Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1856-10-01
ynttr&stiing stol:p,
TElE3 !y!SAADUa WIFE,
A WALLACHIAN LEGEND.

Nearly three centuries ago. an extensive pcr-
tion of that part of the country which lies on
the Wallachian banks of the Danube, belonged
to Demetri c., powerful Boyard, descend
ed from one of the Greek princes who had been
driven from Constantinople at the fall of the
lower empire. lie was wealthy, generous, and
magnificent the father of promising son, (who
at the period to which this history relates was
eighteen years old,) and the husband of the
most beautiful woman in the country. Helen
c. was looked upon as the happiest and
most cnvious of the SEX and she might have
justified the general belief, for nature had en-
dowed her with mental powers no less remarka-
BILE than her personal perfections, had it not un.
fortunately happened that, amidst the countless
roses with which her path in life had been srewn,
one sharp thorn had lurked and pierced her to
The heart rendering her. in the intolcrsble an
guish it occasinned, regardless Of the many
other blessings that had been showered upon her.
In word, she was of Il suspicious and Jealous
disposition; paSsionalcly attached to her hus-
band. and 10 all appearances adored 10y him. She,
nevertheless, lived in constant distrust Of him.
which his character and manners were too well
calculated to justify, for his general admiration
of beauty Il matter of notoriety. And al
though from knowledge Of his wifc's disposi-
tion he had taken such precaution in his inlldcl-
ties towards her, that she had never yet been
able 10 detect him in love intrigue, she never
theless felt so persuaded that he was constantly
involved in such pursuits that she became prey
to vague jealousy, which cmbitered every hour
of her existence.
At last her suspicious appeared to have found
an object on which to settle. Among her fe-
male attendants, was young and pretty Tran
sylvanian, named Anastata, whose superior edu.
cation had rendered her f;.voritc with her lady
All at once, The datnsel became nrglectful of hei
duties, absent in mind and inattenive to the
wishes Of her mistress; when rcprimanded by
her, she betrayed insoence and hauteur. Helen
threatened 10 dismiss her from her service. The
prince opposed such measure; and in proper.
lion rs The displeasure of his wife was evinccc
towards the delinquent, The voice md manner Of
her husband softened in her favor.
This was more than sufficient to fire the sus
picions of the princess. Eager to ascertain tht
reality of that which she dreaded, and resolved
to rush upon knowledge that would break he
heart, she forgot her dignity so as 10 play tn
eaves-dropper and spy over her attendant-fo
some time without any result. One day, how
ever, when the young girl had been sent for b.
her, and had neglected to attend the summons
Helen treacherously crept up a back way to he
meniars chamber or room door, and noiseess
atationing herself outside of it, listened to WIN
was passing within. A murmur of voices in III
room convinced her that Anastatia was not alone
and almost Immediately that of the suspecte
damsel broke upon her ear in accents the pul
port Of which could not be mistaken.