The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-05-12


yet steamships, rail Ways, saslight, insurance CON-
pauies, telegrsphic wires, and detective policemen
had expelled nearly ell possibility Of vicissitade,
peril, and adventure from civilized society.
II was while clumsy sailing vessels we're the only
means of ocean travel, and heavy stage coaches
umbered slowly along every public road 10 the
country it was while footpads still lurked 10 the
shadows of the city streets to start forth upon the
belated pedestrian, and highwsymen, under the
ven Of night, sprang out to commit their lawless
depredstions upon the uuguarded traveller; while
he spirit Of romance lowered around old build
pgs, and approximation fingered 10 secluded
neighborhoods that the strange events Of story
ranspired.
II Was early in the morning of a lovely day in
June that rather large group of idlers gathered in
front of the Etheridge Arms, quaint old tavern in
the sucient little town of SwrDourne, situated ia
one of the most picturesque and beautiful counties
in Che West Of England.
They were standing within the arched gateway,
or leaning against the solid masonry OF the side
walls that looked strong enough aud old enough to
have been those of some ancient keep and which
In fact had done good service az defence-, in tue
olden time, when might made right, aud every
mans house was indeed his castle.
By their looks and conversation, 1t was evident
that some event OF unusual importance vas ex-
pesnd to come or
"The coach will be late; what wull be keeping
her9 inquired Brodng. the village smith, as he
turned, disappointed, from Que OF these surveys.
"whst doee thInk-wuil the bridegroom be doom
for sureT he asked, turning TO an ostier, who ad
left the stable yard for the same purpose.
"Wull the young squoir be doom? OF course he
wull! DubDot he send down his groom IN speak
rooms in the house, with orders to have fires kin
dleol why. nun, the young squoir wuli never be
late at such time" replied the osuer, 10 contemp-
tuous tones.
"a good job If un never COON at all. The loikes
of yon cooning marry our lady, and lord it over
our castle. When were IL ever known that Lord
Etheridge, of SwiDburbe, married WI a cummuner?
But we've sy heard tel that q house Is done fur
when it falls 10 the dista' said an old laborer, from
SwiDbune Chase.
am telIee all What and about IL. Old Has ings,
the feyther o. this young man, Was his late utships
friend, aud were let gardeen by hts late ludships
will TO this young lady. Well, old Hastings was q
knowing 'uD, and made the match. There's where
IL is; and 90 they're ~ be married to-morrow."
"Hoigb Harkenl Coome along wi !; here's the
coach, suddenly interrupted the smith. starting
from the srch~ay into the street. just as the hora
was heard signalling the approch OF the Bristol
coach, that presently rumbled down the street, and
drew up with great noise before the tavern ga5es.
All the servants VI the house and yard rushed out
10 receive it, josflibg against each other, chokiog
up the avenues, and creating much annoying con.
fn. agav GOOD oeo0,.. room here. room- You arc
IN
the ialers and issuing forth 10 person TO receive the
passengers
First came from the interior of the coach an
elderly gentleman, whose tall, spare, and STOPPING
figaro was clothed 10 q salt OF clerical black aud
whose pale, thin, long face was surrounded ~ air
and whiskers premsturely gray. Tie vas closely
attended by young man, whose Roman features.
olive complexion, jet black hair aud deep dark
eyes bespoke him Of the Celtic race, while Ms
plain dress and subordinate position could not dts
guise the grace and dignity a his air aud minner.
In this lat he was such contrast To his employer,
that he might have been taken for prince Of the
blood, attended by an old gentleman In siting.
IL say, Brcding, yol's old Hastings aud his -ecre-
tary. I've seen before doom here said the old
Isborer, addressing the smith, as these t~o ira
velleSs issued from the coach aud passed before the
bowing and -mi king host into the house.
Neat came forth young gentleman, whose
handsome person aud naughty nsoner az once AZ.
trscted general attention. His form WAS tall, aud
finely proportional. crowned by a hsughty head
and lace, with high acquiline features, fair aud
fresh compile xion, light blue eyes, aud very light,
fiaxen hair: His expression OF eountessoce, ia
Keeping with his whole manner, was stern alln ,st
to repeliant severity. Great beauty OF person,
with great dignity Of manner. forms q combination
very attractive 10 most young women, ADD perhaps
IL was this that fascinated the young heiress Of
Swinburne Castle for this VAS Albert Hastings, the
bride groom elect He was folio we'd into the house
by his valet, bearing his dressing case.
Colonel Hastings was Immediately sho yn into
his private parior, where he was soon Jeiaed by
The landlord stood bowling ct the door, and
waiting for orders.
= BREAKFAST, Immediately, and the post-chaise at
the door in half an hour" was the brief order OF
Colonel Hastings.
Eyes, your honor. What would your honor like
for breakfs~tf'
"Bisck tea, toast. broied ham and eggs, and
ayes. yes; and anything else you like. oply le,
Us have Il now" replied the guest, cutting sh ri
~ .f farQ Nit a
seemed to uansax the garrulous host aud strike
The landlord bowed and disappeared. aud was
and laid the cloth. and spread upen the board .
substantial breakfast, TO which the huogry travel.
lers did ample justice.
They hsd scarcely finished the meal before the
post choise was announced.
The elder hastings arose, saying
ALBERT, my boy, ! am sorry that etiquette does
not admit Of your waiibg upon your belle mat
tresse today, or seeing her until you meet her at
the church. But da reror until to-norrov at
twelve"
"You win, at least sir, convey my profoundcst
regards 10 my fair bride, and my deepest regret
that -he cannot receive me also today" aid Al
.Oh, ay, certainly; that Il understood. Indeed,
dou Ut her iadyship would dcign TO be seen evea
by me, her old guardian, were II not that certsin
document, relative 10 the transfer OF my trust
quire her signature today. | hope you will ma
mage 20 make yourself comfortable here for day
and night Mike Leyere see that Jour room Is
well AIRED Goodbye. Come, Cassinoven
And Nth this abrupt leave taking the elder
Hastings attended by his secretary left the house,
and entered the postchaise 20 dive 70 S~inoucus
Castle.
Their way lay through the principal greet Of the
village, between long, irregular rows of autiluat.
ed hou-es, scme Of them dating back many haa-
dred years, while here and there q smart modern
building, or q highly ornate shop, limited that the
spirit Of Improvement had found out even s sid-
hume.
The young secretary, depizen Of the city,
caxed upon this ancient feuda village with strange
interest
you seem TO be 10 most contemplsve fran.
of mind. this morning, Cassinove,' said Colonel
Hsstinga
81 an thinking Of The changes that centuries
have made In the living and dying World OF msn
stones. remain forever the same, replied the youn.
man grsvcly
"Yss; The times have changed since six cent?