The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-07-12
'OODsFIELD, SATURDAY, JULY ~, 1s45.

thoughts. She had bitter trial before
her, for she was about to inhict q deep
wound upon the heart of one whom she
loved with all the innocent fervour OF
a girls first affection; and she trembled
as she pictured to herself his surprise
and sorrow. Then Berenice looked
up at the quiet of the evening sky, and
thought Of the time when earth's inter-
est would be over for her; and could
she thus look, and thus think, and still
hesitate' All! no. When she heard
the steps of Lucius drawing nigh, she
plucked single flower from creeping
plant that overshadowed the balcony,
and keeping it in her hand as token 10
recall her better resolution, she advan-
ced to meet him.
"lt was not for this l sent you hith-
er," she said, in reply to his passionate
expressions Of regret and love; "you
are a Roman soldier, Lucius,and know
it was neither your destiny nor your
wish to be ever at lady's side. Be-
lieve me, l have learned tolook on this
parting as on thing inevitable;" but
but even as she spoke her voice falter-
ed.
Lucius leaned forward TO console
her, to whisper ofre-union, of lief.long
reunion. "Your father has promised,
Dearest" he said, "that this campaign
once over, the Marcomanni once de-
feated, shall be rewarded, at nv re.
turn, with the hand of Berenice.'
at may be so," she answered sadly,
''ifyou still wish it."
elf | wish it? Berenice, of what are
you dreaming?"
81 am not dreaming, Lucius EmiIius;
| am speaking the words Of sober real
ity. You think of me as of the belo-
we'd child OF Flavius Torquatus; the CO.
heiress Of his wealth and honors; of
one whose hand will confer distinction.
If, on your return from Germany, you
shall find me despoiled of all these ad- !
vantages, an alien from my fathers
house, it may be from his eart,scorned
and forgotten by his friends, despised
by mankind
"You will STILL" replied Lucius, "be |
to me the Beren!ce whom, in her hour
of prosperity, l had vowed 10 love and |
to cherish. But what can be the mea-
ming OF your terrible words? Why do
you torture yourself and me, by such
utterly vain imaginings?"
Berenice withdrew from the encirc-
ling arms which supported her; she lea
ned against the slight column Of the vc-
her voice was softest whisper,
yet every word fell with terrible clear
ness on the ear of her lover--.'Lucius
| am a Christian"
Lucius went forth that night from
he chamber Of his betrot thed an altered
nan; for the chills of disappointment
lad fallen on his proudest and fondest
lopes. He had tried all his persuasive
powers to induce the girl to forsake her
lew opinions; he had tried in vain; so
low nought for him remained to do, but
o fulfil the engagements in which his
lonor was concerned, and then to re- {
urn; to love her still land to protect her, !
necessary, with his life. He bore
With him two precious gifts,--to con- S
ole him in his absence, as far as any t
hing could console him-the golden {
asket and the carrier dove. r
y q
Berenice was now again alone, not t
s heretofore,in the solitude of her own a
luxurious apartments; nor surrounded
s she was wont to be, with her books, s
nd music, and flowers; she was alone t
the solitude of gloomy prison cham .
er. A small aperture near the ceiling, n
uarded by iron rs,admitted just light c
nough to show the dismal emptiness S
I the place; no tapestried hangings to h
ide the cold damp walls, no warm v
arpets to cover the stone floor. 1t con- n
lined only a low couch, and on that q
,e maiden was seated; sometimes raj E
ng her clasped hands in the deep ear il
estness of prayer, and sometimes CO. t.
ering her swollen eyes,to hide, it mlght "
g, from herself the tears she could not t,
'strain. Presently low knock was e
card at the door, and her father enter
]. Berenice shuddered, and said, lo
Not this; Oh! let me be spared this I
orst grief! yet, no! the sacrifice must n
complete; give me only strength ia W
ear it.' Then she advanced and led ST
lavius Torquatus to her couch, and IL
eekly kneeling before him,prayed him al
ice more to lay his hand upon her and CT
bless her. W
The old man answered. "It is not pl
r this ! come, unhappy girl; come B
tell you that all my entreaties have w
ZEN vain; the orders Of the Emperor ro