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

her very much discomposed
Drawing her arm gently within his own, they pro.
ceeded in the direction Of the palace. Conversing
upon the boldness Of the robbers to attempt dar-
ing an act, where they might be so easily surprised
the gorgeousness Of the sky, and scenery of the
surrounding country-lhey soon arrived at the en-
trance Of the palace. where they met the Duke,
who about starting in quest Of his daughter
When he behed Blanca thus approaching with
strange young man, his brow became clouded, aud
his eye rested upon hers, if to read an explana-
/ ton OF so uncommon an event. Blanca rushed TO
emprace him, and, quickly describing the adven.
ture she introduced Alphonso her deliyerer from
the hands Of the robbers
The Duke coldly bowed to him, remarked that
he indebted TO him for his kindness, and il he
could ever be Of any service to him, would exert
himself 10 the utmost so saying, he made another
formal bow, and, taking his daughters hand, turn
ed away and leit him.
| As they departed Alphonso caught Bianca's eye.
and in that look there enough to repay him
for thousand such receptions as the Duke gave
him.
He returned to his dwelling an alteared man the
abode seemed cherries and lonely his iayorte pic
lures and works Of art had lost half their atlrac-
ton and remained unnotced The image Of Bian-
ca was ever before him, and seemed to mock the
creations Of his fancy that hung on the walls
around him lie retired to rest, but even in his
dreams her lovely form and gentle manners still
haunted his Imagination.
| In the morning he arose, ATE hasiy breakfast,
and left the house in the fond hope Of meeting
with the object Of his thoughts but after wandering
about the of the previous days adventure for
two or three hours, without success he returned to
his studio, TO endeavor If possible, to Danish from
his mind one whose position would efiectually de-
bar him from aspiring to but it was of no avail
. f.J thannaelvas until
ming. when he sailed forth determined to see, If
possible, his enchantress
! lie had Just passed the garden at the back Of the
Dukes palace, when he heard female voices, and
on turning beheld Blanca aud Jessica issuing
/ from the garden gate and approaching him. He
was al that moment concealed by the foliage around
him, but in short time turn IA the path brought
them face to face. Blanca started, and deep
crimson dyed her face but it passed away, as she
gracefully returned Alphonsos greeting. and repi-
ed to his tender inquiries after her health. She
then proceeded to reileraie her obligations to him
for his assistance the evening before.
"Name il not AlphOnso replied THAT act is a
thousand times repaid by the pleasure | enjoy in
seeing you recovered from the effects of the fright"
"Yes Signor, aud myself am very much oblig-
ed 10 you, indeed, for saving an innocent damse
from those honid rufians," said Jessica land my
Lady said dozen times last night she would like
to see''-
1t is quite probable she would have exposed some
little secrets had not Blanca sernly ordered her
hold her tongue.
They had walked some distance from the palace,
farther than Blanca had intended; for il cannot be
denied that she hoped TO meet Alphonso, and in
case she did had arranged her little plants accord
lngly but she had been wrapt up in his con-
versailon, that she did not observe the distance they
had walked. Suddenly recoecting herself she
apologiEed to Alphonso for leaving him thus alb
rupty her father would be uneasy her absence,
and turned to reirace her steps.
| At the name Of her father, his heart sank within
him at the recollection of the reception the night
before by the Duke but quickly recovering him
self, he insisted upon accompanying her, at the
same time pointing out the danger Of returning un-
protected.
Iessica thought il was her time to expos,ulate MS
she interested party, aud loudly urged her
mistress to consent: for said she, what could two
innocent females do, if those two rayenous robbers
should meet them againl
Blanca required but little persuasion TO consent,
and at length allowed Aphonso TO return with her.
Without meeting any Of the household they ar
rived at the garden gate which was opened by Jes-
sica with n master key. Blanca took leave Of Al
phonso, and was about entering the garden, when
he begged that their acquaintance, Economically
begun, would not thus abruptly terminate, especi-
ally as living near each other, they would often
come in contact.
Blanca expected this, but still was not prepared
with an answer but stammering out some uninte-
gible words said that it would, perhaps not be
proper TO continue an intimacy with one although
! he we're her preserver unknown TO her father.
But il was uttered in such undecided tone, that
il amounted almost TO an assent TO Alphonso's pro-
position. His heart leaped within his breast as he
babe her farewell and he returned to his home in
more elevated spirits than he had left it.
1t was most singular circumstance, some might
say, that they met by accident, Of course, in pre-
cisely the same place the following evening and
passed the time away so imperceptibly that dark
ness was upon them ere they were aware of it. And
so il was the next night, aud the next, until their
intimacy ripened into friendship, and friendship in
to love their destinies had become woven together
in such a manner that naught but death could sep
arate them Months rolled on, in happiness TO
both they had pledged fidelity to each other, and
vowed that death alone should part them.
\ Jessca was delighted with her office, as it gave
her opportunity for gossip, conveying billedoux,
&c, so that she was exactly in her element.
TO be continued,