True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-04-29
z, RAGAN, Editor and Proprietor

Nina, as they reached the entrance TO the
path. "You can conceal yourself a lit
tie further on, till my lady returns. AS
for me, would not have it known that |
had hand in bringing you to her; and
indeed it is very likely you will not care
for other company than hers"
Thou art good girl, Nina" re-
piled tie count. " HE thee away then,
ere I steal kiss and thus rob thy bache-
lor of his due. But thou shalt keep this
token for me instead"
Thus. saying, he thrust a gold piece in
to her hand, notwithstanding some affec
tation of resistance. A rogush smile,
and a courtesy such as none but the grace
Of Frenchwoman could equal. were the
Acknowledgements of Nina, who in an
instant more was out of sight. Count
Lora Withdrew behind The trees that skir.
ted the path.
Here | am esconsed." thought he,
"a veritable enfant du bOis, with quite
as little knowledge as any child, of what
it is that should say. Yet why should
despair! True, we parted but coldly
but if as the maid says, | am not altoge.
ther forgotten, shall | fail to improve the
opportunity? Not so, by heaven she
shall not escape me till I find pursuit is
utterly vain. Hist i'll mistake not, hi
ther she comes. Now let the moment
prompt me, else shall l be speechless as
the veriest fool p
A female form approached from the
entrance of the path. clad in vestments ol
black. A nearer view made more certain
10 the waiting lover the features of the
Isabella dc Folk; the dark, sad eyes
whose glance was but for all instant raj
sed from the ground, the raven hair and
the complexion of the clearest olive, were
no less dear than they had been in pas
time to Count Lora,
{" More beautiful than ever !' was hi:
mental ejaculation.
Passing noiselessly forward, he presen
ted himself in her way. Startled by hi
sudden appearance, she uttered an exca
nation of surprise, paused for moment
and then with slight gesture of the hant
so expressive of sorrowGul depreciation
that even his impatient mood was control
led, sought to pass him with eyes down
cast and averted.
Am then so much an object of dis
like to the Lady Isabella" said The count
that she would pass me without worc
or look or common civility :"
The mournful earnestness with whicl
the words were uttered, seemed partially
10 arrest her steps.
"Count Lora well Knows" she said
"that | am not wanting in friendly re
membrancc, although l may be wanting
in formal words. Enough. Do not lie
us add aught 10 the grief of the past
Neither wrong me with accusations un
just and untrue"
90, Isabella !" cried The count, spring
ing impetuously 10 her side and graspi ns
her hand with his own. 1T is yoursel
whom you wrong. You once loved me
Deny it not-you cannot you must moi
Is it then past, forever! Say not so,
enreat you. Give not up a warm ant
beautiful existence to chill and stagnan
melancholy. Let me not behold you lik
yonder marble, lovely in form and feature
but cold, soulIess and impassive. Gas
off those bonds of icy superstition, and b
yourself again!"
Count Lora," said Isabella, exlrica
ting herself from his grasp, lis it right
is it manly, thus TO presume upon m.
weakness! You are not ignorant Of th
struggle, the anguish which our partin
cost me, nor the reasons why we parted
And yet you will not spare me. lhinkn
by such perseverance you will overcom
my better resolution. Here me then
and mark well what it is that say"
The downcast glance, the words al
rupt and constrained, now, no more wer
observed. Her countenance was firm
though gentle, and full Of grief; he
words flowed from the heart.
"You have summoned me 10 memo
ries that are passed. But l forgive you
reminding YOU still that the future mus
bury them forever. Can it be possibl
then, recalling to yourself what is pas
that you yet retain expectation of over
coming the settled resolve which religion
the counsel of holy men. and my ow
conscience have imposed upon me =
Count Lora spare yourself and me sue
idle fances for if no other obstacles in
tervened, how could resign my we
being to one, who still nominally in th
bosom of the church, has yet dared to aC
knowledge heresies at which my sol
shudders with horror! Alas do not mis-
Judge me. Are you the only one who sp
fers! Farewell! AS you respect m
will, follow me not" rEa.tr
J, As she turned 10 depart, she extende
her hand to the cavalier, who bending II
verenty forward, pressed it to his lips
| And though her averted countenanc
concealed from him its visible grief, h
, felt that the pain of separation was equa
. ly shared in the heart Of Isabella. Pen,
trated with deepest emotion, he remain
ed standing transfxed to the spot, till sh
had vanished entirely from his sight
"Noble girl!" he exclaimed, recover