Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1842-10-14
THE MYSTERIOUS DAUGHTER.
ny MRS. MARY II. HALL,
(CORchdcd.)

as usual to pay her vows at the foot of the
altar. Her eyes were turned towards heav-
en-her hands were crossed upon her bo-
som, her voice was raised in prayer, when
suddenly she felt the rude and iron grasp Of
an unknown person. She attempted to
scream, but was prevented. lie drew his arm
around her slender waist, and pointing
dagger to her breast, commanded silence,
or threatened death. At this moment FL
vira swooned away The stranger took her
in his arms, and lifting large iron door, or
rather stone was removed, which brought
them to large room, at the end of which,
was a narrow, winding path, which terminal
ed at length in few narrow steps. The
stranger assembled, still bearing the nsensi-
Bile Elvira in his arms. When they had gain
ed the top, a whistle was heard, and large
stone was removed from the mouth of the
cavern by number of men, who were wait
ing their masters return. The fresh air a.
gain brought life to the almost senseless FL
vira, who fIntly inquired whittier they wish
ed to convey her.
You shall know all, soon" replied stern
voice which was Immediately recognized );
you tremble, girl, but let me tell you, you
are hencelorh in my power. Your pretend
ed father and mother conveyed you to the
convent that you might be secure but |
was nearer than they suspected; saw you
enter its encosures-my plan was fixed, and
is almost executed
Elvira attempted to reply, but his voice
hushed her to silence They journeyed till
day began to dawn, when they entered a
thick wood in the centre Of which stood a
castle belonging to the Earl of Leith.--
Thnher was Evira conveyed by this cruel
tyrant, who hesitated not to wash his hands
in the pure blood of innocence. Elvira
soon found herself in an underground room,
with nothing in it but poor mean bed, and
a chair There was but little light which
glimmered through small window, crossed
with many CRATES.
Elvira fell upon her knees, and poured her
sorrows into the bosom of her divine CON-
forter.
'Ah, what have done to gain this power
full foe I? sighed she. He is a stranger,
and what can he know of my history-why
does he doubt my parentage-why does he
confine me thus O, my dear, dear friends,
why am thus torn from you-how will thy
tender hearts bleed when thou nearest of thy
Elviras absence. Must be separated from
you for everl o God forbid, and guard my
virtue with my life
At this moment the door opened, and an
old man servant whose name was John, APP
preached Elvira, bearing slice of bread,
and a cup of water. As he witnessed her
tears, he exclaimed, 4 pity thee my lady,
and if in my power will release you; keep
silent, will be thy friend Our master has
another prisoner confined in the next room,
whom pity too
who is it, asked Elvira.'
Il do not know our master does not tell
us servants much he SAYS it is quite enough
for us to obey him; but you shall see him
yourself, lady, said the old man, drawing
aside an iron blind.
Elvira looked through the CRATE, and be-
held, seated upon heap Of straw, an ema-
ciated form, whose eyes were fixed upon her.
His deatl-like countenance struck her with
horror, when he started from his seat, said
Gracious Heaven what do | see pray tell
me fair Miss, who you are, and why here
con6nedP
ALIAS cannot tell mournfully sighed
Elvira. Il know not the person who con-
veyed me hither, or what could induce him
to confine me in this gloomy castle She
then related the circumstances that took
place previous to her Imprisonment, at the
same time informing him of her family, her
name, &c.
20 heaven p cried her fellow prisoner,
when she had done speaking who knows,
he stopped-hs head fell upon his bosom,
but again raising his eyes he exclaimed,
'Am | deceived, or am | not ? for IN thy
lovely countenance, | fancy behold the
image of my long lost Gertrude
AT this moment the bell rang, and the
old servant, who had listened to their con-
versaton, left them, saying, be careful, do
not let my master see you talking thus, for It
he should know you had seen each other, |
should have to be hung; for he Just said you
must be moved farther apart, or he should
have trouble with We and should | die, no.
body will pity We nobody release ye.'
Soon as he had withdrawn, Elyira closed
the iron shutter, seated herself upon her bed,
and began to contrive means for escape
Should be released said she, Il know
not where to 90, and my danger might be in
creased ten fold might be pursued, over
taken and brought back, before could find
my way out of the wood, and my last state
would be worse than the first Should the
old servant release us both, it would not be
prudent to trust myself with this stranger
for | know not who he is, or what his de-
signs may be. But could he escape, fly to
my friends, and inform them Of my captivl'
ty, then would my liberation draw near, and
without exposing myself to dangers, my
freedom might be obtained. But perhaps
crime has brought him here if so, is it not