Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1852-12-29


marble walls: her hundred spires pointed upwards
like shafts of silver, but highest above all lowered
those of San Mares, proudly rising heavenward, as
if fseekng to pierce the feecy clouds which rested
above.
Sweet music stole from the easement of many
noble's palazzo; brilliant lights cleaned from
the mansifn where the fiesta was that evening
held; rising breeze swept across the Adriatic's
bosom the fragrance of orange blossoms, bloom
ing by the water-side; and in the distance was
heard the hum of the populace, as they were bent
upon committing every Extravaganza which the
carnival warranted
The motion of the gondola ceased, and at that
moment the clock from the church of San Giorgio
MaQgtore struck the hour of midnight. 1t SEEM
ed to Lucrezia the knell of departing happiness,
and she shuddered as the last notes died away up
on the night.
Perio broke the silence. "Lucrezia Trevorra,'' p
he exclaimed in sad voice, taking her hand with
in his own, 81 have deceived you.''
elbow? What mean you, Pierio!" tremblingly
enquired the young girl, her whole frame convuIs-
ed with agitation and terror-she knew not what
"Listen to me- said her lover, sand you shall
learn all. first saw you two years ago. From
the first moment beheld you, deep and passion
ate love-nay alteration, ido1atry, call it what you
will-took possession ofmy soul; your image was
indel]ibly engraved on my heart The fame of
your wondrous beauty had come to me in my Sc
cluded homeland l may not now say where my
home then was, for this you will know full soon;
and resolved to see you, to speak with you, cost
what it might. The first part of my resolve was
executed. l gazed upon you; my eyes feasted
upon your wondrous beauty; and from that mo-
! fs1d yOu. Tins / knew was
bold step; but what cared I, for love and hope
urged me onward, whispering that my wishes
should yet be realized.''
81 soon decided upon what course to adopt, en-
tered one of the principal goldsmith's shops as
clerk; waited patiently, and at length to my great
joy, found the way opened. Bidden by master
to take casket ofjewels to the Palazzo Trevorra,
and then hidden by your sire to carry them to his
daughter, for whom they had been ordered, my
happiness knew no bounds. You know well
what has occurred since our first meeting. Mu-
tual love has existed between us; and now find
it doubly hard to undeceive you. Yet it must be
told, Lucrezia Trevorra, the wealthy, the high
born and beautiful, thinks she is to wed the arti-
san, Pierio Phone; but she has been deceived; I
am no citzen-no honest artisan l am none
other than Carlo Bardt, the Bandit Chief; and
even now price is set upon my head, in yonder
city,
In silence had Trevorra's daughter listened
slowly drinking in every syllable; no word had
escaped her colorless lips until the bandit ceased
when she gave one long wild shrek, and sank
back insensbe upon the cushions of the gondola
Carlo for now we will term him aright) flew
to her aid, and endeavored to revive her, calling
her by every passionate name of tenderness. and
heaping reproaches upon himself; but for awhile
she continued perfectly still; and as he gazed upon
her pale, cold face he passionately exclaimed
eft never shall be said that forced her away
She shall return if she wishes it !''
Symptoms of animation now returned, and Lu-
crezia opened her eyes to gaze upon the face of
the bandit She spoke not, but torrent oftears
rolled down her now pale checks.
"Lucrezia,' said Carlo, ssforgive me for all the
pain l have caused you, Forit, have no excuse
but my feruemt love. This grief ofyour's is natu-
rdl, lor y1W all III you-you LOSE dll lor me
Yet, even at this late hour your wishes shall be
regarded, if you but say RETURN will dash the
cup of happiness from my lips But say one word
and the Prov of my gondola points towards Ven
ice. 1t rests with you to decide.''
For moment, and it was but for one moment,
Lucrezia Tevorra paused. Her generosity had
been appealed to. and when a woman loves, her
generosity is never appealed to in vain,
The grief of her parent, the scorn of the world,
were all out-weighed by love; but her cheek way
deadly pale, as she replied in low firm voice
s'It is over % have risked all for the citieen; |
can no more for the bandit! Row on.
ssBless you, dearest, for this !'' was the sole
response of the chief, as they silently proceeded
down the Adriatic
At length the head of the gondola was turned
towards the shore. A moment more, and its keel
grated upon the hard, white beach, and Lucrezia
Trevorra found herself trembling upon the shore.
Itwas wild and gloomy cove, belted about by
hedge of olives, where they landed.
The bandit drew from his sash small whistle,
applied it to his lips and at the shril sound twen-
ty ofhis men sprang from behind the olives, and
silently closing around their chief and his COM
panion, conducted them to the cavern.
Upon her arrival, Lucreza was instantly led to
an apartment, where she endeavored to gain some
repose; but sleep was not for that night, for Wis