The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-08-28

her spprhensions, and there was a cheerful
glance in his eye that spoke of bright ice
spirit. Above the ordinary height-tall and
graceful, though his features were like some that
she had seen before; his person and complex-
ion were any thing but Italian, aud had he not
spoken the language without the slightest ac-
cent, she might have taken him fof some of
the followers Of the house Of Austria. The
whole, however, was extremely pleasing. and
though still somewhat alarmed. she at length
ventuied TO ask what were his wishes.
BE not afraid, Lady = he answered in a low
sweet-toned voice, Il come to save you from
danger. not 10 place you in it. Approach lit
tie nearer for | must speak low, and must not
be seen by any one but you
She took a step nearer TO the place where he
stood, still looking upon him as timid fawn
looks az those who would draw il 10 eat bread
ont OF their hand.
Listen he said: listen, Mary of Mantua
for what have TO say imports you much TO
know-and | have a short time TO say it.
Your hand is prize, for which three Princes
now will strive. First, Vincenzo, Duke Of
Mantua.'
Heaven forbid ~ exclaimed Mary, in tone
of fear: 'can you mean my uncle 7
Even so = answered the stranger but hear
me out, fair maid, for the time is short. The
next is one you know well, Ferand, Prince Of
Guastella.'
Il know him not = cried Mary, with look
of horror. Once, only once. have | seen his
dark and lowering face, but ! have heard enough
TO make me abhor the ground that bears him..
The stranger made no comment, but went
on; The third is Charles, Duke Of Rhetal.'
An alien to our race. and the son of my ia
TIERS enemyr exclaimed Mary.
The stranger smiled, apparently well pleased.
These are three Princes, he said but
what say you, Lady, il simple gentleman, Of
noble birth, and Of some renown--against these
three Princes, fate, fortunes, and all the world
TO boot-were TO enter the lists for that fair
hand =
He were a bold man = answered Mary, with
n deep blush.
Thank God he is bold man. replied the
stranger but TO my more pressing task, for |
see the carriage is nearly ready. The Prince
Uf Guastella is now within the territory Of
Mantua; he knows that this night you enter
the city. II you 90 by the ordinary road, you
will fall into his hands. and nothing but mir
acle can save you from his power. When you
come TO the vineyard of Perriottl, Just opposite
the castle OF Frederick di Sasso, order the dri
yer to turn down the left hand road and follow
il TO the city. And | shall be near at hand,
needful but il were better, far better TO avoid
than encounter evil
oh better, far better T. echoed Mary; 'bu
oh gentle stranger, do not leave me. II you
have power. give me protection against that
daring man.
| ! will not be far from thee, iarest and bright
est, replied the stranger, but have | not said,
that ! am without power in the land. What
this hand can do shall be done in your defence
and if il be needful to pour out the last drop Of
my hearts blood, it shall be stakcd as freely as
a gamblers ducat. A few faithful servants will
not finch from their poor master IN the hour
Of need and if you are saved from hazard, my
guerdon shall be one kiss Of that fair hand-
Shall II not be sop
oh, you might claim far better boon than
that cried Mary, eagerly.
We'll, then it shall be So he said 'one
Hiss of those sweet lips But now, bethnk
you, lady, how will you meet your uncle IT,
as sure ] am he will he offers, contrary to
Gods law, TO make his brothers child his wife,
be wise, and drive not his passionate mind to
frenzy. He has wife still living: bu, the
bonds between them the plant church is now
about to sever. BE cautious; show no harsh
repugnancc. Tell him that you can hear no
such words so long as he is priest uncle, bus-
band TO another that all those bonds must be
loosened by the church, ere you can even let
his words rest in your ear. But 10 they seek
you; ] must away Coniriye some short de-
lay, that may reach the point Of danger first.
Tomorrow, at this hour If you have returned
will seek you here
Thus saying, the stranger turned and left her.
and IN few minutes the servants sought her,
saying that the carriage was ready. The di-
rections Of the stranger she followed implicitly,
trusting with the confidence Of unchastened
youth. She detained the carriage for few
minutes, and then ordered the coachman TO
drive as she had instructed. The Italian look
sd at her in sulky silence, and went on as fin
tending TO obey but when the vehicle reach
ed the turning Of the road, he was evidently
about to pursue the way which had been for
bidden. Mary Of Mantua. however, stopped
the carriage. and trying to raise her gentle voice
into the sharp tone Of displcasurc, asked how
he dared to disobey.
The man replied surlily, because 1t WIS the
best road 9 aud he would certainly have dn,-
en- on, had not the old servant Who attended
upon her iuterfered to enforce his MISTRESS
command. Even his authority the driver was
inclined to resist but while with true Italian
carelessnes. Of time, loud words, and eSaggera-
ted gesture, the two were arguing, there came
a sound Of horse, galloping. 1t was what the
driver wished and expected. and. looking up
the road, he saw body of some twelve mount
ed men coming at full speed. Mary saw them
too, and terror and anguish took possession Of
her heart. As they came on, however, there
suddenly appeared other figures in the road be-
tween her and them. From amongst the trees
and vineyards poured out little band on foot
md horseback, and at their head, managing his
fiery horse, with grace and ease, he whom she
bad seen at the convent not an hour before. OF
her he now took no notice, but standing frm
in the way, formed with his band barrier be-
tween her and the coming horsenen. The
driver still paused, though she besought him
to 90 on, and she could behold swords crossed
and pistols fired, and one or two horsemeD fly
up the road again. Sbs saw not well which
party had the advantage. but the driver judged
more clearly. and smacsing his whip. drove
dow. abe road he had been ordered TO take.