The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1839-08-24

hS lOlhiOl plOPilotoIu Vi ullS VII
la was an elegant and interesting man. In
his youth he had passed several years in
Great Britain, and returned to his native ci-
ty at the period when the English had pos
session of the island. As he spoke their
language perfectly, and was an intelligent
and agreeable companion there was no Sc-
lian more frequently to be found in their
circles, or one who was more deservedly
popular among them. At that time there
was residing in Palmero, the ward of an
English officer, committed 10 his care by
her father, an old friend, who died many
years previous in England. Caroline Wal
ter was not only beautiful, but so fascinating
in her manners, that she was the object of
universal admiration. To the extreme NOR
lifcation of many Of her countrymen, she
received without displeasure the market at
tentions of Palma,t the inheritor of this beau
tlful domain, They were in truth, admir-
ably fitted for each other. His chief fault
was an mpetuosity Of feeling, which some-
times urged him into acts of foolish precp-
itancy; but in mind and principle he was
lnfnitely superior TO the generality of his
ceuntrymen, and it was the virtues Of Car
oline Walter not less than her personal gra-
ces, which had won his heart.
You are aware of the inveterate prejudice
which the English entertain towards foreign
ers, and you must have perceived how
strongly it is cherished in the case of Sicil-
lians. There are, indeed, discrepancies Of
temperament and character between the two
lreople TO account for, if notio Justify some
degree of such feeling, and the want of
education, and moral degradation too preva-
lent among the inhabitants of this island, is
sufficient 10 explain the little favour they
find in the eyes Of one of the most enlght-
ened nations of the earth. But this, Ike
all other prejudices, is too indiscrminate,
and therefore unworthy of being entertain
ed by any liberal or philosophical mind.
The known virtues OF Palma did not
weigh with the friends of Caroline Walter
She was assailed on every side and in eve
ry manner, to induce her TO lenounce her
lover, solely because he was Sicilian, but
in vain. She could not appreciate the ar
gument; and having found him honorable,
gifted and especially possessed of tastes and
sentiments according with her own, she
hesitated not TO reciprocate his ardent and
disinterested attachment. After their mar
riage, they were for short time absent up
on the continent, and then returned hither
and established themselves at this villa
The sight of their domestic enjOyments re-
awakened disappointment in the breasts of
some of the young English officers, and
there were two of them, especially, who
resolved, if possible, to disturb the happi-
ness which they had not the magnanimity
to rejoice in. How to sow the seeds Of dis.
cord where harmony was so complete was
aquestion they could easily solve. To
attempt to impair the confidence of the wife
they knew would be in vain, and moreover,
there was dignity and independent supe-
riority in her character which awed them
into silent respect. Unfortunately, they
were aware of the weakness of Palma, and
upon this they determined to play. Indus.
triously circulating reports that his wife re-
kpented of her connection, they took meas
ures that not day should pass but some
insinuation reached his ears calculated TO
excite that jealousy which belongs to the
Siclain temperament. For long time these
rumors affected lin not. He knew the
propensity of his countrymen for scandal;
and if, for a moment, doubt has darllened
his mind, one glimpse at the ingenious and
noble countenance of his lovely wife, or a
single tone of her sweet welcome, dispellsd
! it in moment.
One day, however, when several Eng
Iish officers, and among them the two hyp-