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i MffiEJ MMi&L, BMBTKB TO UTll&fBIB. THS MTS MB SGIIMIS, MB TO GSMfilll. HmUOIHCX. f.~ r ; I Vv; ‘j| For Richards’ Weekly Gazette JOY AND ENV\. BY MRS. MARY S. WHITAKER. Pleasant a fountain swept along Its fragrant bank of flowers, And summer birds beguil'd, with song, The sun-lit, spring-like flowers O. sweeter f.tr than earthly strain, Those heavenly notes flow’d forth ; Tall trees bedeck’d the velvet plain— Winds murmur’d from the South. And Joy was there, with seraph smile, And form and features fair, With dimpling cheek and winning wile, And curling, golden hair. She smooth'd the brow of wrinkled (Jrief, And bade her weep no more ; gave the anxious blest relief, And comforted the poor. She sooth’d desponding Genius still— The weary lull'd to rest; And Innocence, o’erborne with ill, Slept gently on her breast. Hut one alone her pow'er defied— Scowling with ghastly sneer, While Discord, Hate and Malice vied To stamp her visage drear. That pining Fury, fill’d with hate. And cruelty and strife, Is Envy bight, foe of the great, And direst plague of life. She sought to blight the laurel crown Exulting Genius wore: Helicalh her dark, malignant frown, Merit was priz'd no more. I nder the thraldom of her gaze, Heauty was seen to die; She utter’d uever word of praise— Her ev'ry breath a sigh. On Goodness fell her fiercest wrath— She joy'd in Friendship's tear : Hope faded round her gloomy path, And Love was fill'd with fear. IT la BIB© 52 MIBB 18, For Richards’ Weekly Gazette. NATALIA. BY M. E. C . CHAPTER 1 “Charming Natalia, hear me.” The speaker seemed some thirty-five or forty years of age, though one could scarcely judge with accuracy. His form was state ly and symmetrical—the sweeping robe of dark green, reaching even to the ground in heavy folds, fell open at the breast, reveal c'g an under vest of crimson, while a man tle of the same hue as the robe, lined with Bcariet, enveloped the shoulders, and was gathered under the richly-gemmed belt. A •agger, whose hilt gleamed with jewels, Btnck carelessly ’mid the folds, and a three ■ornered cap, richly embroidered, its single fastened by a costly ruby, completed equipment. His features were regular strikingly beautiful —the cheeks some- IHhat embrowned by exposure ; but the Bj vc ” curls fell from a high, broad fore- dazzlingly white, and lay in sable sses on the shoulders. I have said his was beautiful, but it was so ‘ n repose. Now, when agitated, the i es of passion were plainly discernible: brow’ was knit, and the deep furrows “ed ih a t it was not unusually so ; the IB” yet finely-chiselled lip was firmly and his eyes flashed from un- U *^ e ' r brows, with a gleam of passion, that gave an almost de- W ““'“I expression to the handsome sea- IjW’ ns he listened to the words of his iWl’aniou. Ui s voice was musical — soft, and seemed strangely at variance pH 1 convulsed countenance, so calm and tenderly beseeching was His companion was a maiden, Uli gbt seen some sixteen sum- the touch of old Time had but to mellow the loveliness of her sweet countenance. The contour of her face was aboriginal, but the polished skin was fair as the opening lily, with the blue veins wandering in delicate mazes over the snowy forehead, while the eyes, of a rich, lustrous hazel, beamed strange, wild glances from under their long raven lashes—and tresses of the same deep hue formed a dia dem of wreathed plaits “round the small, queenly-looking head. Her figure was slight and graceful—attired in a simple robe of white muslin, gathered in full folds on the faultless shoulders, and falling open from an under robe of pale blue. A neck lace of diamonds was her only ornament. The place, like the persons introduced, was peculiar. They stood by a rude foun tain, which cast its tribute of giittering spray into a huge basin, scooped from a single block of granite. Walks extended as radii in various directions through the woods, meeting at the fountain as a centre. The giant trees of the surrounding forest threw changing shadows on the rich car peting of grass—strange fruits and cluster ing flowers decked it with rich luxuriance —and hanging vines, sweeping in massy festoons from the trees, offered their tempt ing pioduce at every step. The forest seemed ancient; no undergrowth marred the view, and far through the green shaded vistas were seen herds of red deer, quietly reposing; and occasionally, through the openings of the veteran stems, a glimpse was caught of a white, rude wall, showing that this was enclosed ground. It was, in truth, the palace park. A party of maid ens, sufficiently distant to be beyond hear ing, sat under the wide-spreading branches of an ancient tree, wreathing chaplets of, wild flowers, and telling tales; and some- , times a burst of musical laughter, louder than usual, reached the ears of the two at 1 the fountain, and wakened strange echoes in the quiet shades. “ Charming Natalia, hear me,” said the man to the beautiful maiden standing be fore him with downcast eyes, and pluck ing the numerous petals of a wiid flower. “ Men call me wise, and the breath of fame follows my footsteps—a princely fortune overflows my coffers—slaves innumerable wait my bidding—men speak with awe of the strange magnificence of my palaces, and the smiles of maidens greet their pos sessor. Wouldst thou reign, a diadem more costly than the mines of Elerita shall deck thy brows —nay, thou shalt ascend thy mother’s throne, if thou wilt. Who can resist the power of Arbantel f Hith erto, the wiles of maidens, the fascinations of beauty, hath had for me no charm ; but now, thy loveliness hath wakened a pas sion consuming as the burning volcano— terrible as the whirlwind in its wrath.— Poets but dream of what 1 feel. If thou smilest upon my suit, I will be thy willing slave, submissive as the Guiar to thy slightest wish ; if thou refusest—but no, thou wilt not be so cruel!” “Arbantel,” said the maiden haughtily, while a rosy flush mantled to her temples, “ 1 have heard thee thus far calmly. I have shunned thee ever, thou well know est. Why, then, hast thou ventured to disturb me again with thy wild suit.— Canst thou think, oh, chief, that thy pos sessions weigh aught with me ? Am 1 poor, that I should value wealth I Am I a slave, to prize thy homage ? Methinks my mother's vassal is somewhat presump tuous in sucing for her daughter’s hand. Thou sayest men pay thee homage, but it is the homage of fear. Strange whispers I have heard of thy practice, in early years, of worship of foreign gods, and mystic studies, that lead to commerce with demons. Nay,” continued she, drawing her slight form to its full height, and turning her wild, lustrous eyes full upon him, while the beautiful lip curled with ineffable scorn —“ nay, thou hast dared to speak of my mother’s crown, and tempt me to treason. Beware, Arbantel, beware! Thinkest thou I will ever bear insult tamely I—that my heart harbors unworthy thoughts, such as debase thine, oh, hypocrite ? I tell thee I will hear no more of thy presumptuous passion. I cannot love thee, and methinks thy words but now would have destroyed the passion if I entertained it. Henceforth, speak thou to me no more of love. Woo some more willing damsel, and beware that thy false heart hatches no more such treasonable schemes, or I may whisper that to the queen, which will bring thy haughty head to the block. Natalia can never be thine. Thou hast my final an swer.” And drawing her robe around her, she stepped forward to leave him. Arbantel’s proud features were convuls ed with a demon’s anger more than once during this address, but now his counte nance softened. The haughty spirit of the damsel, her musical voice and queenly loveliness, but maddened him the more, and catching her robe, he detained her. “Nay, Natalia, bethink thee yet again. I pray thee linger yet awhile, ere thou convertest my fiery love into ungovernable hatred, Oh, princess!” said he passion ately, “canst thou not pardon the wild words of too great a love ? Natalia, thy life shall glide away like, a poet’s dream, surrounded by all that thy most insatiate fancy can devise of splendor and loveli ness. Music shall sound for thee ever its sweetest strains—thy walk shall be on rarest flowers, and thy slight tread shall fill the air with fragrance—the costliest gems of ocean shall deck thy apartments, and kneeling slaves await thy commands; and I will live only to find for thee new plea sures, and devise new enchainments.— Earth shall not hold a creature so blest as thou. Bethink thee, oh! Natalia, of the wild love which courses my veins like melted lava, and renders life but a curse. Without thee, it isa world without a sun— a desert waste, that but mocks the owner with barrenness. Natalia, does not my worship merit some return?” As the musical intonations of his voice, so inexpressibly beseeching and earnest in their gentle melody, fell on her ears, the haughty composure of Natalia’s demeanor somewhat relaxed, and the silvery accents of her voice expressed somewhat of com passion, as she answered, decisively— “Arbantel, it may not be. Thou hast my answer. Farewell.” He released his hold upon her robe, and with a light, graceful step, she bounded forward. A few steps brought her to the seat of the maidens. Their musical laugh ter and glad voices struck somewhat dis cordantly on her ear, when compared with the passionate ardor of Arbantel. “ Fair princess,” said one arch-looking damsel, “hast thou spirited away Arban tel ? Methinks the sage Governor is un gallant, to let thee return unattended.” “ Cease, Annora,” said Natalia coldly, “thy prattle is unwelcome. Thy mistress craves no attendant, pert maiden.” Annora shrank back among the crowd of maidens, who whispered among them selves at the Princess unusual mood and harsh language. She had ever before been as gentle as she was beautiful, and even like a sister to them in her innocent, unas suming gayety. The walk through that green old forest led by many a gushing fountain and gleaming statue. Though rude was the workmanship, there was an air of bold grandeur and original design, that meetly compensated for the deficiency of polish. They soon came to a stone wall, enclosing a garden, in the midst of which stood the palace. It was a large, massy structure of white marble. The huge columns of the portico were entwined with wreaths of flowers and clustering fruits; and many strange devices, sculptured with rare, but still beautiful art, adorned the walls. The garden surrounding the palace seemed a second paradise, with its wealth of bril liant flowers, and glowing fruit. Winding walks passed hither and thither through the fruit-laden groves, redolent with fra grance, and enlivened by the gay notes of the birds, who warbled their gushing lays in the cool shade. Several attendants were at wont, training the vines, removing the fallen fruits, and propping the bending boughs, which were nearly breaking with their luxuriant burden. It seemed a fairy land, this lovely garden, with its murmur ing waterfall, chanting birds, and blushing flowers —while the groves offered a feast that might have tempted the fastidious ap petite of the most determined epicure.— Natalia passed on to the palace, unmindful of the thousand enchantments which reign ed around—reluming with grave courtesy the lowly homage of the gardeners. She entered the portico, with its double range of marble columns, and the richly sculp tured pilasters, and proceeding onward in to the more private apartments, sought the chamber of the Queen-mother. These apartments were furnished with magnificence. The floors were executed in a curious mosaic of small parti-colored shells, representing flowers, fruit, &c., while the walls seemed like a vast bracelet, so gorgeous was their effect. The ceiling was of some rich, dark wood, inlaid with a narrow border of plain gold, while the compartments were decked with shells, and many a brilliant gem fantastically arranged in patterns. Along the sides of the vast saloon, in niches expressly constructed for the purpose, were ranged delicate vases, filled with rare, blushing exotics, breathing a fragrance almost oppressive. The cush ions of the seats were of the deepest crim son, embroidered in wreaths with a gold thread; and the hangings and covers which screened the furniture of fantastic form, was of the same gorgeous fabric. The range of apartments she passed through on her way to the Queen, were equally mag nificent with the saloon just described, though there were different hues and pat terns in each. The chamber of the Queen was octagonal—gems supplied the place of shells, while the hangings were purple, and the embroidery of a still more fanciful and finely-executed pattern. Carpets of splendid workmanship covered the floor, and the vases of finely-carved metal were fewer in number, but busts and rude paint ings, splendidly set, were in some of the panels, glowing with that rich coloring in which earlier artists delighted The Queen's chair was somewhat like a throne, cano pied by a purple hanging. By the side of the Queen, on a small mother-of-pearl ta ble, supported by a golden serpent, richly studded with gems, lay the royal diadem. The Queen was of the middle age—ma ture in beauty—seemingly but an elder sister of the fair Natalia. Her faultless form was richly attired in a robe of deep purple, clasped at the waist by a zone of gold, glittering with diamonds. A neck lace of the same pattern circled the snowy neck, and the full sleeves were gathered midway the rounded arm by similar brace lets. The border of the robe was sown with seed pearls, and the sandals were yet more richly embroidered with jewels. The features of the Queen were surpassingly beautiful, but her dark eyes beamed haugh tily, and the whole face breathed an air of inexpressible and cold composure, well bespeaking the consciousness of majesty. Her form was taller, and more inclined to em bon point , than her daughters, and her dark tresses were confined in a golden net. A gemmed string, clasped by a priceless emerald, showing the finely-turned head to full advantage. There was grace in all her ntotions, but it was the grace of queen liness. Natalia advanced, and bending her knee, kissed the snowy hand, sparkling with jewels, which the Queen gracefully ex tended to her. “ Mother,” whispered she, glancing round upon the attendants, “ wilt thou dismiss these ? I have that to say which thou alone must hear.” The Queen waved her hand, and the crowd vanished with respectful obeisance. “ Speak, Natalia,” said the Queen. — “ Why, how is this ? unornamented, and why so agitated ?” The Queen glanced with surprise at her simple dress. Natalia seated herself on the richly embroidered cushion at her mo ther’s feet, and narrated her conversation with Arbantel, in a low voice, with down cast eyes—suppressing only his treasona ble whispers regarding her mother’s crown. The Queen made no comment, but as the narrative proceeded, her beautiful lips quivered, her eyes filled with tears, and the almost imperceptible heaving of the bust gave evidence of emotion, had Nata lia noted it—but her eyes were veiled with their long silken lashes during the whole recital; and when she at last raised them, the countenanee of the Qneen wore its usual air of cold composure, and her voice was even more calm and passionless than its wont, as she answered the enquiry from Natalia’s speaking eyes. “Thou hast done well, my child. Go now, and robe thee as befits thy state, to meet Arbantel at the noon-tide meal.” With graceful step, Natalia passed from her mother’s presence. Till her light form had vanished, and the sweeping folds of the rich purple curtain fell over the door way, the attitude of the Soverein remained unchanged; but then! the hanghty head was bowed —gushing tears rained from the beautiful eyes, and she threw her self on at ottoman, utterly abandoned to her grief. Long she remained, with her face buried in the cushions, silent and mo tionless, save now and then an agonized sob, and a quivering of the frame, which told of suppressed anguish. Strange!— What could thus affect her! Ah, woman ! woman ! ever governed by the heart—ever unforeseeing, unpreventing the entrance of that insidious guest, who steals in all too oft but to fill the heart with anguish, and destroy a life-time’s happiness. She loved Arbantel! Slowly, at last, the Queen arose, and bathing her flushed cheeks and burning temples in a crystal vase filled with the sweet essence of some fragrant herb, soon removed all traces of emotion. She re-ar ranged her disordered robes, and seating herself, rang a small golden bell for the entrance of her tiring women. CHAPTER 11. The meal came on. Arbantel was the only guest, and was admitted to that honor as the governor of an important province on a visit to the capital. His form was statelier than ever. No trace of emotion marred the symmetrical beauty of the com- posed countenance, and with gentle, yet lofty bearing, he demeaned himself toward the Sovereign. Natalia sat silently, and joined not in the conversation, held by the Queen and Arbantel. The Queen loved ; and the gentle intonations of his ever mu sical voice, softer to-day than usual, serv ed but to increase the passion, and strange fancies coursed rapidly through her mind, as she sat by his side. “Methinks, Arbantel,” said the Queen, with a graceful inclination of her head, “ thou art somewhat paler than thy wont. Thy subjects must not say their Governor pined for lack of amusement in his sove reign’s court.” Arbantel raised his eyes to hers, and there was that in the expression of those full, dark orbs, which caused the blood to flush his cheeks. His eyes lingered on that beautiful countenance till the eyes were bashfully veiled by their glossy lashes and the cheek crimsoned with the rushing blood. Arbantel delayed his answer, ab sorbed in thought, but at last, mindful of his forgetfulness, he replied : “Nay, my Queen, they will not have cause. Methinks, rather excess of plea sure overpowers one.” And Arbantel looked at the Queen with a gallantry which heightened the crimson, till her cheeks burned painfully. The heart of the Queen beat rapturous ly. Alas! for woman’s heart! Dare Ar bantel whisper to himself of suit to his sovereign? Even so. Arbantel and the Queen sank into reve ry, and nothing more was said till the par ty separated. That afternoon, Arbantel sought au dience of the Queen. It was granted, and alone. Since dinner, the Queen had dis missed the attendants, and mused alone, in her costly chamber—heightening her pas sion by these love reveries. Passionately, devotedly, she loved him. His unusual beauty, his wide-spread fame for wisdom, his stately and majestic demeanor, and yet his gentleness, when he willed it, so win ning in him. all appealed to her imagina tion, and she remembered with pity the faint predileci ion for her former husband, which she t nought love. Ah! now, in deed, she kn w the meaning of the word. Long had th passion been fostered in her heart, ere sli dreamed of its existence.— His devoirs ! > Natalia awakened her des pair, but his demeanor at dinner had arous ed hope, anil seemed to contradict Natalia's statement. The audience was granted. The Queen denied his humble petition that he might return to the government of his province, and gave, as an excuse, some official busi ness yet untransacted. Then Arbantel, guessing the secret advocate harbored in the Queen’s breast, whispered of the strange presumption of his heart, which aspired to love even her, and gave this as the cause of his petition. He did not wish to go.— Ah! no: who loves to fly from enchant ment so blissful ? But then, the increase of his hopeless passion might fill the fu ture with despair, and destroy the moiety of happiness he could hereafter expect. Arbantel passed from the council-cham ber after a while, and left the Queen hap py in joyful anticipations. His brow clear ed, ere long, from the cloud which over shadowed it, soon after he left the Queen’s presence. “Ah! yes,” he muttered, smiling joy ously to himself, “the throne, and then— Natalia. He walked on in deep musing, and the smile again repeated his ejaculation—“ The throne—Natalia, and then —viitory /” Vain man ! ambition is but a deceiver, as thyself. CHAPTER 111. The moon rose in “ unclouded majesty,” and flooded the vast palace and its surroud ing gardens with a sea of silvery light. It stole between the rustling leaves of a large fruit tree, and its small, chequered gems were tremulous on the dewy grass, as the wind whispered among the green leaves, and swayed, with invisible touch, the fruit laden boughs. The moonbeams glanced hither and thither, changing the shadowy leaves, and lo ! the countenance of a hu man being. Jt is handsome, too, and me thinks as well as the trembling light will permit me to see, that it somewhat resem bles Natalia’s. The large dark eyes of the intruder are turned immovably on one par ticular portal in the vast building before him. What charm hath it, more than the delicate loveliness of the sleeping flowers, oh! strange one! Hath not the moon-clad beauty of those ruby cups reposing on their couch of green leaves, or the delicate white of that large flower beside thee, with its faint pencilling of veins on the snowy pe tals, more attraction for thee than that workmanship of wood and stone—decora- ted though it be ? The secret is explained. A maiden, enveloped in a mantle, steals cautiously forth, and glancing timidly around to detect the presence of any un welcome spectator, she opens the latticed wicket, and comes with graceful steps up the walk, stopping only once to pluck a blue bell. Ah ! it is but an excuse to look from under those long lashes, unobserved, for thee. Ah ! Natalia thou art notsocold to all as thou wert to Arbantel. “Beautiful, adored Natalia,” says the strange one, advancing and kissing the snowy little hand—“blest be thou for this kindness, my cousin.” Natalia looks up to him with her lus trous eyes, now so soft and dove-like, and her low, musical voice, whispers an an swer. They move deeper into the shadow of the grove, and there, ’mid the sweet breath of flowers—the gentle wind rustling the leaves, the gushing music of the wild bird’s note, Natalia exchanges vows of love with her proscribed and banished cousin, Osella. Not long had they enjoyed the friendly shade, ere the sound of voices warned them to silence. Heavens! could they credit their senses! They were those of the Queen and Arbantel! “ Then, your majesty,” continued Arban tel, “there have been, of late, strange whis pers rife of Osella’s return, and they say, too, that the attraction is thy fair daughter, Natalia.” [Osella pressed the hand he held ; Natalia shuddered.] “Thou mays’! perhaps, remember the engagement between them, ere the rebellion of Elnochiel. Will it please thee that the engagement should be continued ?” They halted under the self-same tree where we first caught a glimpse of the handsome Oseila. “Why should it not?” said the Queen, who, happy in her love, saw no objection to the arrangement. “ Osella has not re belled, and I see no more suitable consort for Natalia, who, I suppose, will wed soon er or later.” Arbantel frowned. “ I have also heard of the increasing strength of the rebel, and of the vast army which he daily disciplines in his mountain fastnesses. Does not your majesty foresee the great peril which would most certainly accrue from this alliance ? If Osella weds Natalia, the ambitious Elno chiel, would sweep down upon us with his wild forces, dethrone thee : and crown Osel la—nay, perchance reign himself! We have no force that could successfully cope with him, if the rumors of his great strength can indeed be accredited.” The Queen turned pale at the picture just presented—at the thoughts of death to herself and Arbantel, when now she had on ly learnt to value a crown, when she could place it on his brow—“ Nay” said she gent ly “have it as thou wilt thou shalt be my sovereign and my dictator” and she looked up fondly at the white forehead which in truth seemed meet resting-place for a cor onet. Arbantel’s graveness relaxed, and kissing, with feigned fondness, the snowy hand which rested on his arm, murmured his devotion. For awhile they stood si lent. Arbantel was satisfied with this sub mission'from the Queen, who had hitherto acted the monarch full haughtily—while she, full of beautiful fancies, and sweet thoughts, mused only of happiness. At last, the Queen broke the silence. “ Thou dost not love another, say Ar bantel,” said she, looking up to him eager ly. Though his manner satisfied her of his devotion, with Iheexacting jealousy of love, she craved a confirmation from his own lips —that his suit to Natalia had been on ly from Ambition; but now, thought she, not only ambition, but love, is satisfied. “ Nay,” answered he gently and tender ly, and they moved onward, the soft tones of his voice coming back faintly to the ears of the trembling pair, who stood motionless in the shade; and somewhat they heard of the capture of Osella, and his detention as a hostage. Natalia buried her head in her cousin’s bosom, and wept unrestrainedly, till, at last, his fond whispers of hope and endearment somewhat soothed her. “ Hypocrite,” said she, raising her head suddenly—her beautiful lip curling scorn fully, while glittering tears yet gemmed her lashes—’twas bat this morning he paid presumptuous to me, and now he sways my mother, the haughty Queen, as the wind does the lithe branches of the water-reed. Alas! Osella, he will murder thee ! and I shall own him lord in my fa ther's palace. Ah ! would he were now alive, and then this strange sorcerer would ne’er have bewitched my beautiful mother, with his serpent wiles. Fool that I was! I did not tell my mother of the treason he dared whisper to her daughter, and now she would but mock the narrative.— Thoughtless one! with my mistaken ten- derness to a viper, who will but sting me for my reward.” “ How, Natalia V ’ said Osella. She narrated Arbantel’s conversation, and Osella sank into a reverie. “Nay,” said he, arousing himself, “it were useless to inform the Queen. She is in the magician’s toils, and we can but let her do her own will. Natalia,” continued he sadly, “dearest cousin, fly with me.— Away in our mountain heme, in a peace ful cot, amid the wild loveliness of nature, we can live secure from his influence—oh ’ how happily! Canst thou consent, my sweetest cousin 1 Will not a home with me, though not magnificent, prove more acceptable to thee than servitude in thy father’s mansion, though that mansion be a palace? My father's blessing will sanc tion our union, and then, dearest one! my life shall prove the fervor of iny gratitude. I have wealth, and though I cannot give thee a palace, thou shalt lack no luxuries thou hast hitherto possessed in thy prince ly halls. Thou wilt hereafter be to thy mother comparatively estranged, for verily Arbantel hath bewitched her. Natalia— cousin—wilt thou ?” ended he, kissing her unresisting hand with passionate fondness. Natalia listened to these gently-whis pered hopes, and her beautiful eyes looked love and gratitude, but not consent. “ Nay, Osella, though such a fate would indeed be blest, (ah ! what would not with thee !) 1 can never be thy bride, a fugitive from my mother’s house.” “But, Natalia,” interrupted Osella, “it was thy father’s wish, ere he died—and canst thou hesitate, with his sanction'? Nay, the Queen would give willing con sent, were it not for this cursed Arbantel.” “ It cannot be, Osella,” said Natalia sad ly. “Osella, dearest Osella,” continued she, noting his deep dejection, “1 have been thy playmate from my youth up.— Thou knowest in thy inmost heart I love thee; but this I cannot do. Alone must thou go, and speedily, for Arbantel will seek thy life, as the blood-thirsty tiger does his prey. Thou canst not wish me to fly, when remorse for violated duty would ever embitter my happiest mo ments.” “ Nay, Natalia,” said Osella, “ believe me, I would not tempt thee to wrong. 1 care not for Arbantel’s wiles. Dare but the traitor cross my path,” added he fierce ly, and I will hurl ‘rebel’ in his teeth, and repay his daring presumption in whisper ing love to thee. I fear not death. Life to me is valueless without thee.” “ Osella, Osella,” said Natalia imploring ly, “thy life is mine, and oh! remember that, in sacrificing it, thou plungesta sword into my heart. I must hasten thee home ward, ah ! how unwillingly ! but the ven geance of Arbantel is sleepless and un tiring.” Long the lovers whispered, and formed plans for the future. Osella talked of de manding his bride at the head of his father’s army; and at last, somewhat consoled by hope for the long separation yet in store for them, they parted, with many whisper ed words of fondness and caution. Hope soon overcame their momentary dejection. Ah! these youthful and beautiful lovers, culling happiness from the midst of danger —like flowers on the brow of. the preci pice—from their deep devotion and love, increasing even from childhood. She stole to her sleepless chamber, and he, after watching the last moonlit gleam of her white robe, threaded the mazes of the garden, and vaulting on his trusty steed, was soon far beyond the possibility of Ar bantel's detaining him, on his way to his father. CHAPTER IV. Soon the whole kingdom was thrown in to amaze, by the announcement of the in tended nuptials of the Queen and Arban tel, and ere the city had recovered from its astonishment at the news, the espousals were consummated with great pomp and magnificence. The wild, absorbing pas sion of the Queen, had hurried her into this step, and she thought not of the indig nation it was doomed to excite among her loving subjects, who were, in truth, much astounded by her daring to wed out of • the royal family. The step was unpiece dented, and they looked with jealous eyes upon the new consort, who, according to the law of the realm, would succeed to the throne upon her death. For a f*iv weeks, the tenderness of Ar bantel’s manner satisfied the Queen’s jeal ous claims to devotion, but gradually this wore away; he became stern and harsh, and swayed the sceptre without a shadow of acknowledgment to her superior au thority. Grieved at her idol’s neglect, nay, cruelty, she watched his every move ment with minute attention, and her jeal ousy became almost frantic, when she no-