Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-04-07

dlu caiieu her Sarden-rooIn, opened into
delicious parterre it contained tables for
needlc-work and drawing. bookcases filed
with collection in English, French and
Italian; there We're also piano, harp. and
guitar.
"Is Donna Isabella such proficient in
music 7" asked Alonzo, with sarcastic
smile.
"She is, believe,very fond of it" quiet
| ly replied the Marquess. Alonzo, with
much warmth and since,ity thanked his
father for the kind pains he had taken; then
sighed, and thought how happy he could
be here with-ccrtainly not With Donna Is
abella.
4 After the first novelty of h.s arrival had
worn off, Alonzo relapsed into sadness
settled gloom was gathering on his youth
full brow; sickening indifference to all
around was gradually stealing over him.
His father and Mr.. Mordaunt did all they
could to arouse and distract his attention
Excursions into the country werefrequent-
ly made, especially to the botanical garden,
about six miles from the city. 1t is ar
ranged with exquisite order and good
taste, encircled by bold and rugged noun
tam scenery, opening towards the ocean
reposing in all its richness ofhoral beauty,
with its shady and stately trees, its leaiy
bowers, and gushing streams, like gem
in the wilderness--like the deckcd and
lovely bride ofa dark-browed warrior, in
those stern days of 'auld lang syne," of
which one loves to dream in spots like
these. Water parties TO the many beauti-
tnl islands-society and study-werc all
tried in vain every day, every hour,sccm-
ed to increase the dependency Of Alonzo;
but he never complained--never even
touched, in any way, upon the subject that
causedlt. Upwards Of three weeks pass
ed in this manner.
Alonzo was fond of the society Of the
Abbess; with the unerring tact OF her sex,
she managed his present mood; she would
SIT opposite to him, employed at her old
fashioned embroidery frame, for IN hour
without speaking, this was just what he
liked. One afternoon he had ensconced
himseliIn his accustomed seat In her little
grated paiior; he had scarcely observed
her entrance, but instead of seating herself
at her frame, she stepped towards him.
"Alonzo, | am glad you have come. for
| was just going to send for you.''
TO send for me p repeated he, Istless-
ly.
Yes, friend of yours has arrived at
the convent, and wishes to see you"
"A friend of mine p
"You recollect, suppose, Donna Viola
dc Montezuma p
He started from his seat-the shock was
l electric.
"Viola, did you say donna Viola
rccore t hcri-what of her what Of
her?
"Shc has become n widow"
"Go onl"
"Shc arrived at Lisbon Just in time to
receive the last breath Of her expiring hus-
band. After the funeral, she consigned
her affairs there INTO proper hands, and
delayed not a moment III returning to this
country, where they demand her instant
attention. She arrived yesterday, and re-
mains here for a short time. She wishes
to see you"
81 am ready" said Alonzo.
The Abbess left the room. This is
too-too much !" he exclaimed aloud, as
hepaced the little parlor with hurried steps,
A slight rustling near the CRATE arrested
him; 1t was Viola, in deep mourning, look
ing more lovely and interesting than ever
She presented him her hand through the
gate-he knelt, and pressed it to his lips,
to his heart, to his burning forehead. ga
lonzo," she said, in the kindest and most
soothing tone, 81 have heard from the
Abbess of your marriage, and | fear that
have innocently contributed to render that,
which might have proved the highest bles-
sing, a source of bitter misery. What can
l do but entreat you TO arm yourself with
the resolution Of acting right +! confess
that your forcing me to lose my esteem for
you, would be the greatest pain you could
lnfiict, even although your affection t6r me
We're the cause. Promise me, Alonzo-"
He hastily interpreted her: II will pro-
mise nothing-notmng! Heaven grant
that l may do what is right, but in the pre-
sent state ofmy mind, will pass my word
for nothing"
Viola sighed. "Well," she resumed, II
shall see whether Alonzo be really what ]
believe him, or not. / shall see whether
he be capable of sacrificing the happiness
of his young and innocent wife, and of his
doating father-his own honor and princi-
pies, to the shadow of shade; for such
is all hope for me. Heaven bless you, A.
lonzo! And support you through this
trial You have my prayers, my best,
my warmest wishes deserre to be happy,
and leave the rest to Providence"
She disappeared; he still remained
kneehng at the CRATE, apparently wrapped
in thought. AT length, ray of light
seemed 70 break through the darkness that
surrounded him; a single spark of hope
saved him from utter despair. He deci-
ded that, in his first interview with Donna
Isabella, he would reveal every secret Of
his heart; he would conjure her, as she
valued their mutual happiness, to assist
him in breaking the tie that had been made
between them. He would recall to her
recollection the fatal hour Of their union,
when reluctance on his side, and the ne
oessity Of absolute force on hers, formed
| but an evil omen Of future concord. Since
that moment they had never met,had never
even corresponded; he had formed else
where a deep and serious attachment, and
so perhaps had She Asto thedcbt he had
incurred towards her and her family, with
a little time and indulgence it would be
cleared, as the property in Portugal was
on the eve Of being restored to his father.
Thus, If they acted with determination,and
in unison, there could be no doubt Of their
succeeding in breaking the Calling fetters
in which the mistaken zeal of their rela-
tives had bound them. "If" he exclaini-
ed, "she be not utterly devoid Of the com
mon pride and delicacy Of her sex, there
is but one step to take; she will-she must
take it-aod Tsh,TI beeon1e free and han