The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1845-05-01

little moro solitude, would have conquer
ed me, and sent me home: but, at this
critical moment, the mask returned
bearing in her hands a heavy black veil.
She beckoned me TO follow her into a
neighboring street, where, in moment,
we stood beside close curtained vo-
lante, into which she sprang followed
her. She Immediately enveIoped my
head in the veil which she had brought.
cautioning me on my life not TO attempt
to remove it, unless al her request,
The carriage started off with spsed;-
| indeed, the driver seemed to be urging
his horses to a rapid gallop. Orr road
was long; for even at this speed we must
have ridden Tor two hours; some of the
time over rough, rocky roads, and then
| along smoother ways, when at last the
painting animals were brought to stand
Immediately thereafter | heard n
cracking noise, as ifa port-cullis were
suddenly raised or some old gate swung
back on its unoiled hinges,
Speak not a word whatever you may
hear; attempt not to raise the veil ,or your
life and mine may be the iorleii' whis-
pered my fair guide; aud while she spoke
felt that she lrembled from head to foot
Her hand was cold rs ice, and her i'm
petuous voice stihed and husky. Before
we advanced from the carriage. she also
made me VOW by all the saints in heaven
never to reveal what | might do or see lin
that night s adventures
She then led me cautiously on, appar-
emily through large garden, for the
cool night freeze bore the perfume of
orange, citrou, pink, lemon and siice
blossoms to my cheek. We soon arriv-
ed at another door, which ed rusti-
ly as it opened before us, and then our
way seemed up winding stone stair
case, through IA passage so still so sole
EMMY silent, that it even echoed the light
foot fall ofmy companion, while my own
heavy tread rang, like groans in cav
ern, through the still, damp air.
Until now, the lady had not spoken
since we had stepped from the volante;
but, as we arrived at the :op Of the
stairs, and passed into a warmer atmos-
phere, she whispered that the hour to
test my courage and love had arrived
we stepped across a soft carpet, and she
seated me on yielding cushion. could
see nothing through the thick veil which
she had thrown over my face, yet
kind of b}ulshneSs in the darkness before
me convinced me that | was in lighted
room. No sound could | hear, save
the suppressed breathing of my item
bling companion, and the beating Of my
own heart. After remaining for mo-
ment on the ottoman which shook from
her nervousness, she again addressed
me.
You are armed with pistol and dpg-
ger2'
Il am said |, inwardIy praying that
| might have no occasion 10 use them.
You will please give ne those weap>
ons,' said she.
Ha ! thought I ~ am betrayed and
she asks my weapons OF defence, that |
may be made an eoser preyl Let me
ask said |, your reasons for this strange
requesi2'
"A true lover never asks for reasons
from one 10 whom he confles,' answered
the 'mask;' aiding, 'Tbe business |
have 10 hand for you has need of courage
caImnesa and prudence, but your weapons
could avail you nothing. They will no,
be required She shuddcred as she spoke
adtiog qoickIy: Such as they have al
ready done TOO much i
She ponend poomopt o,,1 eoorood -
be schooling herself to some dreadful task.
Again, she addressed me:
have tale to tell you, Sir; no, not
tale, but some questions 10 ask. Had you
an only sister. one who was young, fair,
innocent, and ignorant Of the worlds
wickedness, and thus unprepared 10 cope
with vile art and siufuIness; and should
she meet with one who was in appearance
all full Of nobiencss. purity, generosity, and
true manliness; and, in her own fulI.heart.
edness, should she love him as only wo.
man in natures simplicity can love: and
should he, taking foul advantage of her
affection for him, work her ruin, and hav
ing succeeded, then scornfuIiy leave her
wthou! PREPARATION, an outcast from even
his bosom, dark thing upon The world
unwilling to live, upprepaled TO die; and
shonId she, in the hour when he spurned
her, a dishonored thing, from his feet even
when she VAS pleading for the love aud
protection OF one who with bel.ish art had
wrought her ruin; should she in that dire
moment of crowded miserles strike poin.
ard TO his hearl' -
She would nobly do her duyr cried |
excited almost to madness by the painful
picture.
Would you aid her in removing all
the proof OF the crime2' continued the
mask would you assist that poor girl 10
place beneath the dark earth all that was
earthly Of her detiler2
IL d ell Il L