Litchfield enquirer., 1853-07-14

1
who mad presumed to rival her in he'
husbands love but listening again, she
felt assured that the roOER was empty.
and q moments reflection showed her
that by few hours delay she might
render her vengeance more signal and
complete. She. therefore. returned in
the same siealthy manner to her apart~
ment, shut herself up. and took meas.
ures accordingly.
Her determination was 10 prevent the
possibility of Anas.atia's quitting the
house, and then to disguise herself in
the dress Of serving damsel and to per-
senate the Pe'fidious attendant at the
rendezvous in the sycamore grove, which
she had heard arranged by her. These
meditaticns were interrupted by mss-
sage from the prince. apprising her that
he should be absent from home the re.
mainder Of the day. anu should probably
not return till late at night; and this
message, all additional proof Of the cal.
culating treachery which her faibless
husband scrupled not to exercise toward
her, was the last drop that overlooked
the cup. Tic exaspera,ions Of her enra>
ged feelings knew no bounds and she
remained in solitude in her apartment.
that no member Of the family might no~
tice her agitation.
An hour before sunset, Anastatia was
summoned to her lsdy's presence, and
received an order 20 remain near her and
finish some embroidery with which she
herself had been occupied.
No. daring TO disobey. and hoping to
finish her task before the hour Of her ap>
pointment with her lover had arrived,
the young girl sal down to her work
with unwonsed alacri,y. The room in
which they were was an upper chamber
and formed the last of n spacious suite.
having no entrance but through The apart
mcn,s that preceded it. Not long after
Anastatia was seated at her embroidery
frame, the princess arose and Quilted the
room. locked the door Of il. and leaving
her attendant a close prisoner. with no
possibility OF egress until she herself
should release her. she proceeded to An
astatia's chamber where she selected -
suit of her clothes, FASTENED 10 disguise
herself in them. and throwing veil over
her head, quilted the hoase, and di'ect.
ed her steps towards the ,rys,ing place
1t was late in the autumn; the DAYS
were shortening vislbIy. the evenings cold
and gloomy-night closed in immediate,
" after sunset, and there was no moon
! 10 il!umine the chill. dark sky. Helen
was the e st 10 arrive at the place of ,ehs
devious and under the influence Of ne
er.slumbering suspicion. she fancied.
when she found herself there alone. that
her scheming had been disco ve,ed, and
tha. her husband would defeat he, plan
of vengence bv not appearing but few
moments sufficec to undeceive her. A
quick. light step approached. What
eagerness was in .ha: tread, and how in.
dignanlly did her heart lhrob as she lis.
tened to it. The obscu'ity was so COM
plete tina. she could not discern even the
outline Of the person who drew near. but
the perfume of ambergris. with which
her husbands hair and garments were
always imp'egnated. tl"ated upon the
air !: and low, counterfeit voice breath.
ed forth the words" Hist Anastatia.
Are you hear love ?" directed her to-
| wards him.
She stretched forth her hand with a
| whispered Yes" and grAsped some>
thing which she recognized as the ems
broide'ed kat,en worn by the heads Of
the princeiy house of c.. In The
next moment the srms of the impatient
lover were thrown around her, and she
was drawn towards him IN passionate
embrce. Transported 10 fury by the
tender endearment which she knew were
not intended for herself, but for an un.
worthy rival. and breathing only the
deadliest vengeance for her wrongs. the
outraged wife thrust her hand into he,
bosom. drew thence a po'gna,d. and
'aising it on high. plunged it into the
faithless heart that beat against her own.
The blow was dealt with sucl. uner,ing
aim that the victim could only utter m
indistinct cry. and, relaxing the gasp
with which he held so closely embraced
fell heavily TO the ground. Helen dew
her breath and listened for a moment ;
a gurgling noise in the throat Of TIE
murdered man was oil that she could
distinguish. Then followed death like
silence. Terror and remorse suddenly
overcame her for the deed which. in a
moment of freBzied excitement. she had
perpetrated. and. turning hastily from the
fatal spot, she rushed toward her house.
The FIRST object that met her ey es ne
she entered the house was her HUSBAND
There lie stood. unha' med, surrounded
ny his attendants. and in his riding di ess.
Just as he had alighted f'om lhe horse.
and tranquil smile upon ais lips. as he
inquired whether the princess was in he'
apartment.
"You hsre!' she shrieked. running
| up 10 him. 81 have not killed you. then
o. thank Heaven. / have not killed yoU!
u a .