to remove to another small bathing-place, when he fortunately heard of a chateau, five miles off, which was to be let furnished.

He immediately rode off to look at it, and returned in the evening so much pleased, that he hired it at once for six months.

The next day we drove there to give the necessary directions to prepare for the reception of the family the following day.

As we occupied the chateau de St. Julien for several months, I shall here give some little account of it.

It was situated so close to the sea, that only the garden wall separated it from the beach, and the view from the windows was enchanting. The ocean glittering in the sunbeams, and dotted with a hundred vessels of every size and form, brought to my recollection the account my dear mother had given me of her first view of this very ocean. Her eyes and those of my poor father had rested with rapture and hope on these waters. All they had suffered, and all I had lost in losing those dear parents rushed into my mind, and brought

tears into my eyes at the very moment I was admiring the splendid scene.

The terraces in front of the house were on each side inclosed by light trellis-work, on which were trained orange and lemon-trees, Catalonian jasmine, myrtle, and other delightful flowers; the united perfume from which was delicious, while the air was so balmy, that it seemed as if it must restore health to the most feeble invalid. The grounds which surrounded the chateau were not very extensive, as the Count de St. Julien scarcely ever resided there, and he had therefore let the greater part of his land, having inclosed with a wall about six acres immediately round the chateau. The building contained an unnecessary number of apartments for our establishment, but it was much more pleasant than being confined to close lodgings in a town. The front of the house, which looked upon the sea, consisted, on the ground floor, of an immense and lofty hall, with a library, dining and other rooms on each side. Over these was a spacious saloon, fifty feet long, and noble bed

rooms and dressing-rooms at each end. The rest of the building, which went off backwards at right angles, contained galleries, into which numerous apartments opened; the space underneath was occupied, on one side, by other rooms and the chapel, and the opposite side consisted of the servants' apartments and offices.

The furniture, except in the saloon and the two adjoining bed-rooms, was poor enough, consisting of faded and torn silk and velvet hangings, and very antique chairs and tables. The walls, however, were adorned with what appeared to me good paintings, and a great many family portraits.

We found in the chateau the housekeeper, her husband, and their two grand-daughters, (whom we engaged as house-maids,) and a gardener and his wife and son. To this establishment we added a dairy-maid, a French footman, and a coachman, also a man cook, with his assistant.

No time was lost in taking possession of the chateau, as Lady Henry required and

wished much for repose, after her long jour

ney.

The monastery of St. Julien, and a few scattered cottages within half a mile, were our nearest neighbours. There was a pleasure-boat upon the beach, in which Lord and Lady Henry often enjoyed themselves, while dear little Carlos and myself had ample time for amusement and improvement in our English and Spanish studies.. I found great interest in examining the portraits in the chateau, and often rambled through its deserted apartments for that purpose, and as I gazed on the various countenances of the noble counts and stately or lovely ladies, I frequently wished they could speak, and tell of days long, long gone by.

One morning, as I was contemplating the picture of a young and beautiful female, which had often riveted my attention, from the peculiarly pleasing and soft expression of her features, the housekeeper, (Madame Bonval,) a chatty, civil person, came to ask for some orders. After I had answered her, I asked

if she could tell me the names of the various portraits, particularly the one which had so much attracted me. She hesitated at first, and then said it was a Mademoiselle St. Julien. "Did you remember her?" I asked. "Yes, very well, Mam'selle."

"What relation was she to the family?" "The only daughter of the late count." "Is she alive?"

"Alas! I cannot tell you," she answered. "How long is it since you last saw her?" "Five and twenty years."

"Then I suppose she does not reside in France now," said I.

"God only knows where she is," answered Madame Bonval, with a mysterious shake of the head.

My curiosity was roused, and after a few more questions, I gathered from her the following extraordinary account.

Five and twenty years since, the chateau was inhabited by the Count de St. Julien, a widower, and father of the young lady in question, who was then seventeen years of

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