The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1854-09-13

"Then you will please to come with
me"
"By what authority" asked the trem-
bling girl
"Thc order of the Governor General u
"Then must obey you" she answered.
and prepared to follow him at once.
Stepping to the door with her, the
young officer directed his men to march
on, and getting into volanto, told Mi
ralda they would drive 10 the guard
house. But to the surprise of the girl,
she soon after discovered that they were
rapidly passing the city gates, and immc-
diately after were dashing off on the road
to Cerito. Then it was that she began
to fear some trick had been played upon
her; and these fears were soon confirmed
by the volante's turning down the long
alley of palms that led to the estate of
Count Almonte. 1t was in vain to ex-
postulate now, she felt that she was in
the power of reckless nobleman. and
the pretended officers and soldiers were
his own people, who had adopted the dis.
guise of the Spanish army uniform
Count Almonte met her at the door.
told her to fear no violence, that her
wishes should be respected in all things
save her personal liberty that he trusted
in time, to persuade her TO look more fu-
vorobly upon him; and that in all things
he was her slave. She replied contemp-
tuously to his words, ard charged him
with the cowardly trick by which he had
gained control of her liberty. But she
was left by herself, though watched by
his orders at all times to prevent her es-
cape
She knew very well that the power and
will Of Count Alncntc we're too strong
for any humble friend Of hers 10 attempt
to tllwart; and yet she somehow felt
conscious strength in Pedro, and secretly
cherished tho idea that he would dscov-
er her place OF confinement. and adopt
some means to deliver her. The stilctto
is the constant companion of tho lower
classes, and Miralda Lad been used to
wear one even in her store against con.
tingency but she now regarded tie tiny
weapon with peculiar satisfaction, and
slept with it in her bosom.
Small was the clue by which Pedro
Mantauez discovered the trick of Count
Almonte. First this was found out, then
that circumstance and these, being put
together they led to other results, until
the indefatigable lover was at last fully
satisfied that he had discovered her place
of confinement. Disguised as a friar of
the order Of San Felipe, he sought Count
Almonto's gates at favorable moment
met Miralda ,cheered her with fresh hopes,
and retired to arrange some plan for her
delivery. There was time to think now
heretofore be had not permitted himself
even an hours sleep but she was safe
that is, not in immediate dangor,-.a
he could breathe more freely. lie knew
not with whom to advise he feared to
speak to those above him in society, lest
they might betray his purpose TO the
Count,and hisovn liberty by some means
be thus jeopardised lie could only con.
slider with himself he must DO his own
counsellor in this critical case,
At last, as if in despair, he started to
his feet one day, and exclaimed to him
self, " Why not go to head quarters at
ouce2 Why not see the Governor Cor
cral, and tell him tho whole truth ? All
see him2 How is that to be effected
And then this Count Almonte is no
J(em0n! They say Tacon loves justice
We shall see. shall 90 to the Governor
General it cannot DO any harm. if it
does not do any good l can but try"
And Pedro did sack the Governor
True, he did not at once get audience of
him-not the first, nor second, nor third
time but lie persovercl, and was ad-
mitted at last. Here he told his story
in free, manly voice undisguisedly and |
open in all things, SO that Tacon was
pleased.
Sand the girl7" asked the Governor
General, over whose countenance dark
scowl had gathered, " is she thy sister 2"
"No, Excelencia she is dearer still;
she is my betrothed"
The Governor bidding him come near.
cr, took golden cross from his table, aud |
handing it to tho boatman,as lie regarded |
him searchingly, said
Swear that what you have related to
me is true, as you hope for heaven !"
" | swear~ said Pedro, knoeling and
kissing the emblem with simple rever
enoe.
The Governor turned to his table,
wrote few brief lines, and touching the
bell, summoned page from an adjoin.
ing room, whom he ordered to send the
Captain Of the Guard to him Prompt
as were all who had any connection with
the Governors household, the officer ap-
peared at once, and received the written
order, with directions to bring Count Al
monte and young girl named Miralda,
before him. Pedro was sent
to an ante'room. and the business of the
day passed. on as usual in the reception
hall OF the Governor.
Less than two hours had transpired
when the Count and Miralda stood be-
fore Tacon. Neither knew the nature
of the business which had summoned
them there, Almonto halfsuspected the
truth, and the poor girl argued to herself
that her fate could not but be improved
BY the interference, letts nature be what
it might.
Count Almonte, you doubtless know
why | have ordered you to appear here"
Excelencia, fear that | have been
indlscreet,h was the reply,
Ycu adopted the uniform of the
guards for your own private purposes up.
on this young girl, did you not ~
Excelencia, cannot deny it,"
" Declare, upon your honor, Count Al
monte, whether she is unharmed whvm