Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1859-10-21

you entry, and personal welcome IRON
her. le, this ring be your surety :" and he
drew beautifully chased ring from OF his
finger. and gave it to the Italian, who pas.
.ed /, on his own.
The wager was made. foolish words ut
tcrsd--words that were in after day. to be
bitterly regretted. The prince for the first
time in his life, FOL! that be had committed
himself in manner that would bring down
ceu.urc upon him. no, to speak Of h. own
self reproaeh. I, va. too late. The next
day, calamity ai,ired and attended with
.afc.conduct and all that could be requi.
site for personal security, through Wild
country the Italian st forth. |, was with
little selfgrati6ca,ion Meredith beheld the
elegant, yet sini'srr'looting and liceniious
foreigner depart, to contamlna,s the ch am.
Der Of his wife with his impure aud evil
presence.
-
The council broke up a. Hereford, and
English and Welsh were on their deviou.
roads, but the Italian had no, yet returned.
The week had passed by, and naught had
been heard OF him. and the hear, Of Prince
Meredith wa. filled with fear and forebod.
ing. lie was Fastening homewsrt with =
feyerlsh haste, aud hcadlong reckles'ness
that as,oni.hed his followers, and hi. iavo-
rite squire, who rode at his right hand and
bo.e bis arms could not understand wha, Ca
lami,y had come over hi. master.
From stage to stage. scarcely par,aking
Of food or shelter. Meredith rode on-herce-
ly, madly 80. The darkes, suspicious, the
mos, dreadful thoughts, pre.soi themselves
upon hi. brain. lie paused brief time at
Newcastle Enlyn, having crossed the coun-
~ OF Brccknock like whirlwind, when ths
sight Of banners, and small troop Of horse
advancing along the road, now caugh, hl.
eye Hating, and giving start in his sad.
die, he turned to bis squire aud .aid ab-
rupty, "Ryrid cans; read me whose dag
that Is, riding upon us!"
Shading bis eye. fora moment, his fol.
lower replied "Ay. by my fathers head,
can | II is that Of the dark Italian. who
left Hereford week agone. But whs, in
the name Of plague. and devils, does he do
here, on the road tom Cardigan Castle ?"
"Ay, Ryrid, that 'what I also would
know" was the reply Of the moody prince,
whose blanchod face, and the 'pasu OF ago.
ny that writhed his lips, proclaimed the
pang Of the barbed .bai! that had gone,
poisoned with quick gnawius JEALOUSY.
righ, into his heart.
The eaulcaie rode up-ths Italian deck
ed in all hi. Haunting bravery, At his head,
and smiling mincIngly, like one who had
conquered unheard Of difficulties.
"Soh Prince Meredith" he said, " I
greet you. You are on your return. see.
You behold me. also, on mine"
They had advanced to meet each other,
and were out Of earshot Of their followers.
You have made long stay" grimly
remarked Meredith.
"And who could help IL, Essria was
no, faircr. Venus not more lovely, Circc no.
more enchanting" exclaimed the Italian,
in tones Of rapture and admiration.
"Take care I" said Meredith, darkly
frowning upon the Italian.
may, DO not but acknowledge that |
have lost my wager and be took his
golden chain from oi his neck, with his old /,
cold smile. and handed Il to Mersdith-"and
thus pay back the gogs.
The glance of the Prince lighted on his
hand. Iii. cheeks became ashy-his eyes
aame.
"whers so, you that ring that's on your
hand ?" he hoarsely asked his enemy.
"Oh that !" said the other, carelessly.
+" IT'S a pretty toy, is it not' told you
that had many a gage from fair lady. an
this-wby. what ails you"
"Do you tell me that my-wiie-gave
you hiil" gasped Meredith, with an mir so
appalling that the other in'oluntarily
shrunk back, placing his hand on his sword.
"No violence Remem'er your own
safe.conduct !" he exclaimed.
"Do no, fear. will not lay hands on
you nOr - said the prince, between his
grinding teeth. But, speak - did she
give i, yOu'"
"You SEQ have il; and We do not de-
prive women Of their uinkets, especially
princesses, in their own palaces :"
Liar :" thundered the tortured Mere
dith. " But II it be so-wos-woe to her
Woe TO you Bot to me, woe double
woe and everlasting misery Ride on,
for your life ride on. now Blu. We shall
meet again.
And once again they parted.
Ile had auns himself of his foaming stecd.
thrust those retainers assembled 10 meet him
inside, and with brow black rs night. and
the foam on his lip, strode towards the
chamber where he bcheld bright, radiant,
smiling creature Fastening 70 meat him on