Fostina Woodman, the Wonderful Adventurer | Page 4

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 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.