Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-04-28
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The Beautiful Shepherdcss.

BY ST. CLAIR.

II was evening in the lowlands of Scot.
land; as calm, and as lovely an evening as
ever came from heaven. The summer had
nearly passed, and autumn with its mellow
fruits and golden harvests approached.
Before us was Loeb Lomond. That beau.
tiful sheet of water was unruflled not a
breath stole over its CLASSY bosom to agitate
its dark waters.
The moon gradually rose from the dense
and heavy clouds, and its silver light dis.
covered to our view several small islands,
which, like huge monsters at rest, appeared
to repose in the quiet waters. Among this
group of islands is one generally known as
the FLOATING sland;'' which is supposed by
many to be influenced blythe oscillations OF
the waves !; but whether this phenomena is
true or false, we leave our readers TO Judge.
In the distance was seen Ben Lomond, ris-
ing perpendcularly till its summit pierced
the clouds. AT the foot Of this mountain
stood shepherds hut, which for many
years had been occupied by McGreggor.
A contagious and fatal disease had swept
over the country, and the shepherds family
were not spared. Agnes alone was left to
cheer the declining years of her father.
AS we advanced sweet music was heard;
and far across the bosom of the beautiful
lake, it lloated like some wild melody. 1t
was the voice of Agnes McGreggor, the
beautiful shepherdcss. She was seated on
the green sward in front of the house and
by her side was her father. He held in his
hand long pipe, but now silently listened
TO her song. The music ceased and two
men were seen coming up the narrow path
leading to the cottage. agnes, my child,
do you know them?' McGreggor asked with
appearance Of agitation.
Il do not; they are dressed as hunts
men,
my eyes are dim and cannot dis,in
guish their dresses ; but why should they
seek our lonely cottagc?' They came near
err, and Agnes blushed as she replied,
with no i'll design, assure you, father.
May be not, but there is a rumor that
band of desperadoes infest the country
90 father give yourself no uncasines.
is Kent, accompanied by Edward
He is ever welcome feared -, bu
Agnes, hereafter regard my acishes, an
your own interests Before she could re
ply, the huntsmen arrived.
Welcome to my humble cottage; ; sal
: McGreggor, as he grasped the hand of hi
friend, and coldly bowed to Edward McFai
who had accompanied him. Together the
entered the house.
Charles Kent was native of Berkshr,
and had for several years been on in,imal
terms with the shepherd and his daughter
He had asked the hand of Agnes in ma
riage, but had been rejected. Edward WI
= poor peasant, but man Of noble hea
and superior intellect.
McGreggors eyes We're daZzled by I'll
&, splendor and glittering heaps of wealtl
which in Imagination he beheld as he lool
ed forward to the time when Agnes shout
become the wife of Charles Kent Not
with Agnes she read his heart, and the
found nought but dcpravity.
She had long loved Edward McFail, bl
the secret had been locked in her own b.
som, or known only 10 him.
By accident the rivals together sought III
cottage. The evening passed, and as the
were about 10 depart, Edward placed in he
hand small bouquet of wild flowers, whic
he had gathered by the way side, as he al
preached the cottage. They Departed
Again they entered the winding path, ar
), disappeared. Agnes retired TO her apar
ment, holding carelessly in her hand the b
quet which she had received from Edward
1t dropped from her hand, and the howe
were scattered. A note was observed. 81
caught it up hastily and read as follows:
Agnes, beware! he who processes fiien
. snip and love for you, is deceiver. II
honied words are but to conceal his poiso
cd arrows r'''
Tier lips qnivered, and she became a: