Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1848-11-02


was required to make him colitent.to re-
main in the clostered seclnsion. where,
the world forgetting, by tie world forgot
he found, or hoped to find, peace for a
troubled spirit, balm for wounded
heart. A portiog ofthe income Of hi:
large estate was made over 10 the church
and the balance left to accumulate IN the
hands of his legal agent, to be disposed
of in any manner that he might determ-
he. Strong efforts were made by his
friends as soon as he was discovered, to
induce him to return to England, but he
resisted all persuasions, and, finally, TO
put barrier between him and the world
took upon himself the VOWS of a religious
order. lie was no longer Sir Edgar
Malcolm, but a cowled and hooded monk
re-christened Maroni.
Forty years have passed since the day
when terrible misfortune drew curtain
between the heart of Edgar Malcolm and
all worthy interests, and Father Maroni
is an old and venerable man, beloved and
respected in his order. From Palermo
his field Of usefulness has changed 10 Ma
pies, where his life is spent in binding up
the wounds that evil affections are ever
making in the heart, and endeavoring
to pour oil upon the troubled waters Of
passion.
One day, while at the confessional, a
servant belonging to a family Of rank,
divulged to Father Maroni plot, Of
which she had accidentally become
cognizant, against the honor of lovel'
young girl, the orphan child of deceased
nobeman who had squandered his estate,
and left, at his death, two children 10 the
care Of relative. The individual en-
gagged. in this unhalowed scheme was
Prince Algardo, man Of powerful con-
nections, great wealth, and INSCRIPTIONS
and determined character. The name
of the beautiful girl was Marie Casteloni
1t had been arranged, in the absence Of
Marie's uncle, that, on a certain night
an upper setyant or steward in the family
was, for large bribe. to admit the prince,
and leave the unhappy girl entirely in his
power. If she yielded to his wishes, well;
If not, he was to carry her off by force
and escape into France. Everything was
arranged, so that, the moment Marie was
removed from the protecting roof OF her
uncle, the flight was to begin. On the
second night after the iniquitous scheme
was divulged, the evil deed was TO be
consumated
Father Maroni understood well the
cl aracter Of Prince A gardo. More than
once had he found hiUseli called upon to
step in between him and his intended
victims, by which acts he had made the
prince his implacable enemy. and extor-
ted bitter threat in consequence, not
withstanding his religious character, if
he ever crossed his path again.
/ Father Maroni understood well that
this was no idle threat on the part Of the
INSCRIPTIONS nobleman But he was
not, 10y nature, one who hesitated in fear
Of pei sonal consequences. lie had seen
Marie Casteloni few wtimes-though she
had never come to him as her spiritual
father-and had been struck with some
thing in her face that reminded him OF
other times and places. Hers was not
an Italian beauty the white complexion,
blue eyes aud sunny hair were those Of a
race born in a colder climate.
"That sacrifice must not be made"
slid Father Maroni. as soon as the ser
want had retired.
Marie resided at beautiful villa half
mile from Naples 1t was once the
setting of the sun, and she was looking
down from large window upon the
beautiful bay, when venerable priest
approached and saluted her with plous
benedction. Marie knew him as father
Maroni. and invited him to come in and
rest himself Once seen, no one could
fbrgct Father Maroni. His face was
large, calm and benevolent, while his
eyes and lips gave to his countenance an
expression of great firmness and resolu-
ton. Throughout Naples, he was be-
love by the good and feared by the evil
In the room where Marie was sitting,
PLAYED her little sister upon the floor :;
az soon after Father Maroni had come
in, the two principal retainers in the fam
lily entered aud not without feeling Of
uneasiuess, found Marie at The feet of the
priest listening earnestly to his low spo-
ken words
Daughter" said Father Maroni, as
he held the hand of the gentle maiden
and gazed earnestly into her face" you
do not look like one OF the children Of
our Italy. Your mother was no, born
in this sunny region"
No she belonged to another people,
returned Marie.
In what country was she born = ask
ed Father Maroni.
THAT do not know.
"lt must have been in Eng land, said
the priest, musIngly, his eyes fselly al
mos, as by a spell upon the face of the
lovely girl.
E do not kuow,' repeated Marie
" Nv mother did not know. 1haye heard
her say that she was like one occan-botn,
and thrown by a wave upon the shore. "
"What did she mean by that ?" In
quired Father Maroni, speaking in quick
er voice than usual
"A ship was los, in the sea-" replied
the maiden, " and she. child too Dung
TO tell Of either her parents or country
Aoated aliye IN the shore