in feeling language upon the wrongs from which the Corsicans
had suffered so greatly at the hands of the French; but, to tell the
truth, I felt just then too weak to take more than a languid interest in
the subject, it was too exciting for me in my invalid condition, besides
which, I perceived that the theme was a painful one to my companion; I
therefore gradually drew the conversation into a lighter channel, and we
were soon deep in the discussion of poetry, music, and painting,
subjects in which we both seemed to be equally interested, and our
enthusiasm upon which speedily broke down the slight barrier of reserve
which had interposed itself between us at the commencement of the
interview. The result was that when that objectionable old party,
Maria, came to announce the arrival of the moment when a return to my
own room was judged advisable, she found us both comfortably established
upon the same lounge, sitting very close to each other, and deep in the
beauties of a portfolio of choice engravings which rested upon our
knees; moreover, we had grown so confidential that by mutual agreement
our usual formal style of address had been discarded, my young hostess
promising to call me "Ralph," if I would address her as "Francesca."

From this date my progress toward perfect recovery was rapid. A few
days more were passed in Francesca's boudoir, in the enjoyment of her
delightful society, and then came the happy moment when supported by her
arm, I was able to move slowly and for short distances about the
superbly laid-out grounds of the chateau. These delightful walks, which
became more extended every day, naturally resulted in the establishment
of still more intimate relations between us, and in a very short time
each knew all about the past history and the future prospects of the
other. The latter were eminently satisfactory on both sides, for, with
all the assurance of a boy and a midshipman, I speedily announced my
intention of winning my post rank in the shortest possible amount of
time, chiefly as a desirable preliminary to my return to Corsica for the
purpose of claiming the lovely Francesca's hand in marriage.

The sweet girl laughed heartily at me, at first; though younger than
myself, she was more of a woman than I was of a man, and she assumed
with me a great many of the airs of a senior; but upon my vehement and
repeated protestations of the seriousness and permanent nature of my
intentions, her laughter ce