Page:A Sicilian Romance (1792) vol. 1.djvu/44

 the heart to emotions, which would fail to be excited by a more remote and abstracted observance. Julia, who in the distance, had considered the splendid gaieties of life with tranquility, now lingered with impatient hope through the moments which withheld her from their enjoyments. Emilia, whose feelings were less lively, and whose imagination was less powerful, beheld the approaching festival with calm consideration, and almost regretted the interruption of those tranquil pleasures, which she knew to be more congenial with her powers and disposition.

In a few days the marchioness arrived at the castle. She was followed by a numerous retinue, and accompanied by Ferdinand, and several of the Italian nobles, whom pleasure attracted to her train. Her entrance was proclaimed by the found of music, and those gates which had long rusted on their hinges, were thrown open to receive her. The courts