The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1859-08-05
MANITOWOC, WIS, AUGUST ), 1859.

immense wealth, dishonesty enough OBJ
tanned, no doubt, but oft purchasing for
him what he could not have otherwise ac-
quired. When we say that Don Moran
70 was loved by none, and feared by near
ly ALL we have told his character.
The only friend the peasant Gomardo
and his daughter had made in Valentia,
was friar of the convention of Santa
Clara. He watched over Imorene, as if
she had been his only daughter,
A few months after the introduction of
Imorene to Don Moranzo, he had in his
vileness planned the dishonor of his beau
tiful dependent. All his advances had
been met with such calm, but firm disre-
gard, that he was at first disconnected; but
suddenly her father was taken i'll, and
sickened with fearful rapidity, until death
came to the relief of his sutferings.
There was something about the sudden
death of her father that struck the priest
as mysterious. lie had very suddenly
sickened and died in manner that to his
experienced eye seemed to indicate that
he had been poisoned. Whether this was
Intentionally done, or otherwise, he knew
not, nor could he conjecture, save oy in
ference, and yet there was lurking sus-
picion in his mind that Don Moranzo knew
something more of his gardner's decease
than he wished to acknowledge. The
priest strongly suspected foul play, and
that the unprincipled cavalier had taken
summary means to rid himself of the gard
ner's presence, in order to accomplish his
designs upon the innocent and unprotect-
ed girl.
This indeed was the case, for she was at
once removed to his own house, and pla-
ced under the strict guard of the domes-
tics who knew their masters pleasure, and
who had been taught to consider his
slightest wish as their law. Here the peas
ant girl was miserable. Though young
and confiding, she could not mistake the
fearful situation in which she found her
self. She saw danger, but alas. she knew
no way to avoid it. Even the priest was
no longer permitted to see her, and she
was left indeed alone.
Struck with the noble nature of the girl,
and subdued by her quiet firmness, Don
Moranzo at last grew to look on her as
something necessary to his existence, and
even offered her his hand and title, if she
would become his welded wife, She had
been placed on the altar reared in her own
heart, and she could never love again.
Don Moranzo had been drinking deep
one day, and at last came to Imorcne's
apartment. She saw his excited state and
trcmbled as he came to her side.
Come, my pretty one, aud give me a
kiss.
Nay, Signor, pray YOU respect my
lonely situation; I hcsecch you.
But one single kiss, Imorcne, for good
night.
Signor, Signor! am alone and defence
less, poor weak girl. You would not
strike me dumb with fear
But one-I must and will have one.
Hold, she cried, raising her out spread
hands toward him, you are strong and can
compel me to this indignity, but
What ring is that? interrupted the cava-
licr, as his eyes by chance rested upon her
hand, where they riveted
Alas, answered Imorene it is the gift of
one who was kind to me-
Let me see it, said Don Moranzo, half
sobered by some surprise occasioned by
the Jewel.
After moments examination of that
ring the cavalier with seeming amazement
returned it and left Imorene at once alone.
As much surprised as delighted at this,
the poor Girl soon fel! asleep in innocent
repose, but was astir again with the morn
inc light. BY some lucky chance she dis
covered an unguarled door, through
which she hurried down the garden paths,
and knowing well the grounds, was soon
outside the palace walls, and hastened tow
ard the neighboring convent Of Santa
CIara, where she threw herself upon the
protection of the good priest, who had so
long befriendod her.
The cnamored cavalier at once suspect
ed whittier Imorenc had gone, and soon
cions. The priest was summoned, and
bidden to deliver her up, but this he per
cmptoliy refused to DO. Nor would he
hear of any bribery or offer, as remu-
ncration, if he would return the girl to
what the cavalier called her home. At
last finding his mode Of attack avail him
nothing, the cavalier unmasked his soul,
and he told the priest that unless he gave
her up to him before night, he would sure
" take his life, that he cared nothing for
! his sacred office, and that he would not be
thwarted
The priest knew full we'll the revengeful
character of the man, and though untnov-
| nJ bv his III rnatS yat La hathpuOrlt linn