His
countenance was capable, too, of a thoughtfulness beyond his years,
a gravity which seemed to come of high thoughts or rich imagination.
He bore no trace of resemblance to either the chemist or his
daughter, yet was their relative. Mr. Smales had had a sister, who
at an early age became a public singer, and so far prospered as to
gain some little distinction in two or three opera seasons. Whilst
thus engaged, she made the acquaintance of an Italian, Casti by
name, fell in love with him, and subsequently followed him to Italy.
Her courage was rewarded, for there she became the singer's wife.
They travelled for two years, during which time a son was born to
them. The mother's health failed; she was unable henceforth to
travel with her husband, and, after living in Rome for nearly four
years, she died there. The boy was shortly brought back to England
by his father, and placed in the care of Mr. Smales, on the
understanding that a sum of money should be paid yearly for his
support and education. From that day to the present nothing more had
been heard of Signor Casti, and all the care of his sister's child
had fallen upon poor Smales, who was not too well provided with
means to support his own small household.
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