Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1842-01-28
From the Lady's Book.
THE TWO BRIDALS;
OR,
THE LOVERS WALK.
ny mrs. EMMA c. EMBURY.
4 LEG END OF VEN

Al ttic "Sst R'u'nS VI oTkSHHcS III thc
neighborhood Of the Craven Hills, is noble
mansion aud domain, 10 which the pride
which apes humility of tho original possess
sors has given the somewhat lowly appella-
ton Of Arnolds-biggin. The house is con-
sructed in the cunbrous style Of archtec-
ture, prevalent in the sixteenth century, and
its peaked roof. clustered chimneys, and
heavy easements, still remain in all their Or
iglnaI quaintnsss while the deep moat, sup
piled with water from a neighboring river,
sliil washes three sides of the half-castellatcd
building. During the civil wars, this man
sion became one Of the s,rongliolds of the
Parliamentary forces, and its ancient dcfcn-
ces wero often put in requisilion by the
Round-head partizans. But tho chief inter-
est which now attaches to Arnolds- biggin is
connected with tradition of genilcr passions.
On the borders of the domain, and forming
a partial boundary between it and the ad-
joining grounds Of Mearlcy Park, is still to
be seen curious avenue, some two hundred
feet in length. The branches Of the trees
have been 80 inerlaced as to form an imper
vious covering resembling an arched roof,
while thick walls of privet which, seem to be
the growth OF centuries, present an impenc-
trable barrier on either side. The entrance
is so arranged that only by winding path
which compels the visitor to return several
times upon his own steps, can i, be explored
md nature appears to have fulfilled the de-
sign Of the original protector by the luxurl-
ant growth of this singular greenwood bower.
Ii is known in the neighhorhood BY the name
Of 'Thc Lovers Walk and the tale con-
nected with it, like all those which owe their
preservation to tradition, is one of melan-
choly interest.
Arnold of Arnol ls-bigein was a man OF
strong passions and upbending prejudces.-
His nearest neighbor, Sir Charles Novel;,
Of Nearly Hank, had been from infancy I'M
Ill the period of tho civil wars, his ncarcs,
and dearest friend. They had been play
mates in childhood, classmates in college
companions in early manhood, and, as both
married at the same time, they had ye,ircd
10 their estates, hoping that a similarity OF
tastes and habits, during the remainder OF
their lives, would cement their long conin.
ued friendship. But the sentiment which had
survived the variable season of youth was
destined to peri in the troubled atmosphere
ofpolitical discord. The civil war severed
nike tho ties Of Kindred and the bonds OF
affection, and when the difficulties between
King Charles and his parliament broke out
into open hos,ililies, Mr.. Arnold took part
with the latter, while his friend arrayed him
sclfon the side of loyalty. 1t happened, on
several occasions, that the friends met in
the opposing ranks of the two armies, and
more than once, the hands which had so Of.
ten been clasped in kindness, welded the
weapons of mutual destruction. But SiI
Charles could not forget the past, aud he
shrunk from personal contest with his carly
companion, while Arnold, losing all rcnem-
brance Of former affection in the bitterness.
ofparty spirit, seemed to take pleasure il
confronting, and even in seeking the life o
his adversary. Indeed, he proved the truIl
0fthe maxim that there is no enemy 81
much to be dreaded AS an estranged friend,
placed Cromwell at the head Of the govern
munt, large portion Of the confscatcd cs
tate of Sir Charles NOVEL; became the rewar'
Of Mr.. Arnold's services 10 the domnan, par
~, while the original owner escaped will
difficulty into France. But DIS the usurpa
ton had Impoverished Sir Charles for tli
benefit Of his former friend, so tho Restora
ton reversed the order of things; and nc
only did Mearlcy revert to its former owner
but also, some OF the finest crops on the Ar
mold estate were obliged to be sold to pay tn
heavy fine by which alone the Ronndhca
partizan purchased indemnity for past often
ees.
From that period, Mr.. Arnold, disguste
and mortified, remained in strict seclusion i
Arpolds-bigein, INDUCING those moody an
Disseminated feelings which the change j
his circumstances might be supposed to ex
cite. Stern, cold, and vindiclive, he cher
ishcd the most mplacable hatred against 81
Charles NOVEL;, and even prohibited any o
the domcstics from entering that part of til
grounds whicl, bordcred ON Mearlcy Parl
lest they should encounter some member c
the delcstcd family. Sir Charles, actuate
by very different impulses, vain! Y cndeavore
TO soften his obduracy by acts OF neighbol
~ kindness, until the fierce anger of his iol
mer friend compelled him to dcsist from a
further attempts. The wide difference whc
now existed between their fortunes, proha
bly, tended to increase the bitterness of fee
ing with which Mr.. Arnold regarded him.
Basking in the smiles Of Court favor, 5
Charles rapidly acquired wealth and homo
while numerous family of stately sons al
fair daughters filed his home with happines
Arnold, on the contrary, had been in
proverlshcd by both parties, for his lands
estate had been mortgagcd to aid the nece
sites of the parliament, while the large fl
levied upon him by the court had serious
impaired the value of his property. L
nestle mistortunes where also added to p
cuniary difficulties. Ofall his Children moi
survived their infancy except the youngc
daughter, and when the death of his vii
the only being whom he still seemed to 10
broke the single tic which connected HI
with the world, he gave himself up TO gloo
and misanthropy. On his daughter he seem
TO bestow no affection. The sons, W
could have perpcluated the name, and pc
haps retrieved the fortunes Of the fami
had gone down to an early grave, and
took little heed of tho feeble girl whose {
istence had cost him the life of her moth
Left entirely to the guidance of servar
Alice Arnold had grown up in ignorance