Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-05-27

The old noble to whom Leonora was betroth.
ed was i'll, perhaps dying. This was what
had prevented Leonora from seeing or send
ing to Herbert. She had been suddenly sum-
moned to his palace, and her wild grief at the
prospect Of Herbert's forever leaving her,
was ascribed by the maneuvering Francesca,
to the love of Leonora for her intended lord.
So convinced was the doting noble of this, so
infatuated with the magnificent girl, that he
willed her all his broad lands and proud
estates. 1t was Francesca's terror lest the
young people should be premature in the
confession of their love, and by all the arti-
fee and cunning of her nature, she duped
the impatient Herbert to believe she was urg-
ing his case before her parents.
At this time, too, Herbert, who had been
cautiously feeling his way as to how his bride
would be received by his parents, whom he
honored and loved most deeply, received an
swers to his letters. His father, taking alarm
at the prospect of his son wedding an Italian
and Catholic, Was stern and unyielding in
his displeasure, AMI wrote to Mr.. Monckton
to return Immediately. His mother, who was
to Herbert as an angel lent to earth, by every
afectionate endearment entreated him to
return, drawing such picture of their dis
tress at the contemplation Of a foreign union,
and placing foreign habits in such odious COM
parison to the pure home life to which he bad
been accustomed, as startled and grieved him.
He, for the FIRST time, now seriously contempla-
ted his position. How could he introduce to his
gentle womanly mother, as daughter, this
warm, impulsive, and alas, to some degree,
unprincipled Italian girl? How recommend
her to the stately courtesy, the just and dis
eliminating judgment of his father? How
teach her the duties of an English home; how
bid her appreciate its quiet comfort, its peace
full joy. Alas why had he not thought Of
all this before? He now determined to see
Leonora and urge her to flight. Once with
his parents, her wondrous beauty would
be his best excuse-her devoted love, her
best recommendation. His visits to the ar.
boured garden had been almost uninterrupt.
ed, and not unfrequently midnight leugthen-
ed to morning, ere he could tear himself
away. Francesca's prudence had saved them
from discovery-her watchful love guarding
Leonora's fond secret as jealously as ifit were
her own. Torn by the contending emotions
of duty and love, Herbert sought her to
urge speedy fight. Francesca was not at
the postern-the usual sign it was not safe
for him to enter. But bis impatient spirit
would not brook delay. He had made up
his mind to see Leonora that night; nay,
to claim her if necessary, and he rather
courted discovery than not. Their grottoed
retreat was vacant. How desolate without
her beaming presence! He entered it's dark
recess. Leonora's guitar was resting against
their usual seat. A roll of verses had drop
ped upon the ground. He opened them, and
by the bright moonlight read reply to some
he had set to simple air for her. They
breathed the deepest tenderness, the fondest
love. Every line was eloquent with pas
sion that knew no restraint. Completely be-
side himself with grief, love and madness,
Herbert took the guitar and striking the
strings with bold hand, he sang in his rich
tenor voice, the words her love had composed.
He finished the first verse and waited reply.
None came; and in yet fuller and clearer
tones he sang again. Ere the last note died
on his ear, figure came bounding down the
pathway.
"My love, my life, my treasured bride, l
knew 1 would bring you" He laughed tr'
umphantly as he clasped her in his arms.
Hush Herbert, hush What have you
done? Fly fly, you are lost" she cried in
wild terror. Her face was asby pale, and
her eyes, wild and staring, seemed starting in
their sockets.
"What is it, Leonora, my darling? my
own; tell me what terror is this p
ely Howard, fly. My brother, my jeal
ous vengeful brother. You do not know his
fierce nature. He has suspected us-even
now he charged me with my crime, as he calls
it, and while denying it your song burst on
his ears. told him it was wandering SER
enader, but he left me with wrath and passion
in his fierce glance. Oh Howard, must we
part" She threw herself weeping into his
arms.
"Never," said be impetuously. "Never, LIE.
onora, till death divides u.s."
"Then, die now |" said voice behind him,
"and part forever, for swear, traitor that
you are, you shall never leave this place
alive"
With piercing shrek, Leonora threw
herself between her lover and her fierce sat-
urnine brother. 1t was the work Of mo-
ment for Herbert to place her on a seat, and
draw his sword to prepare to defend him
SELF
"Hold," he cried, if indeed bonds Of blood
unite you and Leonora. / cannot Undue my
hands in her brothers blood. Let US 60 no
deeper in this quarrel. I have done wrong !;
but forgive me and let the splendor Of her
beauty and my passionate love, plead my par
don."
"Traitorous coward" shouted the infuri-
ated Juan, "talk not to me of love and beau.
ty. Die, cursed thief"
He would have plunged his sword in Her.
berts body, but his vigilance eluded it.
81 will not draw brothers blood" Her.
bert replied. AS the kinsman Of my wife, l
will respect your life"
"What do l hear?" cried the fierce and
startled youth. "Kinsman-wife Nay then;