Staunton vindicator and general advertiser. (Staunton, Augusta County, Va.) 1858-1860, 1859-06-24
ZION, BASED UPON THE CONSTITUTION


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been poisoned. Whether this was inten-
tionally done. or otherwise, he knew not,
nor could he conjecture, save by the infer
ence aud yet there was lurking suspicion
in his mind that Don Moranzo knew some
thing more Of his gardeners decease than he
wished to acknowledge. The priest strong
ly suspected foul play, and that the unprin-
cipled cavalier had taken summary means to
rid himself Of the gardeners presence, in
order to accomplish his designs upon the in
nocent and unprotected girl.
This was indeed the case, for she was at
once removed to his own house, and placed
under the strict guard of domestics, who
knew their masters pleasure, and who had
been taught to consider his slightest wish
as his law. Here the peasant girl was most
miserable. Tho young and confding, she
could not mistake the fearful situation in
which she found herself She saw danger,
but alas she knew Of no way to avoid it !!
Even the priest was no longer permitted to
see her, and she felt indeed alone.
Struck with the noble nature of The girl,
and subdued by her quiet frmness, Don
Moranzo at last grew to look on her as some
thing necessary to his existence, and even
offered her his hand and title if she would
become his welded wife. She had loved
once-her young affections had been placed
on the altar reared in her own heart, and
she could never love again. y. .t..s.
Come. my pretty one, give mo kiss"
'sNay, Signor, pray you respect my
lonely situation; besecch you"
''But one, single kiss, Imorene, for
good night" ,..+
"Signor, Signor! I am alone and defence
less, poor weak girl. You would not
strike me dumb with fear" t.
s'But one-I must and will have one"
.t.Holdr Y she cried, raising her outspread
hands toward him. "You are strong and
compel me to this indignity, but
"What ring is that p interrupted the
cavaliers as his eye by chance rested upon
her hand, where they seemed riveted.
s'ssAlas!" answered Imorene, sit is the
gift Of one who was kind to me-"
'ssLet me see it, said Don Moranzo, half
sobered at some surprise occasloned at the
jewel.
After moments examination Of the ring,
the cavalier, with seeming amazement, re-
turned it,and left Imorene at once alone
AS much surprised as delighted at this, the
poor girl soon fell asleep in innocent repose,
but was astir again with the morning light.
By some lucky chance she discovered an
unguardcd door, through which she hurried
down the garden paths, and knowing well
the grounds, was soon outside the palace
walls, and fastening toward the neighbor
ing convent of Santa Clara, where she threw
herself upon the protection Of the good
priest, who had 50 long befriended her,
The enamored cavalier, however, at once
suspected whittier Imorene had gone, and
soon satisfied himself Of the truth of his sus-
picions. The priest was summoned, and
hidden to deliver her up, but this he per-
emptorily refused to do. Nor would he
hear of any bribery or offer, as remunera-
ton, if he would return the girl to what the
cavalier called her home. At last, finding
that his mode of attack availed him moth
ing, the cavalier unmasked his soul, and
told the priest that unless she was returned
to him before night, that he would surely
take his life; that he cared not for his sa-
cred Office. and that he would not be thwarted.
The priest knew full well the revengeful
nature Of the man. and, although unmoved
BY his threats, yet he bethought him that
he could prevent any deed Of violence, and
yet preserve Imorene. He therefore said
Zone way, and one way only, will l de-
liver up to you this maid"
"Name it.
In the presence Of the Duke"
'The Duke"
"Aye."
1T is useless to annoy him.
''It is the only way
"'Tis WE'LL He will right me, and com
mand that this perverse girl do give me
her hand in marriage"
''Within these two hours we will meet
you at the court"
"'Tis we'll Play me no trick, else thy
life shall be the forfeit ,5e..,
The priest procured properapparel for l.
and in due time led her toward the
ducal palace. where his sacred garb gave
him ready admission and audience with the
Duke. Already was Don Moranzo there,
and already had he told his story to the
Duke, who sat in state with his officers a.
bout him. And now, as they entered, the
officer whose duty it was to do so, called
upon the priest to speak for his charge be-
fore the Duke, and show the reason why he
should not consent to union with one SO
vastly above her in fortune and blood, and
thus benefit herself. @H aMa
.May it please you, noble Duke, this
gentle maid is an orphan-friendless but
for me-and pure and as innocent as the
morning dew. This man-this Don Mo-
bold, bad man nay, I care not
for the frown Of him or any other. The
maiden loves him not. More than this, her
young heart loves devotedly another, my
noble Duke. And for these plain and sim
pie reasons, claim her release from any
and all responsibility to this man.
"Where is he whom the maiden loves p
a ske1 the Duke calmly.
At that moment there rang through the
courtroom of the palace scream SO shrill
and piercing that every one sprang to his
feet, while Imorene, throwing back the
bundance of dark curls that screened her
face, looked toward the chair Of state, where
stood the Duke, now picture of amazement.
cit is he-the Signor Gomez p
"Imorene!'' calculated the Duke, spring
ing forward, just in time to support her
f.intinr form uTmorana r. 10 indood thv