Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/356

366 Waldenses valleys, on the banks of one of their clear mountain-streams, in the midst of chestnut woods. This villa he especially reckons upon as a befitting home for his little Princess during the heat of the Italian summer. All this seemed to me delightful and excellent for the orphan girl. But will the Princess Elsa wish to spin silk in the inartificial valleys of the Waldenses? I have assured him of my advocacy and my sympathy, but my summer-daughter must be left free to choose.

We made, this evening, a boat excursion to the little town of Sacco, and the handsome Villa Arbusti, which is situated high above it, to which we were invited by the amiable English family of Mr. Stuart, and where we spent the evening. Mrs. Stuart is an interesting and very intellectual lady. From Mrs. S. we heard much that was interesting regarding India, whence she had lately come, and where she had been a sufferer in the dangers and horrors of the frightful war then going forward; but to which country she longed to return, to purchase land to lay out a farm, in the mountainous district, where she wishes to live with her children. The character of the scenery, in this district, seems to have the paradisiacal proportions of the strong and the lovely, whilst the climate is exquisitely beautiful.

We returned to our villa beneath a brilliant starry sky, and upon a delightfully rocking sea. Every stroke of the oars produced a whole swarm of shining medusas,—twinkling points and drops of fire. Psyché sang Santa Lucia, and finally all of us joined her. I will here give you this lovely barcarole,—vera