The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1826-04-13

ttu. our conversation was TonfWeO
but not with he same yiyarity. Ny
ost had borne the character of gloo-
my misanthropy. Twas struck with
the unusual colour Of HIS room. nj
length askcd--Why did you choose
black, that colour makes one sad Il
il ~ our duty to be- cheerful. You
are right replied he in sarcastic.
hut by no means offensive tone. .Ynu
are right. If you speak of. Yourself,
but nv for me. I know JOY only by
name. fo me- that sensation has
long been q stranger You look AT
these walls their colour exCitcs
your surprizc. II il the colour n
my fate. and-Oh that il were Al
~ th' olour of my heart-- Anextra.
ordinnr, wish 1T only appears so
to YOU. With a black heart | had
perhaps been happy, now ! AN
"retchcd all my riches consists in
yonder skull (at the safpe time point
Ing To il with a terrific look and dis
tnrted fcatures.) II ~ my all. con-
tinued hr E; when in the hours of deep
meditation | stand before ii and the
thought that | too shall cease to ex.
ist, arises In my soul. then alone am
rich, richer than your princes ~
the greatest of fortunes taSorites.
They lose. gain, to them death i,
terrible, IN n.e it IL blessing. To
die never to wake more, what de-
lighttul thought, on which | never
can contemplate enough ! l shall
once sleep, and those serpents with
In me that prey upon my ,ltals
Whoever shakes my faith IN annib'-
lation. robs me Of felicity Oh
there are moments in which 1t would
be happiness to be deprived OF res-
son. fearful truth. which in the days
ofprosperiiy could not hnse be-
llcved. Sorrow 4 anguish impress
deeper wranklcs on the brow than
the tooth III time but they are not
mortal
The clock struck two.4-My host
shuddered. Already 80 late = said
he. in Il milder TONE. Pardon the
stranger, for having 80 long cheat
ed you ofyour rest. In that room my
bed Is prepared Tor you to sleep, and
be- not afraid
CORDIALLY graaped his right hand.
s.. You base told me too much said
Lyon have excited my curiosity +;
may entreat you To communicate
10 me your history' But. heavens
what request have made !! his lea-
lures assumed terrific appearance !
his look WAS that vi despair.
My history. replied be, with n
CHASTITY smile, would not lull you to
pleasing dreams, il would make the
hair on your head stand ON its end,
IL would cause you TO repent your
request. and never will l violate the
rights oi hospitality. wish my
guest to sleep in peace beneath my
roof But tomorrow before you de-
part you shall hear the history oil
my lie, short but not agreeable az n
moment Of pleasure
| went and threw myself upon the
bed, but was unable TO sleep. From
time To time | heard a noise in the
hut and then again profound silence.
At last the clock struck five, | could
restrain myselfno longer, | sprung
up from tho bed, and opened the
door of the chamber. My host was
still seated before the chimney with
his eyes fixed on the extinguisled
ashes.
You have not slept : said he !:
and il this dwelling doomed to
chase sleep from every eye :! lie
then made me set down beside him,
and his simple rustic breakfast so IN
made it, appearance. Our CONVEX
sation was Of c ,nsiderable length. 1t
was about seven O'Clock when | pre-
pared TO depart for would not for
the wealth of the Indies have re-
minded him OF promise which
seemed to give 80 much pain. Then
you are going 2 said he. Il must.
replied /, at home all my friends will
be under apprehensions on my ac-
connt.' You are right. for they
know that this is the retreat Of rob-
bers, but wait few moments He
then ordered couple OF horses to be
saddIed and led me back to my seat.
Young man said he in grave Il
solemn tone, 1 will keep the promise