Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1858-01-02
MtiscelIaneous
TD,a BRlDMhs
OR, THE CLIFF OF DEATH
BY WM. II. HAYDEN.

castle, of which the following story is re.
lated:
Many years ago it was inhabited by the
noble Count Westel, who had betrothed
his daughter, much against her will, 20 Sir
Hubert Kaudrof; but let us return in fancy
back some hundred years, and witness the
scenes which were enacted there.
"Weep not, dear Marion, for you may
yet be happy, though you wed not Walter
l think Sir Hubert loves, and will be kind
to you"
Lotes, Gertrude, he knows, not love,
for it is passion that comes from Heaven,
and will not mato with aught but its own
kindred spirit. His bosom is flEd with
hates--his passion is evil or he would not
seek possession of that which belongs to
another but know, girl, that would
sooner die than become the wife of Sir
Hubert"
This was said by beautiful girl who
was robed in satin, with flowers in her
hair, and costly brilliants decked her snowy
neck. 1t was the eve Of her bridal, but as
the last words fell from her lips, her dark
flashing eyes told that there was fire
kindled in her soul that nothing but love
could quench,
"You forgot that your father has re-
solved that you must this night marry Sir
Hilbert, and even now The castle is crowded
with guests and bark the notes of the
bugle announces the approach of the BRIDE
groom to claim his bride,' said Gertrude;
as The music broke forh on the evening
air.
"Lct him come; but when he carries
mo forth he shrll only convey dust to dust
for come what will, have solemnly sworn
in life or in death, to be Walters only /;
and this little pognard ahall still the beat
ing heart and set the imprisoned spirit free
ere l break the vow which has teen regis
tered in the bright abodes above"
"Nay, my dear mistress, talk not thus
wildly, your fathers heart would break at
the loss of you, the only surviving heir to
his prucely name and estate. Sir Hubert
is rich, and belongs to a long line ofnobles,
while Walter is but poor hunter"
"Tis false Walter is not poor; his
heart is rich in all the noble qualities that
takes to make up q man, and l would a
thousand times rather pass my life with
him on his mountains where he is lord and
king, than amid all the mockery and pomp
by which we ere surrounded. But time
speeds, and we must devise some means Of
escape"
at is impossible, sweet lady; every
enhance and outlets are guarded by the
servants, and we could not pass out with
out being discovered. But mercy on us
how the heavy thunder rolls over our heads
aud the quick flashes Of lightning ar,
almost binding"
"Look, Gertrude-do you not see some
thing in yonder grove!"
"Nay--it is dreadful dark" replied
+, Gertrude.
y, "Wait until the next fash of lightning
q and then see If you cannot discern hora
and rider in the northern grove"
"Ah yes,-I see him; he advance
waving his hand for you to come to him.
! eyes, it is he-it is Walter be come
to rescue me, but how can | fly to him 7"
s "There is no way"
"Then will leap from the window"
y 1t would be instant death"
"Then indeed 1 shall be free, whic
a would be better than thus remaining pri'
'f oner and becoming the wife of the col
ly hearted wretch who even now awaits tf
ID unwilling sacrifice"
.. al implore you kind lady, do not thro'
Of yourself from the window-aid may "
lie reach us; but look-he has stolen soft
ar beneath the window and is attempting
- throw silken ladder"
Us Thank Heaven, shall yet escape
Sc, fasteu the doors, for even now I Lear foo
HS steps--they come for me. LowOr somethir
down so we may draw it up"
: In few moments they had fastened Il
ladder safely, and Marion, descended fro
81 the perilous height, and was clasped in {
W. arms of her faithful Walter.
"Come love, lose not momeut-let
Ss fly or we shall be pursued and oyertake
for My Mo7tntain Bird is at hand and W
p., bear US away with the speed Of the wind
us q safe retreat where the foot of no m
''e save myself has ever trod, and where 'h
willbe unable 10 reach us say will you