Now the baron was by no means a domesticated man; of late years he had not been a roamer, but still not a single feeling of the duties of home had riveted him there; the chain was secured by the links of that fascination which he felt for Anna di Lucia, and as long as she flitted round his sight, a being to fondle, to love, a young creature in the pride of beauty, the baron cared for no other home.

But a day might come when Anna would leave the home rendered enchanting by her presence; every spot would remind him of that graceful form, so fitted to be admired; elsewhere then her tuneful voice would resound; other arms would shield her who

had grown up so lovely under the proud man's eye. Oh, readers, can you wonder at the baron's love?

One of these rare moments of thought had stolen over him, as he continued looking

at the quiescent waves; but, rousing himself, he shook off the feeling as one peculiarly irksome to him, and he was once again the man of the world. He waved a white handkerchief several times, looking cautiously around to see he was not observed by any one on the shore.

Presently a small boat was detached from the vessel, and a young seaman landed, accompanied by a subordinate, to whom the baron consigned his horse, when he bowed in silence to the seaman, and entered the boat. A few moments more, and he was alongside of a handsome vessel, the captain of which courteously saluted the baron; but the latter frowned as he returned the salutation, and, descending to the cabin, held an angry discourse with the commander of the vessel, who was himself a warm Spaniard, ill disposed to brook more words than need politely be spoken. Nevertheless, he lis

tened in profound silence to the angry baron, and a grim smile stole over the flattest possible features, as he replied,

"You were not so scrupulous of late, baron."

"Nor am I now," said the latter; "but I am not such a simple fool as to run purposely into danger. If an English Whig member went to bed and was scared by a vision of suffering imps, it needs be we must humour him, and give liberty to these blacks. More of that we shall perhaps see; but at very outset of the proceedings you place me in imminent danger; where was your reason, man?"

the

"Santa Maria! where? lodging safely at the extremity of my purse. You won't traffic in slaves until you see your way clear; but I am master of my vessel, and deem my station as sure on the sea as yours in your sumptuous mansion; how, in the name of

all the saints, was I to know this little Rosa was a tamed favorite of yours?"

By heavens, you are insolent!" said the baron; "but the case is too serious for you

to joke about; so take my advice, and give me the child."

"As you will," said the captain, with gravity; "but remember the child will have seen you here, and your name will be introduced into the affair."

The baron bit his lips; he saw he was outwitted by a cunning man, and he turned upon him a look of withering scorn.

"Do you wish to take back the child?” "No!" said the baron, furiously; "rogue

that

you are, you have some distinct plot in view to aggrandize yourself!"

"So I have; by Santa Maria, you are right! You are rich enough, I am not, so suppose I carry on the slave trade in your name, and let the Spanish government

know you are not submissive to English

laws ?"

Knave!" said the baron; " and why

take you my slave in particular?"

66

Stop a moment-gently, gently, sir baron; if you are a great man on land, you are a pigmy on the sea; just the distinction between generals and admirals, ha! ha! ha!"

Cease your mirth," said the baron, " and explain yourself."

"How very peremptory you are, just the airs of English milord; you have forgotten, señor, that Spaniards feel something which the English call the devil stirring in us, which we call revenge. If you continue your threatening voice, I will stretch a little canvass, and let you have a sea voyage to cool your temper."

The baron grew scarlet with rage; but, unlike an Englishman, who would have re