The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-06-06

will you accept my protection and as
sistance, ma'm?' said |, offering my arm.
Il cannot refuse it, sir, since you have
placed me under SO great an obligation to
you; and, indeed, | thank you very much
for the offer, sincs you have shown your.
sell SO ready to assist On unprotected fe-
male, for night is fast approaching, and
my residence is several squares distant,
returned she, in very sweet voice.
She took my arm, and we walked on in
silence, until we reached her residence, a
handsome looking house, situated in the
most fashion able part Of the town.
accepted her invitation TO walk in. and
the recent occurrence having been related
to her mother. received very warm
welcome ffom both. What with the music.
al skill and sprightly conversation Of the
daughter, and the agreeable manners oi
the mother, Ispent the evening very pleas
antly. But there was one alloy to my hap
piness. i had not, during the whole time,
seen one feature OF the lady's face. took
my leave at midnight, under a pressing
Invitation to repeat my visit.
There is some mystery about this yelled
beauty. and am determined to unrayel
| it, said TO myself, as | shifted my posi-
ton in bed for the hundreGth time.
The next evening found me shaping my
course towards the residence Of Miss Ma.
ry Wilson, the name of my fair incog.
was kindly received by Mrs. Wilson, who
met me at the door,
ing me into the parlor. you perhaps were
not little surprised at my daughters OF
unveiling herself in your presence las,
evening. She has, from some whim or
other. vowed never to permit her face to
be seen by any man until she is married
Ga determination not likely TO be OF any
assistance 10 her on that score.) have
tried all the means in my power to dis.
suade her from her purpose, but in vain.
The veil she wears is q most extraordina a
ry one-while she secs plainly through it,
her face is entirely hidden from an OBJ
server
Had she no particular reason. fer ma.
| king the VOW OF which youspsaki
SsNone whatever. She is Catholic
and the Catholics adhere most strictly 10
their vows r@
L was even better entertained than the
evening before. Miss Mary's conversa-
ton showed considerable knowledge o
books, aud not little knowledge Of the
hidden mysteries of science. She sung
diyinely. lwas in raptures. was in
loye-deepIy in love.
I.took my leave with feelings had new
| er before experienced. was determines
to unrsvel the mystery that ! believed was
hanging around tha, impenetrable veil.
did notior moment doubt the brightness,
Of the eyes, or the beauty of ths features
which were concealed beneath it; YET
longsd to behold the face of her for whom
had contracted so great aspassion, and
whose form had in SO great degree ex
cited my wonder and admiratlon, There
hung that timpenetrable black veil, a seem
ing barrier between me and the object
| adored. felt almost tempted, at times
The charms she so cruelty withheld from
my view. but was awed into respect by
The dignifed department OF the wearer.
| retired TO my lodgings, and to bed
and was just surrendering myself into ths
arms OF the drowsy god, when was start
led by the cry OF fire,, and the rafting o
engines in the street. Having hastily lei
my bed room, and arrived at the scene o
con9agration, perceived that q whole
block Of buildings. including the one from
which had SO lately issued, was wrapt il
| flames.
What has become Of Mary. Wilson
Has she escaped--or does she remain il
the burning building?' asked myself il
ra pid succession. | was horror-stricken
knew no, wha. to do. But just, at tha
bmoment, Mrs. Wilson rushed from tn,
house, calling on the multitude to fescui
her daughter.
la momen, was ascending the burn
] ing stair case, which toltered beneath m,
tread. With no little difficulty game,
the landing place. Here was brought I,
a stand, nearly suffocated with the thicl
smoke and intense heat. But where wa
the object Of my search? There was
door on each hand-l rushed impetuousl
against the nearess-it few open, an,
discovered to me the lady lying on he
face, in state Of finsensiblliiy. lcaugh
her up, and bore her down the totterin
stair case to the outer door, and just as
was about 10 leap down, the sill OF tn
door gave way, and precipltated me wit
my slovely burden. into the street.
/ When | recovered, found myselfin
handsomely furnished apartment. -
looked up, and beheld, not the face of
lady, bending over me. but a black vel
concsaiing face | knew to be Mar,
Wilson's. As opened my eyes. sh
started back, as il afraid ! would detee
her solicitude for me; but seixing be
lhand, detained her.
Il % Mary! Miss Wilson, thank God yo
were not injured by .ahat fearful fall.
} was indeed, q fearful fall. How did yo
escape?'
4 Il owe my life entirely to your intrepid
lity.' returned she. crossing herself, as th
recollection Of the horrid scene Of the pre-
vious night crossed her mind. 'Whe
you fell, your head struck block ofwoo
in the street. was taken up unhurt. B,
hush. you must not speak-your phys
clan forbids it,
/ Mary scarcely left my bedside until m
recovery. which was very rapid; for in
4 few days was on my feet. ! was by thi