Fanshawe

cries, behold t

f conceals the

crystal source

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after being overtaken by Edward Walcott, was left with little a

find his happiness in the common occupations of the world; and Fanshawe never deceived himself so far as to suppose that this would be the case with him. Indeed, he often wondered at the passion with which Ellen's simple loveliness of mind and person had inspired him, and which seemed to be founded on the principle of contrariety, rather than of sympathy. It was the yearning of a soul, formed by Nature in a peculiar mould, for communion with those to whom it bore a resemblance, yet of whom it was not. But there was no reason to suppose that Ellen, who differed from the multitude only as being purer and better, would cast away her affections on the one

-grown road was visible, he was the only traveller there. Yet again he heard the sound, which, he now discovered, proceeded from among the trees that lined the roadside. Alighting, he entered the forest, with the intention, if the steed proved to be disengaged, and superior to his own, of appropriating him to his own use. He soon gained a view of the object he sought; but the animal rendered a closer acquaintance unattainable, by immediately taking to his heels. Fanshawe had,

sion of countenance. Fanshawe was not long in deciding that death was within the cottage, and that these aged females were of the class who love the house of mourning, because to them it is a house of feasting. It is a fact, disgusting and lamentable, that the disposition which Heaven, for the bes

s, men might follow the example of many animals in destroying the infirm of their own species. Indeed, instances of this nature might be adduced among savage nations.) Sometimes, however, from an original lusus naturae, or from the influence of circumstances, a man becomes a haunter of death-beds, a tormentor of afflicted hearts,

as been described. How frightful it seemed!-that fixed countenance of ashy paleness, amid its decorations of muslin and fine linen, as if a bride were d

consolation is actually required, add torture insupportable to the wounded heart. Their present object, however, conducted herself with all due decorum, holding her handkerchief to her tearless eyes, and answering with very grievous

ing some words in his ear, of the meaning of which his mind did not immediately take

ure with me, sir?"

nds of our deceased sister?" As he spoke, he pointed to a table, on which was a moderate-sized stone jug and two or three broken glasses; for then, as

," answered Fanshawe; "and it is n

ssel is needful to recruit the outward man. And for the prayer, the sisters will expect it; and their souls are longing for

ed him, and intimated that the sister of the deceased was desirous of the benefit of his conversation. He would have returned a negative to this request, but, looking towards the afflicted woman, he saw h

"I will give the sisters to expect a word of pray

dy at the side of the mourner. The females withdrew out of ear-s

my purpose?" inquired Fans

which reached only the ear for which it was intended. "I know whom you come to seek: I can direct you to them. Speak low, for God's sak

whisper which all his efforts could scarcely k

ered by it?" inquired the old woman, her sp

the motionless corpse upon the bed, and then at the wretched being, whom the cours

. "Take this. Make your own terms when they are discovered. Only t

hen continued: "Follow the path behind the cottage, that leads to the river-side. Walk along the foot of the rock, and search for them near the water-spout. Keep a slow pace till you are out of sight," she added, as the student started to his feet. The guests of th

"for they are leading you whence you will not

that led to the river-side. But it was originally no more than a track, by which the cattle belonging to th

, he would not, probably, have turned back; not that he was infected by any chivalrous desire to finish the adventure alone, but because he would expect little assistance from those he had left there. Yet he could not but wonder-though he had not in his first eagerness taken notice of it-at the anxiety of the old woman that he should proceed singly, and without the knowledge of her guests, on the search. He nevertheless continued to wander on,-pau

tsteps, when, perceiving that he trod upon a smooth, level rock, he look

leasantly at the roots of the tall old trees, with whose highest tops he was upon a level. Suddenly he seemed to hear voices-one w

the height where Fanshawe stood. He felt that Heaven had sent him thither, at the moment of her utmost need, to be the preserver of all that was dear to him; and he paused only

fragment of rock, and threw it down the cliff. It struck so n

tottered beneath him. There was something awful, to his apprehension, in the slight form that stood so far above him, like a being from another sphere, looking down upon his wickedness. But his half-superstitious

h his closed teeth. "There shall be no form nor likeness of man l

f. The space which only had hitherto been deemed accessible was quickly passed; and in a moment more he was half-way up the precipice, c

part, of the ascent was surmounted, his opinion changed. His courage, however, did not fail him as the moment of need drew nigh. His spirits rose buoyantly; his lim

nd, and he fell backward down the precipice. His head struck against the less perpendicular part of the rock, whence the body rolled heavily down to the detached fragment, o

len lay motionless at the foot of the cliff. She had indeed fainted at the moment she became aware of her

nce, from attempting to descend to her assistance; and, whether owing to his advantage in

hope; it had no reference to the future: it was the perfect bliss of a moment,-an insulated point of happiness. He bent over her, and pressed a kiss-the first, and he knew it would be the last-on her pale lips

len. You are

But, as a fuller sense of her situation returned, she raised herself to her feet, though still retaining the support of his arm. It was singular, that, although her insensibility had com

," she said in faint, low acce

nded. Chance-for neither Ellen nor Fanshawe could have discovered the path-led them, after but little wandering, to the cottage. A messenger was sent forward t

der his protection, afforded him advantages of education, and, as his capacity was above mediocrity, gradually trusted him in many affairs of importance. During this period, there was no evidence of dishonesty on his part. On the contrary, he manifested a zeal for Mr. Langton's interest, and a respect for his person, that proved his strong sense of the benefits he had received. But he unfortunately fell into certain youthful indiscretions, which, if not entirely pardonable, might have been palliated by many considerations that would have occurred to a merciful man. Mr. Langton's justice, however, was seldom tempered by mercy; an

te an inscription, which some one was at the pains to cut in the smooth surface of the stone. Traces of letters are still discernible; but the writer's many efforts could never discover a connected meaning. The grave, also, is overgrown with fern-bushes, and su