, 1864-01-30
A wife's Devotion.

Ihe ruins OF the old castle, Of which the
following legend is extant, arc still standing.
dozen leagues from Seville. "
Many, many years ago, when Ferdinand,
Duke of Medina Sidonia, Of happy memort.
was viceroy or governor Of the province Of
Seville, the old Castle Of Cabezas was used
as state prison for offenders Of rank and
importance. 7 N'1aHa 80 s,I
Towards sunset, one day in summer. the
old jailor, Pacheco by name, and his pretty
black-eyed daughter, Rosetta, awaited in
the courtyard the return of the iailor's as
sistant, or turnkey. ar's - '.
"Fidclio notyet returnedp said the TAILOR,
little impaticntly. "He must have been
detained long time at the forge"
"Here he comes, father" answered his
daughter. h' a-4 l.si
A youth, apparently not over eighteen.
entered the courtyard as she spoke. He
was coarsely attired, in the fashion of the
peasants of the neighborhood. A tin box,
which answered the purpose Of post-ofice.
was suspended from leathern belt that
circled his waist He bore a huge basket
upon his back, and cifded an iron chain in
| his Huuu. faf tI-fl ~ tgs '.tth.stF l.sfs
There was something in the appearance of
this poor boy which was sure to prolong the
gaze Of the passer-by. He was slight almost
to fragility, but well-formed and graceful
His features were regular, his complexion
pale olive, and his crispy curls were as black
as ebony. A large, dark, earnest eye, fringed
with long lashes, lighted up his pale face
and spoke eloquently of mind and soul
within. Some great sorrow had left its traces
upon the lineaments Of the prison boy.
He dropped the chain upon the pavement
and sighed wearily, whilst the jailor and his
daughter hastened to relieve him Of his
other burdens. " 'sp t'H
"My poor Fidelio," said the jailor, with
much kindness in his coarse voice, you
have labored hard today" ="
"True; / am tired, answered the boy,
in tones that were strangely sweet and gen
tie. 81 thought they would never have
finished nending that chain"
By the mass - exclaimed Pacheco, rails
ing the chain and testing its strength; "the
prisoners will mover succeed in breaking il
again. Have you the bill!" t
The boy handed it to the jailor, who ex-
amined it, shaking his head with satisfac-
tion. q ig g a3si .aa7la
81 cannot tell the reason, !" he pursued,
"but since you have been with me, have
saved more for the six months than l did
year before" hsa'd 90, 9a4 ...
70 al do the best I cam" answered the boy,
modestly. pge los COS g-s ii
n" Yon cannot have more zeal and intelli.
gcnce,P continued the jailor; "and every
day Ibecome more attached to you. You
arc unknown to me; yet, ignorant Of your
birth and friends, still will cherish you
and give you my daughter for wife; for
do believe you to be honest" hia
How soon, dearest fatherT' asked the
blushing Rosetta, casting side glance at
Fidelio, and wondering that the intelligence
did not make him - happy as herself.
AS soon as the governor returns to Se-
ville," answered Paeheco. .He pays his
monthly visit, shortly, to render an account
Of the prisons. Til then be patient. Your
old father will pinch himself, but you shall
have gold enough TO purchase happiness"
| Nay, Master Pacheco," responded Eide
lio, quickly; "the union of two hearts is
the only source Of true happiness, and con-
jugal love-ah, that is the FIRST Of treasures!
There is still, however, ono which is not
less precious to me; but all my efforts, / see
with, grief, are not able to obtain IT," \
IA treasured What Is iti" asked the
jailor, in surpriseyr h5fail eaN s'sl'5 2
Your confidence" replied Fidelio.--
q EorVive ma this ranrnaeh I oftcn uea