Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-04-03

as he touched her cold and skinny hand
in short, he could not conceal the agony he
suffered. Nevertheless, the ceremony came
to its conclusion, and with sort of convul-
sive effort, he turned to salute his BRIDE
But she had already reached the door (no
one thought proper to prevent hcr)-there
she stopped, and once again fixed her very
large, black, and fcarfully brilliant eyes up
on Alonzo; their expression was changed
it was no longer the same as at the altar;
but what that expression was, Alonzo,
though haunted by it for years after, could
never make out
The party left the oratory The Mar
guess was the first to recover his compo-
sure, and conversed freely on Indifferent
topics until dinner was announced. Sen
hora Theresa made no apology for her niece,
who, she said, was too unwell to join them
They sat down to repast more abundan,
than elegant; and the gloom quickly disap-
peared from every countenance but one.
In the evening, the fathers had a long
conference over their coffee; and Alonzo,
availing himself of the excuse his intended
early embarkation provided, retired for
the night to his chamber.
After light and hurried breakfast on
the following morning, he prepared to de-
part. The Scnhora expressed her deep
regret that Isabella was not sufficiently re.
covered, after the agitating scene of the
preceding day, to take leave of him person
ally; but-and the good Senhora was pro
ceeding with string of apologies, when
Alonzo impatiently interrupted her by plac-
ing in her hand a morocco case, containing
set Of pink topaz of the latest London
fashion, which,he had brought from Rio as
a present for his bride. He mumbled
something about the Senhora presenting it
IN his name, as it appeared he could
not have the honor Of offering it himself
Away went the aunt with her prize, and
returned ina few minutes with ring, con
taining one deep yellow diamond, of value
enough to purchase dozen of his pink to-
paz sets, and this was Sven, with many
fine speeches from his bride, made up BY
the Senhora, with the felicity of her sex on
such occasions.
After receiving the blessings Of his new
relatives, went on board, accompanied by
the Marques, who took leave of him with
the greatestalfection; giving him, ofcourse,
much wise counsel, mixed with thcheartiest
congratulations on his good fortune; but not
one word was breathed by either, concer-
ning her who was at once the maker aud
marrer of all, the rivet to those golden links
without which, indeed, they would have
lain lightly enough. The Marques was
man of much tact; he felt that anything
he could say on this delicate subject must
be wrong.
A few weeks brought Alonzo to Fal-
mouth, where he was metby Mr.. Mordaunt,
his tutor. They proceeded together to the
continent, whereit was arranged they should
spend three years in travel and study; the
two remaining years were to be devoted
entirely to England.
Mr. Mordaunt was admirably calculated
for the Office assigned TO him, and soon be-
came afectionatcly attached to his pupil.
Three delightful years flew rapidly by.
The most interesting spots in France, Ger
many, and sacred Italy Were visited. The
study of the best authors in each language;
that of the history, government, manufac-
lures, and works of art of each country;
together with the acquaintance Of the most
eminent men-all contributed to exalt and
enrich the highly gifted mind of Alonzo, and
to fill his heart with the noblest sentiments
of fbenevolence and patriotism. During this
time; he might have been pronounced a.
mong the happiest of ofmortals; but in his O.
verfiowing cup, one black and bitter drop
was mingled.
Mr.. Mordaunt had been made aware of
Alonzo's marriage, and of all the circum-
stances attending it, by the Marques. In
the first letter Alonzo received from his
aunt the Abbess, were these ewords:-"The
only chance you have of domestic peace
Happiness is perhaps out of the question, J
in your peculiar circumstances, is to guard
your heart with the most vigilant care; ii
once that treasure pass into the possession
of another, guilt and misery will attend you
through life. Irepeat to you again and a.
gain-guard your Heart" This letter was
handed to his tutor, who pointing to the
last sentence, said emphatically, "Let that
be your watchword."
During his residence on the continent, his
time and attention were too much occupied,
his change of residence too frequent, to al
low of his affections being at any time in
danger. And, besides the observing eve
of Mr.. Mordaunt, and the watchword of
the reverend Abbess,it must be noticed that
the young Don was not of that lightly in
hamable nature, which the sparkle Of an
eye, the smile of rosy lip, or the touch of
a delicate hand, could ignite in an instant.
But Mr. Morduant perfectly agreed with
the Abbess inopinionthat ii ever he lored,
it would be deeply, passionately, and there
fore to him-fatally.
AT theappointed time they arrived in Eng
land; and year and a halfhad been pas
sed with the higest advantage and improve
ment, in travelling through that extraordi-
nary country, and in visiting Scotland
The last six months they were to spend in
London; and alas! the dreadful evil, from
quarter so little suspected that even Mr..
Mordaunt appeared to be thrown off his
guard,approached;and the god oflove was,
as apoet would say, amply avenged for the
sacrilege that had been perpetrated in rr~
faning the sacred band Of Hyrc
:, Al9nzo was at the ~ rpera with his friend
,houn1 ,I,o praziii' Charge d AGaires. HI
''''' cit, as .le looked round, that he hae
ncvcl oeen iu any public place of amuse
ment where the ser showed to so mucl
advantage as at the English Opera; the alb
sence Of crowd, the light not too glaring
the superb dresses, contributed, hesuppos
ed to produce this effect He observed
the Charge attentively viewing through
his g glass some person in an opposite box
and he fancied many other glasses wer,
pointed in the same direction; he looked
also, and his eye Immediately rested on on
of the most beautiful young women, h,
thought, he had ever seen; there was tina