completed, the party were requested to proceed to the oratory, where the marriage ceremony was to take place. Both the father and the son felt sad misgivings on the subject of the bride herself, and it was with a throbbing heart that Alonzo, especially, approached the oratory: his father, yet apprehensive of the final events, whispered emphatically, "Senhor Josef has performed his part nobly: -oh, my son! for my sake struggle to support yours." Alonzo pressed his father's hand, but his heart was too full to answer. Although the day shone brightly through the arched and small-paned windows of the oratory, it was, as usual in catholic chapels on occasions of ceremony, lighted with a great number of huge wax candles, which produced a most disagreeable effect. Two rows of slaves, male and female, were drawn up on each side; the priest and witnesses took their stations, as did Alonzo and the Marquess. Senhor Josef had gone for his sister and daughter. A few painful minutes elapsed. At length a scuffle was heard in the passage, and "Non quero non quero!" was shrieked out by a weak but shrill female voice. A moment afterwards Senhor Josef appeared with his sister, actually dragging in a thin, dark, lanky form, that was making all the opposition it was capable of, by biting, scratching, and screaming, The father and aunt were assisted by four young mulatto females, whose disordered white dresses, and flowers falling from their heads, showed but too clearly in what desperate service they had been engaged. The girl herself was dressed in thickly-worked Indian muslin, trimmed with rich lace, but which according to the Portuguese taste, was nearly as yellow as her own complexion: in her ears and round her neck were clumsily set diamonds of great value; her hair they had attempted to dress in vain, and it fell over her shoulders, long, strait, and black. Anger and mortification were deeply impressed on the countenaces of her father and aunt; and all present looked dismayed. But poor Alonzo! his blood ran cold: he actually sickened and nothing but the imploring look of his father prevented him rushing from the oratory. When fairly placed in the centre of the circle, the girl shook herself free, and threw back her disordered hair: she was panting with rage and exertion evidently beyond her strength; she glanced first on the Marquess, and then turned her eyes steadily on Alonzo. Every one was wondering what would happen next; when to their surprise and relief, after a long and childish stare, she stepped up quietly and placed herself beside him. The priest, who knew her well, lost not the favourable moment, and instantly commenced the service. She went through it with perfect composure, every now and then turning round to look at her companion. Once did Alonzo raise his eyes to meet hers, -- but his fell, as if avoiding the gaze of a basilisk: he visibly shrunk as he touched her cold and skinny hand--in short he could not conceal the agony he suffered. Nevertheless, the ceremony came to its conclusion, and with a sort of convulsive effort he turned to salute his bride. But she had already reached the door, (no one thought proper to prevent her ;) - there she stopped, and once again fixed her very large, black, and fearfully brilliant eyes upon Alonzo: their expression was changed, it was no longer the same as at the altar; but what that expression was, Alonzo, though haunted by it for years after, could never make out. The party left the oratory. The Marquess was the first to recover his composure, and conversed freely on indifferent topics until dinner was announced. Senhora Theresa made an apology for her neice, who, she said, was too unwell to join them. They sat down to a repast more abundant than elegant; and the gloom quickly disappeared from every countenance but one. In the evening, the fathers had a long conference over their coffee; and Alonzo, availing himself of the excuse his intended early embarkation provided, retired for the night to his chamber. After a light and hurried breakfast on the following morning, he prepared to depart. The Senhora expressed her deep regret that Isabella was not sufficiently recovered, after the agitating scene of the preceding day, to take leave of him personally; but--and the good Senhora was proceeding with a string of apologies, when Alonzo impatiently interrupted her by placing in her hand a morocco case containing a set of pink topaz of the latest London fashion, which he had brought from Rio as a present for his bride. He mumbled something about the Senhora presenting it in his name, as it appeared he could not have the honour of offering it himself. Away went the aunt with her prize, and returned in a few minutes with a ring containing one deep-yellow diamond of value enough to purchase a dozen of his pink topaz sets, and this was given with many fine speeches from his bride, made up by the Senhora with the felicity of her sex on such occasions. After receiving the blessing of his new relatives, he went on board, accompanied by the Marquess, who took leave of him with the greatest affection; giving him of course much wise counsel, mixed with the heartiest congratulations on his good fortune: but not one word was breathed by either concerning her who was at once the maker and marrer of all, the rivet to those golden links, without which, indeed, they would have lain lightly enough. The Marquess was a man of much tact; he felt that any thing he could say on this delicate subject must be wrong. A few weeks brought Alonzo to Falmouth, where he was met by Mr. Mordaunt, his tutor. They proceeded together to the Continent, where it was arranged they should spend three years in travel and study; the two remaining years were to be devoted entirely to England. Mr. Mordaunt was admirably calculated for the office assigned to him, and soon became affectionately attached to his pupil. Three delightful years flew rapidly by. The most interesting spots in France, Germany, and sacred Italy were visited. The study of the best authors in each language; that of the history, government, manufactures, and works of art, of each country; together with the acquaintance of the most eminent men-all contributed to exalt and enrich the highly gifted mind of Alonzo, and to fill his heart with the noblest sentiments of benevolence and patriotism. During this time he might have been pronounced among the happiest of mortals, but in his overflowing cup one black and bitter drop was mingled. - Mr. Mordaunt had been made aware of Alonzo's marriage, and of all the circumstances attending it, by the Marquess. In the first letter Alonzo received from his aunt the Abbess, were these words: "The only chance you have of domestic peace, (happiness is perhaps out of the question,) in your peculiar circumstances, is to guard your heart with the most vigilant care: if once that treasure pass into the possession of another, guilt and misery will attend you through life. I repeat to you again and again, guard your heart!" This letter was handed to his tutor, who, pointing to the last sentence, said emphatically, "let that be your watchword." During his residence on the Continent, his time and attention were too much occupied, his change of residence too frequent, to allow of his affec |