Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1846-06-03

but with feelings Of pain. ! have often
visited this place accompanied by my moth
on, just as the sunDwas shedding its last rays
over the tops of thes forest trees; with her
have ! wandered in the adjacent woods,
plucking the wild flowers with which they
were interspersed, or wandering beside that
llittles ssstreana, xwatsheda It's sparkling wa.
tiers as they reflected the last rays of the
setting sun--sometimes bearing along upon
its surface fallen leaf, and sometimes
clear and pure as the rivulet at the castle.
My mother always admired this little re-
treat and would point out to me the wisdom
Of our Creator in fixing the stars in the
armament to give us light in the absence
ofthe moon, and the sun to shed abroad his
light and heat by day. These things (al-
though it has been almost eleven years since
| have enjoyed the happiness Of one of these
visits, ndat the time mere child still
present themselves fresh in my memory,
and call to mind the happy hours have
spent in her society," -. .... .........
Alfred not wishing to resume a subject
that caused her so much pain; gently turn
ed the conversation to things more pleas
ing; he spoke Of the beauty of the little
villa which began to present to view its
numerous spires, which by their different
constructions, designated the different Re-
ligions of those that worshipped under their
roofs. Alta little distance through the trees
was to be seen the monastery of St. Corne-
liza with its numerous windows, with their
large black shutters closed. Alfred knew
by this that they were preparing for the
morning vespers, and thinking that it would
divert Liona's mind from its melancholy
train, he directed her attention to the
enifce. While he was yet speaking, the
ponderous bell was observed to move, and
presently the solemn sound reached their
ears. Its revolutions were slow, which
made its notes the more solemnly Impress
i've. The bell soon ceased to move, and
then the deep toned organ, was heard to
chime with solemn tones the morning ser
vice. After the organ ceased, .Liona ex
pressed a desire to return by the road tina
led to the monastery after having surveyed
the little villa, they were just entering.
This Alfred readily agreed to, and after
having taken some refreshments at an inn
they took the road that led thither
They were soon in front Of the stately
edi6ce; and Liona expressed desire
to stop and view it and the surround
ing beauties. They accordingly stopped
and being admitted into the yard, they tool
walk while the Abbess was summoned
during their walk; they were discoursint
upon the different objects which presented
themselves, and they unconsciously drew
near to an old chapel which stood partly
concealed by the thick foliage of the trees
( As soon as they discovered that they hat
wandered SO far they turned to retrace
!. thir steps when they saw young wo
man, but few feet distant from then
dressed in deep mourning, with eyes fille'
with tears. She appeared little confuse'
at first, but recovering herself she said in ,
sweet, but melancholy voice-"Young peo
! pie, though you see me sad, | was once al
happy as | now am miserable" AS sh,
thus spoke, the tears gathered in her eyesan'
Liona and Alfred began to feel an interes
in what they heard-they both stood listen
ing with deep interest. The nun continu
ed-"Once had father, mother and friends
but they have gone, and | am left to mourn
in penury and woe; but it is just and right
| have done it all myself Young lady,
! was once as fair as you, although | now
have nought but misery in my countenance
The glow of health that then spread owe
every feature has fled forever, and thes
lips, that you see pale and quivering, wor
then the hue of yours-they then moves
! with frmness.i But these are idle tales t
;, one like you who know not what it is t
feel unhappy. | will say no more" sh
! added, "for it is time for me to return to m,
cloister." e ''- -
r 'a"You mistake me, }" said Liona, ''instea
. offeeling Indifferent to your welfare, hav
r become interested in your story; and if yo
!, would oblige me so much as to relate it,
A will, if in my power, afford you assistance.
r sThat is IMPOSSIBLE" said the nun, C
d now am past all hope-those parents tina
| left so inhumanly, can never forgive m
: my folly and wickedness. No, no; d
f not deserve their forgiveness. But, youn
$ lady, as you wish to know my history,
will (if you will take the trouble to go to m
: room, give you a parchment in which
h have, in the stiffness of the midnight hou1
f sketched the most interesting part Of m
life." A'' '''i" '''' ~ ''
Liona perceived that Alfred wished t
a hear more Of the story, and feeling an ur
]. common interest for the young woman he
g self, she determined to go with her. The
!. accordingly returned to- the monastery, an
d Liona entered with the nun at a private doo
I from which they soon returned, the nu
d holding in her hand the promised parcl
d ment. Liona then told her that as it wa
|, |geetting late and she had some business t