Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-09-15


to all, and, after having ventured one or two
more fruitless questions, he seated himself OPP
posjteto his mistress, which position he occu-
pied In silence till the sun rose, and Showed him
that he had run away with--a puppet
Without knowing where he was, or what ne
did, he ran up the mountain, between the old
garden walls, that had been built in the middle
ages from the ruins OF the old city, which the
jealousy of the Florentnes had destroyed; nor
did he stop till he had reached its summit
Without any certain purpose, he went towards
the cathedral, at the very time that Julia was
taking the same direction II seems that she
lived in a house close by; one of the numerous
gardens too upon the hill was also her property
and Just as she came out Of the gate, she was
met by Xavier, who, heated by the sun, his
wrath, and his hurried ascent, felt himself tor
mented by an mtolerable thirst. Without fair
Nv looking at her in the face, he greeted her
with looks in which good humor and vexaton
were strangely mingled, and asked for some
fruit from her garden to quencb his thirst; up
on this she invited him to come IN The old
Catherine was despa ched TO fill basket with
fruit; and Xavier devoured the MELONS with aD
eagerness that surprised Julia, whose curiosity
was now excited to learn the cause OF his singu
lar appearance Little persuasion was reQul-
site TO bring Xavier to confession, for he was
dying 10 lessen the burthen Of his grievances by
imparting them 10 some one. Madonna, SAID
he, 8 | verify believe there has not been man
since the age Of Metheusalem who has suffered
such an injury as have :.
-. What then has happened" she said
But Xavier's passion had by this time cooled,
and with the subsiding Of his passion his bash
fulness returned Hitherto he had not observ-
ed with whom he was speaking, and lad only
considered Julia as a medium through which
to unburder himself of his resentment. Now,
however, that he had to relate his love adven-
tule, be began to notice her more closely-Eier
beauty blazed upon him at once, and he blushed
up to The ears, and was forced TO collect HIM
self before he could recover his tuency. MS
confusion, however, gave him a. pleasing ex
preston, while the heat and bis anger haa ad-
ded unusual animation to his well-iormed lea
lures; his large hazel eyes sparkled with un-
wonted fire, and his very bashiulness lent
him gentle character, which contrasted won
derlully with his manly form.
When Xavier had ended his story, Julla'smlled,
and said, You should not take this affair SO
much TO heart. for the wise Alberto need not
make you any reproaches; it he eniced your
shorl-sghtedness 10 run away with COIL, ne
himself has fallen in love withSa living maiden,
who in good truth has made him plainly 'eel
how profoundly she despised him.'-Aavler
started at this declaration, Tor in his tervour he
had entirely forgotten to meiition the episode OF
Alberto's fair one.-'How do you know that,
Madonna?' he exclaimed. 'From whom did
you hear it,? Do you then not recognise me-
said the fair Julia, laughing wen, II is evil
dent you have no eyes for ladies either real or
artificial SIS it possible?' cried Xavler,-'you
madonna, are that fair one?'-'l and none but /.
And how then came you here?'-'My little
property is here At that time was on a visit
to nv aunt. And where then are your parents!'
SIT is many years since they have rested IN the
grave replied Julia with Sigh too lave
neither father nor mother, said Xavier, while
the tear stood in his eyes. And do you live
here alone?' Il possess this house and those
gardens, with no companion but my old Cathe-
rine. Sometimes go 10 the city to my aunt,
but the greater part of my time spend here,
never so happy as in my solitude For the
first time in his life, Xavier gazed at woman
boldly; his twenty thousand scudi gave him
courage. sHark ye, madonna, are you resolved
never to marry?'-'That is very close ques-
ton, replied Julia, laughing
Here Julia would have broken off the CONVEX
sation, but Xavier held her back, and said, Il
have venturcd for once, and if it do not take
place now, it never will You are beautiful
that your face tells me you are good-that your
beauty tells me. You yourself have said that
you are an orphan, strange accident has unit
ed us, and if do not strike while the iron is
hot, ALPS lost. came out to be married, and
it rests with you whether shall return as set
out, and be laughing stock for the abominabe
Alberto; or whether shall triumph over him,
and rout him entirely, not with dagger, but
with your presence In this way Xavier con-
tinued to press the fair one, till he at last wrung
from her consent. The snddenness OF her
Welding did not at all strike Xavier and, that
it may not surprise any one else, we must OBJ
serve, that at the time when Julia had inquired
into the circumstances of Alberto, she had also
learnt all about Xavier and his simple honest
posed with what triumph sNavier carried back
his bride with him to Florence. All his good
friends were already collected at the city gate
10 receive him Alberto himself opened the
door. and cried out,-'Well, Xavier my friend
and companion in life and death, how have you
prospered?' 'Have you brought back your
beautiful bride?' Yes replied Xavier coolly,
l. -, >olA