The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-05-30

She then concluded that roses were only
made for the touch and smell but she as
'urcd me that she would not love them any
he less, because they were no, agreeable to
he taste, like oranges and peaches.
The next day Aiphonsine found ON the
rosebush four new flowers, aud l allowed
her the pleasure Of watering them. The
following week procured from Leonora, a |
pot OF mignione,tc and when that was fa-
ded, It was replaced by others conteising
pinks snd lilies. Aiphonsine was delight.
ed with what she called such wonderful
variety Of odors. When the flowers were
over, obtained from Leonora, some large
lunches Of lavender, thyme, and bergamont.
Alphonsne amused herself with breaking
off the buds and seeds, and tying :hem up
in lufe bags which she made nut of bits ofI
muslin, secured with strings Of narrow rib.
bon.
Time passed on, and my daughter a, las,
was thirteen years old. l had long since
resigned myself to the probability Of vast
ing our whole lives in the cavern; hut as
Alphonsine grew up, lamented her hard
fate with more bitterness than ever. Still
I was thankful to heaven for having given
her health in this dreary abode, shut out
from the light of day, and from the fresh
air of upper earth. But shuddered when
thought Of the possibility Of my own i'll
ness or death, and trcmbled to reflect ON
what would then be the fate of my unfortu-
nate child.
For several months had been unusually
restless and nervous; and l had constantly
nm nndefinable feeling that something was
going to happen.
One day heard the voice of Leonora
calling me at an unusual hour. went to
the cave Of The trap-door, and she let down
the basket, which held, as usual, fruit, bread,
oLd bottle. "Thot bottle" said Leono-
rn, does not contain milk, il is bottle Of
winc." Why" said ], Z" do you brisg me
wine to-dayi" "ItwiIl give you strength"
she replied drink some, ! cnircnt you,
for you will have need off, to support YOU"
" Have you any thing dreadful to tell the"
Iexclaimed in faint tone Of voice. "No,"
answered Leonors, "quite the contrary
but take some Of the wine before ! pro.
ceed."
drank n little Of the wine. trembling
with mixture Of hope and terror. Tisen
l heard n strange voice, which said to me
4" this wine is sent to you by u friend"
started, and repeated, "a friend !" yes"
replied the voice, al nm tho Countess de
Moncnlde, once well known to YOU as Isa-
bella de Valdez, and now the widow of your
cruel prosecutor" "Is he then dead 7"
exclaimed. "He is" snid Leonors, /" and
you are Free"
What words can describe my feelings at
this moment How rapturous were the
thoughts ,hnt crowded instantly on my
mind! In few minutes I was 10 recover
my liberty; l should see again the sun, the
heavens, the enrih My child was to share
this felci,y-she who had never known i,
before and we were now To be recompens-
ed for thirteen years Of suffering.
flew to my daughter; l caught her in
my arms, aud tried to explain TO her that
our captivity was over; but my sobs pre-
vented me from speaking articulato:y, and
she was too much surprised and bcwilder-
ed to understand what said. ran with
her towards the outer cavern, cxcIaiming,
" Oh my AIphonsine, we are now going
to be bappy You will enjoy felicity Of
which you have never yet had any idea !"
" What" said she, ARE we both going to
shall we 60 to heaven together 7"
] could not answer; my tears suffocsted
nay voice, and, notwithstanding the dark
ness, ] seemed to fly rather than to run.
felt Alphonsine tremblc in my arms, aud
my tears dropped on her face.
We approached the staircase, and !
beord the sound Of the axes demolsbing The
wall Of my prison-door. "Ob my child"
exclaimed, and we fell on our knees. Al
phonsine was confirmed in the idea that We
were going TO die. The noise Of the axes
redo ubed, aud then suddenly ceased. My
daughter threw her arms round my neck,
and clasped me closely. The wall fell, the
door flew open, and l saw group of peo-
pie beyond. 1 looked at my child. The
light of numerous torches sbone in at the
entrance md, flashing on the wonder
struck AIpl,onsine, she shrieked, covered
her eyes with her hands, and fell fainfing
on my bosom. The Countess do MoncaIds
and a priest who stood beside her, ran inn
nediateIy toward us, followed by her neph-
ev Don AIvar dc SanceIlo. l lost all con-
scioosness, and sunk into their arms in q
state Of insensibiI,y.
When I revived, found myself in bed
in one Of the splendid chambers in the cas-
lie, and my AIphonsioe opened her eyes,
aud gazed on her with rapture. My
love-" said 7, "Iook mt your mother"
" Oh my dearest mo'ber," she exclaimed,
u nre we now in heaven 7" found it diff
6cuI, TO divest her Of this idea. She thought
u hen she saw the first flash Of the torches
hat sI,e had received the stroke of knife
in her eyes, and that she had died Of it.
She could not ut frs. comprehend the na-
lure Of sight. Z" How isi,," said she, :" that
even when I do not touch you, know that
you are berids me But are you indeed
my motho. Let me touch you, and l shsll
be convinced" She kissed my hand, and
was 20 overcome that she nearly tainted =