Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1858-11-06
CHAPTER III.
IANTHE-AN ALARM.


Within comfortably furnished apartment of
an humble abode near the western wall of the
city, sat two individuals. The first was man
some fifty years of age stout and muscular in
frame, and wearing the garb of an artisal, with
the dust OF toll still clinging to him. He pos
sessed an open manly countenance. and if it
lacked i'll comeliness it certainly made up in
honesty and frankness. Such was Bellerus. one
OF the most slilful masons in Syracuse, and pos
sessing fair knowledge of architecture in its
higher and more elaborate branches A genial,
comfortable disposition had led him into socie-
ty OF his own choice, and an antpathy to tur-
mol and strife, and an unwillingness to assume
much responsibility, had kept him from rising
10 any eminence in his profession. There NAV
nave been another cause for his retaining his
humble position, though every desire of his
social life seemed to be answered where he was.
The other person-the mason's companion-
was female. She had seen Just twenty sum-
mers, and was as beautiful as the roet's dream.
In form she was light and graceful, her limbs
full and round, and her whole frame full of life
and vigor.. Her features were of true Grecian
mould, with large, dark eyes, over which droop-
ed long lashes Of silken texture, while msss of
wavy tresses clustered about her superbly round
ed shoulders. Beyond the few honest friends
who sometimes partook of the artisans hospi-
tallty, she was not known. Bellerus had guard
ed her with miser's care, and few there were
in the great metropolis who knew of the treas /.
ure of beauty that dwelt within his walls The
humble craftsmen who shared her fathers con-
fidence loved her devotedly, but they loved with
worshipping love, as the kneeling 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 maid
en-, imploringly.
II do not call thee so, Ianthe," the mason re-
turned. Il only wish to help you over what
may prove most bitter disappointment. How
can you hope that Alaric will ever return ?"
"My love tells me so.'
"Ah-but love is blind.'
"Then its feelings are the more to be relied
upon, for they come from the internal prompt
ings of the 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 awhile longer; for it is sweet to
hope"
Bellerus could not find it in his heart to do
more towards dispelling the bright promise
which the maiden cherished, and he turned the
conversation upon another topic. Only few
words had been spoken, however, when a loud
rap was heard without, and the host lighted
torch and went to the door. When he returned,
m.
at is stranger" he said, "and il is not meet
that thou shouldst be present"
But the maiden neither spoke nor moved
She had heard the tones of the visitors voice,
and her quick ear had caught familiar sound.
Bellerus would have reminded her 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 re-
membered features which she had carried within
the sacred repository Of her affections for so
long time. They were changed n little-they
had assumed more of manhood-but not chang
ed to love.
"Sweet Electra, my dream is truel" she cried,
as she started forward, and put forth her hands.
"Ala,ic has come"
$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. 81 hope this is no trick of Thaumas to
blind me- Alarc, is it thouP"
In truth, good Bellerus, it is," returned our
hero, extending his hand as he spoke "Surely
thou shouldst know me-"
"Aye and do know thee now" the host re-
sponded, grasping the youth warmly, and gaz-
ing eagerly into his face. "By the crown of
Pluto, could not mistake that face. Thou art
grown wondrously 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 all the
while with her head upon his bosom, and ever
and anon lifting her eyes to catch the warm
glances of his love.
At length 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.
fro BE CONTINUED IN OUR NExT.l