The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1843-10-06

Hcic elSnt Iof lhec; look thee, bearing
cloth fit for 'squre's child" Wluier'S Tue.
On irowning rock, overlooking 4
wild and troubled stream, which wound
through the mountainous regions Of Ger
many, rose one of those baronlal castles,
common in The Middle Ages. The own
er of the castle, Baron Walderberg, had
with most Of his retainers gone on war
like expedition, and his wife, Lady Ella
nor, was sitting alone in her chamber,
furnished after the fashion of the times,
with rude magniiicence, but falling far
short OF the luxury and comfort dcman-
ded by moderan refinement. 1t was late
in autumn, and the night was wild and
gusty. At intervals the slcet and rain
were driven violently against the win
dows and tho wind shrieked like a trou-
bled spirit round the corners Of the castle,
or swept with a hollow moan along the
corridors. Lady EIanor was sitting in
front Of a large deep fireplace in which
was blazing cheerful wood fire, with
her eyes fixed on the pages Of yuIumu
containing COLLECTION Of those wild ro-
manceS based on the adventures Of dar-
ing knights and Of distressed damsels I'M
INJURED in enchanted castles. SO absorb
ed was her attention, tha; she scarcely
needed the night storm raging without
1t was only when wilder gust than or
binary came driving the slect against the
gathering easement, threatening to tear
it from its hinges, that she would for j
moment, raise her large melancholy
eyes from her book. At the feet Of his
mistress, lay a beautiful spaniel, appar-
emily enjoying a comfortable nap.-AlI
ut once he started up, and looked eagerly
towards the door. Footsteps drew near,
and The voice Of Casper, an old and faith
ful servi!os, was heard in earnest col
loquy with that Of strangcr.-The
next moment the door was opened by
Casper.
My Lady, said no, here is a bonight-
ed traveller, who Graves a shelter for him
self and child he has in his care, and
who insists on seeing you himself
lie! him come in said Lady Elanor.
Al these words the stranger came for
ward. Long thick boots, armed with
spurs, surcoat of coarse, substantial
cloth, bu' ned 10 The throat, and fur cap.
formed costume well calculated to shield
him from the bufieIings Of the tempest to
which he had been exposed. Particles
of still unmeltcd slcat glUered among
the clr-locks that fell in dark and tangled
masses over his collar, and gave wild
expression to a set Of prominent and
somewhat sharp features, deeply bronzed
from exposure TO the weather, or the ar
dent sun OF a more southern cline. lie
held by the hand little gill, whom, til
the moment of his entrance, he had borne
in his arm, apparently FIVE years old
A large shawl Of warm and rich materi-
al which had sheltered her from the storm,
trailed upon the floor, and was secured
in such a manner as to cover her head
and most of her face, except a pare Of
large gazelc-like eyes, which Looked up
to Lady Eanor with a half timed, half
coniding expression as she bent over her
TO remove her nearly saturated covering.
Lady Elanor co0Id hardly suppress an
exclamation Of delight when she had re-
moved the shawl, for the child was very
beautiful. Her soft black hair had al
ready attained such length and cxubc-
rance as to cover her neck and shoulders
with a cloud Of glossy curls, and her lca-
lures of the mast pefect mould and SYM
metry, were of kind to give a promise
that the germs of intellectual wealth i'm
planted within, would one day expand in
10 the richest bloom. Lady Elanor took
her by the hand to lead her nearer the
fire, but she shrunk back and chung to
her rough looking protector.
Pardon her, lady, the child has known
and loved me from her birth. | will,
with your leave take off this wet garment,
and take her to the fire myself
BY all MEANS she replied. Casper,
place seat in that warm corner, and
stir the fire.
In few minutes the stranger was qui-
city seated with the child in his arms,
who leaned her face against the broad
chest, with that loving, satisfied air,
which fully proved the truth Of what he
asserted The spaniel that had watched
with keen and jealous eye every move
ment of the stranger guests, as well as the
countenance of his mistress and the tones
of her voice, perceiving every thing to be
adjusted streached himself lazily before
the fire, as if to resume his nap; an oc'
casional quiverng Of the eye lids, howsv'
er, betrayed his slumbers to be feigned
not real.