daughter's name was Natalie," remarked Mr. Delwood; "it is a
singular coincidence that the child should be named for the mother."

"It is all a miracle," said Harry, "and sometimes I have thought old
Vingo not far out of the way, when he declared 'Missy Sea-flower to have
been left upon the beach by no other than the Lord.'"

Gradually Mr. Alboni came to be like himself again. He was a remarkably
handsome man, his countenance denoting his generosity of heart. His
delight in the society of the Sea-flower, as she pointed out to him each
day, some new attraction about her island home, knew no bounds. It was
now that Mr. Alboni directed his attention to his unsettled affairs in
Italy. Had he lived out his days as the unknown artist, without
discovering an heiress to his vast estates, he would probably never have
given the subject a thought, and strangers, or some public institution,
would have realized a handsome legacy; but his every nerve thrilled now
with new life for her; every advantage which wealth could procure would
be hers. But it was not only to look after his pecuniary affairs that he
laid the question before Mrs. Grosvenor, if her child should accompany
him to the land of her birth, but that she might become acquainted with
the position in life which she was every way capable of filling. And so
it was arranged that Natalie, with her grandfather, should make the tour
of the eastern world, whither Mr. Delwood should accompany them. After
disposing of Mr. Alboni's estates, and visiting the lions of the East,
they would return, to make America their home; and it being left for
Natalie to decide what spot should be chosen as their future home, she
said, stealing a glance towards Clarence Delwood,--"we will return to my
mother's peaceful island home, for we can be happy here."

Accordingly the day was fixed when they should depart, but the very
evening before they would sail, brought news to Mr. Delwood of the
dangerous, and probably fatal illness of his father. It was with a sad
heart that he looked upon such a separation from his betrothed, for he
would necessarily resign the pleasure which he had anticipated, in
escorting her to countries which he had visited, and which had become
dear to him. It was a great disappointment also to Natalie; yet she
sought to persuade him it was for the best; "she would soon return, and
the separation would bring a thrice joyful meeting."

It was a glorious evening; the soft moonl