Fanshawe

spiring youth

lance beware; f

rt the torrent

ostrate lies,

es in a

OM

nce to be related. The summer was now drawing to a close; and Dr. Melmoth had received information that his friend's arrangements were nea

regarded his own sex; and he still confined himself as sedulously to his chamber, except for one hour-the sunset hour-of every day. At that period, unless prevented by the inclemency of the wea

student hurried back to his solitude. But, in course of time, opportunities occurred for more extended conversation; so that, at the pe

e, the result of which, for a thousand reasons, could not be happiness. Firm in this determination, and confident of his power to adhere to it; feeling, also, that time and absence could not cure his own passion, and having no desire for such a cure,-he saw no reason for breaking off the intercourse that was established between Ellen and himself. It was remarkable, that, notwithst

was formed to walk in the calm and quiet paths of life, and to pluck the flowers of happiness from the wayside where they grow. Singularity of character, therefore, was not calculated to win her love. She undoubtedly felt an interest in the solitary student, and perceiving, with no

et summer day, and were standing by the side of the stream, just where it swept into a deep pool. The current, undermining the

hook and line, a fish-spear, or any piscatorial instrument of death!

r, just over the fish. "There! he has darted down the stream. How many pleasant caves and recesses there must be under these

ves and recesses of which you speak, Yes, there may be happines

ss of our friend the trout," interrupted Edward, pointing down the str

he sport, to judge by the pace

Edward Walcott. "I should think him well acquainted with the stream; for, hastily as he walks, he has tried every p

ion?" inquired Fanshawe. "It is a species of

d not discover the spot; or, if he did, the probable result of a cast would be the loss of hook and line,-an accident that

eafless oak, that formed with its roots an obstruction very common in American streams; but, throwing his line wi

or, at least, one very like him in size," observed Edwar

"This person, perhaps, resides in the neighbor

urs has darkened his brow; and his step and air have something foreign in them, like what we see in sailors who have lived more in other countries t

, he raised his head, and threw one quick, scrutinizing glance towards them, disclosing, on his part, a set of bold and rather coarse features, weather-b

inquired Edward Walcott, when within a

rs could scarcely determine to be foreign, or the contrary. "I am a stranger

ler's eye, sir,"

you had often trod these banks, and I cou

But will not the young lady try her skill?" he continued, casting a bold eye

seemed meant for courtesy; but its effect was excessively disagreeable. Edward Walcot

the fish to the proof, sir," he said, "and she

anger, haughtily. "If you will step this way, Miss Langton" (here he interrupted himself

, she was actuated by a desire to keep the peace, which, as her notice of Edward Walcott's crimsoned cheek and flashing eye assured her, was considerably endangered. The angler led the way to

de of managing the rod; and she made one or two casts under his direction. At length, however, as if to offer his assistance, the man advanced close to her side, and seemed to speak, but in so low a tone, that the sense of what he uttered was lost before it reached the oak. But its effect upon Ellen was immediate and very obvious.

mine is a dress for a summer day,"

ing breeze alone that sends y

emed to be intent upon his occupation, drew a fish

would listen to me a moment longer, she would be repa

omplied, after exchanging, unperceived by Ellen, a glance with the stranger, the meaning of which the latter appeared perfectly to understand. Fanshawe also attended her. Their walk towards Dr. Melmoth's dwelling

only his own image in the water, where it swept into a silent depth; and could hear only its ripple, where stones and sunken trees impeded its course. The object of his search might, indeed, have found concealment among the tufts of alders, or in the forest that was near at hand; but thither it was in vain to pursue him. The angler had apparently set littl

re thrown open. At one of these, which looked into the garden, she seated herself, listening, almost unconsciously, to the monotonous music of a thousand insects, varied occasionally by the voice of a whippoorwill, who, as the day departed, was just commencing his song. A dusky tint, as yet almost imperceptible, was begin

stify it to her reason, inclined her to believe that the angler was a messenger from her father. But wherefore he should deem it necessary to communicate any intelligence that he might possess only by means of a private interview, and without the knowledge of her friends, was a mystery she could not solve. In this view of the matter, however, she half regretted that her instinctive delicacy had impelled her so suddenly to break off their conference, admitting, in the secrecy of her own mind, that, if an opportuni

bject is but your own good, and that of one

both these measures, she determined to remain, endeavoring to persuade herself that she was sa

nger," she said. "If you bring news from-from

as the reply; "and if you would avoid misfortune now,

rn my father?" ask

eeply," answere

n replied, "I will not refuse,

e, and that would be fatal to my errand," said

retreat from argument was the most probable method that he could have adopted of gaining his end. He had awakened the strong

impeded by shrubbery. Many of the original trees of the forest were still flourishing among the exotics which the doctor had transplanted thither. It was not without a sensation of fear, stronger than she had ever before experienced, that Ellen Langton found herself in this artificial wilderness, and in the p

me. But we are in open view from the house, where we now sta

," said Ellen, tremblin

tood beneath a gnarled,

beauty had caused him t

for I dare follo

solitary; and the stranger delaye

o you not love him? Would y

r could ask I would do,"

her? and when sh

lf, whether you shall meet

Ellen. "Is he ill?

is a ruined man. Of all his friends, but one remains to him. That frien

d of plain sense, which revolted against the mystery of these proceedings. Such a course, too, seemed discordant with her fathe

estion. "You will see that it is in your father's hand;

for a footstep was now heard, approaching from the lower part of the garden. From their situation,-at some distance from the path, and in the shade of the tree,-they had a fair ch

w his attention from all outward objects. He rather resembled the hunter, on the watch for his game; and, w

calm authority that became him well, notwithstanding that his years scarcely exceeded her own

uthorized intrusion of Fanshawe in her affairs; but his impo

uest, but in the tone of a command. "The dew hangs dank and heavy on thes

me and anger, as the dew upon the leaves, she felt compelled to accept the arm that he offered h

bedience? Does your power extend to men? Or do you rule only over simple girls? Miss Lan

xed his eyes on the stranger.

orne down by the influence of a superior mind, to maintain the boldness of look and bearing that seemed natural to him. He at first made a step fo

e of depression. Ellen observed, also, that his countenance had lost its look of pride and authority; and h

than your pure mind can conceive. I know not what has been his errand; but let me entreat you to put confidence in those to whose care you

did not reply, they reached t