Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-01-15
THE CATASTROPHE.

/ THE CATASTROPHE.
1t evening, the soft twilight had given place
to darkness, and the stars reflected upon the broad
/ bosom Of the noble Adriatie, seemed like dancing
diamonds as they ever aud anon flashed upon its
dark surface. The moon had Just peeped above
the roofs Of the palaces which lined lis bank and
seemed to increase the gloom Of their dark shad-
ows, by contrast with the sky. The busy hum Of
day was over, and nought disturbed the silence of
the scene, the tinkling OF distant guitars, or
the plash ofthe oar of the gondoer, as be skinned
his light bark over the sea.
II was at this time figure was seen standing be-
meath the portico Of the Dukes palace, in the
shadow of the building. Although the darkness
rendered il quite unnecessary, the figure was closely
muied in large cloak with his hat drawn far down
over his brows. If for the purpose OF disguise
At intervals he would start, and draw more secure
ly around his person the disguise he was in as he
lanced he heard footsteps approaching. Satisfy
| ing himself there was no one near he drew from
beneath the folds Of his cloak guitar, with which,
accompanied by his voice in a subdued tone, he
performed plaintive little air After waiting
few moments, lattice cautiously opened above.
and glove was dropped at his fee, observing
which, he smiled, drew his cloak around him. and
disappeared in the gloom. He was soon at the gar
den gate, whittier Blanca had also repaired, and
was met she thought by Aphonso, bu, in fact
by the Marquis, who placed her upon one horse,
when he mounted another, and rode rapidly Off
At the time Alphonso and Blanca were in the
garden planning their escape, the Marquis called
at the palace and learning from OF the servants
that Blanca in the garden, stroed out there to
meet her as he arrived at the termination Of one
Of the alleys. he heard voices in conversation and
he approached nearer he discovered to be that
Of man, the other was Blanca; and as the thick
shrubbey rendered him invisible 10 the parties, he
cautiously advanced so near TO hear every word
uttered BY them He was at FIRST struck with in
dgnalion al the boldness Of the scheme, and his
FRS, idea was to rush upon them aud secure Al
phonso, but on second consideration he thought Us
there possibility Of gaining Blanca by fair
means. he would have her by foul. So, sitting his
resentment he determined to anticipate Aphonso
the following night, and bear her away himself
The darkness, and disguise he should adopt, would
efeetualy prevent his recognition by Blanca as it
was natural to suppose she would be in agita-
ton at the time. Pleased with the idea, he hurried
from the place, and the next day privately engaged
the services Of priest, to be in readiness at an
earlier hour than Alphonso had appointed.
Alphonso arrived under the lattice a short time
AFTER the Marquis had left, having left his horses at
a short distance in the care of servant, and gave
the signal agreed upon by performing fayorite air
Of his. When he had concluded, he looked snx-
iously for answer from Blanca, but none appear
cd. Surprising she hesitated to consent, he com.
menced again in more feeling tone but still no
answer. lie now became seriously agitated, and
as he looked around him in agony, his eye caught
Bianca's glove lying on the ground hastily snatch
ing IT up, he shook with convulsive uemor for he
knew that she had not made her appearance al the
lattice since he arrived
la a moment, he rushed round 10 the garden
gate, where he saw Jessica anxiously waiting their
return from the chapel. She screamed with alright
at the appearance Of Alphonso without Blanca and
in few words told him that she had gone of with
gentleman, whom she took to be himself In an
instant he mounted his horse, and bidding his SER
want follow with Jessica, dashed off in the direction
of the chapel.
The place was feebIy lighted, and before the al.
tar stood Blanca with her eyes cast to the ground
about responding to the marriage ceremony-noi
with the object of her affection, but with she
heartily despised. The priest was progressing
when he arrested in the ceremony, by the noise
Of horses galloping toward the chapel. The Mar
quis became extremely nervous, and, losing all self
possession, in a loud voice babe him proceed. Al
the sound of his voice, Blanca raised her eyes, and
. beholding the Marquis, uttered a scream, and fell
5 senseess at the foot Of the altar In moment
4; Alphonso rushed in.
"Yillain !" he exclaimed, as he reached the Mar
t qus, "draw and defend thyselfp'
S The Marquis good swordsman, but nc
/ match for Alphonso, The contest was soon ended
0 even before the priest had time TO expostulate
the dissertation of so holy place After few
y passes, the sword Of the Marquis was whired VIC
ienty through the air, and fell at the other end
, the room, and he was left wholly at the mercy O
, Alphonso.
81 spare thee now" he said "but we shall NEE
again" And, lining Blanca in his arms, he hasti
ly left the chapel mounted his horse, and rode rap
y idly of, followed by his servant with Jessca.
c The cool air soon revived Blanca SO that shl
II able to sit her own horse. aud by that mean
y their flight was greatly expedited As they travel
led on. their expressions Of Joy knew no bounds,
they discoursed upon her fortunate escape from tn
;, perfidious Marquis
They rode until daybreak, when they arrived a
inn by the wayside aud halted TO refresh them
I. selves and horses; after which they resumed thei
!, journey and in the afternoon safely arrived at Pa
dua. Stopping only to engage post horses, the
+ were soon the road again, and the following da
., arrived at Serena, where they were united by III
1t Cardinal de Mendici, who at that time on
visit there, and with whom they proposed remain
b. ing until the excitement had blown over Thei
J. cup Of bliss was now filled, and all that rename
r. was to pacify the Duke IL possible
The Marquis thus frustrated in his design, wa
l. for moment incapable Of utterance but quick
10 recovering himself, he picked up his sword, an
e. muttering curses upon the head Of Aphonso, rusl
10 ed from the chapel, mounted his horse, and rode
the palace, to inform the Duke OF his daughter
1t fight His rage knew no bounds and for tim
he he was perfectly beside HIMSELF and soon was for
I'd ed 10 take TO his bed He Immediately gave il
so sructioNs to the Marquis to post after them, an
e bring them back at all hazards