Wichita eagle., 1888-09-26


emerged. here and there, hillocks crowned
with grand monuments. In the distance,
Augusto-Nemetum, eight Roman miles away,
was hardly visible through the mist; but
above, the undulating line of the mountains,
clear and intensely blue, bordered the hori-
zon and stood boldly out against the sky, in
famed by the fires Of the declining sun. In
the center, upon the highest cone, a slight
prominence indicated the place of the cele-
brated Temple of Mercury Dumiatus, and, at
one side. a shining point revealed the pres
ence of the gigantic statue, the marvellous
work of Zenodurus.
This oft contemplated spectacle appeared
TO absorb the attention of the two silent
lovers The young Arverne was Robert, last
scion Of the Diorix. The young girl was
named Lydia. Her father, Balbuo, who
came from Rome in early youth, was one Of
the wealthiest potters of Liusannum. His
sulnptuous house was adjacent to the estab-
lishment of Diorix, but no intimacy, no tie
had ever united the two families. Had
Robert, then, since the death of his father,
forgotten the proud dignity Of his ancestors!
How could he humble himself before one of
the abhorred race of the conquerors.
When Robert first found himself alone at
the head of his fourisbing industry, Lydia,
almost child had not yet attracted his no
tice, but i'll less than a year the child was
transformed into woman, and her sovereign
beauty expanded suddenly. Robert occa-
siOnaily saw her, and became madly en-
amored Of her. Long did he struggle against
a passion which in his eyes was criminal,
long did he reflect upon the example Of his
ancestors, which was the rule for his conduct
but he was conquered by Lydias grace,
charm and beauty.
One day, finding her alone he tremblingly
told his love, and she fed from him. But
shortly afterward either the young girl felt
the same attraction toward him, or, perhaps,
her father foresaw in possible union way
of enlarging his fortune and influence, and,
above all, means of finally obtaining a
knowledge Of the euvied secret of Diorix, for
she no longer took fright at the tender and
passionate words of Robert. She listened :.
she responded; and often they found them
selves alone under the protecting shades of
the forest where our tale has found them,
lost in the splendors of tho horizon em-
blazoned by the sun.
All at once Robert left his contemplation
and turning to Lydia, took her hand, and
said:
at is now more than a year that | have
loved you. 1t is long since you told me thet
your heart belonged to me, yet my mouth has
not touched your candid brow, my lips have
not even grazed the hem of your virginia.
robe. Q, Lydia! IS your father lneXorcble,
When shall see the thrice happy day Of our
betrothal!n
Lydia, without withdrawing her hand, re-
Piled: when | revealed to my father my
sentiments towards you he became violently
angry. He supplic--tel me to have 10 faith
in the promises OF one OF the most ardent enc
mics of our race. Seoing me gI.ieved and dis
consulate, he was troubled by ny tears aid
silence, because / an more dear to him than
my brothers and sisters | seized the momen;
to combat his prejudice against you. For
some time now he has seemed to be on the
point of yielding TO my prayers Only yes
terday, be admitted to me that he would be
willing to have you enter his family if he
could he convinced Of your disinterestedness.
Are you certain, said he, 'of the loyalty
Of this silver tonGued young Gaul, OF this
proud Arverne whose ancestors have always
disdained our race, and WHO keeps for him
self alone a secret useful to all? When he
shall have given some conclusive proof OF his
love, then, and then only, VIII Igladly open
to him the doors of my DWELLING"
'But what proof of my love can 1 give? II
any danger menaces you, will joyfully con-
front death itself"
MAY it please the gods that destiny shall
never give you the occasion to thus prove
your courage"
Il see well, Lydia, that your father will
never consent to our union. He invents at
yllaa 81 RI rot
counting upon time to rid him of me. Let us
fly together Letus go and live alone together
in the vast forests; there we shall be happy
and freen
''Never; neverl Ny father would die of
despair"
And, remembering that Balbuo had init
mated to her that he would consent to her
marriage if the son of Diorix would confide
his secret to her, she added:
."Listen, Robert; have perhaps found the
means of overcoming his resistance All
your rivals are jealous of the products of
your mandatory. Ny father has often ex-
pressed before me his envy of your secret. If
You love me, ought | not to know all your
thoughts? Reveal to me this impenetrable
secret. l can then say TO my father: 4 love
him, and have reason to love him, for he
has given me Il convincing proof of his
love'n
Roberts face grew dark A slight doubt
traversed his mind. But Lydia stood before
him so earnest, her face expressed so much
loyalty and franl1neSs, that he promptly re-
jected all suspicion. And then he knew she
was ignorant of his oath and the sinister pre-
diction. But, trembling at the recollection
of the last words of Diorix, he replied:
Demand of me all that l possess, my
wealth, my goods, my very blood, but do not
ask me to reveal this secret"
''You do not love me then above every
thingi You will not make your wife the
coniidant OF all your thoughts"
Lydia, l love you more than all the world
but YOU ask me the one thing that l cannot
oonlide TO you"
so, you refuse Ire the sole means of pla-
eating my father. You will not respond to
my requeStN
"Alasl 1 cannot" and the young Arverne
hung his head in sadness.
~ GU do not love me; you have never loved
me-" murmured Lydia, who could not COM
preherd this refusal: and great tears rolled
down her cheeks. Then, rising suddenly
''Since it is 50, it is better that we should
separate. Goodby, goodby forever" And,
flying through the trees, she disappeared
in the shadows of the forest.
In acting thus, the young girl vas sincere.
Deeply in love, she could not comprehend the
obstinate resistance of Robert. She was
hurt; she suffered profoundly, for she well
knew that Balbuo would never consent to
their union unless some great inducement
were offered him.
Nobert stood for moment as If deprived
of his senses. Soon. however, lifting his
head and finding himself alone, he compre-
hended all the violence of his love Instantly