undignified situation. I confess I could not help | Chinese, appearing almost to consider him as a footsmiling. "A painter-the rascal paints miniatures. I really have to apologise for this fit of passion; but-." And he paused for a moment. I suppose you had some just cause for it ?" said I. He hesitated. Come, tell me what it is all about." L. reddened up as if ashamed. Upon my life, I believe I was wrong; but at the moment I could not help it. But, after all, it was a very foolish affair." "Come, then, let me have it." So, while we were eating our tiffin, and smoking a chillum, he related to me the following facts. ball. The Chinaman was never again seen in Agra, and for a very excellent reason, I believe. My friend sent him money to be off as quickly as he could, and never to publish the story. He forgot, however, to include me in the promise. RUNNING A MUCK. ONE of the greatest objections to India is the almost certainty of every young man forming those liaisons which are not only dangerous in a moral point of view, but often destructive in our worldly career. Encouraged by example, shut out from the more refined society of European ladies, without a hope of marrying, and unchecked by the laws of society, the young soldier or civilian in India, stationed in some dreary spot, removed from the awe which the presIt appeared that the unhappy Chinese had travel-ence of virtuous females inspires, is apt to form a conled up from Calcutta, on speculation as a miniature- nection as revolting to European taste as opposed to painter, and, when unsuccessful in this profession, had every moral precept. occasionally recurred to the never-failing resource of Mr. A was unmarried, young and handa Chinaman, the noble trades of shoemaking and tai- some; he had won and carried off a lovely girl of sixloring; for by these two arts, sewing and painting, teen (that is to say, if loveliness can be imagined with every son of China in Bengal manages to live. a dark skin.) He had lived with her about three years, and had by her two children, whom he in afterlife acknowledged and cherished. In him the act was wrong; in her it was excusable, since the form of marriage, the mere thought of such a thing, had Tempted by his assurances of skill, L. had desired him to take his portrait, well knowing that at least he might count on his candour and accuracy; since he had often heard the story of the Englishman, who sending his coat as a model to a Chinese tailor in Cal-never entered her head; her very parents were proud cutta, omitted to mention that the old habit had a patch in it. The consequence was obvious; the new coat came home so thoroughly made in imitation of the pattern, that not only was it exactly the same size and form, but the same patch appeared upon itthe new vestment having had the piece carefully cut out, and sewed in precisely similar to the old one. But to return. of the honour done her; her rude ignorance blotted out the blame that would otherwise have attached to her: while the only excuse he could offer for the seduction of a mere child was the force of examplethe custom of the country. Ayah (so will I call her) was in the bath with her two little babes, amused with their infantine screams, as they nestled closer to her bosom, and shunned the water she occasionally immersed them in: her brother held a post in the house; her sister was her companion; her father filled the situation of porter at the outer lodge-gate. The artist went to work, and traced the lineaments of my friend (who, by the by, was as yellow as the effigy of our gracious sovereign on a guinea, and was awfully pitted with the small-pox.) He first drew the pencil-sketch, and showed it to L. who was greatly The first of these was a religious enthusiast; he pleased with it, since he considered it a flattering had been wrought on by certain Brahmins; he had likeness; and that was what he particularly wanted, committed many faults; he determined at once to as he intended to send it down to Calcutta to a young expiate them. One way only is thought, by the pious lady, on whom he had matrimonial designs. The Malay, to lead straight to Heaven, and on this he repainter, proud of his approbation, now began the co-solved; he offered up his prayers, performed his ablouring, and for some time went on well, both parties highly pleased. On the second day, however, he produced a pair of compasses, which he almost every instant applied to the face of Charley, and as often to the portrait before him, which L. had agreed not to look at again till it was finished. The artist seemed well pleased with the work, and more careful and minute than ever. At length the touches of the compass became so frequent, that the civilian could not help asking the painter to what use he applied them. After reiterating the question once or twice, the Chinaman turned round, and with a look of triumphant knowledge, replied, "I tell you, massa, I tell you; me measure little holes massa's face, to put 'em in picture, massa." "Great heaven!" exclaimed the enraged European, as he started up, and proceeded forthwith to expel the lutions, and prepared to run a muck. The fanatic who thus determines, first vows to his God to destroy every living thing he may meet on his path; to spare neither sex nor relationship, to turn neither to the right nor the left, but to sacrifice all indiscriminately, till he himself in turn be sacrificed. He first proceeds to oil his body all over to elude capture as long as possible: (for the more victims he makes, the more certain is his road to Heaven;) he casts off everything that may be caught at; shaves his head, lest he should be seized by the hair; takes a large portion of opium, or some other maddening poison; then arming himself with a knife or creece in either hand, he rushes forth to immolate all he may encounter. Ayah was leaving the bathing-room, with her children in her arms, her sister and her attendants were following her, laughing and playing with her This statement had been repeated to my peppery old uncle in false colours; he erased my name from his will, and I was sent out to regain his favour by a proper and manly appeal, carrying with me the subsequent apology made to me by my adversary after exchanging three shots. My next best expectations were from my grandmother, who possessed sixty thousand pounds, and promised to leave it all to me, provided I never wilfully deviated from truth. She absolutely idolized me, and made me promise to write to her by every ship. little babes; a more innocent, a more happy group | lodged in a watch-house, and (during my insensibility could not have been found. They were already in and forced detention) had been posted as a coward. the passage, when a sudden noise made the young mother turn round; in another instant she fell a corpse, struck down by her own brother-that brother she had loved so tenderly. A single blow had nearly severed her head from her body, and as she fell the blood gushed over the unconscious little ones that fondled in her bleeding breast; a scream burst from all, as the madman bounded away, triumphing in the act. He fled along the passage; an old bearer met him-in less than time for thought his head was nearly split in two, and his grey beard deluged in blood. The surviving sister rushed after him to stay him in his wild career; he repulsed her, turned to look at her for an instant; he hesitated-he doubtless repented? No, he paused but to make his aim more sure; the creece he carried in his left hand was buried in her breast; he smiled as an exulting demon, And lastly, my poor father, a good, worthy old soul, and rushed on; the alarm was given; a general pur- who had been at the period I refer to a widower suit took place, but without effect; the porter was thirty-eight years. He was staid, starch, and unbendcalled to close the gates; he came out, and saw his ing to all save me. He hated the very name of marinfuriated son; he read his purpose; he hesitated for riage, loved. his club, and played a good rubber of a moment, and as the parricide sprang towards him, whist. He had often offered to settle everything he the father stepped back, and discharged the contents had (an estate of two thousand pounds a year) on of his musket into the heart of his child, who, quiver-me, which I had as constantly refused, notwithstanding, fell, still grinning in diabolical agony; he died at the foot of him who gave him birth, impotently attempting still to strike those who dared not approach to succour him. One of the two bereaved children, fostered by the generous woman who afterwards married their father, died in action, a major in the British army; the other was for a short period the beauty of Dublin; but, unfortunately, after a masquerade at Lady B.'s, where she had gone, dressed as a Sultana; she imprudently washed her face with cold water, and a few hours afterwards was a corpse. She was generally mourned, but none more beautifully expressed his grief, on this melancholy occasion, than the unfortunate Lord Kilwarden, who was murdered only a few months afterwards. His lines may yet be remembered by many, though I only recollect the following portion of them: "Immortal A***, at whose great name The flippant Deist feels the blush of shame! Could not the worth of that illustrious line, Which from his pen, bore evidence divine Could not each virtue, mingled with each grace, Could not thy budding goodness save The lovely victim from an early grave? God saw the blossom of celestial root, EXPECTATIONS. I was sent out to India in order to check my extravagant habits, and for the sake of restoring me to the good graces of an old great uncle, whom I had offended by some acts which really had been so grossly exaggerated and misstated to him that no wonder the old gentleman had scratched me out of his will. From him I expected one hundred thousand pounds. My uncle's maxim had ever been, "Do whatever you will, but always show courage." Now it so happened that on the eve of a duel I had gone to a mess-party, and had got tipsy; and returning in that state to my own lodgings, I had been takeu up, My father's first cousin, a widowed dame, was extremely pompous, and fancied she conferred an honour on every one she noticed. She possessed thirty thousand pounds, which, when I left England, she had willed unconditionally to me. his reiterated wishes to this effect. Now let us see the result of expectations amounting to one hundred and ninety thousand pounds, and an estate of the foregoing amount. On my arrival in Calcutta I found a letter from my uncle, who was in a dying state at Moorshedabad. I hastened up. He was still alive, and I was allowed to see him. He was delighted to see me, kissed me, fondled me, assured me he had learnt the true state of the case, and was sorry for having disinherited me, but thanked Heaven it was not yet too late. His lawyer had been waiting my arrival to alter his will. So now, my dear George," he cried, "call him in, and let me repair this injustice," The physician on the other side of the bed beckoned me aside. We retired to a far corner of the room. The doctor spoke: "You love your uncle ?" "Sincerely." "Would you cause his instant death, or allow him to live, which he may yet do, several days?" I was surprised, indignant at the question. 66 Well, then, don't allow him to exert himself just now; the excitement of altering his will will kill him. Give him this anodyne, let him rest after it, and with recovered forces he will be able to go through the task I so anxiously desire to see him perform." I assented, though my uncle rather opposed my wish, and gave him the opiate. We then retired from the room, leaving the good physician to watch by him. We sat in anxious vigil in the ante-chamber. The lawyer mended and repaired his pens. I confess I fidgeted. The distant relations, and those who expected small legacies, offered me every attention. At last a footstep approached; our voices were instantly hushed. The attorney gathered up his writing materials. I rose as the doctor entered. "Alas!" said the medical practitioner, "our friend has breathed his last." My first breath after this announcement was a curse on my own folly. The doctor proved to be my uncle's sole heir. "I am a soldier of fortune now," cried I; so I im mediately joined my regiment up the country, and regularly wrote to my good matter-of-fact grandmamma. Desirous of amusing her, I sent her an account of our military movements; and amongst other facts, mentioned that we nightly encamped in the topes (clumps) of mango trees, which abound in these parts. Now it so happened that a drop of salt-water, an accidental erasure by friction, the seal torn off, or some such accident, had carried away the letter e; so, to my no small horror, by return of post I received a severe lecture from my grandmamma on the superiority of truth, as compared to the horrors of falsehood; with the pithy but annoying wind-up, " that she (i. e. granny,) was sorry to see I still persevered in my habit of romancing; that I evidently tried (living in a foreign country,) to deceive those I ought to love and cherish. In fact," she said in conclusion, "though I believe that a poor deserted traveller might by accident seek shelter from the wild beasts you describe, by climbing up one of these trees, and even pass a night in so dangerous an elevation; yet that a whole regiment should perch themselves in such a situation as the tops of mango trees, I never, I never will believe. Fie! fie! thus to attempt to play on the credulity of one who has loved you as I have done." By the same packet I received the account of the old lady's death, and the foundation of a Methodist chapel, endowed with all she had possessed. "P. S. Charlotte (my angel wife) has just blessed me with a beauteous babe." This was a closer. I rejoined my regiment, and never heard from my worthy parent again, who soon afterwards died, leaving all to his dearest Charlotte, the present wife of a handsome pseudo German baron. As for me, I have lived to outlive all expectations, and consequently feel for the first time in my life happy and free. DELIGHTS OF BENGAL. I AROSE at tope duggah (gun-fire,) and by the fast breaking daylight rode uncomfortably along as far as the lines. When I say my ride was uncomfortable, I feel myself born out by the fact that the morning was foggy and damp, and that the dress I wore was that which every military officer wears in Bengal, namely, a complete suit of the very thinnest linen which can possibly be procured, churamed, starched till it becomes as stiff as buckram, and quite as disagreeable. I had been kept up late the night before, losing my money; so I rode sulkily along, alternately venting maledictions on my horse for his constant stumbles, which, by-the-bye, every true Arabian indulges in, and somewhat galled in my proud feelings of manhood as I beheld my syse (groom) trot barefooted beside me, ready to hold my horse if I dismounted, or brush away the flies, should any dare to settle on him. The European in India seems soon to forget that the native is his fellow being, or he could hardly continue his boasts of superiority as lord of the creation, and yet allow a creature of the same species endowed with every gift that manhood can boast, It was while I was yet in mourning, for this mistaken relative, that I received a note from my lady cousin, requesting to know whether, in an invitation she had sent to a half-sister of mine some years before, she had invited her to a party by requesting the "honour of her company," or whether she had desired her "to oblige" her by her presence? I was busy when the communication arrived, and hastily sat down, and replied, that to the best of my recollection the invita-save and except a white skin, to perform the most tion had been coldly worded, and " that there was nei- servile, the most degrading, the most revolting offices, ther honour nor obligation in it." By this answer I without summoning up a blush of shame to the cheek intended to please my relative. In her will, a few of his fellow man. Yet such is the case; the poor months afterwards, she stated" that as it appeared syse, who served me as a groundwork for these rethere was neither honour nor obligation in her invita-flections, had often before ran twenty and even thirty tions, she conceived I might think the same of her miles beside me, under a burning sun, foot-sore and legacies:" so she left all her property, without reserva-panting, without a thought of the cruelty arising in tion, to Miss Smirke, her dear companion and toady. my breast; so much had custom blunted my feelings . These disappointments made me determine to re- and natural perceptions. turn and live on our family estate with my father (whom I had not heard from for some time): so I sold my traps, got leave, and was about to proceed to Europe, when I received the following laconic epistle from my father: DEAR GEORGE,-I have been so lonely since you left that I am sure you will agree with me in thinking I have done the wisest thing possible in my situation. I have married a charming creature-a perfect angel, who adores me; and I intend to devote the remainder of my life to her happiness. I have sent your brother John to sea, and your sister Fanny (who has turned out very ungrateful and disobedient to my dearest wife,) to live with a family as a nursery governess; so now I am quite happy-I may say blessed. Times are exceedingly hard and rents badly paid, but I send you five pounds, and your mother's blessing. After you have completed your twenty years' service, to entitle you to receive full pay for life, we shall be delighted to see you. JAMES SMITH. Your affectionate father, Arrived at the lines, I inspected the regiment of sepoys before me, A more steady body of troops I have never since beheld, although I have seen our own best corps, and visited several of the continental camps. In is true that an Indian lacks the physical force of an Englishman; yet, for steadiness and endurance, a stern determination to follow his officer wheresoever he may lead, a readiness to obey his superior, without question or murmur, no soldiers on earth can excel the sepoy; who, fed upon rice, a stranger alike to meat and bread, yet makes an excellent appearance on parade, and a faithful follower in action." Though the junior ensign, I was the only officer on parade; so, after going through the usual forms, under the direction of the European sergeant-major, who ranks superior to the native captains, after receiving and returning the salute of the Indian officers, and inspecting the hospital, in my quality of officer of the of the day, I cantered back to breakfast with our adjutant. On passing through the verandah of my friend Thompson, (the aforesaid adjutant,) another specimen of Indian degradation met my view: a black woman squatted on the ground, acting as wet nurse to a litter of young English pointers. I afterwards spoke to Thompson about it, who laughed at my seruples, and made my squeamishness a joke at mess. We eat our fish, our rice, and ghee, made up a match at rackets, smoked a chillum, and then went to the go-down (cellars,) to taste a hogshead of claret my friend had received from Calcutta. To our infinite horror, however, we found a musk-rat had passed over it, and (however fabulous it may appear to those who have never been in the East, yet those conversant with India will bear me out,) every drop of the wine was spoiled; not a single glass was drinkable. The animal had merely run over it, and the entire of it was ordered to be thrown away. When I returned home, I found a native captain, who, taking off his shoes, marched straight up to me, and crying "halt" in a loud voice, stopped immediately before me; then saluting stiffly, told me that a soldier had just died in the hospital, saluted again; then ordering himself in a loud voice, he cried out, "Right about face-quick march," and marched off accordingly. Scarcely was this man gone, when a native havildar walked in, and gave me information of a similar event. He was followed by a corporal, and he in turn by another, and so on till I learnt from five reports, that as many soldiers had breathed their last. Armed with this news, I trotted off to the commandant's, and made my statement of the melancholy fact, to the no small surprise of the worthy colonel, who had hitherto looked upon our station as most healthy. The doctors were summoned, who denied the truth of my report. The adjutant was called for, who declared that I must have gone raving mad. In fact, a terrible fuss was made about it, which ended by the discovery that only one man was dead, but that etiquette required the circumstance to be mentioned to me by a native officer of each rank, and consequently I had displayed my thorough ignorance of the language and the military habits of the country, and moreover, got well wigged for my pains. they were playing, and the brandy pawny (brandy and water,) which they were drinking. On my return, I chanced to call in at our major's who had the best house in the cantonment. Whilst I was sitting chatting with him, I happened to look up at the beam which crossed the ceiling, and observed several small insects moving about on it. Presently one dropped on the floor, which I instantly began to prick at with a light cane I carried. The major asked me what I was doing! I immediately explained, and picked up the little animal to show him, which he no sooner saw than he turned deadly' pale, and turning to his wife, instantly requested her to pack up, and remove everything. It is a white ant, my love.' The lady so addressed, immediately arose, and left the room. I asked for an explanation. It was given in few words. The insect you hold in your hand is a white ant. So destructive are its qualities, so extraordinarily quick its propagation, that the moment one is seen, the owner of the best house in India would give up his property, and leave it forthwith, rather than run the risk of almost certain destruction beneath its ruins by remaining. In twenty-four hours these little creatures will eat through the very thickest beam made use of in building. They are now in yonder roof, under which I shall not dare to sleep again. Nor can I take even my clothes into another residence till they have been cleansed and fumigated, for fear of carrying one of these destructive creatures with me.' 'Another temptation to reside in this blessed country,' groaned I, and walked off to the mess. A better dinner I never saw; our bobichi (cook) had excelled himself, and we were about to sit down to the tempting feast, when a slight buzz was heard, and every one rose from the table. A small covey of flying-bugs had just alighted on almost every dish before us. To guard against these insects and musquitoes, each candle has a glass-shade over it, each tumbler has a cover. But, alas! no covering could be put over the savoury viands, which, once touched by them, become nauseous, not only to the taste, but to the olfactory nerves; for these pests-which swarm through Bengal, and are about double, the size of the by one of them never afterwards loses the taint. We were all forced to leave the table, and adjourn the meal till another was dressed. As I was returning I met a young lady, to whom I was sincerely attached, jogging alone in her palan-European bug, smell so strong that anything touched quin, escourted by a party of spearmen, her father being an officer of rank. I stopped to speak to her, and was telling her my, late disastrous adventure, when she suddenly gave a terrific scream. I flew towards her.. A centipede had fastened itself by its hundred legs or prongs to her beautiful little foot. Her very bearers stood aghast. The surgeon, who was fortunately with me, instantly crushed the animal (which was about eight inches long,) by a violent blow, even at the risk of injuring the foot, and ordered the men to carry her instantly home. For eleven weeks the poor girl suffered, and at length was forced to return to Europe, where she was compelled to undergo amputation. Can any one wonder, then, that I hate a country, where an accident the most likely to happen to any one of us in the midst of our pleasures, deprived me of the presence of a lovely and amiable woman? I had little appetite for tiffin that day, and early repaired to the racket-court, where I spent two hours, watching the exertions of a few half-livered Europeans whose whole souls seemed divided between the game That evening. I went to see the Doorgah Poojah, a religious ceremony, where I was sickened by beholding a live goat sacrificed to a many-armed goddess, called Vishnou, and had my clothes soiled by the deity-powder they threw over me, in addition to the nausea created by the redolent fumes of cajeputi oil, with which the idolators had rubbed themselves. At home I lost my money at whist, and was set down as a regular milksop because I would not bet on a race between two maggots. Tired and fagged I retired to my bed, or rather bedstead; for over a mat was spread two sheets only, tied to the lower bed-posts, while a thin gauze inclosed me in, in a sort of cage, to keep away the musquitoes, and the legs of the bedstead were placed in little saucers of water to keep the ants from climbing up, while wench-pillars, of basket-work overed with oil-cloth, supported my limbs, and allowed a current of air to pass under them. 49 About two hours after I had thus retired, I was gone. In an instant my old favourite English setter awoke by the most agonising pain all over my face. bounded into the room, and jumped towards the bed. By the light, which I always burnt in my room, I The snake seemed to shrink into half its natural size. discovered that through a slight rent in my musquito- I could not take my eyes off it. Alas! my poor curtains, those plagues had intruded, and stung my dog, accustomed to watch and comply with my every face all over, which compelled me to get up, and look, seeing my attention attracted towards the table, have my cheeks bathed in lime-juice, while other instantly placed its two fore-paws on it. Quicker curtains were put up. and in the next moment vanish. The servant by this than lightning, I saw the snake dart at his throat, time arrived. The cobra manilla was gone. In spite of the most minute search, it could never be found. Poor Carlo died in strong convulsions, and in the greatest agony I ever saw a dog endure. I now again sought repose, and for a short time with success. At length I suddenly awoke, I know not from what cause, and saw a cobra manilla (the most deadly of all serpents) lying on the table within a couple of feet of my bed. I can never forget or describe my horror at that instant. The beautiful monster, attracted no doubt by the light, was moving quickly about the table. I felt the chances were, that, attracted by the warmth, he would come towards me. I therefore conceived it best to call for assistance, and did so in a subdued voice; for my full utterance was for leave to return to Europe. I have since married, ALBRIZZI-A TALE OF MILAN. "Love! thou hast no single home; There is always place for thee." though bleeding from many a wound, still eagerly pressing on; revenge, the hopes of reward, and rage at being thus long baffled, nerving their arms with renovated vigour. In one headlong bound, de Visconti attained the desired spot, his blade quivering to tering a short scream of terror at this unlooked for inthe hilt in the foremost villain's heart; the other uttervention, and warned by the fate of his confederate, disappeared, and was lost from view by the surrounding obscurity. It was a gloomy night-the rain fell thick and fast -the tempest moaned sadly through the vacant streets, and lurid flashes of lightning gleamed for a moment amid the dense obscurity like foam upon the troubled midnight wave, when Albrizzi de Visconti was seen rapidly pacing along the principal square of ual pursuit of the fugitive, he found the stranger When Albrizzi returned after a short and ineffectMilan, apparently regardless of the warring elements stooping over the fallen man, and gazing with keen around. Buried in those vague imaginings which of scrutiny upon his face and dress. Starting at the apten crowd upon the brain, without leaving any trace proaching steps, he hastily folded his cloak around his to denote their presence, he wandered instinctively in person, and with jealous caution drew still more upthe direction of his palazzo, when the rapid clash of on his brow the drooping bonnet of the times. swords, heard in the pauses of the blast, smote upon his ear and at once recalled him to reality. Without a moment's hesitation, obeying only the natural im-itude has lost its destined victim; and know ere long Thanks, my preserver," he said, with evident petuosity of youth, the fiery noble, drawing his rapier the hand that armed yon hireling, shall lose its vigour "and know that by your assistance, ingratand flinging his cloak upon the left arm to serve the in an iron bracelet." purpose of a shield, hastily followed in the direction of the sounds. 66 emotion; My conduct," replied Albrizzi modestly, "asks sciousness will prove my best reward." no praise; I have but done my duty, and that con so often are deficient in ?" enquired the stranger in a "And do you judge it no merit to fulfil what men tone of sarcastic bitterness, which found no echo in the bosom of him he was addressing. "A little more The moon long struggling with the dark veil which enshrouded her light, had partially emerged and was flinging her sickly ray upon the scene of contest, when profiting by her presence, Albrizzi delayed for an instant to ascertain the position of the combatants, and collect his energies, scarcely yet awaked, to the emer-experience in this world," he continued, without gency. Two ruffians, whose broad belts and badges denoted them as belonging to the formidable retinue of some unruly noble of the court, were pressing furiously upon a cavalier, whose air and form betrayed the bearing of a superior. Evidently unequal to either of his adversaries in strength, yet the excellence of his swordsmanship, and the judicious position he maintained, allowing only of an assault in front, had so far counterbalanced the numerical advantage of the assassins. But the tide of success was beginning to ebb-each instant the stranger's weapon was visibly becoming less vigorous in its sweep, and his assailants, 7 awaiting an answer to his question, “will teach you how to place a higher value on such services as you have rendered me to night. Is it not the duty of the priest to shrive the dying sinner, and smooth his path to heaven-and of the knight to succour the oppressed; and yet were it not for the rich endowments that lure the one, and the fame and glory that attend the other, religion would be without a minister, chivalry without a son.” blunted by attrition with the world, Albrizzi listened |