Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-05-27
CHAPTER I.
AN INTERRUPTED WEDDING

CHAPTER I.
AN INTERRUPTED WEDDING.
1t was the first of May, the marriage day of
the Fiscount Montressor of Montressor Castle,
Dorsetshire, and Estelle, only daughter and
heress, OF Sir Parke Morelle, Hyde Hall, De-
yonshire.
a glorious morning. the cloudess blue sky
smiled down upon the green hills and dewy
dales and deep woods Of Deyon and the park
around the Hall was all alive and musical, with
the joyous songs of birds, and the merry
laughter of young men and maidens gathering
10 celebrate their Mayday festival, and to do
honor to the marriage of their Landlords S
daughter.
The elm shaded, winding avenue that led
from the highway 10 the house, was arched at
each terminus by mammoth wreath of tiow-
ers, and many were the carriages that passed
nnder them, on their way to assist at the we'd
ding; and these contained only the brides
maids, and the nearest friends and relatives of
,Ee family whose relationship or position gave
them the right 10 attend the bride to church !;
for still more numerous party had been in
vited to meet her at the altar. The villagers
and tenants, grouped about under the shade OF
tte great old trees, wandering over the
green sward on either side of the avenue,
watched those equipages they rolled on,
commenting rs usual on such occasions.
"Oh-dear me the weddingers won't pass
till nearly twelve, and here to wait
Z
game keeper.
ssHush my darling look, here comes his
Lordshp's carriage, itself, just sure as
you're the prettiest lass in the country"
1t ras Lord Montressors carriage
Early that morning mote from his aflianced
bride had been put in his hands summoning
him to private conference with her at the
Hall, before they should proceed to the
church. Surprised and filed with vague un-
easiness, his lordship lost no time in obeying
the behest.
Within the most secluded of her suite Of
richly furnished apartments at the old Hall,
E3lf-buried in the depths of cushioned chair,
reclned the bride cxpectant, in bridal array.
She alone, her attendants having, by her
own desire, withdrawn.
EstelloMorelle--o ala belleEstelle, - stBeau-
tiful Stella,'' s'the Midnight Star''-as, for her
Tesplendent dark beauty, she was POLITICALLY
named-was at this time twenty-five years Of
age, and more lovely than poets or an art
lists ideal. Her form was of medium height,
and very slender, though wcll-rounded, with a
graceful head, over which fell rich masses of
jet-black silken ringlets, shading face of
pure, pale olive complexion with large mourn
tul dark eyes, habitually yelled by the long,
dropping lashes, and delicate, though fnll,
curved lips, ever patiently closed as in silent
resignation. The prevailing expression of her
dark, brilliant countenance was profound
melancholy.
The announcement Of Miss Morelle's ap-
preaching marriage with the Viscount Mon
tressor had created profound sensation in the
fashionable and aristocratic circles. peer
less beauty, the only child and heiress of the
Oldest wealthiest and 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 fortune had been
the end of desire to the mercenary and am5i-
tious.
At the early age of seven years, Estelle had
been placed at one of the first-class female in
stitutons 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 sixteenth year, when the sudden and
calamtous breaking up Of the institution, and
her own severe illness, had occasioned her re-
mova. That illness had been attended tcifh mark
ed changes in the constitution and temperament
of the young girl.
Esteile previously the most careless, light
hearted and capricious of children, left her
chamber of convalescence subdued, thought
full, melan choly woman = The laughing lips
of girlhood closed in patient sadness; the
sparkling eyes sheathed their beams under
. long, shadowy lashes, now seldom Lifted; the
silvery, elastic voice, sank into deep aud thrill
ling tones; the free, glad motions were meas
ured and controlled.
She never entered another school, but COM
pleted her education under the best masters.
at home. To dissipate what was considered a
transient melancholy, her parents Travelled with
her over Europe, pausing 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 graf
itude, and obeyed them with the gentlest DO
cility she showed no interest in the passing
scenes And though everywhere her extreme
beauty and sweetness of disposition, not les:
than her fortune and position, drew around hel
many friends ard admirers, Esteile renamed
alone in her isolated thoughts and feelings
Every most distinguished physician IN Europe
had been consulted upon her case, and the re-
suit Of their wisdom was decision that thi'
melancholy was not the effect OF Ill heaith
still less of secret sorrow, but that 1t was
constitutional phase that would probably pass
away with maturing years.
They returned to England, presented the,l
daughter at court, and introduced her into al
the gaieties of fashionable life. But with nc
happy effect upon the spirits of Estelle, who
renamed profoundly unmoved amid the celia
that greeted her Debut. Her picturesque bean
~ was the theme of ali tongues-her mournfu
glance.was fascinating-her deep tones thrill
iug-her touch magnetic; all felt her power