Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-01-08


"And oh my lady what will poor Signor Al.
phonso say when he hears that you
Cease, oh cease your words harrow my SOUL
Oh Heaven support me this trial, aud grant me
strength to bear i'll" And poor Blanca gave full
to her feelings, in spite Of the rude consolation
offered by the knd-hearicd Jessica who, finding
she could not appease her mistress, joined IN con-
cert with her.
After Blanca had sufficiently composed herself,
she sat down and wrote to the following effect
DEAR ALPnoNso-
"'Tis said the darkest hour is always succeeded
by sunshine and Joy but alas my case is, fear,
an exception. Since parted, sorrow has
taken me- to be more closely embraced by strug-
gng to escape. Haste thee-hasie thee, dear Al
phonso, to console
Chime ever. BANcA."
This note she sealed and directed to Aphonso
Romano, then absent few leagues from Venice.
entrusting to the care of Jessca TO it safely
conveyed in the morning After committing her
sefto the care Of her Maker. she retired to rest,
but passed a seepess and unhappy night
Alphonso Romano was Florentine artist, born
Of humble and yrtuous parents Ailer struggling
through his noyitiae in the profession he had adopt
ed, he gradually rose to considerable degree OF
eminence although not possessed Of an lndepen-
dence. he was placed far beyond the reach ofwant.
Added 10 his reputation as an artist, his many viz
he charitable almost to fault, for he had
often denied himself TO cater to the comforts OF
those around him Nature had also been lavish
in her favors towards him. for they were literally
bestowed upon his person. At a glance from his
bright eye and sound Of his full rich voice, many
a ligtht-hearted damsel had felt her heart fuuer
within her breast, and the crimson current mount
to her cheeks. lie was in fact of natures
noblemen, with his patent Of nobility direct from
his Maker, Notwithstanding he made no boast of
his ancestry. his shield, which was unsued-his
honor was to him far above all the trappings and
blazonry of heraldc device, much cherished
and worshipped by the Duke De Mont
Is it to be wondered at that Blanca was deeply
moved at one possessed Of SO many amable quail
ties Although her father had fancied his watch
fulnes had prevented Blanca from holding cores
pondence with any person without his knowledge,
Alphonso and she had met, aud passed hours to-
gether, for months before the opening Of the story.
Their FIRST meeting by accident, short dis
lance from her fathers house, in company with
Jessca, whittier she had siroed towards sunset. to
enjoy the grandeur Of an Italian sky. Walking
along they were suddenly alarmed at the appear
ance of two hercelooking men, who left them but
a short time in suspense TO their object, for
they were Immediately seized by the men, who
commenced coolly divesting them Of the ornaments
about their persons 1t fortunate for them that
Jessica possessed good lungs for in instant she
made the hills re.echo again before the bandit
who had her in charge could place his hand over
her mouth, In an instant, as ii by magic, tall
and well-dressed young man rushed from by.path
and seized the ruifian who detained Blanca by the
throat, with no chds grasp, and threw him on
the ground, placed his foot upon his neck, and
drew his sword in time TO meet the thrust OF the
other who had left Jessica TO assist his comrade.-
The robber soon found that as his passes were so
well guarded and returned with interest, and, at
the same time receiving wound in bis arm, he
had novice to deal with, thought proper TO throw
down his sword and take to his heels, leaving his
companion behind
The attention of Alphonso, for him ii was, now
turned TO the villain who lay struggling on the
ground begging to be released, and venting impre-
cations upon the head of his cowardly companion,
who left him in the hands of the Philistines; at
the same time yowing upon his honor that should
the signor release him, he would the stolen
articles, and ever more lead an honest life he said
he was poor, weak, innocent fellow, easily led
astray by arful advisers, without strength Of mind
to resist theni--that it was his first offence and
would be his last stating that he was the father of
ten small children, who, with their mother, would
suffer from want were they deprived Of his sup
portland called upon all the Saints in the calendar
TO witness the truth of his assertion at the same
time offering the trnkets he held in his hand.
Alphonso was hesitnting as to the proprety of
giving him his liberty, when Blanca, who had reco-
vered from the fright the transaction had caused
her, joined her supplicatons, with so much earnest
ness, that Alphonso was induced to release him.
The rufian rose to his feet, and with him his
courage; for finding himself on his legs, he returned
the articles with sullen look and i'll grace, turned
on his heel with great indifference and walked
away, without utering word lie had not pro-
ceeded a great distance from the spot, when he
faced about, and fourshing his selto in the air,
poured forth torrent of abuse and curses upon
the head of phonso and vowed TO have his hearts
blood, should he ever cross his path again.
Alphonso made motion, as tito pursue him,
when the penitenl turned about and quickly disap-
peared
"What a rascal How pity his wife and chill
dren," said Jessca.
"Ifil be true" said Alphonso smiling "but
doubt his assertion"
Blanca was prolnse in her acknowledgements of
gratitude for the timely interference ofthe stranger
who received them with becoming modesty, and
seemed TO be more affected BE- the dark eyes and
beautiful features before him, than the oyernowings
of grateful heart.
Blanca enquired the name and address of her
deverer, and, on being informed, told him she had
often heard Of him by reputation, but never before
had the pleasure of seeing him.
Jessica absolutely mad with Joy, and gave
way to her feelings in different strain her mis-
tress. She said Alphonso was an angel from Iiea-
ven but then again she resumed
"What else could be expected from such hand
some young man but courage |" She had no
doubt but the Duke would be delighted TO see him,
and be eternally grateful for his services.
There is no telling where her tongue would have
ceased had not Blanca bushingy apologized for the
impertinence Of her maid and babe her cease her