Towards the close of the sixteenth century, this castle was in the

possession of Ferdinand, fifth marquis of Mazzini, and was for some

years the principal residence of his family. He was a man of a

voluptuous and imperious character. To his first wife, he married

Louisa Bernini, second daughter of the Count della Salario, a lady yet

more distinguished for the sweetness of her manners and the gentleness

of her disposition, than for her beauty. She brought the marquis one

son and two daughters, who lost their amiable mother in early

childhood.

The arrogant and impetuous character of the marquis

operated powerfully upon the mild and susceptible nature of his lady:

and it was by many persons believed, that his unkindness and neglect

put a period to her life. However this might be, he soon afterwards

married Maria de Vellorno, a young lady eminently beautiful, but of a

character very opposite to that of her predecessor. She was a woman of

infinite art, devoted to pleasure, and of an unconquerable spirit. The

marquis, whose heart was dead to paternal tenderness, and whose

present lady was too volatile to attend to domestic concerns,

committed the education of his daughters to the care of a lady,

completely qualified for the undertaking, and who was distantly

related to the late marchioness.

He quitted Mazzini soon after his second marriage, for the gaieties

and splendour of Naples, whither his son accompanied him. Though

naturally of a haughty and overbearing disposition, he was governed by

his wife. His passions were vehement, and she had the address to bend

them to her own purpose; and so well to conceal her influence, that he

thought himself most independent when he was most enslaved. He paid an

annual visit to the castle of Mazzini; but the marchioness seldom

attended him, and he staid only to give such general directions

concerning the education of his daughters, as his pride, rather than

his affection, seemed to dictate.

Emilia, the elder, inherited much of her mother's disposition. She had

a mild and sweet temper, united with a clear and comprehensive mind.

Her younger sister, Julia, was of a more lively cast. An extreme

sensibility subjected her to frequent uneasiness; her temper was warm,

but generous; she was quickly irritated, and quickly appeased; and to

a reproof, however gentle, she would often weep, but was never sullen.

Her imagination was ardent, and her mind early exhibited symptoms of

genius. It was the particular care of Madame de Menon to counteract

those traits in the disposition of her young pupils, which appeared

inimical to their future happiness; and for this task she had

abilities which entitled her to hope for success. A series of early

misfortunes had entendered her heart, without weakening the powers of

her understanding. In retirement she had acquired tranquillity, and

had almost lost the consciousness of those sorrows which yet threw a

soft and not unpleasing shade over her character. She loved her young

charge with maternal fondness, and their gradual improvement and

respectful tenderness repaid all her anxiety. Madame excelled in music

and drawing.




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