The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1850-02-14


with grace. Her hands rested crossed on
book, which she had taken to while
away the time, her head was slightly bent
forward, and her eyes gazed upon the dis
tant prospect-the distant prospect always
more striking, because more aided by fam
cy, than that which is near; and the warm
loveiness of her complexion,-with the
white drapery in which she was clothed,
contrasted beautifully with the cold gray
some and yellow lichens of the ancient
cross and table of stone.
AS she thus stood and gazed. she heard
a voice not far distant say, "Lady'' in a
low and gentle tone. Those were days,
however, in which danger was so fire.
quenlly close to the domestic hearth, that
| preparation was ever the part of manly
courage, apprehension a natural part of
womanly weakness.
Mary of Mantua started suddenly back,
and looked round with fear, but the same
| voice repeated, "Lady, be not alarmed. 1t
is friend who would warn you of mat
ter touching your safety
At the sa me time, from behind the
ruined column of what had once been a
small chapel attached TO the walls, came
forth stranger with slow step, as if
! afraid, by any sudden movement, of sea-
ring the fair girl away. The wall was
still between them it is true; but the stran-
ger held his giedy footing easily on the
top of the high bank, and the wall was
there not breast high.
Mary of Mantua drew back; she turned
one timid glance towards the monastery
it was within sight, the people, who were
slowly preparing the carriage, were within
call; the stranger was alone, too. But
that was not all; there WIS an open can
dor in his look, a nobility in his demeanor
a frank free grace In his countenance, that
struck and wo, upon her. He was in the
prime of youth, with a warm glowing
cheek and bright eye. The full arching
lips, parted in somewhat of smile at her
appre tensions, and there was a cheerful
glance in his eye that spoke of a bright
free spirit. Above the ordinary height
tall and graceful, though his features were
like some that she had seen before; his
person and complexion were any ,hing
but Italian, and had he not spoken the
language without the slightest accent, she
might have taken him for some of the fol-
lowers of the house of Austria. The
whole, however, was extremely pleasing,
and though still somewhat alarmed, she
at length ventured 10 ask what were his
wishes.
'.Be not afraid, Lady," he answered in
low, sweet-toned voice, 81 come to save
you from danger, not to place you in it.
Approach little nearer, for | must speak
low, and must not be seen by any but
you"
She took a step nearer to the place
where he stood, still looking upon him as
timid fawn looks at those who would
draw it TO eat bread out of their hand.
"Listen!' he said; ''lsten Mary of
Mantua, for what have to say imports
you much to know-and | have short
time TO say it. Your hand is prize, for
which three Princes now will strive
First, Vincenzo, Duke of Mantua!''
"Heaven forbidn' exclaimed Mary, in
tone of fear; scan you mean my uncle!"
"Even so!' answered the stranger: but
hear me out, fair maid, for the time is
short. The next is one you know well,
Ferrand, Prince of Guastela.''
Il know him not!" cried Mary, with a
look of horror. "Once, only once, have
seen his dark and lowering face, but |
have heard enough to make me abhor the
ground that bears him."
The stranger made no comment, but
went on: "The third is Charles, Duke of
Rhetel."
can alien to our race, and the son of
my fathers enemy" exclaimed Mary.
The stranger smiled, apparently well
pleased.
"These are three Princes he said;
."but what say you, Lady, if a simple
gentleman, of noble birth, and Of some re-
nown-against these three Princes, fate,
fortune and all the world to boot-were to
enter the lists for that fair hand!'
"He were bold manr' answered Mary
with deep blush.
"Thank God! he is bold man." re-
piled the stranger-''but to my more pres
sing task. for see the carriage is nearly
ready. The Prince of Guastella is now
within the territory of Mantau; he knows
that this night you enter the city. lfyou |
go by the ordinary road, you will fall into {
his hands, and nothing but miracle can
save you from his power. When you
come to the vineyard of Periotti, just op-
posite the castle of Frederick di Sasso,
order the driver to turn down the left
hand road and follow it to the city. Aid
shall be near at hand, if needful; but it
were better, far better, to avoid than to
encounter evil"