The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1855-11-07
The Tenplar's Bride.

just risen, shedding flood of golden light upon
its lofty towers, and massive battlements, when
a man wrapped in the white cloak of knight
stood before its walls. He appeared desirous
to avoid observation, for stealing in the shadow
of its walls, he reached place where the moat
WAS narrow, and like one accustomed to the
stratagem, by powerful exertion of strength,
he leaped across the shining water A small
door by the side of one of the highest towers
was before. He opened it with akey which he
took from his bosom, and passed into the garden
of the preceptory. With the same carefulness
he stole through the garden, up private stair
case, through long hall, and into his room.
There he seemed to breathe more freely
Rapidly divesting himself Of his garments he
threw himself upon his couch. Not long was
he destined TO enjoy the sleeph he appeared so
much to desire. A knock upon his door star
tied him. but before he could speak it was opened
and the intruder walked into the room .
'tAh, sir Edward, you have returned" said
the new conner.
Eyes, sir Hugo, and would that I had never
gone forth s. ... ..5-...
''What can Rosa have proved false?''
''No,' said the other, starting from his couch
"No, sir Hugo d'Aubry, she is true to me now,
but how will she feel towards me when she
learns the truth?''
"What mean you?" .~r 81
. ''Do you not see, am templar, have
vowed before high heaven to live life of ce:
lbacy, and I have broken that VOW"
"1ou are not married"
'Lsten for you must know ALL You know
that for some months past ! have wooed the
7 r
Yesterday told her Of my love, represented
myself to be, as | had before, soldier of for
tune, count of France. I urged her to an
immediate union, and she did not refuse. Last
night, in the old church near the village, we
were married. No one was present, save her
mother and the priest.s Poor girl, poor girl,
how have wronged her! l wore the disguise
| have always assumed when | visited her.
But to-day she shall know ALL will reveal to
her the dread secret, and then fly with her to
some distant nation, where, forgetting and for
giving all we may yet be happy"
Il fear that you have been too hasty."
II know that the punishment is death if
| am discovered. But there is no fear of that
you alone know my secret. Now must hasten
Apromised to meet Rosa early this morning. by
the ruined fountain near the village. Farewell
cir Hugo, for tonight leave England forever >
"Farewell, sir Edward, l hope that I shall
soon meet you, when you will be happy
| Sir Hugo left the room as he spoke. Scarcely
had the door closed before fiendish smile ap
peared upon his dark features, and his lip
curled as he muttered:
"Leave England, sir Edward? Never while
l am tempar. All, little do you know thu
love / have, and still do bear the lady Rosa, o
you would not yet dream of safety. sBut hav'
to prevent his departurer' He mused for
moment, as he walked the hall. At length h
said, slowly, ''There is no other way, he mus
be arrested and die then walking rapid
along the hall he entered the room of the pre-
ceptor of the order. .-..,. ...,.,.
When the morning duties were performe
sir Edward Wentw orth mounted on hisred roa
steed passed out Of the portal, and over tn
draw bridge of the perceptory. He rode slowl
for a moment until small clump of trees hi
! him from the castle, then urging his horse to ii
J greatest speed, he rode rapidly across the fol
est. For more than an hour he continued hi
headlonc course, until he reached what az
peared to be the ruins of small hut on tb
confines of the forest. Hastily dismountng b
threw off the white cloak of templar, an
drew from a concealed place among the old tim
bers, a rich green mantle which he put on owe
his armor Again he mounted his horse, br
this time he rode more slowly. In few me
ments he stood on the top of a small hill. Fror
: it's summit was visible little village. He rod
towards it, but Just before reaching it, he turne
aside, and plunged into a thicket which gre
by the road side. Then dismounting he fas
f tened his horse, and wrapping his mantle acros
t his breast, walked towards ruined fountain
He seated himself by its side, and looked aroune
He seemed surprised to see no one near, fe
after waiting moment, with look OF aarl
he sprang to his feet. A merry laugh the
broke frome thicket hard by, and beautit,
} girl, bursting from it, ran forward and thre
her arms around sir Edwards neck.
"False knight" said she laughingly. Ga falls
f knight thou art, and doubly false l will regar
thee, for hast thou kept me an hour waiting?
"Indeed, Rosa"
ssNo excuse, sir. I see must forgive yo,
But what is the matter?" said she, in voc
of alarm sYou look ill''
s'Rosa," said the knight, disengaglng him
; self from her embrace, and walking few pace
back ssRosa, Ihave come this morning to re
veal to you secret which no longer must
concealed. You have trusted in me, depende
on my honor and how have l fulfilled ths
trust? Look, Rosa," he cried, tearing the mar
tie from the breast, and displaying upon HI
his glittering armor the blood red cross. s'LooE
behold the templar!'
With look Of agony she gazed momer
; upon that symbol, and then fell senseless IL
rushed forward and grasped her in his arms
4 Gently he lifted her, and bore her form to tn
fountain Helaid her softly on the bank, an
reached over to procure some water when
rustling was heard in the thicket, and six arme
men, dressed in the dusky garments of the re
tainers Of the templars, rushed towards an
seized him. Sir Edward struggled for me
ment to free himself, but seeing that 1t was
in vain, he turned to the men, and haughtll
demanded, "By whose authority they arreste
a knight templar?"
"By the order of the most holy preceptor c
Warwick said voice in the thcket, and
the same moment new actor appeared upo
the scene. @
"Who spoke then?" said sir Edward, start
| ing. II surely recognized that voice. VIII