cried, turning round his head towards the cabin door,-" Theresa, here is

one who has seen

"So you knew him?" said the Cygani, sharply.

"Knew him! how could I not know him,-Ludovico!-For years many, and full of pleasure, he ate at my board, and warmed himself at my humble hearth; though he was no doubt born to a better fate. Our parting was as the tearing asunder of the nearest and dearest of kindred, though, poor fellow, his only hold upon us was his good conduct, and our own compassion; for his parents, who were once in better circumstances, died early, and left him on the wide world, unprotected and an orphan.-And are we to see him so soon again? The news is like a cordial to my heart."

"So you are the man I am in search of?" said the Cygani, catching hold of his hand. "That morning on which I parted from him, he asked me through what part of Hungary lay my road; and, on ascertaining that I journeyed this way on my homeward route to Buda, he begged of me to search out Peter Shemnitz, and tell him of his welfare."

Peter scarcely refrained from hugging the Gypsy." Theresa," he cried, "Theresa, my love, bring us out a flagon of your elder wine, and let us make merry. Girl, why do you stand there moping? make haste !-You have been crying, child;-a pretty occasion, too, surely.”

The wine was set down, and circled; the pipes whiffed; the jest and the song went round; and the Cygani, elevated with the good cheer, shook off the weight of years; and, as he pressed his dudel-sack with might and main, he failed not to make it "discourse most eloquent music," till twilight had sombred into night, and the glittering stars were high in the forehead of heaven.

Notwithstanding the most kind and hospitable entreaties, the Cygani could not be persuaded to consent to an abode among them for a few days. When sunrise warned the local colony to the fields, the old man buckled his knapsack on his back, and, taking his staff in hand, prepared for his onward pilgrimage. All set out together, as their paths lay for a quarter of a mile in the same direction. The morning was calm and delightful;

the golden sunshine lay on the sides of the far-off Carpathian hills; and, fringing the extensive plain, arose dark forests, which, in several places, bounded the horizon.

A delicious odour was wafted on the gentle breeze from the luxuriant wildflowers; and the wide air was musical with the song of birds. Theresa lagged behind with some of her companions, who failed not to remark the feverishness of her looks, and the languor that slept on her heavy eyelid ; but she smiled away their inquiries; listened, or seemed to listen, to their carols, as she pointed out the beauties of hill and dale that expanded around them. The Gypsy loitered with her father at the cross which parted their several roads; and when Theresa came up, he took her by the hand, bade God bless her, and departed.

If the reader is particularly anxious to know what kind of harvest these peasants had to depend upon for their next year's subsistence, we have the ineffable pleasure of assuring him that he may keep his mind easy on that score, as the crop was considerably above an average one; and day after day beheld them with grateful hearts gathering in the bountiful provision which a kind Providence had willed for their wants; but, with leave, we shall let them alone, until all be cut down, bundled up, and stored into the waggons; while we return, in the meantime, to the city of Debretzin, and endeavour to find something there to fill up what might otherwise prove a vacuum with respect to interest.

After six years' participation with the great army of the Germanic Empire, of the fatigues, horrors, and casualties of war, Ludovico had returned to his native place. The field of Leipsig, so fatal to Napoleon, was that in which he had last been actively engaged; and though he had received wounds in less desperate encounters, from that great battle he had escaped unharmed. From that time his military career was restricted to garrison duty, till the arrangement, resulting from the throne-overthrowing victory of Waterloo, once more shed a hope of happy days through the wide extent of the continent, and restored many a war-worn soldier to the bosom of his family. Countless, alas! were the thousands who returned no more.

From the constitutional laws of

Hungary, it results, that the tenure of property is next to unalterable-a certain way of maintaining the state of vassalage to which the great body of the people is subjected, as their claims, when preferred, can be carried in all cases of emergency, even from the Her renstuhl, or court held by the nobles on their own estates, where they are but little likely to obtain impartial justice, to the general council of the nation, at Offen. From the operation of an ancient edict, still enforced, property may be transferred on a mortgage for thirty years; but, at the expiry of that term, it is redeemable by the lineal descendants of the ancient proprietors.

Before Ludovico was born, the small property which, from immemorial time, had remained in the hands of the Marlin family, passed, with this feudal burden of course upon it, into the possession of strangers, who, doubtless, reckoned themselves secure in lasting occupation; for, in the lowly estate of a peasant, the only son had been permitted to grow up to manhood, and had been drawn away at the age of eighteen, in the conscriptions for the army. The time, at which restitution could be demanded, had now well passed on. A large placard was exhibited on the outer wall of the house of the Rent-richter; and, failing the appearance of a claimant, with adequate proofs of his consanguinity, the estate passed, within a month, irretrievably into the hands of the present occupier. Fortunately, at this very era, fate put it into the power of our young soldier to make a personal demand for the restitution of his paternal estate; and, immediately on his return to Debretzin, he laid his claims before the constituted authorities; and as immediately were they attended to. For, to conciliate the lower orders, this branch of their claims upon the state is most assiduously attended to, and the occupant, knowing that no countenance will be given either to litigation or refusal, on the mortgage being paid up, tacitly left the house and adjoining fields, already stripped of their autumnal honours, open for the entrance and occupation of their legitimate proprietor.

With all possible dispatch, things were put into order; and the dwelling prepared for the reception of the young officer of hussars; for to that rank the

fortune of war, and his own exertions, had honourably raised him. Though, from the absence of all his old friends on their accustomed harvest excursion, he was literally surrounded by strangers, yet money is a rare talisman, and can work wonders which might startle the most profound adept in alchemy. In a few brief days, the house was replenished in a style to which it had not found itself equal for half a century. The plots were weeded and delved into trim; the wild wood pruned away; and the vines festooned with greater neatness about the slender pillars, which form, along with the projecting roof, common to the better houses throughout the country, a kind of piazza, where, during rainy or intensely warm weather, the family may work, sit, or amuse themselves.

In the course of a fortnight, all Ludovico's plans were executed-his grounds set in order-and his house such as he had imaged in his mind's eye;-nor could he look upon either, without a degree of pride and satisfaction, that may readily be pardoned to a newly-created landlord. The future appeared bright before him; hopefulness sate upon his heart; dreams, long cherished, seemed verging towards accomplishment; after procrastination and absence, the anticipations of youthful ardour glowed in more agreeable colours, and he wearied for the time when Peter Shemnitz and his family should return, less that they might wonder at his wealth, than that he might shew them all his gratitude, for benefits which had been conferred without expectation of fee or reward.

Ten days had elapsed; and the harvest of the peasantry of Debretzin was nearly over; when, one evening, as the young of both sexes were indulging themselves in their accustomed dance on the green sward, beneath the lilac trees, the Gypsy again made his appearance. He stood for a few minutes looking on with a pleased countenance, seemingly participating of the light-heartedness of youth; and, perhaps, revolving in mind the many happy times, when long, long ago, on the banks of the far-off Danube, he himself joined in similar festivities-but the remembrance either overcame him, or some other thoughts called him away, for he shortly turned on his heel, and strayed by the

hedge-row of pollards down to the temporary abode of Peter Shemnitz.

While yet at some distance, he descried the old man on his bench by the door, smoking his accustomed pipe; and, as he approached still more close ly, was somewhat vexed to meet with rather a cold reception, Peter looking much more sombre and demure than usual. His mind seemed either otherwise occupied, or he wished not to take any notice of him, as he was almost upon him before he raised his head, or wished him a good evening. The old man started from his reverie, but immediately recovering himself, recognized the face of the stranger, and proffered cordially the right hand of friendship.

"So you have come back to see us once more, have you? You are well met; for we are not right here. Most of your people pretend to skill in the ap plication of remedies; and my daughter, poor soul, is ailing."

"What! Theresa ?"

"Yes; I have but one daughter, and I am afraid to lose her. Better 'twere that the old died first; but why should I dare to murmur?"

"Why, she looked blooming and healthy but two weeks ago, when I was here ?"

"It is exactly since that time that I have observed her not looking well; food she would scarcely look at, and word would she scarcely speak any. Some slow fever is, I am afraid, working within her; but, come in, and you shall see her yourself."

Theresa started up from her seat by the hearth, as the Cygani entered; and a faintness came over her heart, insomuch, that her head sank back on the wall, but, without complaint, she speedily reassumed composure, and welcomed back the stranger to their dwelling. "That man," she thought, "somehow or other possesses secrets, which give him a control over my destiny. He seems to know more of what lies nearest to my heart, than he seems willing to make me aware of. Sure he must be the bearer of evil tidings he dares not to leave them unrevealed; yet he has not the heart to communicate them! May heaven strengthen me for all things!"

"Your father tells me, Theresa," said the gypsy, gently taking hold VOL. XVII.

of her hand, "that you have been unwell since I saw you. Cau I do anything for you?"

Theresa, turning her beautiful, but languid eyes from him, looked on her father, and said, "My dear father, you deceive yourself; I have nothing to complain of, your affection for me deceives you. Believe me, I am well nay, shake not your head,-quite well."

"Yes," added the Cygani, smiling, "I insist upon her being quite well; as I have returned back all the way from Debretzin, on a special errand to her. Theresa, believe me, it is true."

Theresa looked anxiously at him, and heaved an involuntary sigh from the bottom of her heart, that made her bosom swell, as if it would have cracked the girdle that surrounded her waist.

"Indeed, it is quite true. A young soldier has returned to his home, and is making bustling preparations to have all things in order against your return. Hither have I come at his earnest request, to remind you of an old promise, which now demands immediate fulfilment always providing that your heart remains the same as when that promise was made."

Theresa read in her father's face the lines of doubt and anxiety; and, looking round to the Cygani, he said, "To whom do you allude? There is but one person alive to whom my daughter shall, with my consent, give her hand; and, if I am not mistaken, that person is far enough away yet, I'll warrant it. Though, droop not, my Theresa, the day may not be far distant, when the separated may meet to sunder again no more. If faith dwell in a human bosom, fear not. The token which claims you may come to”

"Knowest thou that?" cried the Cygani, drawing from his breast a golden bracelet, marked with the letters T. and L.-" Knowest thou this?

By this token am I sent to claim attention to my errand!"

"Has Ludovico returned ?" asked Theresa eagerly, as she started to her feet, clasping her hands together, as she approached the gypsy-"oh, say he is well!-Is he at Debretzin ?Oh, he will be here, father, he will

3 A

not wait; he will be here to see us!Then all my fears and my dark dreams are false. Half did my heart assure me that he had fallen on the field of battle; that I-that we should never see him more."

66

"Stuff-stuff, Theresa," said old Peter, checking her; you must be well now, and dream so no more.'

"Stuff-stuff," echoed the Cygani. "On the word of an old man, with one foot in the grave, your lover is well, and awaits your arrival at Debretzin. He could not get away immediately, but hurried me back to apprise you of his arrival. He is to meet you on your road home, nevertheless, and I have my fears, Theresa-why do you look afraid, girl?—that when you enter Debretzin, it must be under a different name than that with which you left it. Nay, but you need not blush-neither need you pout and try to look angry. I am only telling you the plain truth."

"To-morrow we set out early," said old Peter, hobbling to and fro, with his hands thrust into his large coat-pockets, and looking ten years younger than he did but half an hour before; “ and, methinks, it is a day too late. Warn our neighbours, Theresa, that we delay not in setting out by sunrise."

Peter and the gypsy spent a blithe night of it together; and as the latter had seen much of the world in his wanderings, the hours passed over, winged with interest and cheerfulness, till the time of sleep arrived.

One of the lowest of the peasantry, with a strong twist of sinister intellectuality, whose province was that of herd to, and feeder of, the cattle, aroused the little colony, by careering out on a donkey, and parading through the whole extent of the lines, whom he summoned by sound of a large crooked horn, to strike their encampment, and prepare for march. Nor was his part ill acted, as, in the course of an hour, the whole machinery of horse and foot was effectually put in motion. The dews of morning, as yet undrunk en by the sun, lay on the grass when their journey commenced, and, by an hour before noon, they had gained the height that looked far forth into other valleys. Nothing particular occurred till the ensuing day, when the gypsy produced a letter, which he seemed to

have forgot, purporting that Ludovico was to meet Theresa at the Chapel of St John, and to claim her at the altar for his bride.

"And how looked Theresa?" the female reader, with very pertinent curiosity, may be supposed to inquire; "and what like was the dress which, along with his letter, the Cygani brought her from her lover? It would be a pretty story, indeed, if essentials like these were to be omitted."

Well, then, Theresa looked charmingly. She had ever been considered a beauty, but, on the ensuing morning, when the spire of St John's rose in sight, on the word of an honest taleteller, I assure you, that, of all days in the year, she looked on that one the most bewitchingly. As to her dress, I suppose that I dare not pass it over, though really-but here it is. Over her head was thrown a square of very thin white muslin, wreathed so as to form a roll in front, one fold falling down the back, and another towards either shoulder, the margin of the whole being adorned with a rich lace, several inches deep. Her vest, which was without sleeves, of a fine crimson cloth, richly embroidered with silver spangles, accurately fitted her sylphlike figure, as far as the waist, which was confined by a girdle of blue silk, scarcely to be discerned, from the multitude of beautiful small beads ornamenting it. Below the girdle, the vest descended in loose folds to a little under the knee, and terminated in a deep fringe, corresponding with the girdle. At the bosom the vest opened, to display the curiously laced front of a satin bodice, held together by silver clasps, yet affording indistinct snatches of a breast fairer and finer than all that enveloped it; amidst the elysium of which, "a thousand little loves in ambush lay." Under the fringe of the tunic, a few inches of snow-white mus lin petticoat were allowed to descend, so as only partially to interfere with the elegance of a finely turned ankle in its silken stocking, and contrasting well with the yellow boot, delicately edged with black fur, which enclosed her slender foot. Throw, now, a slight shawl of pale blue over her shoulders loosely, and you have her such as she entered the church for the last time in her state of" single blessedness."

Although no great judge of these

matters, yet it may be affirmed, that since she looked so passing well, the taste of her lover is not much to be disputed. It may be said, that a genuine natural beauty must look well in anything. We stop not to dispute the point-but repeat, that in the costume selected by Ludovico, she appeared beautiful, beautiful as the feigned wood nymph, or the Oriental Peri -the light of love glancing in her dark eyes, and the rose of paradise alternately fading and flushing on her damask cheek.

But where was the expected bridegroom? The company were already assembled, and the priest, in his robes, awaited his arrival. Dressed out in their holiday garments, the whole agricultural colony, male and female, attended in honour and affection to the parties; so that the small chapel was crowded, and a hundred uncovered heads formed a semi-circle around the open space by the altar. Silence and expectation dwelt in the midst of them, and the eyes of every one were turned on the almost angelic beauty of the young bride, who was now led in. The priest summoned the parties to stand forward. Theresa, attended by one of her companions, in a dress similar in fashion, but less costly than her own, was conducted forward by her father. But where was the bridegroom? The old gypsy, who was standing amid the

spectators, exchanged looks of anxiety with the venerable Peter, as if in wonder what could possibly have happened. He read perplexity in every line of the old man's countenance-the perplexity of a father-and he stepped forward, in Christian charity, to breathe some comfort or consolation into his ear. Theresa lifted up her eyes to him as he came forward. His wide clumsy boots had been cast aside, in honour of the auspicious day, and, considering his years, his step seemed elastic with youthful vigour. He exchanged a second glance with her, but could no more. The hoary beard and mustachios, which had so effectually disguised him, were in a moment on the ground, and, throwing aside the large Hungarian cloak which shrouded him, Ludovico, in a rich huzzar uniform, stood for an instant confessed-then rushed forward to his matchless Theresa-who, meeting him half way, threw her arms about his neck in her surprise and joy, and almost fainted away on his breast.

A murmur of delight and admira tion arose-the priest proceeded with the ceremony, and, putting the hand of Theresa into that of her lover, acted as the immediate vicegerent of the Deity, in uniting together a most deserving pair, and leading them to the choicest blessings that earth has in store for her children.

A DUNCE in the Quarterly Review (for even it hath its dunces) once oracularly announced that Mr Hazlitt was a blockhead. Mr Hazlitt almost justified the announcement, by attributing it to that ghost-seer, Mr Gifford. Now Mr Hazlitt is no blockhead, for blockhead means fool, and the modern Pygmalion is something else. People ought not to be miscalled, and therefore we have much satisfaction in wiping away the epithet Fool even from this writer, although he never was a great favourite of ours, and in suggesting another more appropriate and characteristic.

In this "Work of the First Importance" we are presented with Portraits of many of the Leading Men of the

Day, and the first questions that a sensible mind asks, are, Pray, who is the painter? Is he a Master, or a Dauber? Did these Spirits of the Age sit for their Portraits? and, if so, where did they sit-in cellar, or garret ?

To the first of these very natural queries the answer is ready. Mr Hazlitt is a Dauber; but then a Dauber frequently dashes off a strong, staring, absurd, and grotesque likeness of a human being, whose face you can never again banish from your memory while you live. If your friend the Sitter have a wrinkled forehead, the Dauber absolutely ploughs and harrows it. Should he have a slight cock of the eye, the Dauber makes him squint to the utter