possibly strangers for the means of subsistence- had never been presented to his family by her adoBut oh! above all my dear brother, give him this," ring husband. A suspicion of the true cause never she continued, placing a small bible in Abel's for a moment entered her innocent mind, and his hands, " as soon as he is able to read :-a dear com- trivial excuses for the delay were at once accepted panion has it been to me. It revealed to me the without further inquiry. blessed truths which it contains, and has been my only consolation since-since-during my last sad days. Keep him with you as much as possible during his childhood, or at least near you until his increased studies make a removal necessary for the accomplishment of my wishes, and oh! I again entreat you to endeavor to instil into his infant mind moral and religious principles, that they may

"We are so happy here, (he would often say,) in our quiet retreat, I almost wish this sweet calm should never be broken. The noise and bustle of a gay city will be irksome indeed after such delightful repose ;" and Laura's young heart was filled with happiness. But, alas! it was doomed to be too soon blighted. One beautiful evening as Laura beheld her husband coming towards the grow with his growth and strengthen with his house and flew to meet him, she observed an exstrength.' Keep from him, if possible, the know-cessive agitation in his looks. Her heart sank ledge of his father's baseness! and then-and then-within her as she inquired the cause.

"You! you! no-no!-'tis impossible; what! to hasten his death? Madman that I was," continued he, but observing the wondering looks and pale cheeks of Laura, he suddenly approached and embraced her, calling her by all the endearing ap

The last words of his beloved sister touched deeply the heart of Abel Moore. She was a half sister, by a second marriage of his father. After the death of her parents, (which occurred ere she had attained her tenth year,) she had constantly pellations which the warmest affection could sugresided with a distant connexion of her mother's, whose circumstances were almost affluent and who becoming warmly attached to her gentle protegée, bestowed upon her a good education; thus at once fitting her for a station in society which she could not expect to attain. She attracted the attention of one whose intellectual qualifications and fair exterior, won her admiration, and whose attention, alas! too soon succeeded in winning the innocent affections of her gentle heart.

gest; tenderly assured her of his speedy return, when he promised to explain all which now appeared strange in his conduct; kissed her pale cheek again and again and departed, Laura knew not whither.

Months after, when Laura awoke from her long delirium, a sealed letter was placed in her hands by her weeping friend, who entreated her to permit her first to peruse its contents. She did not die when the blow fell-she did not even weep, but But now came the opposition from his wealthy sat the mute image of despair. The horrible truth and aristocratic family, which his imagination pic- was revealed. She was no longer a wife-nay— tured in glowing colors and which he was too sure she never had been one! and he-he the deceiver, of meeting should his wishes be made known to had voluntarily fled from the influence of his innothem, and then there was a feeling in his own heart cent victim. She could not doubt it, for she read which rejected the idea of an union with one, how the words again and again. "The ceremony was ever lovely and worthy, who could not claim as a but mockery! will you not detest the villain, Laura, birthright the privilege of moving in that sphere who has thrown a blight upon your maiden purity the right to which he had been taught to consider and blasted your happiness everlastingly? you the first of earthly blessings. But could he not will-you must!" From this time she sank slowly place her there and would she not shine forth one and gradually. There was yet one strong link to of its brightest ornaments? True, but how could bind her to the earth, and one only. The kind he stand the flash of his father's proud eye-the friend who had always loved and cherished her, cold curl of his sister's lip? Should he fly? It died suddenly, but there was still the one strong tie was impossible! In one short month after, he which binds the heart of the mother even to her sought and received the hand of the confiding unborn infant. She lived just long enough to smile Laura. upon her boy and bless him, after bequeathing to There was a tremor in his voice as he pronoun-him the legacy which had been provided for herced the marriage vows, and Laura felt that his lips self by her adopted parent. were cold as a marble statue. Her own were Retiring with his little charge to the wee cot blanched by their chilly pressure, and a tear trem- which he had for the last six or seven years occubled on her eye lid; but an assuring smile from her pied as a lone bachelor, Abel in fitting himself for lover soon chased it away. the performance of his sister's dying request thought Days, weeks and months glided by and yet Laura' it a wise plan to procure an assistant, and notwith

standing his many scars and a lame leg, (obtained | "Pshaw woman! interrupt me not with your at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781 at the surrender of fooleries. This is not the land of wandering gypCornwallis to the American and French troops,) sies-pray reserve your trick for some more fitting he soon found a young wife who was nothing loth object, but here," and he threw something towards to assist him in rearing his beautiful little charge, her. and in due time he became the father of two fine "Man-man!" said the figure, rising and apboys and a little cherub girl; but alas the amiable proaching him, "I asked not for your silver, but the mother dies in giving her birth. As they grew up spell is upon me. I must read you your fate. Do the boys regarded their cousin as one of themselves, not deny me-if you do, may the —." showing him more respect in consideration of his The stranger laughed in derision, but extending being the eldest and of his great learning, for he his hand said, "Tell me my object in coming was now enabled to read not only in the good book hither." which was his mother's last gift, but in many others. What excited their admiration still more, he could draw charming pictures and puzzles on his slate, besides writing small hand very legibly. For all these accomplishments and more than all else, the kindness and gentleness with which he guided her tiny hand in tracing figures like those which had so

"To seek for what you can never find," replied the woman, "happiness, or rather forgetfulnessbut conscience can never sleep. Ha, villain, canst thou remember thy acts and expect to find peace on this earth? There are your false oaths, and there lies your victim in the clay-cold shroud."

side-Begone! or by the "
'Begone," said the stranger springing from her

"May your own curses light on you!" shrieked the hag.

"Chelsie-Chelsie!" said the voice of one approaching, "who are you cursing now? for shamefor shame, wicked woman!"

delighted her, Dora loved cousin Edward quite as well-nay a little better if possible than brother Joshua or George Washington La Fayette. This she would not by any means have said in word, lest she should offend them, but truly unsophisticated she unconsciously evinced it in her every action. Her little heart was as merry as a cricket when evening came and with it "dear Edward." Her "And who are ye who come to cry shame to old pretty brown locks, which clung in soft rings around Chelsie? ye fool, ye idiot! go home, Ned Moore; her Hebe face, were combed as smooth as possible, go home, ye idiot, and guard the jewel of your and her little brown linen apron, if soiled, cun- soul--for I tell ye danger is near! The foul fiend ningly turned or replaced by a clean one. Swift as thought would she fly to meet him as soon as his form became visible at the turning of the path.

CHAPTER II.

It was a still and beautiful summer evening. On the brow of a high hill a stranger paused and gazed with silent rapture on one of natures fairest scenes. Far down in a long valley he beheld the placid waters of Lake George winding playfully and laving the many bright isles that repose in mimic grandeur on its crystal bosom. The view was bounded by lofty mountains which were clothed with the deepest verdure—a few small huts were scattered along the edge of the lake and seemed, in the majestic and beautiful scene which surrounded them, scarce large enough for the habitation of fairies. The eye of the stranger lingered delighted over this magic scene of mountain and valley, forest and stream, or enraptured followed the devious windings of the lake below.

"Shall I cross your palm?" said a voice whose harsh tones startled the stranger. He turned and beheld with surprise the figure of a woman sitting on the stump of a decayed pine.

has whispered me! Begone and-beware!" and raising her crutch, with a menacing look towards the youth, she hobbled away, shrieking, in a shrill voice, "beware-beware-beware!"

Gracefully approaching the stranger, Edward informed him, (for he appeared agitated,) that notwithstanding her blasphemies and menaces she was perfectly harmless. "She pretends," he continued, smiling, "to have a knowledge of future events as well as the past and present, and many of the ignorant and credulous believe she has the power even to read one's thoughts."

The stranger laughed heartily at this and his own momentary trepidation, then requested his new acquaintance to give him the favor of his company, or direct him to the village from which the beauty of the surrounding scenery had prompted him to make this little excursion. Edward accompanied him some distance, but excused himself from going farther, saying he feared his prolonged absence would cause some uneasiness in his little family, as it was long past the hour he was always expected and usually reached home. "Pray accept my thanks, together with this trifle, my lad," said the stranger as they were about to separate.

The youth stepped back, and his cheek flushed "Who are you?" he demanded in some aston- to burning red, while he replied in a tone of mortiishment, "and what do you desire?" fication, excuse me, sir; you owe me no thanks, "Let me look into your palm and I will tell you I would have done the same for any other person, your fate," said the same harsh voice again. and although I would not walk one step out of my

way for your silver, I would willingly walk many usual it was soon in the hands of its delighted more to oblige you or any fellow being."

"Well! for the first time in my life," said the stranger, gazing in the direction which the boy had taken—“ for the first time in my life I have at length seen this potent charm fail in its effect. A strange youth that!"

owner. "Let's call round by old Judy Springles and take Sammy with us," said Joshua, "and if Dick Turner sees Dora with us you know he'll go too."

"Then you may be sure I will not move another step towards Judy Springles," said the little lady, turning short around, "for I'll go back first, I declare!"

In a few moments he was again seated in the little Inn with a delightful repast of berries and cream before him. As Edward approached the “Then you are cross enough I'm sure,” said garden gate, Dora came bounding to meet him. George, "for you know he is your sweetheart and "Oh! cousin, why did you stay so late-I began wanted to kiss you the other day. You know he to fear old Chelsie Grayton had spirited you away, did now, so you can't deny it." Edward's dark eye for she has been here bidding me beware of danger, flashed and a cloud gathered o'er his brow, but he which, she says, I am threatened with. Oh! she spoke not a word. frightened me so!"

"Well," said Dora with a provoking smile, “do "Why do you mind her, Dora, when you know you think he will ever try to kiss me again?" she is always talking in this strain?" said Edward, "No! that I don't," retorted the brother, "for kissing her bright cheek. Thus reassured, Chelsie you were so rude I had a mind to tell father." Grayton and her wild prophecies were soon forgot- "You have no right," interrupted Edward, "to ten and Dora was presently employed in chasing trouble your father with such trifles, or to interfere the fire flies and with them fancifully decking her with matters which concern Dora alone. I think little person. The next day was Saturday and the the rudeness was on his side and she was very joyous laugh of many youthful voices rang melo- right to repulse him." The boys, however, in the diously among the rocks where Dora at length meanwhile, were following in the direction taken found a hiding place secure from discovery, while by Dora and soon found themselves within a short her brother and Edward were in eager pursuit of distance of the well-known clump of chesnut trees. her, and ever and anon her little curly head was "Yonder are the very boys we have been talking obtruded from her snug retreat and she called to about," exclaimed our little party in a breath, "and them whenever they approached in the direction of they know us," said George. "Don't you see that her hiding place, saying, "cold, cold as ice!" The one up the tree? he is looking at. . . . . there! he boys now warned her to appear as they had given up the play and had decided on going chesnut gathering. "Now I propose Dora shall give each of us a kiss," said Edward, smoothing back her disshevelled locks and playfully patting her cheek, "to compensate for such a trial of our patience in seeking so long for her-don't you think so boysha?"

"Pshaw," returned Joshua, "what foolishness! run, Dora, and coax Ellen for your bonnet; make haste, for we must be away at once."

has jumped down now," "and they are coming to meet us," said Joshua, and onwards the two latter gaily bounded towards them. Dora's little check bonnet had fallen back from her face, though still confined under the chin by the strings, while her dark tresses floated freely in the breeze, giving a wild luxuriance to her beauty from which she appeared the finest model for a little wood nymph that could have been conceived.

"I am glad to see you, Dora," said a robust looking, chubby faced lad approaching our little heroine and presenting her with a little bouquet. "Pray take them," said he, "I pulled them on purpose for you."

"Do take them," said the boy eagerly.

"Oh, she had better go into the house and remain with Ellen," said George Washington La Fayette. Meanwhile the little beauty stood eyeing her ungallant brother with an expression of puerile dignity, "Thank you, Mr. Richard," said Dora coolly while tears of mortification filled her laughing and glancing carelessly at the beautiful nosegay, eyes. "I don't wish for any of your kisses at all," but I don't want them." Mr. Joshua," said the little lady, (her anger at last finding utterance,) "and I do not wish to go with you, Mr. George--no I don't and I do not love either of you half so much as I do cousin Edward, ing away. there now!" The sight of her tears had wrought| repentance in the hearts of her brothers, (who really ing her steps. loved her,) and their warm assurances of regret, together with Edward's entreaties, soon restored her good humor and her short-lived resentment was again." scarcely remembered the next moment.

The bonnet was now speedily sought for, and old" Ellen being found more amiably disposed than

"I don't want your flowers, Richard! so don't ask me any more if you please," said Dora, walk

"But you must have them," said the boy follow

"She shall not be forced to receive them against her will," said Edward, "so don't offer them

"But I will!" returned the imperturbable Richard. Do, pretty Dora, take them."

Edward now quickly seized the bouquet, and

throwing it upon the ground trampled its beauties | serve the resemblance at first. Heavens! 'tis her beneath his feet. The scene was here interrupted very breathing image!"

by the sudden appearance of a stranger among Nothing could have been more graceful than them, in whom Edward soon recognized the hand- the position just then unconsciously chosen by some person whom he had guided to the village the little maiden. One hand held the corner of the preceding night. her apron, while the fair arm to which it belong"I am sorry to meet you and this young gentle-ed extended the muslin to receive the nuts which man under such unfavorable appearances, after Edward playfully showered down. Her bonnet having formed such a prepossession in your favor was thrown aside and a little wicker basket occufrom the adventure of yesterday," said the latter pied its place and was gracefully balanced by its addressing Edward; then gazing with surprise and pretty owner, while her long dark curls now clung admiration on Dora, who had sunk with fear, (on around her neck, now wound themselves amidst the beholding Edward's strange and unusual display of fibres of the basket and mingled with its contents. temper,) on a pine log near, continued-" You have sadly frightened your lovely little companion!" "I must indeed regret my violence," said Edward, bowing gracefully and instinctively, "since

66

CHAPTER III.

Evening found old Abel's little family resting I have thereby forfeited a predilection in my favor quietly on the green sward before his cottage door; and been the cause of alarm to Dora; but it was and seated familiarly among them the stranger genmy eagerness to free her from further annoyance tleman, enjoying a repast of berries and cream from yonder lad's impertinence in pressing on her presented by the prettiest hand and with the sweetacceptance what she had repeatedly rejected, which est smile in the world. The stranger gazed around alone prompted and will I hope excuse the act. in ecstasy, exclaiming internally, "surely, of all Forgive cousin Edward for frightening you so, earth's chosen spots Nature has selected this to Dora," said he as he raised her light form from its bestow her richest gifts upon!" His meditations resting place. She did not reply, but though a were here interrupted by the sound of a female tear still trembled on her long dark lash, she smiled voice, low and sweet, chanting the following: a sweet assurance of her pardon. In the meanwhile, Richard and his party, startled by the appearance of the stranger, moved homeward, leaving the new comers in quiet possession of the chesnut trees, not however without a few whispers of revenge, &c.

"I was deceived," said the stranger extending his hand to Edward; "I see how it is now-the little lady is not inclined to favor her admirer and you, as her brother, thought proper to resent his importunity."

66

"There-oh! there is that snow-white brow;

His dark locks lightly wave,
Like shadows upon moonlit snow.
Cold--cold-cold in the grave!
Alas! did leave thee in sadness
To weep on thy bridal day?
Say, pretty Juliet, say.

Back-back-back from its dreary pall,
In vain thou would'st her spirit call."

All started and listened to the silver tones of the songstress. ""Tis only poor Julia," said Dora, in "He is not my brother," interrupted Dora, "but reply to a look of eager inquiry from the stranger. I love him as well as those who are," pointing toTis only poor Julia !" repeated the maniac now wards the trees where Joshua and George were advancing into the light of the bright moonbeams. eagerly filling their baskets, seemingly unconscious" Yes, yes, 'tis only poor Julie-but you should that a little sister was near for whom a portion of have seen Juliet Tracey! and her voice, oh! how their spoils should be reserved, although, in reality, sweet. He went over into the sea and left her, they intended to share them generously with her. oh! so long ago-poor, poor, Julie! and they told A meaning smile played o'er the handsome features her-but no matter-she died! But I'll sing you of the stranger while he directed a glance of arch meaning towards Edward, who, coloring deeply, said, "Dora knows no difference between her own and her adopted brother-indeed, there should be none, we have been all reared together and by the same hand."

the song she used to sing when he had gone-but
he never eame back!" she continued in a voice so
plaintive, it touched every heart. She sighed audi-
bly and then began her wild strain.

"Thou'rt borne from thy love, dear,
Across the dark, dark sea-

Close, close to thy beating heart wear
The pledge I gave to thee.

The stranger still lingered near, watching the motions of the youthful group. He seemed much taken with Dora, with her innocent "They tell me memory is a pleasant thing!beauty and simplicity; but ever and anon, as his but 'tis that which drives me mad! good eveningeye rested upon her, he sighed deeply. "There good evening!" suddenly raising her eye and exis something about this child," ejaculated he men- tending her arms to that beautiful orb whose rays tally," which reminds me of a lovely vision which of silvery radiance were thrown around. Then, once shone across my path-strange I did not ob- in a quick voice she resumed her song.

VOL. XI-3