The Cecil Whig., 1855-01-13

che ekS: that as they were natural. and there
fore unlike those of minor beauties, she would
initiate nature, and live like those roses which
fold their leaves together when the sun goes
down. to reopen them when he rises. But,
as said the real reason was, that at night
fall her beauties all faded away and vanished,
and she became /; loatlly lag. Are you lis
tcning !'
"Ycs-ycs," said Lowell, almost in wills
per: the tones cf his voice in full sympathy
with those in which Arthur told his tale.
"Go on; go on"
at was not noticed, however least, i'll
connection with hcr-that one Of the very
flower of Ter admirers was found, almost
periodically, in some lone place murdered.
So it was, however Every six months one
of the young men who throngod after her was
taken: but, where Death made one vacancy
Love brought twenty recruits. The fact was,
that this was one of the terms of her cXiS-
tcncc, all of which were sufficiently revolving.
She was obliged to have two victims every
year. For--she was a vampire"
"Ah" said Lowell, almost below his breath
"She was only able to angle for her VIC
inns by daylight" pursued Arthur, for at
nghtlall, as have said, she assumed the
most rcpulsivc share that humanity can
wear. But crvcry existence depended UPON
this, that once in every six months she Sacri-
feed young man who loved her; upon suck
Il, L. 1,,,
Hitherto she had never fail,d in her frightiul
penalty. Youth sitter youth had pershcd,
and she had lived on! But at the time of my
tale term had nearly expired, and she ha d
no victim.
"Thc reason was that she had herself ia H.
TN a victim to Love. Philip Spence WAS Il
most amiablc and accomplished young man.
lie had been drawn into her magic circle.
and loved her arLcntly; loved what he could
see of her mind, as well as her person; had
won her love, too.--Shc could not sacrifice
him! His brother Edward was among the
herd of her followers, and at last, finding
that he, too, loved her well, she hit upcn Il
scheme for satisfying the necessities Of her
being, without sacrificing the man she loved.
''Shc appointed to meet Edward in a gar
den not far from Paris, on certain evening
in May. The poor youth, fancying that he
had won her from Phlip-from all the rest
could not avoid disclosing his happiness by
words and looks: and Philip, wild with .ical-
ousy, watched him.-Thc evening came. The
sun was sinking in the western sky, within
an hour of sitting. The trees cast their long
shadows, fringcd with molow light. along
the path, when Philip, who lay concealed
there, saw his brother Edward slowly walk
inc un it toward the bower whcrc-what s
that Z" said Arthur, suddenly breaking off.
Nothing, nothing" said Lowell excited
for tie remainder of the story.
Il thought heard voices" said Arthur
..Thc voice ola voice knew among them.
Listen z"
''No 10; l heard nothing. Go on,' said
Lowell.
lie proceeded: "phiip saw Edward slow.
ly walking up the path. lie followed. Thcr,
was an arbor at the other cnd-Phlip knew
that Hester was there. But just as Edward
was about to enter it, he sprang forward
and drawing his sword, rushed upon his
brother.
Fortunately, Edward was not alarmed, OIL
off his guard and had his weapon out in q
moment. But seeing that his asSailant was
his brother. he would have declined the fight
had not Philip. stepping up to him, struck
him with his open hand upon his face. This
he could not bear and the next moment thcil
swords were crossed in mortal conflict
"Both were excellent swordsmcn. We dc
not think highly enough Of Partisan fencers
Philip and Edward were as nearly matched
as could be. But whether it was that Ed
ward was loo much cnragcd at being pre-
vented from having his promised meeting
with Hester, or that he was confused at be
ing thus suddenly brought into contact will
- his brother, | know not; suffice it to say
that he was more than once careless of his
q guard and Philip followed up every advan
tagc that he gave him rcmorsclessy; ant
struck him in such way that Edward saw
g he aimed at his very life Edward defended
himself as well as he could, suffering all thu
while under the loss of blood from the wounds
which he had received, and waxing faintc
and faintcr evcry--I am sure ! hear voice
outside,' said Arthur, abruptly stopping
: again.
mo. Go on--go on" said Lowell, {"
| heard nothing, and what if we did DO &
@ on, Arthur. Edward grew fainter an'
fainter.
Till at last" said Arthur, "whcn Philil
{ struck him again; feeling, say, that he aim
ed at nothing less than his life which nc ha'
tried to doubt, though it had been evident be
y fore. Edward resolve d to counterfeit death
and fell down before his brother.
t. "Philip was so enraged that he might no
i have stayed his hand. lie was on the yer,
Point of driving his sword again into hi
brothers body when Hester, fearing to los
G her victim, rushed out of the arbor. Ant
now comes the justice of the story-but i
i, Sc, MS to me, Lowell, as if there were voice