Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1858-11-02
CHAPTER II.
IANTHB.-AN ALARM.

IANTHB.-AN ALARM.
Within a comfortably furnished apartment
of an humble abode, near the western wall of
the city, sat two individuals. The FIRST was
a man some fifty years of age, stout and mus
cular in frame, and wearing the garb of an
artisan, with the dust Of toll still clinging to
him. He possessed an open, kindly counte-
nance, and if it lacked in comeliness, 1t GER
tainly made up in honesty and frankness.
Such was Bellerus, one of the most skillful
masons in Syracuse. and possessing fair
knowledge of architecture in its higher and
more elaborate branches. A genial comfort
able disposition had led him into society of his
own choice, and an antipathy to turmoil and
strife, and an unwillingness TO assume much
responsibility had kept him from rising to
any eminence in his profession. There may
have been another cause for his retaining his
humble position, though every desire of his
social life seem to be answered where he was.
The other person-the mason's companion,
was female. She had seen Just twenty
summers, and was as beautiful as the poets
dream. in form she was light and graceful,
her limbs tull and round, and her whole frame
full of life and vigor. Her features were of
true Grecian mould, with large, dark eyes,
over which dropped long lashes OF silken tex
turs, while a mass of wavy tresses clustered
about her superbly rounded shoulders. Be-
yond the few houest friends who sometimes
partook of the artisans hospitality, who was
known. Bellerus had guarded her with
miser's care, and few there were in the great
metropolis who knew of the treasure of beauty
that dwelt within his walls. The humble
craftsman who shared her fathers confidence
loved her devotedly, but they loved with
worshipiug love, as the kneelng shepherd
loved his goddess and they were all pledged
not to speak Of her in their intercourse with
the outside world.
Don't call me foolish, father" said the
maiden, imploringly.
81 do not call thee so, Ianthe," the mason
returned. 81 only wish to help you over
what may prove most bitter disappointment.
How can you hope that Alaric will ever re-
turn :"
"My love tells me so.''
''Ah-but love is blind"
'Then its feelings are the more to be relied
upon, for the come from the internal prompt
ings of thy soul. But feel sure that he will
come back to me. Only last night the bright
goddess Electra appeared to me in dream,
and told me that Alaric should return. AT
least will hope yet while longer for it is
sweet to hope"
Bellerus could not find it in his heart to do
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which the maiden cherished, and he turned
the conversation upon another topic Only
few words had been spoken, however, when
loud rap was heard without. and the host
lighted torch and went to the door, When
he returned he made motion for Ianthe to
leave the room.
alt is stranger" he said, "and it is not
that thou shouldst be present.
But the maiden neither spoke nor moved
She had heard the tones of the visitors voice,
and her quick air had caught familiar sound.
Bellerus would have her reminded again,
but the stranger was close behind him, and
quickly entered the apartment. Ianthe saw
not the humble fishers garb-she only saw
the well-remembered features which she had
carried within the sacred repository Of her af-
fections tor so long time. They were chang
ed little-they had assumed more of man
hood-but nor changed to love.
"Sweet Electra, my dream is true % she
cried, as she started forward, and put forth
her hands. "Ataric has come p
$50 Heaven looks down with richest bless
ing! the young man responded, as he folded
the maiden TO his bosom.
"May the gods preserve me-" exclaimed
the old mason, gazing upon the youthful pair
in wonder. al hope this is no trick of Thau-
mas to blind me. Alaric, is it thought"
'In truth, good Bellerus, it is" returned
our hero, extending his hand as he spoke.
"Surely though shouldst know me-
"Aye, and do know thee now" the host
responded, grasping the youth warmly, and
gazing eagerly into his face. Thou art grown
wOudronsly like thy noble father"
The trio were soon seated, and when they
had regained somewhat of their composure,
Alaric gave brief account of his adventures
during his absence from Sicily. Ianthe sat
ell the while with her head upon his bosom,
and ever and anon lifting her eyes to catch
the warm glances Of his love.
At ZENITH the old craftsman went out, and
the lovers were left alone. They told over
the tales Of affection they used to tell in other
years, and for an hour the world was shut out
from their thoughts.
40" murmured Ianthe, after Alaric had
imprinted warm kiss upon her brow in
token OF the renewal Of his most solemn
pledges, NOW that thou art near me, and my
fount Of love is full, begin TO fear the dan
gers which may beset thee"
"Let us not think of danger now, my be-
loved replied the youth. ''This should be
season OF JOY and happiness unalloyed."
"Aye-but we should not forget that there
Is future, and that we must Be watchful Of
the joys to-day il we would haSe them with
us hencefonh."
"Ihou art right, Ianthe. And will be
watehful. know there is no danger in the
way, but l fear il not"
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