Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1860-05-24
nligtrllanraua.
ROSE ELMER;
A Divided Heart and a Divided Life.
by MRS. soUTHwoRTH.
OR

1t WAS early on the morning OF lovely
Gay in June, A. ID. 1900, that a rather large
group of oilers gathered in trent of the Eth
eridge Arms, a quaint old tavern, in the an
Gent little town of Swinburhe, in the west
of England.
BY their looks and conversation, it was
evident that some event of unusual mpor-
lance was expected to CONG off.
They were, in fact, awaiting the arrival of
the mail coach, which was to bring down
Colonel Hastings and his son Albert, who
was the bridegroom elect Of Lady Etheridge,
Baroness of Swinburuc. the last of her race
and sole hciress of the immense wealth and
vast estates of her lordly ancestors.
The nuptials were to be celebrated on the
following day; and the rctaincrs and neigh
bors of the noble bride, who almost wor-
shipped her for her goodness of heart, were
anxious to see the man who was to be their
beloved Gladys husband.
They had not long to wait. Tho coach
soon came laundering up to the door; and
as soon as the steps were let down by the
obscouious landlord, Colonel Hastings issued
forth. lie was an elderly gentleman, tall,
spare, ard STOPPING; was clothed in suit of
clerical black and his pale, thin, long face
maturely gray. He was closely attended by
his sccrctary--Ferdnand CasSinove-an ltal-
ian, of such graceful mien and dignilied
bearing, that he might have been taken for
a prince of the blood attended by an old
Gentleman in waiting.
Next came forth a young gentleman,
whose handsome person and naughty manner
at once attracted general attention. His
form was tall and finely proportional,
crowned by naughty head and face, with
high aquiline features, fair and fresh COM
plcxion, light blue eyes, and very light, flaxen
lair. His expression of countcnancc, in
kcepiu. with his whole manner, was stern
almost to rcpellant severity. Great beauty
of person, with great dignity of manner,
forms a combination very attractive to most
young women, and perhaps it WAS this that
fascinated the young heiress of Swnburnc
Castle, for this was Albert Hastings, the
bridegroom elect lie was followed into the
house by his valet, bearing his dressing
case.
After slight rcpast, Colonel Hastings, at
tended hy Cassnove, drove off to the castle
to have preliminary interview with Lady
Ethcraae, (who was his ward,) and arrange
the marriage settlements On arriving at
the lordly castle, Cassinove was shown into
sitting-room, while the colonel proceeded
to the library, whittier his ward was re-
ouested to come to meet him.
As the young Italian paced up and down
the room, occasionally pausing before full
length mirror, which reflected the spacious
window PREACHING from ceiling to floor) and
the picturesque landscape beyond, suddenly,
among the roses outside, glided purple
drapcd female figure, that Immediately riv-
cited his attention. 1t was a woman in the
earliest bloom of youth. AS young CASH
move cazcd upon her reflected image, as he
never cazed upon her, he felt as though a
goddess had suddenly descended among the
flowers. Her form was above the medium
hight, and well rounded Her head was
finely formed, and covered with profusion
Of Jet black, glttering hair, that was plainly
parted over her broad, expansive forehead,
and swept around the temples, and wound
into a rich and massive knot at the back o.
the head. Her eyes were large, luminous
dark gray orbs, that seemed, whenever the
long veil of lashes was lifted, to throw {
light wherever they glanced. Her nose wa'
straight and well formed, her lips rounded
and like all the rest, full of character. Ii
tbc carriage of her head and neck, and il
her stately footsteps, there was certain nat
ural majesty that, even in PEASANTS dress
would have proved her one of Nature
queens. ,,,..
he art of Ferdinand Cassinove was at onc
vivid, deep, and strong-quick as sun paint
ing. permanent as sculpture. He saw thi
Goddess of the intellectual brow and statel
stem open the window and advance into tn
room, and as she approached him he felt hi
whole frame thrill with strange emotion q
blended pain and delight. He dreaded t
move vet. as the needle turns TO the magnet
he felt himself turning from the reflected i'm
age to face the original. He stood befor
that aueenly form, and met those large, lu
minors, dark eyes fixed upon linn IN roya
graciousness, as she said
"Yuu are Colonel Hastings secretary, | be
lieve, sir Pray sit down. You will find tn
London papers on that table, And, with
graceful bow, the lady passed him, and sea,
ed herself on a sofa at the extremity of tn
room, took up portfolio, and was soon deer
" engaged with its contents.
After the profound bow with which he ha
!, returned her courtesy, Ferdinand Cassinoy
remained motionlcss where she had left hin
!. But ten minutes had elapsed since she ha
slided in among the flowers, and passed hi
Il like vision seen in some beautiful dream
But ten minutes, and life, the world, himsel
). were all changed for Ferdinand Cassinove.-
lie feH, from that moment, that his fate n,a
take its character for good or euil from the 10
9 Of that royal looking ,oonan.
In TIE midst Of the pleasing pain Of !
dream the door opened, and gray-hair
E, servant entered softly, and stepping acre
the roon to where the lady sat, and speak,
to in the low, subdued tone in which royal p
sopa.e are addressed said
"My lady. Colonel Hastings respects a
he awaits your lAdyship in the library"