The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1857-05-19
CHAPTER !
AN INTERRUPTED WEDDING.

AN INTERRUPTED WEDDING.
II WAS the frst Of May, the marriage day of
.hs yiscount Montressor, Of Montressor Castle.
Dorsstshire, and Estelle. the only daughter and
shire
ed down upon the green bills, and dewy dalss and
deep woods Of Devon; and the park around the
songs of birds. and the merry laughter of young
men And maidens gathering to celebrate their
May-day festival, and to do honor to the marriage
of their landlords daughter.
The elm-shaded, winding avenue that leo from
the highway to the house, WAS srched At each ter
minus by q mammoth wreath of flowers, and ma.
ny were the carriages that pss'ed under them, on
their way TO assist at the wedding; ana these
contained only the bridesmaids, and the nearest
friends and relatives OF the family, whose relation
ship or position gave them the right to attend the
bride TO church-for q still more numerous party
had bAen invited to meet her at the altar. The
VILLAGERS and tenants, grouped about under the
shade of the great old trees, or wandering over
the qreensward on either side of the avenue
watched these equipages rs they rolled on, COM
mentipR as usual on such occasions
"Ohodear me, the weddngers won't pass till
nearly twelve /! and here we are to wait two
mortal hoursl" said . young girl to the game
"Hush my darling, look, here comes his Lord.
ships carriage itself, just as sure as you're the
prettiest lass in the country"
1t Uds Lord Montressors carriage.
Early that morning, note from his afiaDced
bride had been put 10 bis hands, summoning m
to private conference with her At the Hail. before
they should proceed to the church. Surprised and
filed with vague uneasippss, his lordship lost no
time 10 obeying the bebtst
Within the most secluded OF her suite OF richly
furnished apartments At the old Hall, half buried
in the depths of cushioned chair, reciined the
bride expectant, in bridal array.
She was alone her attendants having by her
own desire, withdrawn.
Esselle Morelle-or ola belle EstelIe," "Beau-
tifui Stella" "the Midnight Star'-as, for her re
splendent dark beauty, she was POLITICALLY named
was At this time twenty five years of age, and
more lovely than poets or artists ideal. Her
form was of medium height, and very slender.
though well rounded, with graceful head, over
which fell rich asses of jet black slken ringlets.
shading face of pure, pale olive complexion with
large mournful dark eyes, habitually yelled by
the long. dropping lashes, and delicate though
full curved lips, ever patiently closed In silent
resignation The prevailing expression of her
dark. brilliant countenance was q profound mel
ancholy.
The announcement of Miss Morelle's approach.
ing marriage with the Viscount Montressor bad
created profound sensation in the fashionable
and aristocratic circles A peerless beauty, the
only child and heiress of the Oldest wealhest aud
/, haughtiest baronet In the West of England, her
heart had been as much the object of aspiration to
the youthful and ardent as her hand and fortu ne
had been the end of desire to the mercenary and
ambitious.
At the early age of seven years, Estelle had been
placed ut one of the hrst-cass female institutions
Of learning at Paris, then as now, considered
among the very best of their kind in the world,
and there had been left to remain until her six
teenth year, when the sudden and calamitous
breaking up of the institution, and her severe
Illness, had occasioned her removal That illness
had been attended wih marked changes in the con
stitntioa and temperament Of tie young girl
Estelle, previously the most careless, lights
hearted and caprlcious of children, left her cham-
Der of convalescencs . subdued, thoughtful mel
ancholy womani The laughing lips Of girlhood
closed In patient sadness; the sparkling eyes
sheathed their beams under long, shadowy lashes,
now seldom lifted the silyery, elastic voice. sank
into deep and thrilling tones; the Free glad motions
were measured and controlled.
She never entered another school, but compile.
ted her education under the best masters at home.
To dis ipate what was considered = transient
melancholy, her parents travelled with her over
Europe, pausipg at each capital and chief town,
toshow her all that was interesting and instructive.
But though their daughter repaid their attentions
with the sweetest gratitude and obey ed them with
the gentlest dociliGy, she showed no interest In
the passing scenes And though every where her
extreme beauty and sweetness of disposition, not
less than her fortune and position, drew around
her many friends aud admirers Estells remained
alone In her isolated thoughts and feelings. Every
most distinguished physician in Europe had been
consulted UPON her case, and tbs result of their
wisdom was decision that this melancholy was
NOT the effect of i'll health, still less of secret sor-
row, but that it was q constitutional phase that
would probably pass away with maturing years.
They returned to England, presented their
daughter At court and introduced her into all the
gaieties Of fashionable life. But with no happy
effect upon the spirits of Estelle, who remained
profoundly unmoved amid the ecLat that greeted
her debut. Her picturesque beauty was the theme
of all tongues-her mournful glance was fascina-
ting-her deep tones fhrilling-her touch magnetic;
Ill E1lS ~ IL
others, remained unimpressed She who sought
No conquests for that very reason, perhaps, made
many. A peer and two commoners, in succe ssion
laid their fortunes at her feet, and were in turn
kindly and firmly rejected
So passed her frst season in London, at the
close OF which her paIeats took her down to their
seat In Devonshire Here, 10 her thoughtful, quiet
unostentatious manner, abe engaged in works Of
benevolence among the villagers and the tenantry.
AND ner father hoping much from this employ
to see that she seemed less pensive than before.
a. the beginning of the parliamentary term,
the family went up to London.
AND II was here In her second season in town
tnss Estele formed the acquaintance of Lord
Monfrs:sor, q young noblsman but lately acced.
% TO hs titles and estates, but already known a.
maa OF the most high toned moral and intellec>
tual excellence, 40 righteous, - well Is Q rising
s ss..esmso ana as one Who IN the event Of
ofhcial position IN His msjesty's cabinet Aside
from the glare of rank and wealth and power.
Charles Montressor was . glorious specimen Of
the Creatsr's workmanship Above the average
standard OF height among his countrymen, broad.
shouldered and deep chested, with noble head
and face full Of wisdom and goodness. his 10,
pearance truly indicated the warm benevolence
clear intelligence and pure spirit of the man. His
presence soon inspired Estelie with faith that
she mad not been able to feel In any other that
approached her. He drew nearer to her than
any o'her had been permitted to come; he cross.
90 tne magic circle of her isolation and con.
vefsed with her rs no other had been allowed to
90. Inc world looked and said that the beautiful
quered. ""' 0on'
Al this stage of affairs, the parliamentary term
9elog over Sir Parke Morelle and his family left
London for Hyde Hail. 'o''
Lofa hontressor asked aud received perpaission
- follow them, and In less than 4 month avaiIed
=. nmssh OF the privilege to do So Thus II was
..,s nome OF her ancestors, after having OBJ
Sa'1 the cordial sanction OF her psrents and
SSonevvng himself sure of the affections of their
hsr6 ~ I. 1oro Montressor offered his heart and
.ne lovely Estelie, and was to his proound
thu. .S;. Instantly and firmly rejected In
,leS.ing MS suit she wept long and bitterly
ns forgiveness. that the happiness She hsd
M. eaced and exhibited in his soce,v should
Ara - yed him into making this decisrstion
49, ecuiog him never 10 renew liza auit hn, 81
sn., a6d forget her There was soms,hins =. ~
81. % hsr refusal which Confirmed srd a :. 'us
ksssoos eonsietion that--even In rs;.c.s.r.