Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1874-04-09

Hall.
lmogene Fitzgerald found her sea
side home in aspect, far less cheerlcss
than she had anticipated from the de-
scription given her.-The rooms were
neatly furnished, and the interior pre-.
sented most romantic appearance.
1t was with strange feeling of awe,
mingled with happiness, that the bride
OF Edmund stood upon the high rocks
that overhung the sea, and looked on
the murmuring. rushing waters far be-
low. Especially did the rock which
stood q little to the right Of the sand
crested beach, attract her, and seemed
most picturesque of all. There she
would 60 and sit for hours, singing her
ocean ballads during the brief absence
from the home their love had made SO
happy. The old tower seemed no
more like ruin, bat paradise, which
irresistibly enchained the Young row.
er's footsteps.
Inc morning sun shone brightly
down upon his honored fathers new
made grave, as Edmund knelt above
the hallowed sod. lie clasped the sim
pie monument, which should have been
one Of unrivalled splendor, and doff.
ing his bonnet cast it with its dark
trailing plume beside him, while he
yielded to his grief.
''Oh, Father in Heaven" he prayed,
"lst thy blessing rest on mis- son Cor
the sake Of him who sleeps here-him
who taught me TO fear and adore thy
holy nameT"
1.-The blessing Of God, Edmund Fitz-
gerale !" said low, deep voice at his
side.-"Well may you pray for heav-
ems mercy, for your hour has come"
Looking up, he beheld the worn and
haggard features Of Lord Douglas,
whose gray eyes flashed as be unsheath-
ed his sword, and added:
VILLAIN, defend Yourself! Midnight
robber. bring forth your sword, or |
will add another stigma than that of
begging 10 the name Of Fitzgerald
yes, even that Of cowardice r.
''Dishoner never yet stained with
the Sill ilhtest breath one descendent of
Fitzgerald's noble house, and shall not
now"
Rising, Edmund sought. his sword,
and for the first time remembered that
contrary 70 his usual custom, he had
left it at home.
Il am unarmed, Lord Douglas" he
said with perfect composure. ''lf you
wish to murder me, it is in your power
TO do so; il not, then at any time and
place, you can have satisfaction for the
commission of . deed which my heart
in its purest devotion and proudest i'm
pulses dictated"
To save his life, Douglas could not
refrain from admiring the nobility of
snui which Fitzgerald never failed TO
manifest under any AL all cirer-n.
stsnces-his proud bearing and un.
daunted courage, even in the face of
death; and as he compared the unfor-
tunate young nobleman with himself,
he was compelled to acknowledge his
contrast. But seeking to forget all
save his purpose, he continued, "Verv
we'll, sir. This evening at sunset we
will test our skill as marksmen. We
will tight with pistols on the beach be-
low your tower"
"And remember, Lord Douglas, that
IT Is your sisters husband with whom
you are about to enter into deadly con-
fiict. Not that l fear your missiles Of
death, misguided and unhappy Young
man. 1t is Of Imogene that l think.
Her happiness will be forever wrecked
should you, or shall fall"
mo more words with you, sir !" was
the unfeeling rejoinder. The duel shall
take place and both Of US shall not
leave the field. 1t is Douglas insult
ed honor that shall speedily find AN
avenger." And with this he mounted
his iron-gray steed and disappeared
among the trees.
The evening sun was just an hour
high when Edmund reached his home.
After clasping his wife to his bosom
and kissing her tenderly, he fastened
TO the apartment where he kept his
arms. followed by her despite his en-
treaties that she should leave him alone
IOr lew moments.
Edmund" she said, something is
wrong. Tell me what's the matter"
lie only groaned in response to her
pleadings, and upturned to her anxious
gaze, q countenance which too clearly
portrayed his fearful anguish.
She knelt to him and clung to him,
wildly entreating him to impart Sc.
cret which he vainly strived to retain
in concealmcnt.
You have met my brother, have
you not Edmund: Oh ! tell me, darling,
why will you thus torture her whom
you love 80 fondly? Well do l know
that you have met the naughty and in
exOrable Lord Douglas"
"Yes, Imogene, have-but it wants
only ten minutes Of the time"
'Do you remember nv oath, Ed.
mund? ] shall keep it," she said, in
calm despair.
And now farewell my wife, my I'm
ogene J." and he held her in a frenzied
embrace, kissing again, and again, her
lips, cheek and brow. "a long, q last
farewell! and oh! may God protect
md comfort you when your Edmund is
no uOre."
In another moment he had choked
back his bitter tears and Vas riding,
With fearful rapidity, along the rough
'oad leading to the beach. ,
She strained her eyes to catch last
glimpse Of the waving plume which
l
md which the merry, restless winds
we're tossing about ere it disappeared
behind the steep hill.
When Edmund reached the beach,
ae found Douglas there and awaiting
mpatisntly, his coming; while Imo-
Iene stood, unknown to either Of them,
N the rock to the right Of the spot,
md which protested into the sea. She
istened attentively, 70 catch each
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