The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1864-10-07

ieaiousy, killed one who had been his
bosom friend, but wlp had crossed
him in an affair very near to his heart.
Montani was the only witness to the
deed, which was perpetrated in the
forest belonging to the Donati CASTLE
where Montani was keeper The
Count succeeded, by dint of promises,
in wiling him away from Donati, and
securing him in his own service; but
he had in turn to become Montani's
slave. Knowing that he could at any
time bring him to ignomy, he was
forced to submit to the most CALLING
and humiliating restraints from his
own servant. Montani knew his adj
vantage, and pursued it without mercy
The scheme Of marrying the young
Armida to Count Luani originated
with him. Carif's purse was running
low, and the estate was already heavi-
. ~ htutlltu Will utDb- hOubhLl nope
of obtaining money in the future was
at = low ebb; when su denly the Count
appeared to raise his dropping spirits
by falling in love with the grandchild
of his friend.
Already had Armida's heart been
touched by the mute devotion dis
played in the countenance of Julio
Adimari. Both young in years, and
timid from the strict seclusion in
which they lived, they exchanged no
word Of love until the terrible an
nouncement of her grandfather's wish
es sent Armida, pale and fearful, to
consult her only friend how best to
avoid the coming evil. The interview
disclosed to them the state of their
own hearts, and for while they lost
sight Of their unhappiness; but at
this meeting Armidas apprehensions
could not be concealed, Count Carifi
having that morning threatened to
confine her until she was willing to
submit to his decision. Montani had
desired him to do this; and the poor
old Count haunted by his crime, and
hunted down by his implacable enemy
had consented to employ any means
that Montanis service might suggest
to bring Armida to terms.
1t was evening when Montani him
self led Arinida to the tower which he
had graciously substituted for the low
er cell which he had threatened
to place her in. Her grandfather
could not endure to go with her him
self; his heart was not yet dead tc
emotions of tenderness, and he coulC
not inhict upon his child the punish
ment which he had consented should
be the penalty Of her disobedience
The thought Of her mother, whose
young life had been sacrificed to thu
same Unsuitable averice, arose to hi
mind, and he left the Castle to avoiC
hearing the cries which he imagined
, she would raise on her way to tn
prison.
He had mistaken her spirit. To a
Mentani's taunts she preserved q dig
, nifed silence; and, on reaching tn
room, she pushed away the arm tina
would have guided her in, and entere
with the step of princess. Two o
three hours had added years to Armi
: da's experience. She was no longer
/ child, but woman whom suffering ha
; made stronger and more mature. Sh
. looked around the rooms, to which
small lamp gave feeble light. A ia
: BILE ON which it stood held a pitcher {
! water and q basket of cakes. Tn
Count had pleaded with Montani for
e little fruit, but he had failed to pre-
0 vide it. He had no idea of making
i her abode moro comfortable than coul
4 be helped; and his low mind conceive
D that Armida could be touched b
o things of mere personal qualification.
j A small couch was the only be
: provided for her; and this was har
enough to suit the strictest anchorit'
0 There was brazier, in which coal
+ were smouldering; but the warmt
s was doubtful. Armida looked out {
y the window. The light of the moo
q showed her lake beneath the towel
i There was no way of escape, and sh
Q would probably see no one for month
g but the hateful Montani. OF on
r thing was she certain: Julio would b
+ watching the Castle, and she could
4 least place her light where he coul
G see her figure, as she moved about tn
!. room. The tower was at the extrem
: western end Of the Castle, and tn
d Count inhabited the eastern par
d Even in the day time she could b
SEEM for the tower was so high thu
t no nrecaution had been taken to hay