Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1860-01-28
oHApTER VI.

f i4I , q 4
| An uninteresting month to our numerous
readers, have passed away since the mother
had determined to unravel the mysterious
cloud that hung around her much loved SON
He had gradually improved in health, until he
was now able to make considerable pedestrian
| tours among the beautiful walks that radiatc
from wilmingtonin various directions Madame
| Jaques always accompanied himo these ex-
cufsions One morning he proposed to his
mother that they would spend the morning
along the Brandywine. He had revolved the
character of Peggy Drew in his mind until he
had come to the conclusion that such being
only lived in his imagination, and all his in
teryiews with her were but a dream. The re-
collection of this mysterious womanwere grad
ualIy wearing away from his mind and he had
almost forgot the fascination that had but a
short time before drawn him to the deep
sequestered dells of the Brandywine.
The mother and son walked along one of
| those beautiful paths, oyer-hung with rich TO-
| liaae, that SO often attracts the eye and invite
the steps of the imaginative man to seek such
| a romantic seclusion. They were dlscoursing
upon the beauties of Nature that surrounded
them. hefragrance of the flowers envcloped
! them on every side, and their ears were saluted
with the songs of the light hearted birds that
we're half hidden in the green yesture of Ma
ture. s
As they emerged from one Of these intricate
paths to full vision of the silyery stream that
y d N L ID ssf- - -
wound its way through the lofty hills that girt
II on every side, sylph, like form was seen
approaching them. moment and she was
before them. Augusta looked wild with aston
ishment. In an instant he introduced the
young lady as Miss croasdale, The mother
received her with all the courtesy that one
lady could receive from another. She had
heard her son speak of her on his sick bed,
painting out the perfections of the idol OF his
heart. and, she was convinced, by occular de-
monstration, that her son had good taste in
his selection. Miss Croasdale remarked how
pale Augusta appeared. To which his mother
replied that he was just recovering from a ner-
,yous fever Madame Jaques requested Miss
Croasdale to accompany them in their morn
ing walk. This proposition was accepted, and
the party sauntered along through the beauti-
full scenery. Arriving at rock enyeloped in
shrubbery, they seated themselves, The con-
yersation ran upon the beauties of nature and
surrounding objects. A thousand bright fan
cjes fitted across his imagination, while he
conyersed with the fair being of his choice
Madame Jaques walkeda short distance anf
left the pair to themselves. She determined
not 10 20 far away, but moped about pulling
flowers. The time passed away rapidly, ant
as the hour for returning arrived, she turned
to Join her son and his companion; she hat
: almost came to the place where she had let
, her son when she heard terrific scream. II
an instant she was at the side of her son wh'
t was laying PROSTATE upon the ground in
swoon. Miss Croasdals was standing near b,
gazing at him.
> sewhat is the matter 2" inquired MADAM
, Jaques. The other gave no intelligent reply
: but pointed to the PROSTATE young man. Sh
4 was as pale as death, and the fash of her eye
(. almost made Madame jacques quail before.
, aWhat have you done to my sonl Wha
? infatuation is this that has come over him Il
q so short a timelp
t While she uttered these exclamations sh
n was chafng his temples and using every effor
to bring Augusta to consciousness again Mis-
n oroasdale appeared perfectly indifferent to tn
II fate of the young man. 1t was not long befor
$ he opened his eyes and looked wildly aroun'
u him. The young lady had walked short dis
tance aside when Agusta opened his eyesi h
h looked on every side to see what had becom
n of Miss Croasdale. But she was beyond hi
p vision.
3 aWbat has become Of her? Where has sh
It cone2 had no idea that it was she when W
n came across her."
" awho ~ inquired the mother.
IS speapv Drew-the Witch of the Brandy
wine,' replied the young man
IT The mother looked astonished at this news
it she little dreamed that the lady they had mt
and to whom she had been introduced by he
e son, should be the veritable Peggy Drew--th
N witch of the Brandywne. After Augusta ha
Q, recovered sufficiently, they were aboutto stal
d towards home, when Miss Croasdale once NOR
It Ito their surprise joined them. She appear
.e ed to take no notice of what had transpired
neither did she betray any concern at wht
d had occurred to Augusta. She appeared as
is she had just returned from wandering anon
ID the flowers, and had moi been instrumental
10 the epilepsy that had caused Madame Jaqut
III so much alarm They walked and converse
together, but Augusta watched every move
n mont of Miss Croasdale with a suspicious ey
!, When they had arrived at the outskirts of IL
town. the young lady expressed determine
Il ton TO pay them q visit at their residenc
a This proposition was acqniesced in, but
q. would not require the keen eye of vel
" acute observer to see that there was but lit
r. cordiality in the invitation Miss Groasda
bade them adieu and they separated II
mother and son took their way home.
=. CHAPTER VII.
ne Madame Jaques and Augusta were sitting
foti