After
disposing of Mr. Alboni's estates, and visiting the lions of the East,
they would return, to make America their home; and it being left for
Natalie to decide what spot should be chosen as their future home, she
said, stealing a glance towards Clarence Delwood,--"we will return to my
mother's peaceful island home, for we can be happy here."
Accordingly the day was fixed when they should depart, but the very
evening before they would sail, brought news to Mr. Delwood of the
dangerous, and probably fatal illness of his father. It was with a sad
heart that he looked upon such a separation from his betrothed, for he
would necessarily resign the pleasure which he had anticipated, in
escorting her to countries which he had visited, and which had become
dear to him. It was a great disappointment also to Natalie; yet she
sought to persuade him it was for the best; "she would soon return, and
the separation would bring a thrice joyful meeting."
It was a glorious evening; the soft moonlight kissed the white sea-caps,
as each strove to lift its head above its fellows, as if to gaze upon
night's purity,--or, mayhap, they would beckon that gentle one, who
smiled upon their wild joy, as she reclined upon her lover's breast, to
join them, in their revellings.
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