The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1857-05-07
8 CBrjIljo0 GALE,
THE SECRET TRIBUNAL
OF TIL E HOLY VEHME

BY II. c. PARSONS.
Brightly cleaned the lamps in the
imperial palace at Vienna, shining in
their long rows upon scene of gave
ty and gladncss. To the light steps Of
a thousand feet which moved along the
marble halls, music sounded harmo-
niously, and the joyous strains Of those
without, rising, were borne far and
wide by the evening breeze Lovely
women and gallant mobiles thronged the
palace, clothed in the gorgeous apparel
Of the fifteenth century; here standing
to converse in the chivalrous tones of
those days, and there bounding on in
the endless evolutions and mazes of the
dance The lustrous lamps were hung
on high, between the stately columns
and marble arches of the palace, shed
ding a soft and mellow radiance upon
the scene below, upon the ladies and no
bles, upon the tapestry and furniture,
the statues and adornments of the royal
palace, while Sigismund, sitting on his
chair Of state, gazed with a serene coun-
tenance upon the happiness Of his pco-
pie
A young man, superbly dressed, whose
light hair and blue eyes proclaimed his
Saxon origin, had just passed from the
side Of the emperor Edgar, Marquis
Of AllOndale, had been two weeks at the
court of Sigismund. His handsome
person, his great wealth, and his deeds
of arms, had made him there no unwel-
come guest-and rumor even then as
serted that the most beautiful maiden
in Germany had plighted her troth to
him. As Edgar passed through the
crowded room he paused to address the
lord chamberlain.
"Ah, my dear marquis" said the lat
ter, 81 am delighted to see you; all the
world is here tonight; but come with
me, have a word for your private ear.
He drew him into a recess. Marquis,
you have a rival for the hand Of Adri,
anna. See, she is in the next room, and
notice by her side that tall dark noble
man. It's the Count of Palatine. He
has just returned from Italy Without
success he has long sought your lady
This evening he has been constantly by
her side; he means no good. Beware
of him-yOu will find him a dangerous
rival, for'-he lowered his voice to q
whisper-"he is supposed to be connect.
ed with the Tribunal Of the Holy Vehme
You know its powor-but am called
Farewell! remember my warning
Edgar stood as if paralyzed; the words
of the chamberlain, the name Of the
Holy Vehme, made him shudder and
grow pale. Before him was the peerless
Adrianna in all the pride Of youth and
beauty, ga perfect woman, nobly plan
ned, and by her side stood the Count
of Palatine. Tall and strongly made
with black hair heavy moustache, and
a dark eye that flashed from under his
overhanging eyebrows, the count looked
like one whom few would wish to brave
Raising himself with an effort, Edgar
walked towards them. An expression
of joy lighted up the countenance of
Adriannaas she saw him while the counts
face grew darker as he gazed upon the
handsome stranger, Edgar requested
Adrianna to join him in the dance tha
was about to begin. Looking timidly
towards the count, she consented. Tht
count gazed after them for a moment
with a sneer upon his lip; then looking
round and seeing that be was observed
he passed into tho outer room. Tn,
Count Of Merlin, Adrianna's father, wa
standing near the door in conversation