Fostina Woodman, the Wonderful Adventurer | Page 5

soothe her grief, and calm her
troubled spirit, that
Sought for rest, but found despair Companion of its way.
Often, at the close of day, Fostina would wander forth to visit the
graves of her departed friends, who now slept in sweet repose beneath
the shadow of the willow, which waved its drooping branches above
them. Here, side by side, they lay, in the same spot which had been
selected by Mr. Woodman in life, where they might live in peaceful
seclusion.
Weeks rolled by, and the deep interest which Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey had
taken in their fair charge, and the great kindness which they manifested
towards her, had in some degree resigned her to her fate. The
ever-watchful care of Mrs. Aubrey, and the numerous favors bestowed
upon her by her friends, were now rewarded by the cheerfulness which
she assumed, when in the family circle.

It was late one lovely afternoon in the month of August, the sun had
sunk into the golden west, and all nature seemed to be hushed in silent
repose. The shades of twilight had gathered around, and the lovely
Fostina wandered forth to visit the graves of her departed friends. After
remaining there a short time, she turned her steps towards the Mountain,
and seated herself in a pleasant nook, overshadowed by a lofty elm.
All was silent save the gentle murmur of the sparkling rivulet, which
flowed beneath her feet, and the graceful bending of the branches
around her, gently moved by the evening zephyrs. She was silent a
while, musing on the past and contemplating the scene before her,
recalling to her memory the many happy hours spent in this lovely spot
with the now absent and loved ones. She thought of the many happy
seasons passed in their society; and now what a striking contrast! The
bright hopes which had once caused her young heart to beat with joy
and gladness, seemed forever fled from her youthful breast! She leaned
her head against the branches of a willow, where she sat, and wept in
grief and sorrow. The shades of night had gathered round, and the
lonely maiden unconsciously fell into a quiet slumber. The moon had
risen, and now shone forth in all its beauty, casting its silver rays
through the branches of the willow which hung mournfully over the
fair sleeper. As the light shone upon her countenance, she seemed most
lovely to behold. A calm of quiet resignation had spread over her
features, and she lay like one
Who slept--in sweet repose, With angels hovering round.
She slept, and dreamed the following dream:--
* * * * *
FOSTINA'S DREAM.
She thought it was a lovely spring morning, and her beloved Lewis,
with her, accompanied by her brothers, had left their home, to be absent
a few days on a visit to a friend who resided some miles from the
village. After riding some distance from the Mountain, they heard the
report of a musket, seemingly not far distant; the horses suddenly took

fright, and rushed on through the forest at their utmost speed, throwing
the travellers prostrate upon the earth. When Fostina had recovered
from the shock she had received by her sudden fall from the carriage,
what was her astonishment to find herself at her uncle's residence,
attended by her uncle and aunt, with her cousin Rineldo watching over
her! As soon as she was restored to consciousness enough to realize her
situation, she earnestly inquired for Lewis and her brothers; and on
being informed that they had not been seen, she immediately rushed
from the house to the late scene of confusion. When she arrived at the
spot, no one was to be seen; she called, but no answer came to the
sound of her voice, save the echo of the distant hills. Almost frantic
with grief, she hastened from the spot to the Mountain, but her friends
could not be found; she continued her search, but in vain; she entered
the cottage, but could gain no intelligence of the missing ones. The
horrible reality now flashed upon her mind, that some enemy had
pursued them, and her friends had been taken prisoners; the report
which she recollected to have heard, confirmed her in this belief.
With this awful impression resting upon her mind, the distracted girl
threw herself down in despair; she thought of the mysterious
circumstances which had taken place on that eventful day, but all was
clouded with the deepest mystery. Night came on, and Fostina, little
thinking of the dangers to which she was herself exposed, rose to renew
her search for the lost ones, when she imagined that she saw a light
glimmering at a distance through the trees; a second glance convinced
her of its reality, and she turned