Some of
those countenances denoted men of much strength of character, amounting
almost to a fierceness, but in nearly every female face Natalie
discerned that same gentleness of spirit, which, unknown to herself, was
the expression of her own spiritual countenance. Beneath the portrait
of the last Mrs. Alboni was a place reserved for that of her child,--the
Lady Sunderland; but by some circumstance it had never been placed
there. During the period of our heroine's stay in Italy, she spent much
of her time in the home of her ancestors, to which she became greatly
attached; but once having been introduced to an admiring Italian
assembly, it was no easy matter to remain in seclusion. This new star,
so mild, yet brilliant, was the theme of present conversation. She never
appeared in public, but the blessings of high and low marked her way;
and as she knelt in public worship, meekly bowing at the name of Christ,
there was not one who looked upon her, but this passage of Scripture was
brought to their minds,--"If the righteous scarcely are saved, where
shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"
But all times come to an end; passing away, is written upon everything
pertaining to earth; and the time when our friends should return to
their island home, drew near.
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