The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1854-10-26

NC oIaNo lelI Tue room, anu the olu
man fell back exhausted. Scarcely had
be departed when gentle knock was
heard upon the door and Irene entered.
To say she was beautiful would i'll convey
an idea of her surprising loveliness.--
Her black hair fell in ripples down her
beautiful forehead, and in clusters of curls
rested upon her shoulders Her counte-
nance beamed with an expression of in
noceuce and mirthfulness. She looked
indeed like an angel in that dark and
gloomy room. So thought the old man
as he folded her in his arms, and smooth
ed her tresses with his thin hand.
Blanca has gone out, father, and I
thought that I would see if you wished
for anything
Nothing my cbild-but stay, yes, take
that phial and paper to the apothecary
who lives upon the Piazza at the end of
this street. He knows what you wish
Hastily kissing her father, she left the
room, and in few moments emerging
from the house she Joined the throng of
people who were crowding towards the
Piazza di San Marco. As she left the
door of the apothecary and turned towards
the street that led to her home, she felt a
hand npou her arm-ske turned.
/ Henri
/ Irene y
Before her stood young man whom
she addressed as Henri, handsome in per-
son, and though dressed in common
garb had that EXPIRE ssion upon his coun-
tenance which denotes nobility of soul.
Come, dear Irene, we will be observed
here
They entered gondola, and as boat
man rowed along the canal, they screen
ed by the curtains, could indulge in con-
verSation undisturbed.
Ny father has at length arrived, Irene
said Henri, and l am sure that he will
consent to our union. To morrow shall
ask your fathers approval, and you are
sure of his consent. Heis a strange man,
from tho reports hear concerning him.
What does he do!'
Irene looked fearfully around and
whispered: He is an alchemist.'
An alchemist'
Yes, be has been one ever since I can
remember. He has parted with all his
property to obtain great secret, and
though his life is drawing to close be
still perseveres as eagerly as he did many
years ago. sometimes think, said Irene,
musingly, that l did not always live with
him. l remember very family beauti-
full lady, who cried over me, and | called
her mother-and then [ remember moth
ing more Of her. If l ask my father how
my mother looked he never answers me,
unless it is TO bid me hold my peace
But the night is drawing on, Henri, and
| must hasten to my father.
He conducted her to her door, bade
her good night, and promised to meet her
the next morning. Light hearted was
their parting, for little did either Of them
think how much misery awaited them up
on the morrow.
The morning sun was scarce two hours
old, upon the city of the sea- when Al
phonzo the bravo stood within the cham
Der Of the alcbemist
Have you considered my proposal!
said he, in loud harsh voice.
4 have replied the old man.
/, How will you answer it!'
AS l did yesterday. Never shall L
rene wed such wretch as you
"Tis well; remember my words, l car
be a bitter enemy.
Turning upon his heel the bravo lef
the apartment. A moment after pierce
ing Shrek ran through the house, the
splash of oars was heard upon the canal
and all was silent. The old man started
Surely that was not Irene's voice.
: The william would not dare to insult her
I Blanca, BIanca, he cried.
The old servant entered weeping ant
wringing her hands.
Speak quickly said the alchemist
tell me what has happened
u 20, Irene, Irene whom l loved as
e child
=, what of herr woman, would you drive
= me mad! Tell me quickly, what was tha
, noise l heard!
20, signor, spare me.
Tell me, l command it.
e 4 will, signor, said the sobbing ser
r want, drying her tears. AS Irene and
{ was standing by the outer door, Slgno
Alphonzo, that dreadful man, passed us
and ascended the stairs to your ROOM
e He had been gone only few moment
). when we heard some one rapidly descend
f ing. 1t was the brsvo--in an instant b.
stood by Irene's side, and as quick a
thought he bad seized her in his arms an
rushed with her from the house. Sh
II shrieked aloud and I rushed forward T.