The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-05-12

alone hope to gain pardon for his sins, and
to shake off the hellish influence which he
at once hated and obeyed.
So much was his mind occupied viii
this idea, that, when the maiden approach
ed him, he knelt down, and casting his
purse into the little fowery woven basket
which she carried, he murmured pray for
me heavenly VirginP
These words were uttered in so slow
tone of voice that they could scarcely be
heard by any Of the persons near him; and
if they had been, their import would, pro-
baly, have been misunderstood. The love-
" object of them, however, seized at once
their meaning, and deep blush sufused
her beautiful features as she passed on.
Leopold remained gazing upon her as
she retired; and it was not till the hustle Of
the persons near him, in leaving the chap
ell, reminded him of the singularity of his
posture, that he Quilted it. He arose and
went TO his hotel, filed with melancholy,
but not disagreeabe reflections upon the
visions he had beheld.
He could scarcely persuade himself that
it was merely human being; and when,
by dint Of reasoning, he had succeeded in
became fillmore powerful.
'1n her, pefhsps,' he said to himself, Il
may find that which have hitherto sought
in van-one being beautiful and good, who
may furnish me with motive TO live on.
and whose virtue and innocence may coun.
teract the dark spell which seems TO bind
me still. The prayers of such an angel
must be efficacious, and will prevail against
the handed powers of hell
His first business was to inquire the
name and family of the young lady whose
charms had made so sudden and SO power
ful an impression on him. He learnt that
she was the daughter of an Italian gentle
man of responsibility, whom the changes
which had taken place in his native coun-
try had driven into exile, and who had now
resided in Berne for some years upon the
remnant of his fortune. He was widow
er; and his daughter, whom he had very
carefully educated, was his only child.
Signor Baldini was a man of retired
habits, and of austere devotion. He was
known to practice the most severe rules Of
the Catholic church, and he had openly an
nounced his intention of placing his daugh-
ter in convent as soon as she should
might raii(y his wishes in this respect
II was believed, too, that the young lady
was perfectly willing TO comply with her
fathers desires.
The latter part OF the information Leo
pold heard with some anxiety, and he re-
solved that no effort should be wanting, on
his part, to effect a change in the destiny
of the lovely Laura at least, if not i'll that
Of her parent
He Immediately set about finding out
some person among his acquaintance, which
was numerous, and of the first respectable
ty, who would introduce him to the Signor
Baldin. He soon learnt, however, that
the retired habits of the old gentleman rem
dered this almost hopeless, and Ill the mean
time he was obliged to content himself with
hunting daily the neighborhhood in which
he lived, in the hope of seeing the beauti-
fu Laura, as she might by accident quit
or return TO her abode.
This, it must be confessed, was as con-
vincing proof as any man in his senses
could well give of being irretrievably in
love. Leopold was loo little novice in
affairs of the passions not TO be aware
of this; and he willingly encouraged the
growth of an affection which seemed at
once to meiorate and TO tranquelze his
heart.
AT length chance afforded him an oppor-
tunity of disclosing to Signora Baldinl the
secret of his soul. He had watched her
one day going from her own house 10 YES
pers, at the church where he had first seen
her. She was accompanied only by fe-
male servant, and when the service was
G.: LoI obo oil t<. 10 har hnuCc
On her way she was met by party oil riot
GUS young men, who appeared to have
been drinking freely, and who addressed
her with some rude and familiar expires
sions.
The shrinking girl was excessively terri
fed, and endeavored to avoid these vulgar
bows, but in vain. One of them had thrown
his arms round her waist, and she had just
uttered faint Shrek for help, when Leo
paid was in an instant at her side, and had
dashed her assaiant to the earth so rough
", ,that all his amorous ardor was dlspelled
in moment
The rascal rose as well as he could, and
Joined his companions, who drew them
selves up in threatening position, and APP
peared resolved to avenge,their companion.
They, however, changed their minds as
soon as they saw Leopold's sabre drawn,
and retired with precipitation, combining the
display of their valor to the mere utterance
ofsome unmeaning and disregarded threats
Leopold assured the trembling girl that
she had now no cause for alarm, and beg
ged that he might be permitted TO accom-
pany her to her house, in order 10 protect
her against any further accident.
She thanked him in the most graceful
manner, and every werd she uttered served
to confirm the passion Of the enraptured
German.
Her fears had magnified the danger in
which she had found herself when Leo
pold's prompt assistance rescued her; ana
her gratitude beng in proportion to that
imaginary peril, she expressed il with all