The Jewish advance., 1881-02-11

up in maze of foliage interspersed
with flowers and vines: A covered
avenue combined them all, and that
situated in the rear of the dazzling
building, with garden of great dimen-
sions and beauty. Four smaller build
ings filled up the corners of the vast
square enclosed by high stone wall,
completing the splendor and harmony of
the whole.
| was directed to the rear of the
mansion beneath balcony facing the
afore mentioned garden. Glancing at
those who stood above it, I could see
three ladies, the one having a child in
her arms; the other more aged and of
fresher aspect; the third young and
beautiful. Their Joyous laughing and
chatter, and the extreme happiness that
seemed to speak from every side, re-
minded me of the depth of my wretched-
ness, and | commenced my recital with
an almost broken heart. [ sang this
time not to please but to calm and sooth
my own pains; but I could not with
stand the power Of my own voice. The
strings of my guitar were mournfully
signing and sobbing under my tremb-
ling fingers. How did they this time
speak to my heart! How did they soften
my soul! | was overpowered and my
voice choked with tears. Ashamed of
my weakness and confused. smashed
my guitar and tried to gain the gate to
fly the sight Of so much felicity. But
| found it shut and the porter absent.
Looking around me, l perceived that
some movement was taking place in the
villa. At length the old man came in
haste and apparently alarmed. "Think
not Of leaving this castle to-day" said
he, we will not have our damsel dead.
You are very passionate when you sing,
but you sing we'll. II stared at the man
who appeared to exert himself to be OBJ
scure. Let me part" cried l, for night
draws near and have no shelter. "Ah,
understand me better then,' replied he.
Come, | shall show you a place ospass
!. the night. = Saying this he induced sme
to follow him to the house Whanee,S at
this moment, lady somewhat advanced
in years, came to meet me at the door.
She is a little better" said she; she is
too soft-hearted Come, young gentle-
man, and be SO kind as to repeat your
tale to her. She will, I am sure, reward
you for your trouble"
[ understood by this time that it was,
question about a lady who, having
been touched, as it appeared by my
song, wished that [ should repeat it to
her. [ was, indeed, not at all disposed
to follow the invitation. But I was
pressed to accept it. We passed through
a suite OF magnificent apartments until
we entered one Of great elegance. Here I
found myself before a young lady re-
clining upon the extremity of silk
covered sofa. That nature could pro-
duce something more perfect, more graci-
Gus or sublime than this most accomp-
lished of Gods creations seemed to me
an impossibility. 1t was a figure as if
cut out Of one block Of marble just re-
ceiving the finishing touch of the master;
a mien transparent, sweet and tender,
yet eyes darting flashes and hair long
and of shining black. She look fixedly
upon me deprived me of my speaking
faculties, and [ could hardly take
chair when it was offered to me by the
lady who ushered me into the place. AS
the murmuring of distant spring in
waste does charm the wanderers ear, so
sweet and soothing was the voice of
Miss Adelina who thus inquired-"I
must be greatly mistaken or you are an
unfortunate man. What would suffice
to make you happy again, if happy you
ever were?' These angelic sounds
awakened all my confidence and courage.
My gracious Miss" said I, though |
am presently suffering from want, no
millions would suffice to restore nc to
my original happiness.-I had one
beautiful and virtuous sister and she
was seduced now four years ago. Her
elopement became the cause of my dear
parents death. | am thus alone and do
not know where my sister is and have
not the means to reach the house my
father has left as her and my inherit
ance. Your tale is thus no fiction?"
said she in tone of softness.-"So far
as her leaving us and the ensuing
calamities it is reality" replied |.
AS to the rest it is an ardent expression
OF desire that may or may not be full
filed"
The other lady requested me to min
utely relate to them the course of my life
and misfortunes, and [ did my best to
satisfy them in this. They now learned
who my father and what his business
was-how, after visit of some rich
strangers, my sister suddenly disap-
peared, and how this deprived my mother
L II