Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1842-10-07


enly region. She dared not move, and as
she listened, she heard her pray ior her
"dear husband, from whom she nau pee"
separated by cruel tyrant; plead lot mer-
CIV on her dear babes, who were cast upon
the bounty of merciless world; ana ear
nestly begged they might meet again upon
tho shores of time" Such an affecting
nraver drew tears from the tender hearted
Elyira, who almost sprang forward to mingle
them with those of the unfortunate be-
inc before her but the thought of III
truding upon her sacred grief, kept her
back The stranger arose from whence she
came, when Evira knelt upon the same spot,
and was soon lost in pious devotion. She
then repaired to her room, determined IN
her own mind never to mention the circnm-
stance to any person until it should seem
proper for her to do so.
A month after Elvira's departure found
Prince Levere and Lady Angela seated m
Col. Harson's little parlor. They congratu-
lated Edwin upon his safe return to the Boz
som of his friends, aud appeared particularly
pleased with his young friend, Ebert but
there was an aching void to be filled in the
heart of Lavere, who, not seeing the idol of
his soul, tenderly inquired for Elvlra. Col.
Harson gave brief account OF what had
passed. when Lavere arose hastily and sad,
'What EIvira, the lovely, the vlrtuous El-
yira. my affianced bride, confined within the
gloomy walls of convent that must no
longer be- Come, my young friends, ac-
company me. must see her Immediately.
A few minutes brought them to the converts
massy walls. A bell was rung, when the
Lady Abbess appeared, and conducted them
to Elvira's apartment. The entered, and
10 4! it was empty Search was immediate
" made, but she was not to be found The
old building rang with the name of Elvira,
but the echo thereof died away upon the ear.
No voice in sweet response was heard to
bring Joy to their distracted bosoms. With
heavy hearts and fearful eyes the young peo-
pie returned to the cottage.
Col. Harson and his wife tainted when
they received the distressing intelligence
they refused to be comforted, and had they
not, who was present capable of administer
ing the oil of consolation to their afflicted
bosom? Who could apply the healing balm
when every heart was rent asunder 7 They
mingled their groans aud tears together, and
repented the act of placing their lovely child
underline protection Of other arms than theirs.
At length Prince Levere arose and exclam-
ed, "She must and shall be found. She is in
the hands of some cruel tyrant who has be-
held her charms, and is determined to reap
the fruits of her virtue but it shall not be.
l will hurl the monarch from his throne, and
seal his lips in DEATH" He continued to
xovo ~ ono t;,na c,ncyinp ba o,u III
vira in the arms of her lover, who returned
his embrace, g. smiled as he gazed with rap
ture on her lovely features. Again he saw
her struggling for her life, her hair dishevel-
led, while despair ives pictured upon her
once beautiful countenance. And yet once
more he pressed her to his bosom, calling
her his tender bride. His distress, at length,
was more than weak nature could bear,
and he sank insensble to the earth-reason
was dethroned, and nothing remained but
horrors fthe past. He was taken up-con-
veyed to the castle in an almost lileless state.
In the meantime a body Of horsemen had
prepared themselves, determined to scour the
country and if possible, rescue the lost FL
vira. They commenced their search, depend
ing upon Heavenly wisdom to direct their
steps. One gentleman in the village stated
he had seen stranger in the place several
times, but could not see him depart lie
spoke to no one, and seemed to pay little
or no attention to what was passing around
him. He was seen near the convent the
day previous, and according to the description
given of this singular stranger, no doubt was
left upon the minds of the afflicted family, of
his being the same person who insuIted Ell
vira. When the horsemen had been absent
several days, they returned with sorrow de-
picted upon their countenances, for their
search had been frutless. As the day began
to close, person was heard to inquire for the |
cottage or Col. Harson, and was soon per-
ceived by its inmates bending his steps has
tily up the green lane. His features were
thin, his countenance cadaverous, his step
falterng, but manly beauty still reigned pre-
dominent upon his brow. He rushed into
the cottage without ceremony, exclaming,
GO, go, if you wish to release your daugh-
ter from tyrant follow me, will lead you
to the place He then left the apartment,
crying haste, haste, or you will be too late
The news spread like lightning through the
little village, and the little faithful band, a.
gain commenced their search, guided by
this singular stranger. Col. Harson and his |
family trembled with fear and anxiety, as
they saw Edwin and Ebert mounted on two
fiery steeds, following on after the horsemen,
at rapid rate,
COncIuded merit ,peeE .t ..