I remember well the eagle glance she fixed on King Ferdinand's young English favorite, Senor Stanley, the first time he was presented to her.

But she was satisfied, for he ranks as deservedly high in her favor as in her husband's.

Thou hast heard me speak of this young Englishman, my Marie ?" Her face was at that moment turned from him, or he might have started at its sudden flush; but she assented by a sign.
"He was so full of joyousness and mirth, that to us of graver nature it seemed almost below his dignity as man; and now they tell me he is changed so mournfully; grave, sad, silent, maturity seems to have descended upon him ere he has quite passed boyhood; or he has some secret sorrow, too sacred to be revealed.

There is some talk of his recall from Sicily, he having besought the king for a post of more active and more dangerous service.

Ferdinand loves such daring spirits, and therefore no doubt will grant his boon.