The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1884-11-14
DON BERNARD0'S WIFE.

Don Bernardo, the hero OF our story,
was the only son of a wealthy Spanish
nObleman, who resided in the old Moor
ish capital of Granada. In this young
cavalier were united all the graces OF
manly beauty. Nature had endowed
him with benevolent disposition, an
intelligent mind, a tender and romantic
heart. At the age of twenty-one his
brave and restless spirit led him to
Africa's glowing cline in search of adj
ventures among her wild and magnif-
cent mountains, and the lovely and
picturesque scenery of the Nile. After
beholding the wonders of Egypt, her
mighty Pyramids, her splendid ruins,
those wondrous relics of departed great
ness, he, wearied of his rambling life,
and longing for home and tie sweet
orange groves of his native country,
returned to Algeria, thence to take pas
sage for Spain.
While waiting in port for favorable
wind, he one day observed a piratical
vessel approaching, and suspecting
from the appearance of a crowd on
deck that it was composed of unfortu-
nate captives, curiosity as well as hui
name feeling prompted him to go on
board. Among these unhappy victims
were two young women, whose extra
ordinary beauty arrested the eyes of
Don Bernardo. Though deeply afflict-
cd, the traces of suffering had softened
without marring the exquisite lowell
ness of their faces. Touched by the sad
spectacle, he sought the corsair captain
to inquire their history, and learning
hot fhox- c1 xxrbnr,,
he had recently caught and brought to
Algeria for sale, the sentiment of pity
moved Don Bernardo to ransom them.
On ascertaining from the lips of their
benefactor that he had saved them from
that fate which they had contemplated
with horror, the young girls threw
themselves at his feet, and with words
rendered scarcely audible by intense
emotion, expressed their joy and graft
tude.
Although they both seemed to be of
gentle birth, one appeared, from the
Difference and respect which her COM
panion accorded her to be of superior
rank. She seemed to be about sixteen
years of age, that period when the
sportive graces of the child are blended
with the more subdued though not less
attractive charms of womanhood. She
was as fair as the lily, figure tall and
symetrical, her features of exquisite
loveliness, with large, dreamy eyes,
long flowing tresses, and charming
grace of movement that united the ma
jesty of the swan with the ethereal light
ness of fairy. The other seemed a |
few years her senior; her face, though |
pleasing, strongly contrasted in shade |
and expression with that of her COM
panion. At first, Don Bernardo, al |
though struck with the beauty and in
telligence of the fair young slave felt |
for her only that tender regard which |
her lovely presence and the interesting
of their meeting natural |
ly inspired; but during the voyage these
feelings were deepened by the habitual |
observance of her noble qualities and |
her modest dependency upon him. Don
Bernardo often entreated her with |
earnest solicitations to tell him her
name and country; but this she persist
emily evaded, only remarking that her
name was Constance and her conpan-
ions Isabella, and praying him to per-
NIT her to remain silent upon the re-
of her history.
'Let it suffice you," she said, "to
know that l am not unworthy of the
courteous attentions which you show
me and which will one day be recon-
pensed."
When Don Bernardo arrived at his
fathers castle he presented the two
young foreigners to him, relating that
he had redeemed them from captivity,
nor could he conceal the romantic love
which he felt for the beautiful Con-
stanza, nor the wish he entertained to
make her his bride.
The stern old gentleman praised his
generous behavior, but at the mention
Of love he frowned severely, rebuking
his sons madness in wishing to unite
himself in marriage with stranger,
whose family and rank were entirely
unknown to him.
Several months passed in this painful
the lover by no means dis
'uaded from his purpose, but impa-
,iently awaiting his fathers consent.
At last love conquers; the stern re-
solve softens before beauty and excel
ence. With ineffable joy, Don Ber-
lardo hastens to throw himself at the
cet of the beautiful Constanza TO offer
his heart and hand, and solicit her con-
sent to an immediate union.
Alas! what conflicting emotions con-
7ulsed the heart of Constanza.
The sweet rapture of the conscious
less that she is loved by the idol of her
ondest dreams, the dread of disclosing
Ter secret, the delicate sense of honor
which makes her shrink from longer
it from her noble deliverer,
i'll her heart, by turns, with pleasure
md pain.
Surprised by her silence, distressed
" her tears, Don Bernardo tenderly
lquired:
IAN L deceived, dear Constanza? I
las the ardor of my passion assailed
by heart with love to which it is a :
Between her convulsive sobs Con- I
ANA confirmed his fondest hope. The 7
rdent lover, clasping her in his arms, q
lclaimed: