The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-11-04
CHAPTER II.

ried after him.
CHAPTER H.
IANTHE-AN ALARM
Within comfortably furnished apartment Of an
humble abode, the western wall of the city, sat
two individuals The first a man some fifty
years Of age, stout and muscular in frame and wear
ing the garb of artisan with the dust of toll still
clinging 10 him. He possessed an open, kindly
countenance, and il 1t lacked in comeliness, 1t GER
tainly made up in honesty and frankness Such was
Bellerus. one of the most skilful masons in SYRIA
and possessing fair knowledge of architecture
in its higher and more elaborate branches. genial,
comfortable disposition had led him into society of
his own choice, and an antpathy to turmoil and
strife, and unwillngness TO assume much respon-
sibility, 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 seemed to be answered
where he was.
The other person--the mason's companion-was
q female She had seen just twenty summers, and
beautiful as the poets 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 dropped long lashes Of sken
texture. while a mass of wavy tresses clustered
about her superbly rounded shoulders. Beyond the
few honest friends who solntyYmes partook Of the
artisans hospitality she was not known. Bellerus
had guarded her with q misers care and few there
were in the great metropolis who knew Of the trea-
sure Of beauty that dwelt within his walls. The
humble craftsmen who shared her fathers conf
dence loved her devotedly, but they loved with a
worshiping love, as the kneeng 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.
II do not cali thee So, Ian,he," the mason re-
turned. II only wish 20 help you over what may
prove most bitter disappointment. How can you
hope that Alarc will ever return"
my love tells me So
"Ah-but love il blind"
s,u t.o 81. 1,n1
for they come from the internal promptings Of The
soul. But I feel sure that he viii come back ~ me-
Only last night the bright goddess Electra appeared
10 me in a dream, and told me that Alaric should
return. Al least VIII hope yet while longer; for
il j. sweet TO hope"
Bclerus could not find i in bis 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 loud rap was heard with
out, and the host lighted torch and went TO the
door. When he returned he made motion for
Ianthc 10 leave the room.
at H. stranger. he said "and II l. 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.
Beertis would have reminded her again. hut the
stranger was close behind him, and quickly entered
the apartment. Ianihe saw not the humble fishers
garb-she only saw the wcllremembered features
which she had carried within the sacred re pository
of her affections for 80 long a time. They were
changed a litte-they had assumed more OF man
hood-but not changed TO love.
"Sweet Electra, my dream IL true y she cried, ne
she started forward, aud put forth her hands
il0ric has come =
so Heaven looks down with riches, blessing p
the young man responded, a. he folded the maiden
90 his bosom.
May the gods preserve me 7" exclaimed the old
mason, gazing upon The youthful pair in wonder
u hope this i no trick Of Thaumas 10 blind me.
Alaric, is II thoul'
NJ -
extending his hand rs he spoke surely, thou
shouldst know me-.
ave. and do know thee now" the host re.
sponded; grssping the youth warmly. and gazing
could not mistake that face. Thou art grown
wondrously like thy noble htler.'
The trio were seated and when they had
regsined somewhat Of their composure, Alaric gave
sence from Sicily. Ianthe sasl3 the while with
her head upon his bosom, and ever aud anon lifting
her eyes b. catch The warm glanccs Of his love.
AZ 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 shut out from their thoughts
"Ol' murmured lanthe, after Alaric had i'm
printed 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 Il full,
begin 70 fear the dangers which may beset thee
ALet ms not think ~ danger now, my beloved,
replied the youth. " THIS should be season OF JOY
"Aye-but we should not forget that there Il a
future. and that we must be watchful Of the Joys
today II we would have them with M henceforth.
Thou art right, lanthc. And I viii be watch
ful. know there Is danger in the way, but fear
il not"
At this juncture Bellerus returned in haste and
there was look Of trouble tpon his brow. He
closed the door behind him, and then turned TO-
wards our hero.
"Aart, he said, evidently striving to assume
calmness which he did not feel, "have you any rea
TO suppose that your entrance into the city this
evening was particularly noticed"
"Why do you askl' demanded the youth.
"Ill tell YOU answered Bellerus. 81 have Just
come from the inn near the Temple ofDiana, where