The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-05-13
80 tNfeIlaMrntt us.
TIE SPECTRE MASK.
ATALE OF THE LAKE OF COMO.

TALE OF The LANE VI So"o'
l, was still and c'oudless ngh,-not breath
stirred the leaves on thc.high trees that surrounded
tho great villa of the Count Minnolti on the Lake
Of Como, when Two figures were seen to emerge
from private door that led into the garden sur.
rounding the house, and descend the stone steps TO
little boat, in the stern of which sat figure muf
aed in coarse clock. PeIcoivins their approach
the man who Occupied the boat Immediately arose
and assisted the cavalier and his companion, n le-
male 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 heavens were studded with stars,
and the clear blue lake reflected their more ntcn-
.ely blue rays, whilst the lights fom the windows
Of the different dwellings that skirted the shores,
were reflected in long lines fgod, and the distant
bark Of the watch dogs alone broke the stiffness of
night No. word was spoken by either party,
un,i the boat reached the middle Of the lake when
the lady laid her small white hand on the Shout
der Of the cavalier and looked earnestly in his face
for some minutes.
dearest Vicenzo.' said she, why so moody
and Thoughtful Yon evening star shines as bright
IL as on that night you wooed and won my poor
heart; but, she continued mournfully, you are
changed, aye, changed--and now scarcely vouch-
safe word
yes replied he who was thus addressed, ms
no cas-, from his shoulders the cloak in which he
was thus mufed. Il have words Tor thine car to-
night which may not be pleasins--llariana, thou
hast out-ived my love. Hast thou no prayer ready
70. here shall absolve myself from The vow my
folly made thee
The lady starred wildly n, her husband, for he
was no less, and attempted to clasp him round the
neck.
Dear, dear, lord she said in supplicnng ac-
cents, what dreadful deed dost thou mcdate!--
Thinl. oh, in mercy think VIVA, you would do
Have offended Have said or done any thing
.peacev mutered her stern and cruel partner,
forcibly removing her arms-'pence, ! say, and
pray for thy soul, for thou hast not ten minutes to
iyen
The lady fell on her knees, before her mercess
lord, AID in frantic manner besought him to have
pity, but tho iend had steeled his heart, and he
harsly babe her to prepare for death; when the
tone Of his victim suddenly changed, and no lon
Ger a suppl liant. she vchementIy upbraided him for
his cruelty.
.Vcenzo.' said she, as her dark eye flashed
wra,hfally, Il am in thy power, but my friends
svenge me! ask not for life, for know thy pur-
pose is deadly; hut dread the vengeance Of my
family, who will demand me at thy hands,
The count deiguing no other reply than low
and inar,icua,s maledicton; made sign to his at
,endent, who Immediately rising, seized the lady
by the arm.
.IIurl her into tho lake, Jacopo,' said Minnotli;
and the words had scarcely passed his lips, when
tieir victim, forced in spite Of her struggles,
aver the side Of the boat, fell with fam, shrek
and heavy splash into the water; but she almost
Immediately rose TO the surface. and the count
,eizig an oar, endeavored TO stun her by blow
on the head. The stroke was i|l-directed, and
missed the countess, who, Selling the oar with
both hands, supported herself, and thus addressed
her cruel husbands
.viceuzo Minnott, thy days are numbered. God
shall Judge you for this deed; summon you to
appear before his tribunal ere the moon is out'
Her husband instantly directed his attention to
return TO his villa. Remorse never touched the
breast Of Munotti, who was subtle as he wa.
revenseful and cruel, and he spread it abroad thai
BIS wife had eloped from him, and the tale was be.
Eeved, for he had previously circulated stories oil
her inhdeliiy.