The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-08-04
Miscellaneous.
THE FAIRY OF THE WELL.

The civil war between the Cavaliers and
Puritans, which was then desolating the
land, had taken Landleigh Castle in its de-
structive course, and that once lordly pile
was now a ruin. An ancient well stood near
its blackened walls, with square coping of
old, gray, mossy stones, into which flowed
translucent stream. At the back of this well
was an antique recess of stone, from the
centre of which the water took its course.
The beams of early sunlight glittered on
the water as young cavalier approached the
well. If there be a spell called Sweet
memories" which, they say, binds the heart
to certain places, and if the loveliness of
the scenes in which ones childhood has
been passed, serves to renew the guileless
joys of infancy, then, indeed, might Denzil
Norman attribute to their influence his in
creasing reluctance to depart and rejoin his
regiment. But no; he knew the spell that
bound him to that spot was the charm of a
simple village maiden. Yes, from the mo.
ment he had beheld the lovely and gentle
Alice Brooke, he felt that his destiny was
fixed.
He knew the legend of the old well. Its
waters were said to be guarded by the fairy
of the castle. She harmed but the wicked
Those who had ever beheld her, (which he
never had y said that her smile was so sweet
it made everybody who was fortunate enough
to encounter it, good looking and happy.
A IA ! 81; - IL /, l.
apostrophizing it eff indeed. such spirits
exist between heaven and man--how glad
ly would importune you to award me the
affection of village maiden. Then far
far from the kingly courts and the hostile
dns Of warfare"
lie paused abruptly, for it appeared to
him as if voice answered him from the
| well. lie listened intertly and heard sweet
silvery voice mingling with the ripping OF
| the waves, which chanted these words
Denzi Norman !-Denz Norman
List the Fairy OF the Well;
| Foes are comlDg-foes are coming,
Here no longer thou must dwell.
Happier days may on thee walt
| Fly from love and iiy from fate
Denzil was filled with amazement The
voice sounded to his ear like the wreathed
| choir Of unseen spirits Could it be possible
he asked himself, that there were such be-
| ings as fairies, who watch our actions, and
know our inmost thoughts?
The voice had ceased, but now another
| sound broke upon his cara distant hum as
of troops upon the march. The warning
was true, then-he was in peril. The Round.
heads were near If detected, he knew he
should be denounced as a spy, and shot with
out delay Yet still he would not fly until
he had exchanged few farewell words with
the lovely Alice.
lie FASTENED back to the house OF DIR.
Brooke, the village physician and the father
of his love. The worthy doctor was sur.
prised at his return.
Rash youth" he exclaimed. "were you
not admonished ON your way hither to fly
at once from Landeigh ?"
GLOW know you that?" answered DENIAL,
in amazement. "Yes, | was admonished,
| bub L lAh hbl lblCNtll W -NllNCs
"This is absolute Madness said DIR,
Brooke. "Boy, boy,a you aware that fare
well may cost you your life?"
"Not so,worthy host; wear good sword
and possess a strong arm to back it," re.
piled Denzil with the confidence of youth.
"Where is Alice"
"She is absent, but will shortly return
and when she does / will send her TO you, "
| said the doctor, and left the room,
As Denzl gazed listlessly from the win
dow, panel in the wall g.ided noiselessly
to one side and through the aperture can e a
ovely girl, some eighteen years of age, clad
in the plain but becoming costume of Il
village maid. She closed the panel quietly
advanced to Denzi's side, and laid her hand
upon his shoulder. lie started up in Joyful
surprise.
"Ah, sweet Alice |" he exclaimed.
"Denzil, DenzilW she answered i'm,
patiently "why do you tarry here when
every moment adds TO the peril of your
safety ?"
"Chide me not" he returned, "since
tarried but TO ask you if you will love me
when | am gone, as | shall continue to love
you 2"
ooh, Denzil, Denzil |" she responded
plaintiyely, sis il generous to leave thi'
Impression on the heart of poor maiden
whose last hope could be to unite herself il
wedlock with one ofnoble descent like yours
do love you-nor blush 10 acknowledg,
that which is as dear TO me as the love o
life itseli, But alas Ihave heard il sal,
youf hand xpaa aapb,..A ~ a,,nahneh