The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1871-09-20

Soit>HNS. 11O per
/ hars, and endeavored to lessen til,
gloom Of her life, by surrounding he
with ceaseless gaiety and distraction
Among other means he Employed mu
/ sic, engaging a professor of the art t,
live III the house with her, from WHOM
she was to take lessons on an instru
ment she had never yet learned-tlit
harp. This man'was young Italian
an artist and poet, as we'll as master
OF his chosen vocation. His modest,
and evident abilities had commended
him to Chevenix; but it was in hap
less hour that the treaty between-tlen
was made. The reader already fore
sees the end. The Italian and Eleano,
Chevenix were thrown constantly to.
scther; she sympathizcd with his am.
bition, and lie with her despair. In q
word, they soon loved each other with
an ardor that was absolutely madness
Such wild passion could not long be
concealed. One day Cheveuix came il
upon them, and caught the italian up
on his knees, kissing the wife's hand
At the sight of her husbands implaca-
bic face, over which there rippled no
look OF surprise, but demons smile OF
plying contempt, she tainted. The
music master rose to his feet, and bow
cd sadly.
"Sir," he said, IT have done wrong
am prepared to suffer-"
"Be assured you SHALL" returned
Chevcnix, quietly-nay, almost gently.
What became Of that unfortunate
Italian, no one ever knew. Cheyenix
called assistance, and had his wife ta-
ken below to her chamber, where, af-
ter q few days of delirinm, she died.
Upon the night of her burial, there
were cries of torture heard in the south
wing. Some persons were presently
deserted leaving Burgoyne park in
great precipitation. The servants
strained their eyes from the windows
to discover who these fugitiyes were,
but all efforts proved in vain.
From this period Chevenix, very
fend before in the estimation Of every
one who knew him, became, if posi-
bic, worse. Heaven knows we have
monsters enough upen the earth. His
tory possesses the record, from the
time of Caligula, Commodus, and the
Roman Emperors, down to the days OF
the Regent of Orleans, and Lord Lit
Teton the younger; but certainly no
such ontcast, abandoned from his own
choice by God and man, had ever ex-
listed as the owner of Burgoyne park.
He commenced by resuming the dis
sipations of his earliest youth. For
this purpose, he compelled his servants
to occupy the north wing exclusively,
never on any account to leave it ex-
cept when called; and with seven or
eight suitable companions he himself
took possession of the main building.
The orgies there conducted must GER
tainly have rivaled anything that is
known Of Belshazzar or SardanapaIus.
All night long, and every night, the
sounds of mirth and madness rose npon
the still air; even the distant villagers
heard them, and shivered with name
less terror in their beds.
This, of course, could not continue
but at great cost to him who kept it up.
1t was noticed that Chevenix grew
gradually embarrassed in his pecuniary
affairs; and to be brief, it at last fol-
lowed that he became entirely bank
rupt. However, by some means OF
other, he continued to save the park,
lived there in complete seclusion, and
now, when l had accidentally came
upon him, was entertaining some OF
his old friends forsthe first time in a
year.
These recollections, say, all rose to
my mind without effort. Recovering
from the revelie into which they had
plunged me for some moments, CLAN
ced once more around the room. I.
was perfectly circular; the door to the
east, the single window to the west. ]
knew instantly from these facts that
was in the turret. However, that did
not make'a great deal Of difference; il
l were visited by any ghosts-who,
had lately heard were partial to this
quarter of the building-I should not
feel disturbed at their presence in
truth, should look upon such marks
Of At tention from them as undoubtedly
complimentary.
Suddenly, gong struck below its
sonorous music floated through The
house, and died away in sweet cadence
along the corridors. l recognized the
warning, and at once rose to prepare
for dinner. First I relieved my belt O.
a revolver, which l had placed upor
the desk /; and then, assuring myself o.
the safety Of my portfolio, / descended
the spiral staircase.
At the end of the second flight 1 was
abruptly confronted by Chevenix. HI
appeared to rise out Of the very earth
His face seemed little wild, and his
motions nervous. l was rather takeI