Alboni and the Sea-flower would prolong their visit for a
little here, then depart to feast their eyes upon Italian skies. Sampson
looked long after the gentle form of the Sea-flower, as he left them,
for when might he see so fair a sight again?
* * * * *
"And this was the home of my mother," mused Natalie, as arrived in
Florence, our tourists entered the arched gateway, which led to the
broad domains of the long absent master, just as the sun was sinking to
rest, his soft lingering rays kissing the fleecy clouds, o'er which a
blush came and went, now deepening as the rose carmine, giving place to
the most delicate tinge that e'er sat upon a maiden's cheek,--born of
pure modesty. The scent of the delicate jasmine perfumed the air, while
the pensive strains of some fair one, soft and clear as the tones of a
wind-harp, was borne on the stillness of evening to the ear of the
lovely Sea-flower, who, reclining upon the bosom of her father, her
sunny tresses mingling with the silvery locks, which told that he had
seen many winters, whispered in words low and musical,--"My angel
mother,--I can feel her presence near; she has breathed this blissful
air; can it be more heavenly there?" With her eyes still upturned, as if
their mildness might pierce the veil of azure, her lips moved, as they
had ofttimes done before, in praise and thanksgiving for the wondrous
beauty which our Father, in his boundless love, hath set before his
children.
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