The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1839-08-24

like second Iago, advised him TO watch
narrowly lest his domestic peace was inva-
ded. This ambiguous warning conveyed
thus solemnly alarmed Palma. He return
ed thoughtfully towards the house. Caro-
lines joyous laugh reached his ear. For
the first time there was something unmusic-
al in it. He raised his eyes to yonder ter
race and saw her promenading, and appar-
emily in the pleasantest conversation with
the accomplice Of him who had just poison
ed his ear, and who no sooner caught
glimpse Of his host than he threw into his
manners as great an air Of confidence and
familiarity as possible. This little incident,
though of no importance in itself, served to
irritate Palma into a fit of jealous musing.
Surmlses, as baseless as air, were brooded
over till they grew into positive doubts be-
meath the lructifying influence of southern
imagination. And when the visiters had de-
parted, i'll moment of passion, he appear
ed before his astonished wife, and charged
her with having deceived and lost all affec-
ton for him, indeed, if she ever had any,
rushed from her presence, drove rapidly IL
town, and embarked that very evening, in
steam packet for Malta. Mont Pelegrino
had not faded from his sight, before he re-
GREETED the step he had taken. His self-re-
proaches were increased to agony, when an
acquaintance, one of his fellow passengers,
after warmly eulogizing his wife, began TO
praise his forbearance towards those who
endeavored to mar his happiness to crafty
their spleen.
All at once he saw his error and mourn
ed his precipitancy. In three days he re-
turned TO Palermo, and sought the retreat
where his injured wife was -.s.!uded- IL
longed to throw himself at her feet and de-
mand forgiveness, but so,great was his NOR
tifcation, and so objectionable in his own
eyes seemed his conduct, that he had
not the courage to approach her. He re-
membered the sad look of silent yet elo-
quent reproach with which she gazed upon
him as he left her presence. He recalled
the pride Of her character, and dreaded the
effect of his weak and violent BEHAVIOR
He knew not but her esteem had gone from
her for ever.
In this state of indecision and perplexity
he remained for several days in the neigh
borhocd One afternoon towards dusk, he
approached the house, and saw Caroline
seated near the window; but as he drew
near, she abruptedly left the spot. He be-
lieved she had recognized, and thus pur-
posely avoided him. The next evening he
approached. She was in the place, and
half rose as he drew near; but perceiving
him pass the door, she remained and form
ally returned his profered recognition. His
impression then was, that she thought him
insane. In short, cannot tell you by what
gradual steps he progressed towards a recon-
ciliation. No lover for the first time deli
cately shaping his way to the heart of his
mistress could have acted more timidly, OF
been more tremblingly alive to every faint
indication Of success. 1t was, in truth, a
second courtship.
At last, one lovely evening, he threw OF
the cloak which had hitherto concealed him
from observation, and entering the grove
just opposite his wifs's balcony, began to
sing several of her fayorite airs in feigned
voice. There lived in the neighborhood
an old blind man who had frequently anus
sed them in this manner, and he knew she
would come to the terrace to throw him the
customary gratuily. After short time he
heard the window open and saw her step
forth into the moonlight. II was the first
he had seen her distinctly since their separ-
alton. She was paler than usual, and sad
expression mellowed into pensive beauty
the spirited loveliness of her countenance.
She leaned over the rail, and seemed about
to call the unseen vocalist, when he, antici-
pating her purpose, slightly softening his