Delaware Republican, and farmers', manufacturers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1841-1843, 1842-07-15
Written for the Delaware Republican.
THE FORTUNE TELLER,
TALE OF THE REVQLUTlQN.
BY MOE.
(coNrINuED.l


CHAPTER "
II was cold and freezing evening about
the first of The month Of December. The
snow had fallen to the depth Of near foot,
and its feathery fakes hung in festoons
from the hardy evergeens and other shrub
berry, whose plant branches bent under
the weight, Or when agltated by the light
breeze, it fell in silvery spray, resembling,
in the rays Of the setting sun, gems of
polished cbrystal. The linking Of the
merry sleigh bells might be heard in almost
every direction as they scudded over the
well beaten roads, and the shouts and songs
of the light hearted SWANS and maidens as
they bounded along, echoed from hill to
hill and made even the welkin ring. The
sound Of the woodlands axe as he procured
his nights supply of fuel, reverberated
along the snow clad vallies, and the sound
Of the hunIsman's horn, as he called his
wearied hounds from the pursuit Of willy Rey-
nard, fell softly upon the ear, as il was
waited along upon the evening breeze
The merry prattle of children, as they
chased each other in their tiny sleds down
the steep and slippery declivities,-the
hoarse and loud laugh of young men and
boys as they skinned over the surface OF
the ice bound Brandy e-tbe hooting OF
the great owl as he left his daytime hiding
place-the lowing of herds and the bleating
of flocks, az they received their evening S
supply of provender; all united in one
grand medley Of sounds, rendering the
scene truly enchanting.
But there was one individual who en-
joyed il not. This was Lucy. Yes, the
lair-the noble-the virtu0us, but depend
ent, unknown and unhappy Lucy. AS she
stood at the little window Of the small apart
ment into which she had retired to arrange
her dress, and which overlooked the Bran
DIVINE the merry laugh, and half sup
pressed screams Of the iocund groups of
young men and maidens, that sported upon
CLASSY surface. fell upon her ears, when she
heaved deep sigh, and turning from the
easement, she mentally exclaimed, "Ah!
happy happy youths rude and uncult-
waited though you be; yet you know no
care-you feel no trouble. You are stran-
gers TO that anguish of soul which is driv-
ing me to distraction Why am not one
Of you Oh why was ! ever placed in
this wretched mansion--surrounded, in
deed, by galdy splendor, but where have
known nousht but chagrin, disappointment
and 1msery, land now the last act of the
wretched drama is soon 10 be enacted !;
which is 10 exlinguish every spark Of hope
within my breast, and make my future life
tenfold more wretched than my youthful
days have been sadly bitter. Yes, one
short hour, she continued, wringing her
hands, and throwing herself upon her hum
BILE couch, +" and shall be the wretched
wife of Searg SWIVEL! His aoife 2" she
again frantically exclaimed, springing from
her couch and approaching the window
1.-The wife Of Seargent Swivel! No never!
Departed shade of my beloved Henry ~
she ejaculated with appraised hands, 'I'll
join thee ere become the wife of another!''
And, as if strengthened and neryed by her
desperate resolution, she very composedly
arrayed hers elf in dress Of deep mourning,
and seating herself al the easement, opened
small volume which lay near her and
commenced reading.
She had sat but few minutes, before a
maid entered the apartment and informed
her that she had come 10 assist her in ar
raging herself suitably TO the occasion OF
her approach ing nuptials.
81 am already dressed for the OCCASION
said Lucy rising, and laying down the book
she had been reading; s.are all things ready
below Z"
"Yes, Mss" said the maid. "But
surely you're not going to be married in
a mourner's dress !''
Marriedl" wildly exclaimed Lucy
" Married Why, yes Is not my dress
appropriate ~
IA deep mourning appropriate for
weldon dress !! Well, you've strange no.
lions, Miss. But was l goin 10 be married,
and that to Sargent, too, couldn't be
dressed too cay. Why. it looks like goin
to your funeral pyre.'"
" Such it will be, Matilda. But say no
more Jet us descend; !" and she imme-
1lately lett the little dressing room follow
I'd by the maid. As they entered the
parlor they were met by Sergeant Swivel,
who attempted TO take Lucy's hand, but
'he shrank from his approach and retreating
across The room seated herself in one cor
ler. The Seargent followed and seated
himself beside her.
He was . Scottish Highlander, with IA
rogue upon his tongue about the size of
shocmaker's lapstone. He was exceed
ngly tall, standing in his shoes when fairly
Enlightened UP 10 his full Height abou, six
Get six, and was so very thin of flesh, or
aw boned, as to look like living skeleton.
His eyes were deep SINK in his head, and
lis long lantern jaws. peeked and aquillne
,oae and deehlu f,llon in ,hnnl,, ,,,.I liz