The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-07-20
MISCELLANEOUS.
THE SPECTRE MASK.
A TALE OF THE LAKE OF COMO.


1t was n still and cloudess night not a
breath stirred the leaves on the huge trees
that Swallowed the great villa Of the count
Minotti, on the Lake Of Como, when two
figures were seen to emerge from private
door that led into the garden surrounding
the house, and descend the stone steps to
little boat, in the stern Of which sat figure
muffled in a large coarse cloak. Perceiving
their approach the man who occupied the
boat Immediately arose and assisted the
cavalier and his companion, female Of
stately form and features Of great beauty,
to descend which they did in silence, and
entered the boat, which was Immediately
pushed off. There was no moon to add
beauty and effect to the scene, but the hea-
vens were studded with stars, and the clear
blue lake reflected their more intensely blue
rays, whilst the lights from the windows Of
the different dwellings, that skirted the
shores, were reflected in long lines of gold,
and the distant bark Of the watch-dogs alone
broke the stiffness of the night. Not word
was spoken by either party, until the boat
reached the middle of the lake, when the lady
laying her small white hand on the shoulder
of the cavalier, and looked earnestly in his
face for some moments.
Dearest Vicenzo' said she why so moody
and thoughtful? Yon evening star shines as
brightly as on that night yon woed and won
my poor heart; but she continued mournful-
ly, 'you are changed ay, changed and now
scarcely vouchsale word .".
Yes replied he who was thus addressed as
he cast from his shoulders the cloak in which
he was mutfled, have words for thine ear
tonight which may not be pleasing-Ma Mariana,
thou hast outlived my love. Hast thou no
prayer ready ? for here shall absolve myself
from the VOW my folly made thee
The lady stared wildly at her husband, for
he was no less, and then attempted to clasp
him round the neck
Dear, dear lord she said, in supplicating
accents what dreadful deed dost thou medi
tatel Think, oh in mercy think what you
would do Have | offended! have | said
or done anything to -
peace = mut,ered her stern and cruel part
ner forcibly, removing her arms peace,
say, and pray for thy soul for thou hast not
ten minutes to live y
The lady fell on her knees before her mer-
CHESS lord, and in frantic manner besought
him to have pity, but the fiend had steeled his
heart and he harshy babe her prepare for
death; when the tone Of his victim suddenly
changed and no longer suppliant, she vehe-
mently upbraided him for his cruelty.
sVicenzo.' said she, as her dark eye flashed
wrathtuy, am in thy power, but my friends
will avenge me! ask thee not for life, for |
know thy purpose is deadly; but dread the
vengeance of my family, who will demand thee
at my hands
Th, count designed no other reply than a
low and naiticulate maledlcton, made sign
to hsatt, ndant, who Immediately rising, seized
the lady by the arms.
.Hurl her into the lake, Jacopo,' said Mi
MOTH and the words had scarcely passed her
lips, when their victim, forced. in spite OF his
struggles, over the side of the boat, fell with a
faint shrek and heavy splash into the water;
but she almost Immediately rose TO the surface,
and the count, seizing an hour, dndeavored to
stun her by blow on the head. The stroke
was i'll directed, and missed the countess who
Selling the oar with both hands, supported
herself and thus addressed her cruel hus.
band:
.yicenzo Minotti thy days are numbered
God shall Judge thee for this deed summon
you to appear before his tribunal ere the moon
is OUT
Her husband instantly directed his attendant
to return TO his villa. Rcmo-sc never touched
the breast of Minotti, who was as subtle, as nc
was revengeful and cruel, and he soon spreao