Graham's Magazine, Vol. XVIII, No. 3, March 1841Various
General
Graham's Magazine, Vol. XVIII, No. 3, March 1841
Various
Literature -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals
The day before the one fixed for his departure from Constantinople, a
company of traders arrived, bringing with them Circassian slaves. He
happened to be passing by the slave-market, and impelled by sudden
curiosity, entered the room. He had scarcely done so when he was struck
by the graceful figure of one of the girls, which reminded him of
Nerinda. He felt almost afraid to have her veil removed, then
remembering that it would be impossible for her to recognise him in his
present dress, and determining to suppress his emotions whatever the
result, he made the request, which was instantly complied with. It was
indeed Nerinda, but how changed! She stood before him pale as marble,
with downcast eyes, looking as if no smile would ever again illumine
those pensive features; once only a faint color tinged her cheek as he
advanced toward her, then instantly gave place to more deathly paleness.
The price was soon agreed upon, for the trader was now as anxious to get
rid of his fair slave as he had been desirous to obtain her; having
resigned the hope of making an immense profit in consequence of the
continual dejection and grief she indulged, which had greatly impaired
her health and beauty. Hassan ordered the trader to send her to his
apartments immediately.
When he entered the room to which she had been conducted, he gently
raised her veil. She looked up, and recognised him instantly; her joy
was as unbounded as his own, but was displayed in a different manner.
She threw herself into his arms and sobbed and wept. She was, however,
at length able to listen tranquilly to the account of his adventures,
and to relate her own.
The remembrance of his aged parent, doubly endeared by absence, and of
his joyous childhood, were still alive in the breast of Hassan; and
after a few days spent at Constantinople, he proposed to return to his
native valley.
They set out, the health and beauty of Nerinda improving, in spite of
the fatigues of their journey. The joy with which they were greeted was
unbounded. All had given Hassan up for dead, and Nerinda was regarded as
lost to them forever. Even her father had repented of his avarice, and
would willingly have returned his gold, could he have once more had
Nerinda by his side. Her mother and sisters hung around her with tears
of joy; and the whole valley welcomed her return with glad rejoicings.
The young couple took up their residence with Hassan’s father; many a
visit did they pay to that bank of turf, the scene of their former
meetings, and never did they look on that spot without feeling their
bosom swell with the emotions of gratitude to that kind Providence who
had disposed all things for their good, and had watched over and
protected them, even when they believed themselves deserted.
* * * * *
THE MAIDEN’S ADVENTURE.
A TALE OF THE EARLY SETTLERS OF VIRGINIA.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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