Fostina Woodman, the Wonderful Adventurer | Page 5

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 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,