The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1858-11-10


and strife, aud an unwlIIugness 80 assume
much responsibility, had kept him fom
rising to any emnenco 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 pcrson-t the masous compan-
ion--was Il female. She had seen Just
twenty summers, and was as 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 slkcn texture, while a mass
Of wavy tresscs clustered about her SUI
PURIFY rounded shoulders. Beyond the
few honest friends who sometimes partook
Of the artisans hospitality, she was not
known, Bellerus had guarded her with
misers care, and few there were in the
great metropolis who knew of the treasure
of beauty that dwelt within his walls. The
humble craftsmen who shared her fathers
confidence loved her devotedly, but they
loved with worshiping love, as the kneel-
ing 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.
Z" | do not call thee so, Ianthe," the
mason returned. only wish to help
you oyer what may prove a most bitter
disappointment. How can you hope that
Alaric will ever return %
Ny love tells me So"
Ah---hut love is blind"
"'rhen its feelings are the more to be
relied upon, for they come from the inter-
nal promptings of the soul. But feel
sure that he will come back to me. Only
last night the bright goddess Electra ap-
peared to me in dream, and told me that
Alaric should return At least | will
hope yet while longer for it is sweet to
hope"
Belerus 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 loud rap was heard with
out, and the host lighted torch and went
to the door, When he returned he made
motion for Ianthe to leave the room.
at is a stranger" he said, and it is
not meet that thou shoudst be present"
But the maiden neither spoke nor NOV
ed. She had heard the tones of the visit
or's voice, and her quick ear had caught
a familiar sound.
Belerus 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-remembered features which
she had carried within the sacred reposit-
DRY of her affections for so long time.
They were changed little--they had as.
sumed more Of manhood-hut not changed
to love.
Sweet Electra, my dream is true !"
she cried as she started forward, and put
forth her hands. A/oric hrs come :"
$50 Heaven looks down with richest
blcssings" the young man responded as
he folded the maiden to his bosom.
MAY the gods perserve me !" exclaimed
the old mason, gazing upon the youthful
pair in wonder. Il hope this is no trick
of Thaumas TO blind me Alaric. is it
thou ?"
In truth, good Bclerus, it is" re-
turned our hero, extending his hand as he
spoke. Surely thou shouldst know me-"
AYE, and do know thee now" the
host responded grasping the youth warm
ly, aod gazing eagerly INTO his face. "By
the crown of Pluto, I 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 COM
posure, Alaric gave brief account of his
adventures during his absence from Sicily
Ianthc sat all the while with her head up
on 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
"Ow murmured Ianthc, 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 l begin to fear
the dangers which may beset thee"
Let us not think of danger now, my
beloved" replied the youth. This should
be season of joy and happiness unalloy-
ed"
"Aye-but we should not forget that
there is a future, and that we must be
watchful of the joys to-day if we would
have them with us henceforth."
Thou art right, Ianthe, And | will
be watchful. | know there is danger in
the way, but fear it not"
To be continued IN oar meet.