The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1830-05-01
IFrom he Ksrais.1
FRANCIS RIORDAN.

Ia
is remarkable for its highly wrought dcvol-
opment.-Francis Riordah who was en-
Enthusiastically attached to young and
lovely female, was compelled for political
reasons to flee his country. LIN f6rcign
climes he rose to rank and consideration
as soldier, and returning at the end of
four years sought the residence Of his a.
dorcd Esther Wilderming. She hhd been
induced, under d belief that Riordaan had
perished TO consent to wed his rival, Rich
ard Lacy,-but this consent, and the
grief for her lover, were too mich for her
slender frame, and Riordan arrived Just in
time to witness her funeral obsequies.-
After her mterment he determines to res
cue the beloved ramains from the family
tomb of his hated rival.
With the assistance Of some friends,
David had his old master conveyed to his
brothers little dwelling in the neighbor-
hood. During that night, and nearly the
whole Of the following day, Francis spoke
not word, and seemed to be scarcely con-
scious of what passed around him. He
rejected all food, and delivered himselfup
TO an extreme detection Of mind. Tow
ards evening, however, he called David to
his beside and made him detail all he knew
of the circumstances attending Esther's
death, which the poor fellow, hoping to
alleviate his masters affiiction by awak-
ening something like an interest in his
mind, recapitulated with great precision.
The nurse, he said had found her lifeless
in her bed. The Damers were in the ut
most distress at this event, and Richard
Lacy had conducted himself ever since,
like distracted person. While Francis
listened to this portion of the narrative,
the speaker heard him calculate in low
whisper the words I" Poor Fellow!"
"Ihat was what killed me'' said Da-
vid, a few days afterwards in telling the
circumstance to Mrs. Kelchof, g The mo-
ment heard him showih' pity for Lacy,
l knew his heart was broke! He never
will hold his head ZIP again, says to my
self, as long aslong as yer he lives!"
Night fell, lonely and dark, upon those
drcary hills, and Francis had not began to
take an interest in any thing which passed
around him. David's family were all in
bed, and he sat alone by the fireside, watch
ing lest some sudden illness should render
his assistance necessary to his master.
He was just doing in his hay bottomcd
chair, and dreamed that he was holding a
controversy with Aaron Shepherd, when
he felt hand press lightly upon his shoul
dcrs, and voice whisper in his ear some
some words that his fancy construed into
a different meaning: "Wake, David,
wake! want you'll" said the voice.
Here he felt his SHOULDER shaken, with a
degree offorce which compelled him to a
wake. Looking up he beheld Francis
Riordan, pale even to ghastliness, stahd-
ing at his side, dressed with his cloak a
round him. Master Francis. is it you
sir? Oh, what made you get up!" BE
still, David Are your friends in bed?''
&c They are, SIR" &c Hush, speak low!"
whispered Francis, /" do you know the
cottage where we used to watch for the
wild duck?" Z" at the foot of Derry
bawn'" "Ayc, aye, upoii the fiat; is it
occupied DIT prcscnt?', :" THERE'S no one
living there, sir, now.'' "Itis very WE'LL"
said the yodng man. "Will you tell Inc
now where they have buried Esther i"--
David remained for sohc minutes staring
on his master with great hstonishmenti
" My good fellow" said the latter, OBJ
serving him pause, /" this tale ofyodrs has
almost broken my heart. | was SO sure
ofhappincss, when was returning to Ire
land, that find it almost impossible to sus
tain this disappointment. / think It would
be some consolation to me if l could see
Esther, once again, even III the grave.
David started back in his seat, and gaped
upon the young soldier in mingled awe and
wonder. Make no noise, but answer
me-" said Francis. Is she btiricd in
the vault of the Dsmersi" otis there
she is, surely,' returned David, Gin the
Cathedral at Glendalorgh." "H Is g.
said his master. Come then
David, arise and follow mic down to the
Seven Chafches. Alive or dead, l must
see Esther Wilderhihg once more" Da-
sid arose, still half stupified with astonish-
nent. Have you got any instrument"
said Francis, " with which we may remove
he stones from the mouth of the tomb' Z"
This mention of din instrument placed the
for the first time IN all It's
practical horror before The eyes of David.
{" Oh, mnsthcr Francis!" he said ego
- = -, Joo,t ho f,,lkip' ~