Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1853-03-12

ately took possession of the estates and title
of his brother; continuing the guardianship
of his niece, who was now ripening to woman
hood. The fame of Emile de Wilberton's
beauty had spread far and wide through
the country, and brought many suitors to
her feet; among the rest, Edward, Earl ST.
Vincent. Her uncle was peculiarly anxious
to forward a match with the latter, whose
wealth and influence at least, rendered the
object desirable. But the proud baron was
far from pleasing to the mind of the Lady
Emile, and he shared the fate of his prede
cessors. The Earl de Villiers dissembled
as much as possible the anger he felt at this
action of his niece; but, although he did
not suffer his passion to display itself out
wardly, his mind was immovably fixed upon
the accomplishment of the purpose he had
undertaken.
When the two Crusaders, Sir Guy Court
ney and Henry de Esterville, were first in-
troduced into his presence, and he was
informed of the service they had rendered
his niece, deep frown for moment settled
upon his brow, which did not passed unno-
ticea by Sir Gay; but quickly recovering
himself, he received his guests courteously,
saying:
''Sir knights, you are welcome. Your
persons, but not your names, are strangers
to me. Often have heard the prowess of
Sir Guy Courtney and Henry de Estervilc
spoken of in admiration. The service you
have rendered my niece will not be forgot
ten by me but fear it will be the cause
of trouble to yourselves. The Earl of St.
Vincent is not a man to pass by an injury
unnoticed, and it would not surprise me,
should he by to-morrow's dawn come here
with thousand vassals at his back, to de-
mand your persons"
''Sir earl" answered Sir Guy Courtney,
''we fear neither the threats, nor the arms
of one who would attack an escort of twelve
men with ten times their number; but we
wish not to bring trouble to you, therefore
by your good leave we will continue our
journey" To this the earl would not listen,
and at last prevailed upon the knights to
consent to remain. After having partaken
of refreshments, by their own request Sir
Guy Courtney and De Esterville were shown
to one apartment, being overcome by the
fatigue and heat of the day.
They had not remained long in the room
when they were disturbed by groans, as of
some one in distress listening attentiyely,
they soon discovered that the sounds pro-
ceeded from the next apartment to the one
they occupied. De Estervile, after listen
ing to the sounds for a few moments, went
to the door by which they had entered, for
the purpose of opening it; but started
back with surprise on finding it fasten
upon the outside. Sir Guy, who had sat
watching his motions in silence, now arose,
and with bitter smile upon his face, said:
''Ha tits then as | suspected; L thought
the manner of the treacherous knave chang
ed too suddenly to bode aught that was
good. But, come, De Esterville, let us
first discover the meaning of the sounds we
have heard, and we will then look to our
selves"
'But how, my lord" answered his COM
panion ''we are completely imprisoned"
Not yet" said Sir Guy, quietly, s'if |
have not forgotten the apartment we are
now in; and going to one side of the room,
he raised a portion Of the tapestry with
which it was hung; for moment he ex-
amined the oak panneling attentively, then