Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1854-08-17

De III q uOIncuGdI y IcsdSoS AanSP POie Va
admiration of her charms; but without
betokening the least observation of her
uneasiness-of the inward tempest
which had already chased the color from
her cheek, and was yet more sensibly
manifested as her bosom began to heaye
unanimously beneath the snowy night
dress.
"You are unusually early this morn
ing, Antonio" she said in voice
scarcely audible, and with faint smile,
blushing significantly at the same mo-
ment.
"Can you wonder, Lauretta, my
hearts treasure" said the Marquis, in
the most endearing tone-"can, you
wonder that 1 seek your presence early
and late? and yet my beloved, the
present visit has an additional object
You are aware that this is the tete of the
Holy Magdalen; that grand ceremo-
ny will be solemnized in honor of the
day. 1t has occurred to me that l
might prepare myself for my devotions
by the contemplation of the exquisite
Magdalen of Guido which hangs in your
chamber. May 1 venture?" he con-
tinued, with the extreme of Difference
in his manner, approaching the door
slowly, but with determination, as he
spoke.
"All is disorder Within" said the
young wife, casting a hurried glance
through the half open door; "but go in
for a few moments. / will meanwhile
begin to dress in this room"
"How beautiful!'' he exclaimed, in
voice of simulated rapture. GLOW be-
witching is this disarray! These robes
carelessly scattered about-these tiny
slippers that protect and grace the most
delicate of feet? There is balminess
in this air-something celestial and
extatic. The spirit of poetry breathes
around me-"
He fixed a scrutinizing glance upon
the bed, the silken coverlet of which ap-
peared to have been taken up and care
fully spread, while underneath he could
discern the contour of human figure,
which, to be as little observable as pos
sible, was stretched at full length.
81 will set down for short time,"
said the Marquis, in tone the most
gentle and composed, "and feast my
eyes at my leisure on this masterpiece,
of genius"
As he uttered these words, he took
the large white pillow, profusely trim
med with Brussels lace, and deliberately
placed it on that part of the bed on
which he judged that the head of the
intruder must be resting-then flung
himself upon it with the whole weight
of his stalwart frame, pressing at the
same time with his right hand and with
his utmost strength on the breast of the
concealed author of his dishonor.-
Without seeming to be in the least de-
gree aware of the convulsive death
struggle of his victim, the Marquis pro-
ceeded in unfaltering tones:
"How absolutely perfect is the work
of art. With what chased and digni-
fed reserve the lovely penitent is striv-
ing to conceal her snowy neck with
her moulded arms and long auburn tres
ses; while, with a fearful glance of
pious remorse, she gazes upwards to the
throne of mercy and forgiveness! One
almost becomes poet in the contempla-
ton of such masterpiece. Alas! that
l am without the gift of the improvisa-
tore! Lauretta, as l know not how to
poetise on this inspiring theme, will
relate to you an incident which occurred
yesterday. Our young friend, Giulio
Balzetti, accompanied me to the Church
of La Magdalen, and as we were
promenading in one of the aisles, he
made me remark a particular point of
the floor, on which he requested that l
should stand still; for from that spot,
he said, l should distinctly hear whis-
per uttered at the remotest part of the
building. And, indeed, so it was! AT
the other point stands the confessional
box, number six. l had scarcely sta
toned myself on the slab of marble
which he had indicated to me, when
heard a whisper of angelic sweetness
wkose whispered voice is known to
heaven alone!--heard the fair penitent
herself to the father confessor
of her hearts pain and her little venial
sins.
"She had a husband" she said,
"whom she loved; yes and he loved her
in return. He was so kind TO her-he
allowed to her the utmost liberty; in
short she was disposed to do him JUS
tice-she would requite his affection as
far as lay in her power-God help her!
but, the truth must be declared, she
loved another! She did not mention
his name; it would have amused me to
hear it-some one of our handsome
young cavaliers, no doubt. Well-she
loved another. It was impossible to do
less, she said; but she had room she
for her husband besides. He
was SO noble of soul-so intellectual
and refned-so handsome, (she ment
the other, $50 worthy to be loyedL
Then he pressed his suit with such
passionate ardor? No! it was impossi-
bic to deny him anything Besides, if
her husband should know nothing about
the matter, what harm was done? And
if he CHANGED to discover the secret,
surely he would forgive her-forpiye |