Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1832-12-06


is rs romantic a. true"
THE REVENGE.
- Dost thou hear, I.go'-
will BE- found most cunning in my vengeance.
But (dost thou hear') most bloody.
OthelYo
Giovanni Benenuto, an Italian emf
grant, established himself in a small
bat prosperous hamlet in Louisiana,
soon after the termination OF our last
war. He married the daughter of a
Creole, who was in easy circumstances,
and had but two children to share his
property. Giovanni and his wife OPEN
ed = public house-which fourished
to the utmost Of their wishes-so that
with the expectations from his father
in-Iaw. and his present prosperity, he
was IN fair way Of becoming a veal
thy man. Among the neighbouring
planters was a French gentleman nam
ed Lafarge, who was q finished Epicu-
rean IN sentiment and practice; in
short, pleasure appeared TO be the
whole object Of his life-and to CRAFTY
his appetite, he Lad recourse 10 the
most criminal projects, without regard
10 the dishonor and Indebtedness which
he spread around him. He soon as.
certalned that Giovanni had charm
ing vile; and, as women who superin-
tend public house cannot avoid the
acquaintance Of strangers, the unsus.
pecting Matilda found herself in short
time exposed to the destinations of the
tempter. In word, by means of fiat
terry and presents, he accomplished
her ruin. In so doing he gradually
cooled her affection for the husband,
who rePosed too much confidence in
her to have the slightest suspicion of
her 'stslen hours OF lust.' Ii is. how.
ever, the nature of vice to be impru-
dent-ths guilty pair, whose attach
ment was known TO every other person
in the village, SO neglected every pre-.
caution, that Giovanni's eyes BECAME
open to the dreadful truth.
His first idea, on making the disco.
very, was to sacrifice Matilda and her
seducer at the very moment of their
shame. But, on cool reflection, he
thought that this was but poor re
vengs'-and he formed his plans &C.
coIdingly. He dissembled his know.
ledge Of their guilt-and even assumed
an air Of cheerfulness which disarmed
all suspicion. In the mean time, he
pretended that he had received a let
ter from a relation Just arrived at
Charleston from Europe-and took his
departure after an alfec tionste farewell
10 his wife, children, and even TO La
large, whom he, with q cordial shake
Of the hand, requested to call often
during his absence and bear his NATL.
da company.
When the adulterers were left alone.
without the danger Of discovery, their
behaviour became quite outrageous
Matilda neglected her household and
her children, and passed most Of her
time in L.afarge's premises. The ma.
tural consequence Of such unlimited
indulgence was disgust on the part Of
the seducer, which was increased BY
the fond opportunities of Matilda
aud still more so by n project on foot
by Lsiarge's relations TO reclaim him
by an advantageous marriage. lie was
introduced TO his intended, Just At the
time when he began to feel safety for
his paramour--So that the young and
beautiful Amelia at once made q deem
impression on his sensual heart. As
nothing seemed to interfere with the
completion Of their happiness, . day
was appointed for the nuptials-and
the bridal preparations were soon in a
state OF iOTwardness.
In the mean time, Matilda found out
how matters stood-And her mind be.
came q prey 70 disappointed love and
remorse. She sent and called fire.
qusntiy 81 LalArge's dwelling, and
Was refused sdmittance; and when on
the morning Of the intended wedding.
she met him on the public road, in the
presence Of q eoneourss Of people, he
openly shook her from him, and reviled
her With the bitteTest sxecTalions.
A. length, the moment arrived when
the invited guests assembled at the ele.
CANT mansion Of Mira Arundel, the
neither Of Amelia. Just before the
ceremony was 20 be performed. the
attention Of Ehfarge vas accidentally
attracted 10 = grove near the Park, 10
which u was intended 70 exhibit fire.
works. SOon afterwards he returned
10 the house, where Amelia and her
eoriegs 81 maids impatienily awaited
him. The benedieiiOn was pronounced
by Bishop DubOnFg. 10 his besatIiul
aud impressive msnner and the couple