The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-02-01

In times long back, the inhabitants of
Arlon worshipped the moon, and learned
men to say that the name of the place
(Arx lunG) sprang from that circumstance.
1t is from the same circumstance, 1t is
added, that the young ladies of this an
cient town have sometimes way OF their
own.
About hundred years ago, no one was
so much talked about by the Arlonnals as
q young girl who was in possession of eigh-
teen years, good, lively, frank, always
smiling, always happy, but whose anec-
lions no one could monopolize, she was so
volatile and independent. Her name was
Gertrude, and she was the only daughter
of Charles Stock, well-to-do lnhapltant
of Arlon, and who was generally known as
Stockils, to distinguish him from ms iatner
and grandfather, who were both anVe;
On d,trait uieur-they lived TO good oid
age, in that family, according 10 local ex-
preston. Arlon had not at that time sui
fered from the terrible fire which raVaged
the little town in 1855.
All the young men of the town, we have
said, sought to win the affections of the
beauty of the place, but no one seemed to
meet with success. 1t was for this reason,
and on account of her apparently fiighty
manners, that she was called the coquette
dArlon." The epithet must not be taken,
however, in reproachful sense, for her
father and mother had perfect confidence
in her, and let her laugh and do just as she
pleased.
Four young gentlemen of the town were
particularly distinguished by the assiduity
with which they piled their suit to the CO.
auette. They were known as Sigismond
de Vletter, Giles Colin, Wenceslas Stroo-
bant. and Lambert van Moll. The first was
so quiet that he inspired no apprehensions
to the three others; and the three others
were so ardent that each only awaited his
selection by the maiden. As they became
urgent in insisting that she should make a
choice, the sprightly damsel in question
resolved at last upon stratagem by which
she should put each to the proof. This
was in the month of September, in the
year l74S.
Gertrude was aware Of the existence, in
field belonging to her father, not far from
Arlon, of an old Roman tomb, which was
looked upon with awe on account Of many
superstitious stories connected with it..
She made this the centre of her batteries.
Giles Colin came first, according to his
daily custom, protesting that he would
walk on burning Goals to please her.
81 am not so exacting," she replied. 81
do not even say that will not take you
for my husband but must have mark
OF devotion and courage on your part"
Nov you speak to the point!" said
GILES. ! will give you plenty of marks ;
only say what you WISH"
"You know" she replied, "the old tomb
that lies there, on mound about a quarter
Of a league from the town.
a. know it," said the Arlonna;s-uI
know it from afar. never cared to m
near it. There are strange tales current
about the nasty place."
"Well, it is my wish that, without tell
ing any one Of the understanding between
us, you should go tonight at 8 O'clock. and
that you should lie in that sepulchre.o =
"What, in that den Of witchcraft! What
fancy
"And that you should remain there mo.
tionlcss until midnight"
"But, Gertrude, what are You thinking
Off For what objcctf''
"Why, you show the white feather al
ready. You may say it is within, fancy :
well, let it be so. have my ideas, and /
|isnto prove you. If you do as bid you,
l Shail be satisfied; and If you remain
rom I'LL IL, my heart Is yours. Refuse,
and wed snother.n
titles, taken aback by the decided tone
OF the Young girl, had no alternative but
70 submit. ~ was IN vain that he passed