The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1869-02-13

The crisis OF his fate was fast approach
ing difficulties and dangers surrounded
him on every side, from which large
sum Of money, to be expended in briLcs,
could alone extricate him. But how
was the money to be raised lie had
recourse to Zarmondi, who was known to
be immensely rich, and the ,niser refused
to accept the frail security he offered.
Vieuzi was at that time widower, with
two daughters the eldest, Blanca, mig ght
have been reckoned by some extremely
beautiful her eyes were large and of
melting softncss, her complexion a pure,
dazzling white and, except on occasions
| when anger or some other emotion sent
the rich blood mantling to her pale cheek
she moro resenblcd the pe-fect finish of
Il statuary than a living and breathing
creature.
The young Gabriella, although then
mere child, gave promise of what she af
terward beca mc-the loyeliest female OF
her time
Zarmondi, it appears, had been struck
by the pensive graces of the elder sister,
although the great disparity of their ages
rendered him silent. But an opportu-
nifty had now presented itself which
promised to crafty both his avarice and
his love. He agreed to accept Vienzi's
bond, with heavy interest, on condition
that if the money was hot forthcoming
on certain day, Blanca should be his
b. ide. Rendered desperate by circum-
stances, Yienzi signed the agreement,
but without at that time entertaining the
slightest idea of sacrificing his child !;
and Blanca, in happy Ignorance of the
fate which awaited her, yielded up her
youthful and ardent affections to the
companion of her childhood lover
of her girlhood, Lindor G;ubilei, uncon-
scious that she was wrong in So doing.
They had been brought up together, and
the separation which they endured when
Lindor quilted Vienzi's roof to begin life
on his own account, did not alter the
love of either. They continued to meet
and correspond almost caily. Time,
meanwhile, stole on with its rapid and
noiseless flight, and Vienzi scarcely en-
deavored to raise the enormous sum
! perhaps his daughters peace of mind was
of little value to him, for he had never
been kind parent.
The date of the bond expired Vienzi
could not redeem it, and the mizer came
that same evening to claim his bride
The blow fell suddenly and fearfully on
Blanca when she heard that her father
, had sold her to Zarmondi, but she dared
not complain. Her father told her that
, his life was in her hands-that by one
word of refusal, one murmur, she would
destroy him forever; and he alternately
threatened and entreated, terrified and
: soothcd her, until the bewildered girl
became passive instrument in his hands
| She had no one in whom she could con
, fde, no one to advise and console her, fol
| her sister she considered as too much o
child to be Of any service in the pres
ent emergency. But Gabrielle, with hel
; usual keenness and quickness of appre
t hension, understood perfectly how matter:
; were going on. She was necessarily the
companion of the timid Blanca, in he1
stolen interviews with her lover and ar
| unnoticed spectator of their affiiction
she heard all Giubilei's passionate ane
, earnest entreaties to her sister to qui
, her cruel parent, and, forsaking country
| and kindred, trust all her future happi
ness to his love and honor But the un
t happy girl knew too well the fatal conse
quence of such step; she feared tha
the undying curse of the father sh
: should sacrifice would cling to her ant
| haunt her, even thongh the deep watep
of the ocean should divide them.
!, She was enthusiastically fond of he
. sister, regarding her almost in the ligh
OF superior being. She remembered
: with gratitude how often that slight form
had stood between her and her father
: wrath, even his blows, which her hig1
and reckless spirit often provoked. An
l Bianca's slightest word met with NOR
) attention than the sternest command 0
, the tyranical Vienzi, for Bianci alon
fathomed the depths of that wild an