Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1862-10-15

plausible excuse the dreaded ceremony for
day, and he would be AT her window on
the succeeding night, ready to convey her
with all possible speed to where the holy
sacredote should be in waiting to unite
them forever.
After he was gone she returned and read
and re-read those sweet lines. which SEEM
ed 10 her like 4 reprieve from 4 doom
worse than even death itself, until every
letter was engraven upon her memory
never TO be etfaced and then she folded
1t upon her heart and held it there. while
she dreamed all that blissfull night oflove
again and her dear - Nelasco.''
The next day an unfortunate accident.
as 1t was understood, delayed the arrival
ofSenor Lopez's expected guest; for which
occurrence Dona Constanza felt duly
thankful. willie she made secret prepar-
alton for her intended fight.
She did not feel any regre: at the step
she was taking, for she was bound by no
ties TO Scnor Lopez, and he had ever been
TO her 4 cold hearted and selfish oppressor.
II was the climax Of this course OF conduct
that now drove her forth, 10 find a protec-
tor in one who loved her, and 10 seek Z
refuge from bitter oppression. but as the
evening approached. she felt nervous and
sick at her heart through doubt and anx-
iety. She had, however, a trusting conf
dence IN the honor OF VeIasco. for every
gesture every word of his which She had
read or Hstenend 10, bore the impress of
love and sincerity. True, her acquair-
tance with him was very slight; but she
was rendered desperate through love and
constraint, and therefore proceeded 10 an
extremity, which under other circumstan-
ces she would have hcsitated in doing.
While awaiting the arrival ..Velasco.'' she
labored under the most gloomy ..orebodings.
and halt repented her hasty promise; but
then as she thought of her hopeless situa-
ton, an occasional shudd1r would thrill
over her frame, and renew again her fail
ing resolution.
1t was about nine o'clock in the even
ing, that she heard the whispered signal
underneath her window, while her heart
seemed ready 10 leap from her throat with
trepidation. Sumnoningup. however. the
little cner"v She could command at the
monument, she STEPPED tiu1idiy forth over
the balcony, and thence dccended into her
lovers arms who quickly placed her on the
boat III waiting, andpushcd from the shore
He seated himself by her side and pressed
her 10 his heart without speaking. whilst
they were rowcd swiftly toward the Villa
IN whose suburbs her GUARDIAN : residence
was situated but had not proceeded far
ere li"hts were seen and voices heard in
pursuit, and they knew their Aight had
been discovered.
Too frightened TO speak, Constanza
clung closer 10 her lover, IS If TO implore
his protection bat he merely smiled II
derison OF their danger, and bade her fear
nothing, for all would vet be well They
were too far advanced 10 be Immediately
oyertaken, and thus reached the church in
safety, where the revcrned priest MAS In
waiting 70 perform the nuptial rite lie
commenced in haste, well knowing the
urgency OF the case: but the ceremony
was soon interrupted by the s,entorian
voice OF Senior Lopez, echoing in thunder
TO the lofty dom of the church. and re-
verberating amid those deserted aisles. a
he shouted,
"Holl, on your life, holy father, and
beware how YOU prof;lne thus your sacred
Office
Then drawing his sword, advanced TO
confront the bold abducter of his ward,
who stood calm and unmOyed. supporting
her fainting form: but paused in utter
amazement rs he recognized his features.
exclaiming, :. Good God, Don Emanuel,
Is it possible that YOU have resorted to
such ignoble means TO win your lady -
1T i. senor." replied Don Emanuel.
smiling, ''tor despaired of winning her
otherwise. You know that she sefused
the proposal made through her guardian:
therefore, L deemed it proper TO gain NV
desires in the best manner possible. She
is mine now. by her own free will and l
love her none the less. for thus proving TO
me the faith of her affection
''Wen. as YOU have won the pcrverse
maiden AGAINST her desires, even with her
own free consent. the ceremony NAV pro-
ceed; and / wish my dear ward much
pleasure, in thus having her own way In
this important matter"
The parties were married; and then of
course came an explanation of the mystery
to Dona Constanza. Don Emanuel de
Velasco, having seen her, asbefore stated,
was Immediately captivated with her
beauty and sweetness; but being impera-
lively called away 10 Madrid, he was
Obliged to submit by letter, a proposal for
. addressing her, TO Senior Lopez. who closed
AT onos with his desires; and unexpected
u, oven went 50 far As - fix uPcn dav