Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1860-05-18
ROSE ELMER

A DIVIDED HEART AND A DIVIDED LIFE.
ny vus soUrHwoRrH

DIVIDED HEART AND DIVIDED LIFE.
ny MRS sourHwoRrH
1t was carly on the morning Of lovely day
in June. A. ID. 1900. that rather large group
of idlers gathered in front of the Etheridge
Arms, quaint old tavern, in the ancient lit
tic town of Swinburne in the west Of England.
BY their looks and conversation. it was cv-
ident that some event of unusual Importance
was expected TO come 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 Swinburnc, tho last of her race.
and sole hciross of the immense wealth and
vast estates of her lordly ancestors.
The nuptials were to be celebrated on the
following day and the retainers and neigh
bors of the noble bride, who almost Worship
cd her for her goodness of heart, were anx-
ious 90 see the man who was to be their be-
loved gladys husband
They had not long to wait The coach
soon came laundering up to the door and as
soon as the steps were let down by the obsc-
quious landlord, Colonel Hastings issued
forth. lie was an elderly gentleman, tall
spare and STOPPING was clothed in suit of
clerical black; and his pale thin, long face
turey gray He was closely attended by his
secretary Ferdinand Cassinove, an Italian, Of
such graceful mion and dignifed bearing that
he might have been taken for prince Of the
blood attended by an old gentleman in wait
ing.
Next came forth a young gentleman, whose
handsome person and naughty manner at
once attracted general attention. His form
was tall and finely proiortoned, crowned by
naughty head and face. with high aquiline
features, fair and fresh complexion. light blue
eyes, and very light laxen hair. His express
sion of countenance, in keeping with his
whole manner, was stern almost to rcpcllant
severity Great beauty of person, with great
dignity Of manner forms combination very
attractive to most young women, and perhaps
it was this that fascinated the young heiress
Of Swinburne Castle, for this was Albert
Hastings. the bridegroom elect. lie was fol-
lowed into the house by his valet, bearing his
dressing-case.
After "a slight repast, Colonel Hastings, at
tended by CassinVye, drove off to the castle
to have preliminary interview with Lady
Etherdge, who was his ward,) and arrange
the marriage settlement. On arriving at tho
lordly castle, Cassin0ve was shown into a sit
tns-room. while the Colonel proceeded TO the
library, whittier his ward was requested 20
como 90 meet him
As tho young Italian paced up aud down
the room, occasionally pausing before a full
length mirror which reflected the spacious
window reaching from ceiling TO floor and
the picturesque landscape beyond, suddenly
among the roses outside glided purple-drap.
ed female figure that Immediately riyitcd his
attention It was woman in the earliest
bloom of youth As young Cassinoye gazed
upon. her reflected image, as he never gazcd
upon her, be felt as though goddess had sud-
denly descended among the flowers. Her
form was above the medium height and well
rounded. Her head was finely formed and
covered with proiusion Of jet-hlaci, glitter
ing hair that was plainly parted over her
broad, expansive forehead, and swept around
the temples, and wound into a rich and mas
- syo knot at the back of 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 glanc-
ed. Her nose was straight and well formed,
her lips rounded and, like all the rest, full of
character, In the carriage of her head and
neck, and in her stately footsteps. there was
certain natural majesty that, even in peas
ants dress, would have proved her one Of
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