Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-09-27
0riginul Murnl GIllr.
WRITTEN FOR THE JoURSAL.l
er-aE THE
sH9AAYgA u AnMss91RY nss T.
[CoPYRIGH sEcUREpl
CHAPTER II.

CoaiRGeG from faSE lces6.
The officer, in question, was young, CAV,
and handsome and having distinguished
himself on several occasions he had won the
favor of the Emperor, and the confidence of
his superiors in command. Recently, more
over, nc had been promoted in the famous Le-
gion stationed on the banks of the Tibcr,
within the city walls.
To his dignifed and manly. form, were uni
ted those Establishments that ensure an easy
access, and certain victory over the tender
and susceptible ncaIts or rhe other sex And
then his rank and standing in the army rem
de-ed him rather an object on their part, espe
cially to one young, gay, and thoughtless as
Tert5tia.
Two months before, he had accidentally
formed her acquaintance at the Camphus Mar
thus, on the occasion of 4 gladiatoriai exhibit
ton; and being the daughter of one of the no.
biiity, he had been anxious to secure her hand
in marriage and had been assiduous in his at
tentions, aud regular in his visits ever since.
These visits had been encouraged by the
say Vertitia, and not disapprovcd by other
members of the family-though Falens, of
latc had thought them rather frequent, and
feit half inclined to have them stopped. This
was not, however, on account of any dislike to
Marcus personally, or bis military life, for no
one more yenerated the profession OF arms
than himself-but his sagacity had enabled him
to foresee the gathering storm, and that, pos
ably, these soldiers of his country, in loyalty
to the Emperor, would become the ruthless
foes of the weak and defenceless sect TO which
10 h,1n II. doc fhnr as
a matter of prudence, that neither himself or
family should have any special intimacy with
any of their class.
Then, he could easily see that his visits had
already had their influence on his daughter
IN rendering her less attentive to his instruc-
tions, and more disposed to uphold the mys-
teries Of Paganism, to which she knew Marcus
was devotedly attached.
i Besides, valdinus, of late had talked much
Of the glory of q military life, and OF joining
the army. This new inclination, on the part
of his son, Yalens could only account for, on
the ground of his intimacy with Marcus.
Hence, all things considered, he felt it his
duty henceforth to discourage his visits, how
ever painful TO his own feelings, or against
the wishes of his family. He also resolved
henceforth to be more watchful, and earnest
and pointed in his counsels and, if possible
induce his two erring children to renounce
the pleasures Of the world.
This purpose. he was expressing IN milo
but decided voice. as Yaldinus and Fertitla
at an unusually late hour, hastily entered
Eertitia flung herself quickly on seat moi
far from her sister, pale and breathless while
valdinus, walking slowly acrossthe apartment
quietly took his seat in an opposite corner
..What has happened, my daughter" a
length inquired Valens; s'you look pale ano
excited"
ssEothing," said she, seexcept that the city,
on fire in several places, and no one extin
guishes the fiames." +se-s-
s.That's matter enough-suffcient reaso'
for alarm 2? said he; s'nor would 1 think i
strange should the city, with all her wealth
and grandeur, be laid in ashes. Her sins cal
for such vengeance ~
TO this there was no reply-only that Va
leneia looked fhoughtfuily at Vertitia, VIII
was carelessly endeasoring to disengage
pair Of large and costly rings from her ears