Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1829-10-08

4 costly feast awaited the cheerful
guests in gaily lighted hall. The hap
py old man DESTROYS that the whole
country should share his happiness; all
the gates Of his palace were thrown
open and welcome wets all who CON
mended his happiness. Amid this
ihrong wss-Uhe narrator stopped,
and in the horror of expectation we
drew in our Breath )-Among this
throDg he continued,) my attention
was drawn, by some one at my side,
towards a certain Franciscan monk,
who stood as motioDess as column;
he was gsunt and tall, his face was OF
an ashy paleness, with look full of
earnesiness and sorrow fixed upon the
bridal parry. The Joy which smiled
on the faces OF all around him seemed
not 10 make The slightest impression
upon him; he preserved the same un
changed seriousness Of mien, standing
like best among the living. The
strangencss Of this sight, which had
deeper effect upon me as | met il in the
ardor OF pleasure. forming a contrast
10 all which surrounded me in such a
striking manner left lasting impres
sion upon my soul. Often attempted
TO withdraw my eyes from that terrific
figure, but involuntary they fell again,
upon Il and found il zach time unalter
cd. | pushed my companion, and he
did his; the same curiosity, The same
surprise ran through The whole compa
ny; the conversation was at an end;
there was a sudden general pause -
The monk seemed unconcerned; he
stood notiooless, and always the
same, his serious mournfuI eye still di-
rected towards the bridal pair. The
sight OF him terrified every guest. The
young countess alone found her own
grief seated in the oountenance of this
stranger, and chung with silent delight
to the only person of the company
which seemed TO understand or share
her scief Gradually the company
began 10 disperse; midnight was past;
The musIs died away; the lights burned
lew and dim; he conversation became
low and langnid. And yet more sn,p
~ the darksning bridal hall became
aIll the monk stood motionless, al
ways himself, with the same quiet &
mourttul glance directed at the bridal
pair
The table is removed; the guests
dispense themselves here and there:
The family gather into narrow circle
The monk remains in this narrow cir.
Gle uninvi;ed. ! know not how il was
that no one vcntured TO accosl the
monk, but no one did sccost him. AL
rea dy were her female attendants gath.
eriDg around tie trembling bride W no
cast an appealing look towards the
stranger. The stranger did not re,
torn X.
The gentlemen collect themselves
10 the same manner round the bride
groom There was an anxious pause
That we should be all thus happy"
began finally the old man, who, a.
mong all persons, alona did not seem
10 take notice Of the unkcown, or not
to wonder at him -f'that we are thos
happy and he, 'and my son Hero.
10 absenfn
Have you invited him and he is not
come" inquired The monk This was
he first time he had opened his q. ou,h
We locked al him with horror.
Alas! he is gone whence no one
returns, replied The old man. "Re
Eerend sir, you do not understand me,
my son Hiercnymo is dead.p
Perhaps he is only afraid to make
MS appearance in such company :" con
inued The monk. "Who knows how
ne may look-thy sou Hieronymo,
Let him hear the voice which he heard
or the last time! Bid thy son Lo.
EMO call him."
"Wha. does this mean?" murmured
III. Lorenzo changed color. con.
ess tha; my hair began to stand on
md
The monk meanwhile approached
he sldebOard, where he took a full
vine glass, and put it TO his lips-"The |
memory ofour dead Hieronvno." cri !
ID he, 'lct all who held him dear fol |
ow my example,
Whoever you may be, reverend
IT." cried al last the marquis, "you
ave meotioncdthe name of one very
lear TO me. You are welcome Come
ny friends, Turning himself towards
Is and ma ssInu Tho riacsas \ h.. -.