Newbern weekly progress., 1862-05-03

l4and gave three light taps upon th
massive door; in q moment it swun!
silently back, and with stealthy ste
she moved down the long corridor an.
disappeared within a door 40 the fan
ther end, opening into slnafIeloset.
s The walls were composed of sole
masonry, dusty, and overhung will
Icobwebs. Approaching the opposite
iside. she pressed her fingers upon tn,
Ihsrd service, when itsuddenly yieldet
TO her touch, revealing dark aper
Itnre. Striking light, she disapp ear
led within the opening, carefully clos
ing the entrance behind her. A damp
chilly atmosphere perraded the place
and the light which she bore .cast
arrange, ickering shadows. upon the
gray stone wallis, and revealed . heavy
iron door. Producing key from he,
pocket. size opened it, and, tuning to
the right, assembled a flight of stone
steps, where she paused as If irreso.
lutte. A stone wall seemed to bar hel
progress and with her wild eyes she
scanned its surface.
What if Matteo should have de-
ceived me p" she muttered, angrily.
" Ha !-what is that "a human skull.
Ugh! but these Bertini knew how to
take good care of their enemies ;" and
with look Of strong composure, she
swung the lamp back and forth
through the gloom. ' At the tenth
stair, she said all yes-I have it :"
and the next moment the wah gave
way and closed after the girl as before.
Traversing long, marrow passage,
she came to a massive panel which
opened in a similar manner to the
Others, and with triumphant smile
she glided into the apartment where
lmogene Sumner was lying. Catch
ing back the lace canopy, she gazed
upon the sleeper. A faint
rose, like the heart of the sea, shell,
tinged her checks, and her red lips
were parted, as if in some sweet dream.
One white arm, polished as marble,
was thrown carelessly above her head,
and her long HAIR fell like a golden.
veil over the snowy covering of the
richly carved couch. The fierce gaze
Of the girls eyes softened for an in
slant, as she marked the beauty of the
Imogene, and her purpose
seemed to wayer. 1t was but for an
instant.
: She is fair, but lie lovos her !; she
sas lured=lfirn from me-sffe shall
lie !" she murmured, half-audibly i
md drawing forth the st,letto, she was
about to plunge it into the heart of
Ter rival.
Suddenly the dreamy, violet-eyes of
he sleeper unclosed, and the red lips
nurmured softly, Victor" The
quick ear Of Inez caught the sound,
ow As it was. She bent forward and
matched up locket which lay half
,uried amid the lace-frilled pillows.
"Victor /" de Lisle!" she excl& med,
and the dagger dropped |
rom her hand. "Live, lady, live
But, Roscoe Marchmont, l bide my
ime; nor heaven nor earth, nor sea
" land, shall keep thee from my ven
cancel" and dropping the lace dra-
'ery, she stealthily left the room.
As Colonel Marchmont's stay pro-
onged itself to weeks, Imogene grew
and sought by every means
n her power to show her aversion,
yhich each day increased and strength
med
Was she left alone for one moment,
ONE engagement was suddenly re-
lle,nbered, letter was to be written,
n neglected duty attended to. Nu-
nerous and studied were the excuses
W which she endeavored to avoid his
presence. Victor became restless and
Uneasy, and with real delight received
summons to join his regiment. He
ould not endure the sight of March
nont's cool effrontery, in superseding
himself in thousand little nameless
,ttentions towards Imegene.
As he came to bid her farewell,
beheld with an aching heart
he misery depicted upon his counte-
lance; thinking more of his sorrow
han her own, as she pressed his hand
he whispered softly, "pEsperamce."
There was quick pressure in re-
urn, promise to write soon and fire.
Iuently, and with stifled s' God bless
'eu, Genie" Victor turned and Quilted
he apartment.
Mrs. Summers health, still delicate,
more SO by continued anxiety |
or Ilnegene, as she saw the light
lying out of her eyes each day, and
ssented gladly to her proposal to re-
urn home.
Delightful to Imogene's eager gaze
vas the first glimpse of the turreted
oof and white walls of her home.
The emerald lawn stretching out like
J velvet carpet, the majestic trees, and
he broad fields covered with the faint |
link bloom of the COTTON nIant wara