The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-05-12
he energy of her character.

Idu IGHutIGu HCi3 anu He, WHO utSHCd
nothing so much as an introduction to the
old gentleman, did not say a word in OBJ
lection 10 this proposal.
When they arrived at the house, the
gentle girl, who was still somewhat agitat
ed, rushed into her fathers arms, and told
him that she had been assailed by a band
of ruffians on her return from church; and
added that, but for the assistance Of the
gentleman who accompanied her, she
would perhaps have been killed.
This was not quite true, but she thought
it was; and her manner Of relating it at
once alarmed the old Italian, and called
forth his thanks to Leopold, who now felt
obliged TO disclaim some Of the praises
which were bestowed upon his courage.
He told Signor Baldini that these re-
doubtable assailants were probably only ar
tisans, who had been at short distance
from the city, to spend the holiday, and
whose weak brains the festivities of the oc-
casion had somewhat infamed. For his
own share in the affair he renowned all
praise and thanks, because he had merely
interlered, as every gentleman must have
done, to protect lady from the annoyance
of such persons.
After some further compliments on each
side, an agreeable conversation ensued, in
the course of which Leopold found the
sgnor TO be a man of information and pol
ish, although there was a gravity in his
manner-occasioned by the settled sorrow
which he had labored under ever since his
wife's death-which might, TO persons less
interested than Leopold, have seemed in
some measure repusive.
The lovely Laura, although she was no
longer surrounded by the prestige which
the place and The occasion on which her
lover first behed her had enveloped her
with, was not less charming. The artless
innocence and gaiety of her conversation,
her pious attention to her father, and the
vigilance with which she seemed 10 antici-
pate his every wish, not less than her rare
beauty, which Leopold now gazed at with
still greater admiration than before, COR
| firmed him in the opinion that she was the
most amiabe and fascinating Of created
beings.
He Staid as long as decency allowed him,
aud, before he retired, he had obtainedper'
mission to wait upon the signor again.
He did not fail to avail himself Of this
permission at the earliest opportunity but,
to his great disappointment, the real object
of his visit, the Signora Laura, was not
visible. He, however, passed some time in
conversation with her father, in whose
good opinion he thought-and he thought
justly he had made some progress. Alter
few more visits he told the old gentleman
that he entertained the most fervent pas
sion for his daughter, and made formal de-
mand Of her hand in marriage.
& regret very much the disappointment
must occasion to you by declining the
honor you propose to me- said Slgnor Bal.
DIM; 'but my daughter is already engaged.
is it possible 2 cried Leopold in despair;
'and does she love another
Il speak not of human engagements, re-
Piled the signoT Laura is the devoted
bride of heaven
Leopold breathed again, and, since he
knew it was no mortal rival that he had to
fear, he returned TO the charge.
But will you not permit me, SIR he SAID,
sto endeavor TO engage her affections,
Surely beauty and virtue such as hers Will
be more properly and more serviceably en-
ployed in the world, which has need oil such
examples, than in cloister.
: But in cloister,' replied the signor, the
posscssor f,such beauty and virtue as hers
and which even The Partially OF dotln9
father does not, think, make me overrate;
will be protected from the thousand perls
and snares with which the paths OF the
5 world are strewed.'
And yet, SIR continued Leopold, 'the
protection of fond and faithful husband,
who would seek his whole happiness in her,
and who, in return, would make her iellc ty
his dearest care, might be sufficient safe
guard even against sach perils
Il know replied the signor, that to a
young and imprisoned lover (such as you
say, and as believe, you are) arguments
will not be wanting TO induce me to change
: the resolution have formed. | do not les
itate to tell you, also, that. i'll had to decide
upon this matter alone, all your arguments
would be in vain, so maturely have con-
sidered the subject, and so firm is my re-,
solve: but, while ain father, and ieel
called upon to exercise fathers caution, |
have no disposition 10 exert any authority
beyond that. Laura shall Judge for herseli;
J she is entitled TO make her own choice III so
, important an affair, and she has discretion
: enough to make a wise one. | feel obliged
to say that my objections to her marrying
f. are not personal as regards you; your ianl-
t ly, your fortune, and your characterize,
. as have ioreseen this event, have e..
: qured into all these crcumstanees--are
I unexceptionable; and, if my daughter re-
solves not to take the veil, | should prefer
| you to any other man ! know for her hus-
band
Leopold thanked him for his good opin-
ion.
|, sYou owe me no thanks replied the old
: man; i speak to you quite plainly; and |
tell you, besides, as will not tell Laura.
that NV wish to see Ter enter convent is
founded upon The dying request of her mo-