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

I
which is saying great deal for an old
Portuguese.
The house OF Senior Josef was situated
in the centre of the town, and was not at
all distinguished for It's neighbors, either in
its outside or inside appearance; comfort
had made less progress here than even at
Rio. A heavy dun looking building. with
large whitewashed rooms, a few of them
only matted; rows Of old fashioned chairs
ranged round the wall, or projecting intwo
stiff rows from the ends of venerable
looking sofa; couple Of small tables, to
match, looked at each other from exactly
opposite sides, and We're ornamented with
artificial flowers somewhat in vases; a
| French clock in glass case; old massive,
silver candlesticks, with candles ready to
| light, decorated with wreaths of white
cap paper; such was the appearance Of
the grand saia ofthc wealthiest man in Bra
I'll.
They were met at the entrance by a
little dark, fat, good-humored Senior, ar
rayed in stiff lowered satin, whom Senior
Josef introduced as his sister Theresa.-
She gave Alonzo hearty smack on each
check, and led him into the sala, where
presently a small table was brought in, by
two neatly dressed black damsels, COW
cred with cakes and very fine fruit
While Alonzo was paying his compl-
ments to these dehcacics, the two fathers
were talking apart. 1.-The ship sails to-
morrow" said the Marques; "it is very
soon,' and he sighed; "but, as you OBJ
serve, we had better not lose the opportu-
nifty
"Much better not" replied Senior .Jc-
sef ''every thing is arranged; license from
the bishop, the priest, and the witnes-
ses; all can be completed in an hour from
this time"
"And your daughter!"
"Why, my lord, you know Isabella is
but child, and a sickly child; she has
been sadly spoiled and petted and, in con-
sequence of her i'll health and my numer-
ons avocations, her education has been
somewhat neglected; however, we must
begin to make up for lost time"
"Well, Senhor," said the Marques, with
sort Of effort, 'the sooner the business
is finished the better" Senior Josefwhis-
pered to his sister, and they both left the
room. The Marques then informed A
lonzo that the ceremony would take place
instantly, and that tomorrow he would
leave for Europe. The Marques also
thought it prudent to prepare his son for
the appearance Of his bride, and, after hav-
ing repeated what her father had stated,
ba con.in,oJ aDron,;s. ma A Io,,.o e..
conceal as much as possible any unfavor-
able emotion she may excite; remember
we have set our fate upon this cast!"
1--WE have, indeed, sir p said Alonzo,
gravely; "but the sacrifice is great" By
this expression, Alonzo did not mean that
he or his rank was sacrificed, although
his more worldly father put this interpre-
tation on his words; no-the natural integ-
rity, and yet unsullied freshness of his
youthful feelings, told him that he was
selling his honor and independence, and,
what youth prizes so much in perspective,
free choice in his welded love.
They retired to their separate halffurn-
lshed rooms to make some alteration in their
dress; which was scarcely completed when
arequest arrived that they would meet Sen
hor Josefm his private room. Thither they
went, and found him with notary, a priest
and two witnesses. a deed was handed
over to the Marques to read, by which
very handsome settlement was made on his
son; the Marques expressed his gratitude,
and Alonzo kissed the hand This new faith
er; the deed was signed and sealed, and cop
| Ilf1S, T.
will was next read, in which, after provi-
ding for his sister, and bequcathing to her
the only house he had (their present resi-
dence,) the rest of his immense fortune he
settled exclusively on his daughter He
also expressed his intentionto make all fix
ed and sure by winding up his mercantile
concerns before the return of Alonzo; but
no land would he purchases he was aware
that large hereditary estate in Portugal
belonged by right to the Marques, which
in all probability he would possess in peace
before he died.
These interesting arrangements being
completed, the party wererequested pro-
ceed to the oratory, where the marriage
ceremony was to take place.
Both the father and son felt sad misciv-
ings on the subject of the bride herself,
and it was with throbbing heart that
Alonzo, especially, approached the orato-
Fry; his father, yet apprehensive of the final
events, whispered emphatically, "Senhor
Josef has performed his part nobly; oh,
my son! for my sake struggle to support
yours" Alonzo pressed his fathers hand
but his heart was too full to answer.
Although the day shone brightly through
the arched and small-paned windows of
the oratory, it was, as usual, III Catholic
chappels on occasions of ceremony, lighted
with great number of huge wax candles,
which produced a most disagreeable effect.
Two rows of slaves, male and female, were
drawn up on each side; the priest and wit
nesses took their stations, as did Alonzo and
the Marques. Senior Josef had gone for
his sister and daughter.
A few painful minutes elapsed. At
length scutfie was heard in the passage,
and "Non quero! non queror" was Shrek
ed cut by weak but shrill female voice.
A moment afterwards, Senior Josef ap-
peared with his sister, actually dragging
in thin, drak, lanky form, that was max
ing all the opposition it was capable of, by
biting, scratching, and screaming. The
iatherand aunt were assistedby four young
mulatto females, whose disordered VIII
dresses,and flowers fallingfrom = oe;r bo- - :.
showed but too clear'-- - u-ha, :, ''l's'
berseic NV --ad been engaged. The girl
~ - was dressed in thickly-worked In
dian muslin, trimmed with rich lace, but
which, according to the Portuguese taste,
was nearly as yellow as her own complex
ion; in her ears, and round her neck, were
clurnsily set diamonds of great value; her
hair they attempted to dress in vain, and
it fell over her shoulders, long, straight,
and black. Anger and modification were