The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1842-07-02
But l know him well.

III is enough. l promise you. am
yours, oh, would it were, not for day
only but for life, Wha. say you sweet lady,
may I mot claim your promise after
wardsv
You have not yet proved your sincerity;
but you need not despair
i will serve ysu with my life''
Fail ME not then, Remember, sooner
than be that mans wife I'll die; Farewell,
| cannot thank you now; but you will not
find me ungrateful,' She pressed his
hand and in another instan. was gone.
Bertman confidsd this affair TO Noland,
and little before the time on the following
evening they proceeded together toward the
house OF Alvar where the event was TO take
place. The latter was well armed, and
had resolved to remain near by in case
his friend should need assistance; for they
were both aware Of the fashy temper Of
the Spaniards with whom Bertram had to
deal. Indeed it was rather hazardous en-
terprize for single stranger TO attempt 10
thwart the designs of a rich and Grabbed
old Count supported as he would probably
be by some dozen Of his friends none Of
whom were perhaps very scrupulous in re-
gard TO the shedding Of blood. But fear
was stranger to Eugene Berram's bosom
and excitement and hazardous exploits
made up the brighter and happies. portions
of his life, But ye. he did not lack calcu.
lations; and on the present occasion, he
rested his hopes Of success. less upon his
own strength, than on the cowardly dis
positions of the Creoes, who were ready
enough to raise the arm but usually afraid
TO strike. He thought it best therefore moi,
to 60 armed himself, both because he
though it really not necessary, and to be
more secure against committing any rash ac-
ton.
The moment came. He STEPPED up TO
the door, and giving rather an unceremen :
ious rap, as soon as it was opened, pushed
past the porter, and stood at once in the
centre of brilliant room, filled with the
dark beauties of Havana and their attendent
squires: The ceremony had already be
gun and the fair bride, with downcas. eyes,
was pale as the marble floor on which she
stood. Blu! when Berlram entered tn G
room, her countenance lighted up with the
flush Of hope, and scream Of joy burst
from her lips.
4 forbid this holy ri.s!' said Bertram, in
deep, calm, determined voice, The
priest dropped his book, The company start.
ed in astonishmant, the bridegroom stood
ghast. and, save our hero and Isabel. the
old Count second the only one who had
any Of his senses left.
And beg 10 know what right you have
TO interfere in this Susiness' at last he
Numbered out: 'here slaves thrust forth
this madman; and on your lives do not a
gain admit him.
Blu. will not stir from this room. This
fair lady is my betrothed bride. Her
heart is mine, and her hand shall not be
given to auother. II is so, my Isabel'Do |
not speak the truth!' and he approached,
her and taking her fair hand, pressed it res
pecfully, yet fondly to his lips.
But the Counts anger was now fully srous
ed. He raved ordered his slaves; his friends,
seize the stranger and bind him for punish
men.. Bertram though Of slender frame
had nerves and sinews almost like iron, and
possessed The strength Of young giant.
The Bridegroom drew his sword and ad-
vanced toward him,-bui Eugene wrench.
ed it from him in all instant: and his antag.
onist,on losing his weapon, skunk away be-
hind one Of the lady's chair. But the odds
were rather fearful--for some half dozen
had by this time collected themselves, and
advanced to the attack. At this instant. N O.
land, alarmed by the noise, and rightly cor
occurring the cause, burst into the room
l Bertram stood in one corner. holding Isabe