As Couradine took no part in the expedition, bis castle was open to all the crusaders. The concourse assembled there was considerable. The daughters of the Count de Sabean performed the part of hostess in the castle, and never was such mirth witnessed there as that which they kept up. Out of gratitude for so courteous a reception, the Knights held tournaments in honour of them. Many even gave challenges in earnest; for, said they, who would not lay down his life with pleasure for these amiable sisters?-The tournaments continned three days, during which the Knights exerted all their strength and dexterity. The conquerors thought themselves happy if they were then allowed to imprint a kiss on the hauds of the lovely sisters; and the vanquish-looking glass, which seemed to say to them: ed lamented that fortune deprived them of the "With such beauteous eyes as yours you canlike gratification. From these tournaments not fail of success." most of the Knights,at their departure, carried away a wound, inflicted against their will by a single glance of these fair females, accompanied with an agreeable recollection of the pleasure which they had diffused; for, whether they spoke or listened, a smile continually played upon their lips. They were incessantly in motion; their hearts alone remained peaceful and quiet. They were not in love, but, as the reader may already have concluded, their time did not hang heavy on their bands.

them a good night.-"What a brute!" exclaimed Louisa smiling." He must be tamed," rejoined Euphrosyne. "But how?" asked Bridget. "Nothing is more easy," answered Clotilda; "it depends entirely upon ourselves."-" By flattery," said Louisa," for he is proud." "By flattery!" rejoined Eu- . phrosyne. "Ah, no, sister !"—" Let us not degrade ourselves so low," continued Gertrude; "his equals are obliged to kneel."-"How then?" said Bridget.—" It is sufficient,” rejoined Clotilda, "for us to shew ourselves, without appearing to seek him, and as if by accident. He will see us; the little advantages which nature has bestowed on us will make some impression upon him, and he will be unable to resist. By degrees the savage will be tamed; he will begin to be a man ; love will soon begin to manifest itself, and he will thus be led to think of marriage. Yes, yes, my dear sisters, one of us must be his wife." All of them at once fixed their eyes on the

They were not rivals; their friendship, therefore, remained undiminished. One assisted to dress the other; Clotilda plaited Bridget's hair, and Euphrosyne arranged Clotilda's flowing locks. "There, sister," said one; "this robe suits you better than that; blue is better adapted to your complexion than rose-colour." In this manner passed a part of the forenoon. But you should have seen them when they went to the church of the Capuchins to mass. All of them wore straw hats, which seemed half inclined to conceal their lovely eyes, and they held each other by the hand like the Graces. There was not a knight and esquire that met them, but what saluted them with a low bow, and at the same time heaved a deep sigh. "What a pity," said they to one another, "what a pity it is that they love nobody." When they came from mass, they went to a field where snares were set, and taking the cord in their hands they roused the decoy-birds with a whistle. Deceived by the leaves with which the snares were covered, and the singing of the decoys, the birds came and perched upon the foliage; one of the sisters immediately pulled the cord, and the bird was caught. But they did not murder their prisoners. Such as were distinguished by the beauty of their plumage, or the melody of their notes, were kept; but the others were set at liberty. To bring up and attend the former was one of their favourite occupations.

Conradine now met them oftener than he

You have every opportunity of inducing Couradine to such a step. My blessing be with you, my dear girls; the Almighty will be your protector!"-His daughters fell upon his neck, and bedewed his cheeks with their tears. The Count departed.

The sisters were extremely fond of flowers. The first favour they asked of Conradine was that he would give them a plot of gardenground, which they cultivated with their own hands. As the flowers grew up they divided among themselves the care of attending them. The eldest, Euphrosyue, was particularly fond of the rose; Louisa preferred the tulip; Gertrude chose the ranunculus; Bridget's favourite flower was the violet; and Clotilda tended the carnation. Their apartment was adorned with these flowers, whose variegated colours and mingled odours regaled at once the sight and the smell. Around it stood frames for embroidery, and other implements for female occupations. It was a pleasure to see the|| fairest hands in the world engaged in turning the spinning-wheel, throwing the shuttle, or using the needle. Conradine visited them every evening on his return from the sports of the field, looked stedfastly at them without attering a word, and after gazing thus for hours together, he retired, and scarcely wished

Conradine accordingly rode out alone, but the whole day he was in an ill humour. He returned sooner than usual, found fault with every body; ordered a peasant, who had not made sufficient haste to salute him, into confinement, as well as another who had not

From this time Conradine had fewer opportunities of seeing the other four sisters. He met none but Euphrosyne, and by degrees he forgot all the rest. She manifested a partiality for hunting, and he permitted her to bear him company. As he was passionately fond of riding, Euphrosyne affected a strong predilec-addressed him with the title of your lordship. tion for that exercise. She managed her Euphrosyne heard of these acts of severity, horse with extraordinary address, and in riding and immediately wrote to him as follows :—“ [ races with Conradine she often reached the intreat you to set at liberty your two vassals, goal before him. In order to ascertain the whom, out of pride, you have thrown into conextent of her influence over him, she began, finement. Are your dominions for ever to No. XLI. Vol. VI.

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Conradine. It is certainly quite new!
Euphrosyne. It might almost be called love.
Conradine. Whatever you please.

and a sword by your side! Are you a sovereign,
a conqueror?

remain the theatre of violence and slavery?" Conradine, on reading this note, was highly exasperated, and paced the room with hasty steps. At length, however, he complied with Euphrosyne's request. On this she proceeded still farther. She ordered all the gates and barriers to be demolished, and allowed every Euphrosyne. In that case it would be a declaperson access at all hours to Conradine; so ration of love, and is this a fit attire to make that the petty tyrant who had formerly beenit in, clad in mail, with a lance in your hand invisible, was now exposed to public view, and his vassals came in crowds, when he was at table, to see and to bless him. Euphrosyne prevailed upon him so far that he would speak first to his esquires and the principal officers of his household, though he did it in the beginning with a very ill grace. He had not yet uttered a syllable that could convey an idea of love; and not a word which could bear that interpretation had escaped Euphrosyne. She however was determined to entice from him an acknowledgement of his passion, rather from self-love than from any other motive. For this an opportunity soon occurred.

Conradine. Any thing, any thing you please. He took off his helmet and coat of mail; the lance had already dropped from his hand, and his broad sword no longer hung by his side. Conradine. Will that do? Am I now as I ought to be?

Several neighbouring Lords had united their forces with a view to take from Conradine Frejus and Riez, together with all his possessions on the sea-coast. This circumstance obliged him to assemble his vassals; and in a short time he had collected a formidable army. He determined to put himself at its head, and made arrangements for his departure. He had not yet prepared Euphrosyne for this separation, and it was then that she expected to compass her point.

"I am going to leave you," said he to her ed as he withdrew.

abruptly.

Euphrosyne. What! nothing at all?

Conradine. I think at least (with some embarrassment) that I shall not leave behind a creature that will regret me

Euphrosyne. Are you sure of that?

Conradine. I mean to say that will regret me as much as you.

that?

Euphrosyne. 'Tis very polite of you to tell me so. Upon my word this is quite a new language.

The charming sisters were now regents, and

Conrauline. I am going to fight my enemies; perhaps I shall fall in battle. Heirs I have none, neither is there any thing in the world

that I love.

Euphrosyne. I think I might have been in- nothing was heard in the castle but the sounds formed of it sooner. of mirth and festivity. Troubadours and minstrels were welcome guests; balls and cours d'amour alternately succceeded each other. Wit, merriment and conviviality took the place of the former ridiculous etiquette. Without enacting laws they knew how to establish a happy medium between that familiarity which lessens respect, and abject servility. The subjects learned their duty, which they fulfilled with pleasure; they addressed their fair mistresses without constraint and yet with reverence. The report of this pleasing change ex

Euphrosyne. How so? Who could tell you tei.ded their fame to distant countries. Young

Knights thronged to see them; these five sisters were worthy of their homage. Euphrosyne was content to preside over their diversions and sports; the others went farther, and none of them had reason to be dissatisfied with her lot.

About this time the Countess de Martiques arrived at the court of Conradine. She came to make him an offer of her daughter's hand.

Conradine. I don't know; but I must confess that you are the only person in whose society I took any pleasure, I have found something in you, though I know not myself (laying his hand involuntarily upon his heart). I feel-Ah Euphrosyne, you are so fascinating!

Euphrosyne. Do you think so?
Conradine. Indeed I do.

Euphrosyne. No, not yet.

Conradine. Not yet?

Euphrosyne. You are too far from me, and then your attitude! You are too tall when you stand. I am obliged to look up too high at you.

Conradine. Is that right? (dropping on one knee.)

Euphrosyne. Yes, that is right. Now you may speak. What have you to say to me?

Conradine. Nothing more. I feel. Here, read this letter, by which I appoint you regent in my absence. If I fall in battle all that I possess will be yours, and your father's possessions will revert to your sisters. Farewel.

Euphrosyne expressed her thanks in the warmest terms. Conradine departed, and sigh,

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Her mortification on finding that she was too All these circumstances were eagerly collate, gradually produced a secret resolution lected by the vindictive Countess, who wrote to be revenged on Euphrosyne. Not long be- Conradine a long account of all that passed. fore the young Baron de Bormes had likewise Conradine was naturally hasty and impetuous; arrived at the castle as Conradine's prisoner; he moreover hated the young Baron, and swore and, on his word of honour, Euphrosyne had that both the culprits should die. He sent granted him liberty, on condition of his not for his physician." Doctor," said he, you leaving the town. Out of gratitude the young must revenge me."-" And on whom?"—" On Knight paid her particular attention, and she Euphrosyne and the Baron de Bromes. I am had too much good sense to take this amiss; betrayed and dishonoured; go and administer she laughed with her sisters on the subject, a slow poison that may afford me the satisfacand gave him no other appellation than that|tion of witnessing their death on my return of the little prisoner. At last he never quitted || home." Having received this injunction, the her side; he had become her esquire, and was physician departed.

even once surprized stealing a kiss of her fair

[To be continued.]

hand.

LAURENSTEIN CASTLE;

OR,

THE GHOST OF THE NUN

The following story introduces a ghost as a spirit of actual existence, and as such may perhaps offend the taste of the enlightened reader; but as a German legend, and a narrative of popular superstition abroad, it may not be unentertaining.

On the banks of a small river, in a province dry up the milk of the cows, and fijt about the of Germany, is situated the castle of Lauren-horses; in short, both men and beasts were stein, which was formerly a nunnery, and de- kept in a state of affright from the annoyance stroyed in the thirty years' war. The holy do- of the spirits. main passed as a derelict property into the hands of the laity, and was let by the Count of Orlamunda, the former lord of the manor, to one of his vassals, who built a castle on the ruins of the cloister, to which he gave his own name; he was called lord of Laurenstein. The event soon proved to him that church property never prospers in the hands of laymen, and that|| sacrilege, however clandestinely committed, will always meet punishment in the end.

The lord of the manor spared no expence to obtain by exorcisms a cessation of the tumults; but the most powerful enchantments, before which the whole empire used to tremble, had no effect on these Amazonian spectres, who defended their claim to the property of the castle so firmly, that the exorcists with their holy vessels and relics were sometimes obliged to quit the field.

The bones of the deceased nuns were roused from their peaceful abode; rattling noises perpetually disturbed the tranquillity of the family. Processions of nuns with flaming images were seen passing to and fro, opening and shutting the doors; they would often follow the servants into the stables and different apart- || ments of the castle, pinching them, nodding at || them, and tormenting them with frightful noises. The terror and dismay which these disturbances produced spread among all the domestics; nor was the lord himself proof|| against this host of spirits. The resentment of the nuus did not confine itself to these out

There was a certain famous man of the name of Gessner, who travelled about the country to lay spirits, and redress the injuries which their nocturnal revels had produced. To him was assigned the task of reducing these trouble◄ some visitors to obedience, and confining them again in the gloomy regions of death, where they might rell their skulls and rattle their bones without molestation.

Tranquillity was now restored in the castle. The nuns now slept agaiu, but after the period of seven years, a restless spirit of the sisterhood made her appearance in the night, renewed the former disturbances till she was weary, then having rested another seven years,

rages; they would likewise attack the cattle, li repeated her visits. The family in course of

time began to be habituated to her appearance at stated periods, and left the apartments whenever that happened.

Upon the decease of the first possessor the inheritance devolved by a regular succession into the hands of the male eir, which did not fail till the thirty years' war, when the last branch of the Laurenstein family flourished,|| in whose formation nature seemed to have exhausted all her powers. She had so prodigally lavished her qualities upon him that when he arrived at the years of maturity his corpulence and weight almost equalled that of the famous Irish giant; at the same time the young lord, Sigismund, to rusticated manners united an uncommon share of pride; he was determined to enjoy life, while he carefully avoided every extravagance which might diminish the paternal estate that had been hoarded up by par simony.

the daughter, who united with her mother in rejecting every offer.

As long as the heart of a young female yields to instruction, it may be compared to a small boat in the ocean, which suffers itself to be steered wherever the rudder guides it, but when the wind rises and the waves toss the bark to and fro, it regards no longer the rudder, but yields to the violence of the winds and the dashing of the waters. Thus the docile Emily submitted to the guidance of maternal instruction, and walked with chearfulness in the path of pride; the heart was yet untainted with guile. She expected some prince or count to do homage to her charms, and treated every inferior person with contempt truly gratifying

to her mother.

No family in all Vogtland were in her opinion of sufficient antiquity and noble birth to be allied to the last branch of the Laurenstein family; when, therefore, the youths of the neighbourhood were eager to pay their respects to this young lady, whose affections they wished to gain, the cautious mother gave them such reception as effectually put a stop to any further intercourse. She likewise carefully guarded the heart of Emily against what she cailed smuggled goods, and railed greatly against the speculatious of cousins and aunts who busied themselves in forming matrimonial connections. This had the desired effect upon

Before a suitable successor could be found for the Laurenstein estate, a circumstance happened to frustrate the views of the mother, and proved that all the princes and counts in the Roman empire would have come too late to gain the heart of Emily.

After the example of his ancestors he fixed upon a wife, as soon as his parents were del ceased; and began to look forward with pleasure to the prospect of an heir to his estate. In this, however, he was disappointed, for the wished for boy proved a girl. He afterwards sought no other enjoyments but that of eating, so that all the hopes of a male successor were buried in his corpulence. His wife, who from the beginning had the inanagement of the family, fixed all her affections on her daughter, and left her husband to revel in his sensual

During the disturbances of the thirty years' war, the army of the brave Wallenstein took up its winter quarters in Vogtland; and Sigismund received many uninvited guests, who committed more outrages in the castle than the former uocturnal visitors; if they did not lay claim to it as their just pro esty in the same manner as the latter, neither did they suffer themselves to be expelled by exorcists. Entertainments and balls succeeded each other

indulgencies, till at last he regarded nothing without intermission; the former were super

but the luxuries of the table. The education of Emily was entrusted to the care of her mother, who spared no paius in adorning her person and cultivating her understanding.

intended by Madame Sigismund, and the latter by Emily. The officers were pleased at the hospitality with which they were treated, and their host with the good temper and respect with which they returned it.

In proportion as the charms of her fair Emily began to expand, her views were extended, and her hopes flattered with the prospect of seeing her daughter the ornament of her family; she indulged á latent pride, which consisted in an extravagant attachment to her pedigree.

Among them were many who had great personal attractions; one, however, who was called Frederic, eclipsed the rest. To a fine form he united insinuating manners; he was gentle, modest, agreeable, lively, aud an accomplished dancer. No man had yet made an impression upon the heart of Emily, but she could not resist these fascinations when united to a red coat. Her heart became sus

ceptible of feelings of which she was not at first conscious, and they filled her soul with an inexpressible pleasure. The only circumstance that surprized her was, that such attractions could be found in a person who was neither a prince nor a count.

Upon a nearer acquaintance she frequently questioned his companions respecting his family and prospects; but no one could give her any satisfaction on a subject which occupied all her thoughts; every one praised him as a