The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-10-16

could not rest on his pillow; secret fear had
crossed his mind, that Monrauban loved hi.
daughter, and that she, thongh unconscious
OF the reality, was not insensible 10 the attlac.
tions at the young stranger. He did not hint
his suspicious even TO Madame De Fleurie
but the next morning he arose with the deter
minaton Ia speak 10 Gertrude in private, aud
warn her against the snare which Moniauhan's
attentions and her own heart might lay for her.
He called for his daughter. She had already
gone out with the young gentleman aud An
nette. She had promised TO show him the
grotto her brothers had made for her in the
moss glen. De Fleure was still more d,ssat-
isfed. What would he have given that Mont
auban and his Gertrude had never met The
fact is. that Ilenrie had sought the opportunity
to unburdon his heart TO the only being in the
universe in whom he could feel perfect con
hdence that every fear and sorrow of his bosom
would be shared by hers. In the effort to bring
himself 10 reveal the dark omens tha, hung o.
yer his existance and rendered the future path
way of life gloomy, he walked silent aud as il
unheedng even the presence of Gertrude, who
glided softly by his side at last his deep re-
verie was broken by the merry voices Of the
children, who had arranged the rural cell for
their reception. They descended through
tangled foliage 10 the dell, where stood the fan
tastic structure, which the triumphant little
architects we're filling with bursts of wild de-
light. calling upon Montauban to conduct the
queen OF the fairy grove 10 her throne point
ing TO seat Of moss erected by their tiny
hands. Montauban could not help psrticipa-
ting in their JOY. while Gertrude was its object,
and re-cchoed the strains in which they sung
the praises of their sylvan queen.
Gertrude. said Montauban, when the chill
ren had left them, To pursue some other sport
mature has endowed you with the gift of he
slowing happiness-those children are blest
when you smile on them
Heaven has given us all, Henric. the power
of besowpg and receiving happiness, il We
will use il. Can you think otherwise, while
you hear the mock bird sing for our entertain
mentl Even the many winged insects make
all the music in their power for our enjoyment.
Our good Creator designed the whole universe
10 be happy and il would be uugrateiul not to
enjoy the blessings he has given us
Divine priestess Of nature " exclaimed
Montauban, gazing intrnuy on the deep azure
of her heaven lighted eye; il, indeed, there is
bliss in store for me, you, and you alone, have
the gitt OF bcstowing il. Until saw you. Ger
trude, existence was to be load Of sorrow
which | seemed destined to bear without sym.
pathy or hope, but you have taught me tha
there is happiness in sharing our grief with :
kindred heart. You pity me, dear Gertrude
those tears tell me that you do--and this
thought alone inspires me with JOY
! You must you will be happy, llenrie.
murmured the voice of the girl, scarcely able
TO suppress the strange agitation OF her bosom
as she proceeded: You must be happy, when
every thing will contribute to make you so in
the gay court TO which you are going
Never never = exclaimed he, selziDg her
hand, and pressing it to his heart. Hear
Gertrude, the DARK secret OF my destiny. ]
was doomed by a mysterious power 10 tread a
pathway at variance with every desire, every
object Of my heart My nativity was cast by
an astrologer who is capable Of reading the
unseen mysteries "f futurlty. and my fears tell
me, too. truly. that there is reality 10 his pre-
dictions.
Gertrude looked at Moniauban, while he
was relating the incidents oi his future destiny,
with count.nance Of unutterable astonish-
ment. At last she interrupted him:
Henrie, is it possible that you are supersti-
tiousl Can yon believe that the stars know
any thing of our destiny, or that any being but
the God who made US, can direct ItF
He shuddered, while he replied
Listen, Gertrude, before you pronounce me
weak. | have always had a consciousness that
there is a supernatural agency at work against
me- and that my father the Baron Montsuban,
and his confessor, are only instruments employ
ed for my misery. My experience, thus far,
has confirmed this belief; and now, Gertrude.
! am going TO ask you question on which
hangs more than my tongue can express
Nothing that can say, dear H.Drle, shall
ever give you roubIe-fesr not 10 speak your
whole heart to me. Perhaps there is romethng
that ] can do TO relieve you Of this strange de-
luson.'
Would to Heaven il were.' muttered the
lip, Of Moutauban. Gertrude, are you her
etc p
What do you mean by hereticl thought
you knew that we are Iuguenots, .xIled on
account Of our faith. My father is preacher
Of the pure gospel, and does not swn himself a
hereto, though the naughty prelate, Rlchelieu,
calls him So
Too fatal - exclaimed Mon,auban; The
curse Of heresy this is now fulhlled-but the
warning comes too late. From TIN. hour war
against the decrees Of destiny
Gertrude started -
What does he mean! Oh Henrie, your
words agoDlse me Why do you treuble so
Is not Geurue near you , Did you not say II
was my voice alone that could soothe your
grief! What must do to ward OF the evil
that threatens you ! Oh believe that Gertrude
is happy or miserable as you are
The enrsptured Montauban claspcd the an
gelic girl to his heart, and, in spite Of the NAL
ediciiOns Of fate, vowed 10 live for her only
lie told her Of the malignant power, which OPP
posed his alliance with hereto. Of the awful
prediction connected with this event, and of
the probable loss Of every blessing, except that
Of her love.
But this i, not all. Gertrude he said the
wrath Of an invisible power may descend on
both Of US, 10 an incensed fathers hatred. Per-
sseution. perhaps death. may be the fruit Of
my rebellion against the mandate u the church;
and vet feel, ths, dying with you Is better
than living the magnificent, but miserable .oy,
that court could make me.
Heoric.' said Gertrude. Il cannot put con-
6deoce In these osneus nv faith has given me