Fostina Woodman, the Wonderful Adventurer | Page 4

which he thought necessary to
effect their happiness in future years.
O vain ambition! delusive hope! Too many there are who think that
true happiness cannot be enjoyed without the possession of wealth.
Not many years after Mr. Woodman had settled at the Mountain, his
brother-in-law visited the place, and concluded to settle in the village,
which he did, establishing his residence a few miles from the Glen.
It had been arranged by the brothers of Fostina, after their father's death,
that Mr. Aubrey, their uncle, should take possession of the Cottage
until their return, on condition that he would take charge of their
beloved sister during their absence. With the kind assurance of this
from their uncle, the brothers took leave of their affectionate sister,
promising a hasty return to their mountain home. But now came the
trying moment to Lewis Mortimer and his beloved Fostina. The
thought of absenting himself so long, from one he so dearly loved, so
wrought upon his feelings that he almost gave up the idea of leaving his
native land. But the entreaties of his youthful friends, and the desire for
gold which filled his breast, together with the repeated assurances of
Fostina's uncle, that he would watch over and protect her during his
absence, induced him at last to follow them.
Poor Lewis, it was a trying moment! The time had now come that he
must bid adieu to his fair betrothed! The lovely Fostina fell on his
bosom and wept bitter tears of anguish. He bid her await with calmness
his return, when they should never more be separated. One fond
embrace, and affectionate farewell, from the trembling lips of Lewis
Mortimer, and they parted!
CHAPTER II.

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