Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-05-23
THE ISLAND PRINCESS.
pou.NcE OF THE OLD AND NEW WORLD.


RY EMMA D. E. N. soUTHwoRTH, .,
.u.h,. ~ "Tbe Lost Heiress," "The Deserted Wife,
Au'' ..The Missing Bride" "Retrbution," etc.
CHAPTER I.
AN INTERRUPTED WEDDING.
It was the first of May, the marriage day OF th
v;scount Montressor of Montressor Castle, Dorse'
shire, and Estelle, only daughter ana ne'reSs u
Psrke Morelle Hyde Hall, Devonshre. ,,;,
glorious morning! the cloudless blue SKY sui
ed down upon the green hills and dewy daies a.
deep woods of Devon and the park around inc Ia
was all alive and musical, with the Joyous songs
birds and the merry laughter OF young men ="
madens gathering to celebrate their May'uay .he;.
tiva and to do honor to the marriage VI '"'''
landlords daughter. 49,. Id e.o,
the HIGHWAY to the house, was arched at each tern
mus by mammoth wreath Of flowers, ana man
were the carriages that passed under them, on the
way to assist at the wedding; and these conta'le
oniy the bridesmaids, and the nearest ir'enos al.
relatives of the family, whose relationship OF posi-
ton gave them the right to atteno tue o',ue
church for a still more numerous party nao oee'
invited to meet her at the altar. The villagers an
tenants grouped about under the shade OF the gres
old trees. or wandering over the greensward o.
either side the avenue, watched these equ'pages
thew rolled on, commenting as usual on SUCH occa
sions. 800. All
ne.rv twelve and here we are to wait two mortal
hours! said y~ung girl to the game-keeper"
"Husb nv darling, look here comes his Lord
ships carriage ITSELF just as sure as you are tn
prcttiest lass in the country"
It scas LORI Montressor's carriage.
Early that morning note from his atfianced brld'
had been put in his hands summonng him TO
private conference with her at the Hall, before they
should proceed to the church. Surprised and filled
with vague uneasness, his lordship lost no time in
obeying the behest.
Within the most secluded of her suite of richly
furnished apartments at the old Hall, halfburied in
the depths Of cushioned chair reclined the bride
expectant, in bridal array.
She was alone, her attendants having, by her own
desire, withdrawn.
Estelle Morele-or 'la belle Estelle, ;" Beautiful
Stella" "the Midnight Star"-as, for her resplen-
dent dark beauty, she was POLITICALLY named was
at this time twenty-five years of age, and more
lovely than poets or an artists ideal Hel form
was of medium height and very slender, though
wel.rounded with a graceful head, over which fell
rich masses Of jet-black silken ringets, shading a
face of pure pale olive complexion with large mourn
full dark eyes, habituay yelled by the long, droop
ing lashes and delicate, though full. curved lips
ever patiently closed as in silent resignation. The
prevailing expression of her dark brilliant counte-
nance was profound melancholy.
The announcement of Miss Morelle's approaching
marriage with the Viscount Montressor had created
profound sensation in the fashionable and aristo-
cratic circles peerless beauty, the only child and
heiress of the Oldest wealthiest and haughtest ba-
ronet in the West of England, her heart had been
much the object of aspiration to the youthful and
ardent, as her hand and fortune had been the end
of desire to the mercenary and ambitious.
At the early age of seven years, Estelle had been
placed at of the rstclass female institutions Of
De- xh4r
the very best Of their kind in the world and there
had been left to remain until her sixteenth year,
when the sudden and calamitous breaking up of the
institution, and her own severe illness, had occa-
stoned her removal. That illness had been attended
aoith marked changes in the constitution and tenn
permanent Of the young girl.
Estelle, previously the most careless, light-heart-
ed and capricious of children, left her chamber OF
convalescence subdued, thoughtful, melancholy
woman! The laughing lips of grlhood closed in
patient sadness the sparkling eyes sheathed their
beams under long, shadowy lashes, now seldom
lifted the silvery, elastic voice. sank into deep and
thrilling tones; the free, GLAD motions measur-
ed and controlled.
She never entered another school, but completed
her education under the best masters, at home To
dissipate what was considered q transient melan-
choly, her parents travelled with her over Europe,
pausng at each capital and chief town. to show her
all that was interesting and instructive. But though
their daughter repaid their attentions with the
sweetest gratitude, and obeyed them with the gen.
TEST docity, she showed no interest in the passing
scenes. And though everywhere her extreme beau.
ty and sweetness of disposition, not less than her
fortune and position drew around her many friends
and admirers, Estele remained alone in her isolated
thoughts and feelings Every most distinguished
physician in Europe had been consulted upon her
case, and the result of their wisdom was a decision
that this melancholy the effect of ill-heath
h,,kk bo<
tonal phase that would probably pass away with
maturing years.
They returned to England, presented their daugh.
Ter at court and introduced her into all the gaities
OF fashionable life. But with no happy effect upon
the spirits of Eselle, who remained profoundly un.
moved amid the eclat that greeted her debut. Her
picturesque beauty was the theme of all tongues
ner mourntuI glance was fascinating deep tones
thnlng-her touch magnetic; all felt her power,
yet she who could move all others, remained unim.
pressed. She who sought no conquests, for that
very reason perhaps, made many. A peer and two
commoners in succession, laid their fortunes at her
ieet, and were in turn kindly and firmly rejected.
80 passed her first season in London, at the close
winch her parents took her down to their seat in
Devonshlre Here, in her thoughtful quiet, unos
.sntauous manner, she engaged in works of benev
Tienee among the villagers and the tenantry. And
ner @tner, hoping much from this employment
Hase ner iuii liberty of action and smiled to see
'"a' sne seemed less pensive than before.
81 az me beginning Of the parliamentary term, the
1am''y went up to London.
:, And 1t was here in her second season in town
that Estelle formed the acquaintance Of Lord Mont
ressor, young nobleman but lately acceded to hi.
titles and estates, but already known as a man o
the most heightened moral and intellectual excel
lenee, as righteous as well as rising statesman
and as one, who in the event of change of minis
would be likely to gill high official position il
ms malesty's cabinet. Aside from the glare O
.Anh sna wealth and power, Charles Montressor wa
so .n specimen OF the Creators workmanship
Aoove the average standard of height among biz
countrymen, broadshouldered md daon.cbe.tod