Fostina Woodman, the Wonderful Adventurer | Page 6

her steps in the direction from which
she saw it. On approaching the spot, she discovered that the light which
she had seen issued from a rude dwelling. As she ventured nearer, she
heard voices within, which induced her to enter. When she reached the
entrance, she rapped gently at the door; an aged man made his
appearance, manifesting great surprise on seeing the youthful stranger
at his lonely residence, at that late hour of the night.
He looked at the sorrowful maiden with tenderness and compassion,
who seemed apparently in great distress. On seeing the kindness of the
stranger, she briefly related to him the circumstances which had taken
place on that day.

He then informed her that a few hours before, a young man, severely
wounded, had been conveyed there by some persons unknown. On
hearing this intelligence, she immediately requested to see the
unfortunate stranger. With feeble steps the aged man conducted her
through an inner apartment, where, on entering, she beheld the form of
the sufferer, stretched upon a low bed. She hastened to the couch, gave
one glance, and found, alas! that her fears were but too true. She gazed
a moment on the pale and emaciated countenance of Lewis Mortimer,
and clasping her hands in agony, she uttered a piercing shriek!
* * * * *
The violence of her grief caused her suddenly to awake, and to her
great surprise, she found herself alone, surrounded by midnight
darkness. After a few moments had elapsed, Fostina recalled to her
memory where she was, and discovered that she had fallen asleep, and
had been visited with a most frightful dream. She stood a moment in a
listening attitude, thinking that she heard the sound of approaching
footsteps; she then turned, and beheld a dark figure standing by her side,
and supposing it to be some one from the cottage in request for her, she
made an effort to speak without betraying any emotion caused by her
frightful dream. At that instant the dark clouds which had passed over
the moon suddenly disappeared, causing it to shine upon the form
which now stood before the lonely maiden, revealing to her the well
known features of Rineldo Aubrey. He anxiously inquired why she had
remained out at such a late hour, saying that her friends were much
alarmed for her safety, and had sent him in haste to the Mountain in
search for her. She made but little reply to this remark from her cousin,
and carefully avoided making any allusion to her dream.
Rineldo now took her hand, and hurriedly led the way to the cottage.
Her heart beat violently, and she trembled in every limb. Her cousin,
observing her extreme agitation, hastened to the house, where, on
entering, they found Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey anxiously awaiting their
arrival. After assuring them that she was safe, she hastily retired to her
apartment, and threw herself upon the couch.
But no rest came to the poor maiden; all night she lay in deep

meditation. She recalled to her memory the dream which she had while
asleep on the Mountain; each circumstance came up vividly before her
imagination, and it seemed like a strange revelation made known to her,
too awful to escape her memory.
She arose the next morning at an early hour, and seated herself at an
open window which overlooked the gardens. Soon after her cousin
came in, and summoned her to breakfast; she arose and followed him to
the apartment with assumed cheerfulness, and soon after prepared
herself to take her accustomed walk. As she passed through the avenues
leading from the cottage, she was joined by her cousin, who, with great
kindness in his manner, asked if he should accompany her. After some
hesitation she consented, and they directed their steps to the Mountain,
which overlooked the Glen. After they had ascended, they turned to
take a view of the beautiful scenery which lay spread out before them.
Fostina soon expressed a wish to return, and her cousin, observing her
unusual paleness, readily complied; a few moments' walk brought them
again to the cottage, where they separated, Fostina retiring to her
chamber, where she remained during the day.
CHAPTER III.
Rineldo and his Cousin--He seeks to win her Love--Fostina makes
known to him her Love for Lewis Mortimer--Rineldo tries to gain her
Favor, and is encouraged by his Parents.
A few days after the circumstances occurred which have been related in
the preceding chapter, Fostina and her cousin again met in the parlor.
He anxiously inquired of her if she had received any intelligence of her
absent friends; she informed him that she had not, but was daily
expecting a message from them. She sighed deeply, at this allusion to
her beloved friends, who were