_The Ship Essex sails for California, with Lewis Mortimer and the two
Brothers on Board--Fostina's Grief at their Departure--Her Uncle's
Family--Fostina's Dream--Rineldo Aubrey._
[Illustration]
It was on the first morning in June in 184-, that the noble ship Essex
set sail for the distant lands of California, with a large crew of
enterprising young men on board from the village of S----, among whom
was Oscar Woodman, his brother Calvin, and Lewis Mortimer. Sad were
their feelings as they bid adieu to their quiet home in the Mountain
Glen, and gave a last, fond, lingering look at their native shore.
But soon the bright visions of the future, which filled their youthful
hearts, dispelled the gloom which hung around them as they parted with
their friends.
Long days and nights passed slowly away, and the good ship pursued its
course on the distant ocean. And often, in the dark and fearful night,
when the storm cloud gathered around, threatening to burst upon the
fearless and manly crew, often did poor Lewis think of his native home,
and his beloved Fostina, whom he had left behind, to seek a glittering
prize in a foreign land, fondly hoping that he might soon return in
possession of the long desired treasure.
The grief of the devoted Fostina, after parting with her brothers and
Lewis Mortimer, to whom she had given her young heart's affections, was
now almost insupportable.
After separating from her lover, Fostina retired to her room buried in
deep meditation; she felt as if she was now bereft of all her dearest
friends. All that she had held so dear in life, had been taken from her
in so short a period!
O lovely Fostina! in all thy youthful beauty, when surrounded by
friends, and thy young heart overflowing with happiness, little then
didst thou dream of this thy unhappy lot!
Mr. Aubrey removed to the cottage with his family, according to the
request of his nephews, which consisted of his wife and only son.
Fostina was now an inmate of her uncle's family, where she was treated
with the greatest kindness, and received from them every possible
attention which was in their power to bestow.
Her aunt was quiet and gentle in her manner towards her, ever ready to
administer the balm of consolation to the broken-hearted girl, who wept
in the bitterness of solitude. In her moments of grief and sadness, she
would retire alone to her apartment, there to meditate upon her lonely
situation. At these times Mrs. Aubrey never failed to exert her utmost
endeavors to cheer her with words of kindness, giving hope and
consolation that happy days were yet to come.
But, alas! the lonely maiden in the Mountain Glen had almost fallen a
victim to despair. Her merry voice, which had so often rung over the
Mountain like music in the air, was now no longer heard. The rose had
faded from her cheek, and her once bright eyes were dimmed with tears,
and her lovely countenance bore the traces of deep sorrow.
In vain did her uncle endeavor to soothe her grief, and calm her
troubled spirit, that
Sought for rest, but found despair
Companion of its way.
Often, at the close of day, Fostina would wander forth to visit the
graves of her departed friends, who now slept in sweet repose beneath
the shadow of the willow, which waved its drooping branches above them.
Here, side by side, they lay, in the same spot which had been selected
by Mr. Woodman in life, where they might live in peaceful seclusion.
Weeks rolled by, and the deep interest which Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey had
taken in their fair charge, and the great kindness which they
manifested towards her, had in some degree resigned her to her fate.
The ever-watchful care of Mrs. Aubrey, and the numerous favors bestowed
upon her by her friends, were now rewarded by the cheerfulness which
she assumed, when in the family circle.
It was late one lovely afternoon in the month of August, the sun had
sunk into the golden west, and all nature seemed to be hushed in silent
repose. The shades of twilight had gathered around, and the lovely
Fostina wandered forth to visit the graves of her departed friends.
After remaining there a short time, she turned her steps towards the
Mountain, and seated herself in a pleasant nook, overshadowed by a
lofty elm.
All was silent save the gentle murmur of the sparkling rivulet, which
flowed beneath her feet, and the graceful bending of the branches
around her, gently moved by the evening zephyrs. She was silent a
while, musing on the past and contemplating the scene before her,
recalling to her memory the many happy hours spent in this lovely spot
with the now absent and loved ones. She thought of the many happy
seasons passed in their society; and now what a striking contrast! The
bright hopes which had once caused her young heart to beat with joy and
gladness, seemed forever fled from her youthful breast! She leaned her
head against the branches of a willow, where she sat, and wept in grief
and sorrow. The shades of night had gathered round, and the lonely
maiden unconsciously fell into a quiet slumber. The moon had risen, and
now shone forth in all its beauty, casting its silver rays through the
branches of the willow which hung mournfully over the fair sleeper. As
the light shone upon her countenance, she seemed most lovely to behold.
A calm of quiet resignation had spread over her features, and she lay
like one
Who slept--in sweet repose,
With angels hovering round.
She slept, and dreamed the following dream:--
* * * * *
FOSTINA'S DREAM.
She thought it was a lovely spring morning, and her beloved Lewis,
with her, accompanied by her brothers, had left their home, to be
absent a few days on a visit to a friend who resided some miles
from the village. After riding some distance from the Mountain,
they heard the report of a musket, seemingly not far distant; the
horses suddenly took fright, and rushed on through the forest at
their utmost speed, throwing the travellers prostrate upon the
earth. When Fostina had recovered from the shock she had received
by her sudden fall from the carriage, what was her astonishment to
find herself at her uncle's residence, attended by her uncle and
aunt, with her cousin Rineldo watching over her! As soon as she
was restored to consciousness enough to realize her situation, she
earnestly inquired for Lewis and her brothers; and on being
informed that they had not been seen, she immediately rushed from
the house to the late scene of confusion. When she arrived at the
spot, no one was to be seen; she called, but no answer came to the
sound of her voice, save the echo of the distant hills. Almost
frantic with grief, she hastened from the spot to the Mountain, but
her friends could not be found; she continued her search, but in
vain; she entered the cottage, but could gain no intelligence of
the missing ones. The horrible reality now flashed upon her mind,
that some enemy had pursued them, and her friends had been taken
prisoners; the report which she recollected to have heard,
confirmed her in this belief.
With this awful impression resting upon her mind, the distracted
girl threw herself down in despair; she thought of the mysterious
circumstances which had taken place on that eventful day, but all
was clouded with the deepest mystery. Night came on, and Fostina,
little thinking of the dangers to which she was herself exposed,
rose to renew her search for the lost ones, when she imagined that
she saw a light glimmering at a distance through the trees; a
second glance convinced her of its reality, and she turned her
steps in the direction from which she saw it. On approaching the
spot, she discovered that the light which she had seen issued from
a rude dwelling. As she ventured nearer, she heard voices within,
which induced her to enter. When she reached the entrance, she
rapped gently at the door; an aged man made his appearance,
manifesting great surprise on seeing the youthful stranger at his
lonely residence, at that late hour of the night.
He looked at the sorrowful maiden with tenderness and compassion,
who seemed apparently in great distress. On seeing the kindness of
the stranger, she briefly related to him the circumstances which
had taken place on that day.
He then informed her that a few hours before, a young man, severely
wounded, had been conveyed there by some persons unknown. On
hearing this intelligence, she immediately requested to see the
unfortunate stranger. With feeble steps the aged man conducted her
through an inner apartment, where, on entering, she beheld the form
of the sufferer, stretched upon a low bed. She hastened to the
couch, gave one glance, and found, alas! that her fears were but
too true. She gazed a moment on the pale and emaciated countenance
of Lewis Mortimer, and clasping her hands in agony, she uttered a
piercing shriek!
* * * * *
The violence of her grief caused her suddenly to awake, and to her
great surprise, she found herself alone, surrounded by midnight
darkness. After a few moments had elapsed, Fostina recalled to her
memory where she was, and discovered that she had fallen asleep, and
had been visited with a most frightful dream. She stood a moment in a
listening attitude, thinking that she heard the sound of approaching
footsteps; she then turned, and beheld a dark figure standing by her
side, and supposing it to be some one from the cottage in request for
her, she made an effort to speak without betraying any emotion caused
by her frightful dream. At that instant the dark clouds which had
passed over the moon suddenly disappeared, causing it to shine upon the
form which now stood before the lonely maiden, revealing to her the
well known features of Rineldo Aubrey. He anxiously inquired why she
had remained out at such a late hour, saying that her friends were much
alarmed for her safety, and had sent him in haste to the Mountain in
search for her. She made but little reply to this remark from her
cousin, and carefully avoided making any allusion to her dream.
Rineldo now took her hand, and hurriedly led the way to the cottage.
Her heart beat violently, and she trembled in every limb. Her cousin,
observing her extreme agitation, hastened to the house, where, on
entering, they found Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey anxiously awaiting their
arrival. After assuring them that she was safe, she hastily retired to
her apartment, and threw herself upon the couch.
But no rest came to the poor maiden; all night she lay in deep
meditation. She recalled to her memory the dream which she had while
asleep on the Mountain; each circumstance came up vividly before her
imagination, and it seemed like a strange revelation made known to her,
too awful to escape her memory.
She arose the next morning at an early hour, and seated herself at an
open window which overlooked the gardens. Soon after her cousin came
in, and summoned her to breakfast; she arose and followed him to the
apartment with assumed cheerfulness, and soon after prepared herself to
take her accustomed walk. As she passed through the avenues leading
from the cottage, she was joined by her cousin, who, with great
kindness in his manner, asked if he should accompany her. After some
hesitation she consented, and they directed their steps to the
Mountain, which overlooked the Glen. After they had ascended, they
turned to take a view of the beautiful scenery which lay spread out
before them. Fostina soon expressed a wish to return, and her cousin,
observing her unusual paleness, readily complied; a few moments' walk
brought them again to the cottage, where they separated, Fostina
retiring to her chamber, where she remained during the day.