The Mysterious Wanderer, Vol. I

since the death of Sir Henry, when

raction of his brow gave place to the smile of satisfaction, and, with a heart unwontedly attuned to cheerfulness, he accompanied the Captain and Frederick to the Governor's, where a large party

arland long resist the influence of a softer passion. The Governor's nephew likewise yielded an unresisting captive to charms unequalled in the Eastern clime; and, uncontrolled by any authority but that of an

ienced of himself. Humbled, yet indignant, he returned on board, and hastened to his cabin; whence, in the morning, he was rous

pated every mortifying reflection, and he impatiently waited for

ficiently evinced them; whilst the blushing sweetness with which she permitted his assiduities, and the mild

he wished to have been previously certified of Louise's sentiments respecting himself, and to learn from her an account of her family and connexions, with which he was as yet unacquainted. He could not, however, in idea yield to the pretensions

ith justice aspire to. She is an orphan-without a name; brought up by charity, and received into my family, at the request of my daughters, as a companion: and I think, young gentleman, you must acknowledge I should ill deserve the na

und her neck with a paper, on which was written the word-"Louisa!" The Abbess caused a search to be made after the parents; but, not being able to discover them, received and reared th

t lady, when the entrance of Louise obliterated every idea but of her; each moment presented new attractions to his fascinated senses; and he determined to es

the marked attentions of young Ferrand, the Governor's nephew; and, unable to endure the seeming satisfaction, or even the presence of his rival, which prevented his conversing freely with Louise, he entreated to speak with h

obation; and gently chid Harland for the rudeness of his behaviour to Ferrand. Harland could not conceal his chagrin at th

ncealment, and would have commenced hostilities on the spot, had not the terrified Louise entreated Harland to reconduct her to the company. Though hurried nearly to madness by the violence of passion, the voice o

the contrary, she endeavoured, by many little attentions, to soften her rejection, and which Harl

n appearance of slight, as Harland could refusal. A sentiment of respect and awe he entertained for his uncle, withheld him from disturbing the mirth of th

voured to guard the Captain, against whose life the ruffians seemed principally to direct their attention. A sharp conflict ensued, in which their assailants had evidently the superiority, and they were nearly overpowered, when a man, wrapped in a large roquelaure, hastily approached. Fred

, followed the direction of the sound, and arrived at the moment the ruffians, unable

the stranger for one of the assassins, as instantly secured him, and, findin

in, who had been rendered senseless by the blow; and who, after assuring his n

his bravery, related the service he had rendered them. The glow of impatient gratitude for a moment warmed the cheek of the Captain, as he looked round for this unknown frie

e ejaculated. "What

ime re-entered, conducting the stranger, who held

mistaken zeal of my men, but, misled by appearance, they could not distinguish whether you were friend or foe. To the aid you so generously afforded, I am undoubtedly indebted f

advancing to the Captain, sunk at his feet, and, throwing off the

zing his hand, pressed it to his breast, and exclaimed-"Repay the obligation, then, by restoring me t

and sunk into the arms of Frederick; who, confounded and amazed at the apparition, could

he so much required. The Captain unwillingly yielded to their solicitations; as he wished to have had an immediate explanation respecting the re-appearance of one whom he had so long t

doubly your debtor: your assistance last night preserved my life and now to you I must look for those blessings which can alone render life desirable. To you, my Ellenor

her an honourable asylum in the family of the Reverend Mr. Blond; with his relict I believe she at present resides. Edward, when I first quitted England, was pursuing his studies a

ave: and from your hand I still hope to receive my Ellenor. I am, I find, necessary to the elucidation of the mysteries Mr. Talton formerly mentioned: the friendship you have shown to my

again continued-"I last night, Captain Howard, promised to explain to you the accident by which you were led into the belief of my death, and, as far as I

draught of unhappiness: my childhood passed in sorrow; parental hatred still pursued me-and the events of one night, soon after the death of my father, I acknowledge, nearly bereft me of reason! To fly

d,' said your Ellenor; 'his generous hand will sustain thee, and hereafter bear thy character open to the world!' She accordingly wrote, and,

I had no alternative but to leave the ship. Scarcely knowing what I did, I gave the letter to one of the men, and, hastily descending to the boat, was conveyed on shore. I pursued my way toward Lowestoff, when, recollecting Talton probably would endeavour to trace me, I changed clothes with a lad I overtook, and, giving him my watch, he promised secrecy, should any inquiries respecting me be made. My intention then was to have proceeded to Harwich; whence I thought it probable I might find some vessel going to the Continent: but, late in the evening, I was met by some smugglers. Without ceremony, they demanded who I was, and where I was going? I answered these questions to their satisfaction; when, judging by my gar

ing the consequence which must ensue if I were seen by him, I fled to the cottage of old Owen for shelter. Owen had that instant entered, and was relating his tale to his wife, when my re-appearance and voice convinced him of his mistake. He acquainted me with the tale which was circulated of my death, and regretted the freedom with which he had mentioned seeing me that evening: for Owen well knew the circumstances which had driven me from my home; and, as Mr. Talton was returned, advised m

paused-h

passed, I may hereafter relate; though, would to Hea

rchantman trading to Havre-de-Grace; but not liking the Captain, I left him on our arrival there, and led a wandering life: t

e the anguish which preyed on my mind, my heart was with you; I wished to eradicate those sentiments you e

ce of Frederick, which brought with it the idea that Mr. Talton (as he once mentioned an intention of visiting the Indies) might be with you: as the most probable means of concealmen

so precipitately fled from Lieutenant Booyers's, on hearing of his arrival in the village? He hinted that she wa

the immediate cause of her flight. The Captain related what had passed at Lieutenant Booyers', and the idea he

protector to Ellenor till it pleased Heaven to conduct them to her. "But, alas!" he con