Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-01-07
The good priest explained all things to me

"rhis cell is occupied" said the good
priest: "And shall introduce you into it,
if you have courage enough 40 sec being
who viii call forth all your pity"
! hesitatcd, and he opened cell, the VIM
dow of which looked upon the grcensward
and woody forest. Near to the window was
seated young girl, who, Notwithstanding
the extreme pallidness of her countenance,
and the expression of intense suffering de-
picted upon her features. was Of exceeding
beauty.
At the sound of the door opening, she
turned her head round towards us with cold
indifference, smiled coldly ON recognizing
my companion, looked at me with curiosity,
and then turned her head again towards the
window. The old man approached her, and
took her hand
" Burning" said he, "always burning
The fire is there-always there. Pillar"
continued he, addressing the girl, "who is
it you are watching for p
edo not know" she replied in an ami
mated, but faint voice. 81 saw him Just
now in the garden. tried to rush towards
him, but the two swoyds were crossed, the
blood was flowing and he has fallen.
screamed, and called for assistance, but no
one came to me- Father, why did you not
reply to me-! VIII you also abandon me-
if so, have only to die"
In speaking thus, her eyes closed, and her
head fell back upon the armchair.
Let us leave" said the old man to me
in low voice, " ndmay God, in his mercy,
grant her moment of tranquil sleep"
| was moved almost to tears, and feltmost
soicitous to learn what could have over
whelmed the young creatvre with so much
misery
" l shall inform you," said the old man,
" as you appear so DESTROYS of knowing,
and he related to me the following sad his
tory.
The Count francesca de Vivar belongs
to one of the first families in old Castillo
He counted among his ancestors the brave
Rodriguez, who was proclaimed chief, by
the justice of his enemies, and the gratitude
of his Prince
BY his marriage with the daughter Of the
Marquis L'Alfuente, he had but one son,
who was the sole heir of an illustrious race,
as he was the cherished object of his fathers
dearest hopes and fondest affection.
Amongst the Castilian families that the ties
of friendship united closely together, were
those of Vivar and Gonzales-the latter Just
ly proud of having given sovereigns to his
faf rtFSe FAR ydt y 4ffTnss'44ss hid da"oh-
From the birth of Leonora the two chill
dren had been destined for each other
Their parents talked of this projected union
constantly, and in this association of the
blood of sovereigns and of heroes, they saw
the glory and happiness Of their houses.
Brought up with the idea, and accustomed
to consider themselves as belonging to each
other, the young people waited for the time
to arrive that would bring them to the foot
of the altar, without thought ever crossing
their minds, that any possible event could
mar their union.
Alonzo was brave, generous, and sensible
he loved tenderly the bride that was aflianc-
ed to him, but with an affection so calm
and so unexcitable, that it never troubled
his nights repose. Those who knew the
vlvacity of his temperament, the warmth OF
his feelings, and the ardor with which he
seized on any object that struck his mind
or touched his heart, would have scarcely
ventured to guarantee that the attachment
commenced in infancy, would last through
1t was not thus with Leonora. Endowed
like Alonzo, with an impetuous character,
an ardent soul, and lively imagination Le-
onora turned towards him alone all those
fond ties, and enshrined him in her heart
with the most fervent affection.
Alonzo had attained his twenty-frst birth
day. Leonora was fast approaching her
eighteenth year, and this was the period fix
ed upon by the two families for the ceebra-
ton of their marriage The preparations
had already commenced. In few weeks
Leonora would give to Alonzo the title OF
husband, and already her heart could scarce
ly contain the immense amount of felicity
she experienced. Alas this bright dream
this illusion of her entire life, was never
to be realized, and the moment of dreary
consciousness was approaching.
Alonzo was one evening passing near the
Church attached to the Augustinian convent,
his mind sweety and TRANQUILITY occupied in
the contemplation of the union he was about
forming with the companion of his infancy
and wishing to place his happiness under d.
vine protection he entered the church, pen.
etrated with holy fervour and pious recol.
lection, and approached the altar of his VEN
Grafton.
AT the moment he was commencing pray
ers, his ear was struck by the sound of a low
sweet voice, addressing The miraculous i'm
age Of Christ, in touching aud supplicatng
accents, interrupted by piteous sobs. A GU
roeity, for which he could not account, in-
duced Alonzo to approach nearer, in order
to ascertain from whom proceeded the sounds
he had heard. A young girl, whose features
were partially exposed to his view, apsg n
absorbed in profound grief, beseechip Tsnc
cor for her expiring parent, aad /, secm
OF herself.as Northumberland ~, NOM
er, who was hn5Fressly III,
yer lSsTlng feryently efayed, the youn,
gps-is,Sse, and with weak and treoblin5
,->sfeps approached the door, apparently scarce
\ y able to uphold herdrooping figure. Draw
forward by an Irresistible impulse, Alone
presented himself before her, in order to of
Ter his assistance, But she passed close e
INN without no'.lcing him, and he, therefore
eontented himself by following her footsteps
IN order to helpher if her strength failed her
Inc young suppliant left the church, and
waikec with lettering footsteps, until she
came TO house of simple and humble an.
Pealance, which she entered. AS it was
uaypght, Alonzo remarked that, as she pas