Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-04-18
THE FOREST MAIDEN.

By MRS. d. ELLEN GOODMAN.
1t was low-rOofed, humble log house in
the heart OF western wilderness. At its rude
doorway stood two beings gazing out upon the
wild but magnificent scenery-fhe proud gil
ant trees, with their tall branches rising to-
ward the blue skies their glossy leaves tremb-
ling in the summer breeze. and forming cur
tain through which the bright sunbeams pour
ed over the rich sward at their feet-the wild
flowers peepiug out from the dark shadows of
their hinge trunks, and the scarcely trodden
footpaths winding over the velvet turf from
the narrow clearing about the cottage. A low,
thrilling carol, from fluttering bird, now and
then broke the stiffness, and far away down the
shady ravine was family heard the soft mur-
mur of a ripping stream.
The eyes of the young maiden at the door
wandered delightedly over the quiet seer
and there was light in their blue depths, and
dimpling smile about the rosy mouth which
gave an indescribable charm to her sweet face.
One little hand clasped the strings of the
straw bonnet which hurg by her side and the
other was raised to her white forehead, half
shading the laughing orbs beneath it from the
bright sunlight, while the whispering winds
lightly touched her pure neck, lifting the wa
wing brown tresses from her shoulders. She
was very young and very beautiful, and every
glance of her bright eyes told that her soul
was full Of love and purity. The lady by her
side was many years her senior, and there was
the slightest shade of care upon her smooth
brow, and a subdued and patient look upon
her mild face, which told that her life had not
been without its changes and trials. The
glance which she cast upon the young girl was
full OF tenderness and maternal affection; and
when she looked into the deepening shadows
OF the surrounding forest, or up to the azure
skies, the soft light of her dark eyes told of
hopo and contentment, if not of enthusiasm.
All at once the little hand dropped from the
an6 lnyy rin inn nUh frnp
the lips of the young girl.
'They are coming, mother See, there is
father holding Anna and little Eddy upon my
black pony, and Oscar in the rear mounted
upon old Charleyl Oh, we shall have such
nice ride through these old roads. .and down by
the bank of the quiet river"
And with Joyous bound she darted forward
to meet the approaching band the merry voices
OF the delighted little ones mingling with her
joyous shouts.
ooh, sister Esther :" cried little Anna, owe
have had such grand time Eddy and riding
around through the forest, with father to lead
your dear little pony and he is clever,
and steps so carefully over the green sward and
pretty flowers. Oh, wish we had not got
home this whole hour yet 20
But the chubby pratler was lifted from her
coveted seat, and stood dancing at the feet of
her mother, while the baby boy clapped his
tiny hands, and sent out his infant carol from
the arms of his smiling sire. Esther had tied
her straw bonnet over her curls, and sprang
gracefully to the back of her favorite and
now he paved the turf inpatfently, and shook
his glossy name, as if quite conscious of the
lovely weight he bore and longing to dart away
down the mossy path, and through the dim
shades.
Her brother, tall, noble looking youth Of
twenty. soon smilingiy Joined the company,
ana after kissing her gloved hand to the dear
group, they gailoped away down the foot-path,
and were lost to view. After riding mile or
Two beneath the dropping boughs of the old
trees, they suddenly came to the steep bank Of
river OF considerable size, and turning to
tne right, had full view Of the open country
ior many miles around. No obstruction was
.onefeu 10 their progress, and they rode gayiy
on over q surface of downy moss and welding
sward, besprinklcd with wild flowers of every
nue. and variety. Far to the left on the oppo-
ste shore, the forest was deep and unbroken,
ana steep grassy declivity which rose from
the rivers pure waters was now and then bro-
ken by chain OF massive rocks extending far
our into the stream, and losing their dark tons
amid the shrubbery and spreading bonghs.
ihe cheeks of Esther Durham glowed. and
bright smiles deepened the dimples about her
smaii mouth, while her brothers. eloquent dark
eyes beamed with infcpser light as they rode
onward, the musical tones of the one blending
WIN the deep, mellow voice of the other in
earnest conversation. At last the horses slack
su tnelr pace, walking almost noiselessly a.
.oSs over the dowry ground, as if, like their
naers, subdued to pleasant thoughts BY sur.