United States or Democratic Republic of the Congo ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"They come! they come!" he shrieked aloud. "The God of the East hath delivered the Goth into your hands!" From rank to rank from line to line sped the santon; and, as the mystic banner gleamed before the soldiery, each closed his eyes and muttered an "amen" to his adjurations. And now, to the cry of "Spain and St. Iago," came trampling down the relentless charge of the Christian war.
He spoke, and drew forth his sabre; it gleamed in the torchlight the Moors bowed their heads in fanatic reverence the santon sprang from the stone, and passed into the centre of the crowd. Then, once more, arose joyful shouts. The multitude had found a leader worthy of their enthusiasm; and in regular order, they formed themselves rapidly, and swept down the narrow streets.
"Venus is morning star now," said Natalie, glancing at the brilliant dress of Winnie; "yet for all that, she will favor us with her presence this evening." As the two descended to the boudoir, they were met by Mr. Santon, who, shutting his eyes, exclaimed, "Bless me!
For some time he had had an eye to the well-filled purse of Winnie Santon, and he had looked forward to this night, when she should make her debut, with as great interest as had Winnie herself. Could he once get initiated into her good graces, he had no fears for the rest; and he had already visions of what he was pleased to term, "Old Santon's chest of gold."
Muza, the tale is done; wilt thou visit with me this enchanted chamber, and see if the hour be come?" "Commander of the faithful," said Muza, "the story is dread and awful. But pardon thy friend wert thou alone, or was the santon Almamen thy companion?" "Why the question?" said Boabdil, evasively, and slightly colouring.
Santon entered the room; he looked at his daughter! at the disordered apartment of his buried wife, which he had never held more sacred, and he looked at Mrs. Santon! Without speaking a word he left the room. Poor Winnie! this is indeed life's lesson! but thou art learning to "suffer and be strong."
Opening the door of the boudoir, she paused; arranged upon the table were her birthday gifts, and Mr. Santon had spared no pains to make the collection as rare as possible. In the centre of the table was a set of diamonds for the hair, and as Winnie clasped them about her dark tresses, she laughed outright, exclaiming, "They are so handsome! papa, I cannot wait for night to come!
"She is a beautiful creature, and if I mistake not, she has a heart to match; but she does not resemble her mother at all, in features; I think Captain Grosvenor must have been a fine-looking man;" and Mrs. Santon wore a complacent look, as she thought of the favorable effect which their guest might have upon the mind of her daughter; for owing to frequent ill-health, Mrs.
Santon could bring herself to censure her. Still the mother must do her duty toward her child, and many a prayer had been offered, that she might have strength to act aright. The long covered wagon stopped at the door of their new home just as the sun was going down.
Before proceeding farther, we will give our patient reader a little insight to the history of these two personages, whom we consider of sufficient note in our simple narrative, for inducing us to tear ourselves away, for a little while, from the attractions at Santon Mansion. Clarence Delwood belonged to one of the most aristocratic families in Boston.
Word Of The Day