The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-08-04

Alice cast reproachful glance upon
him as the Roundheads marched him
away.
A brief trial was allotted to the young
cavalier. He was adjudged spy, and
sentenced to be shot. He was placed for
safe keeping in the chapel of the ruined
Castle of Landleigh, and guard kept vigi-
liant watch over him.
1t was night. A lamp burned dimly at
the foot of pedestal supporting the statue
of a warrior beneath the shadow of whose
shield Denzil Norman sat immersed in
gloomy thought. His dream of life ap-
peared to have reached its end In half an
hour, in that chapel, at the foot of his great
ancestor, whose battle axe did such marvels
in Palestine over the infdels, he, the last of
his proud race, was about to sink and it
must be without Il struggle, ignobly, igno-
mniously. Suddenly voice of sweetest
melody broke through the gloomy still
ness:
Denzn Norman-Denzll Norman
List the Fairy OF the Well
am near thee-Denzil hear me,
Here shalt thou no longer dwell
Happy days for thee await,
Fly from love, and ny from fate.
Denzil took up the lamp to see from
whence the voice proceeded, but a sudden
gust of wind extinguished it. But at that
moment the moonlight falling with radiant
brlliancy on the broken window of the
gallery, disclosed to him the form of the
fairy standing on the base of lofty column.
Neither form nor feature were visible, how
ever, and large white veil completely en-
veloped her person. She looked like the
marble image Of some sculptured saint.
"Denzil, "she said, in voice that sounded
strangely familiar to his ears, "the Fairy of
theWeli is the friend of true lovers and would
have these live. Therefore take thou heart;
the fairy is here to secure your flight. The
King hath landed on his native shore"
"GOd save King Charles !" cried Denzil
joyfully.
"Amen" responded the fairy; "thou shalt
join him soon. Touch the right knee of the
statue-press hard-and Il door will open in
the pedestal; through it you will find liberty
Freed from this chapel, seek the old her
mitage at the depth of the glen. A friend
awaiteth thee there-.he fairy's friend. Pro-
nounce in his ear the name of Alice Brooke;
he will recognize and conduct thee to the
feet of thy triumphant sovereign. Denzil-
| farewell !"
The moon-beams were suddenly obscured
by passing cloud; and when her light shone
forth again, the fairy had disappeared.
Denzil hastened to obey her instructions.
lie found the secret door, entered the sub
terranean passage to which it conducted
and speedily emerged into wood beyond
the chapel wall. He FASTENED to the her
intage; and there, to his great surprise and
joy, encountered his old friend and guardian
Lord Eustace Blount, who he thought had
been untimely slain on Worcester field.
Lord Eustace's story was soon told. He
had been saved by the Fairy of the Well
Wounded nigh TO death, concealed in the
ruins of his own castle she had been his
nurse. His life prescribed, she was his
guardian angel, AS she had been Denzil's
His story told, he told Denzil to 20 with
him to the King, assuring him that his
severe ignty had been proclaimed in London
and that the fierce civil war was well nigh
over. But Denzil must stop by the way at
Doctor Br0oke's cottage to exchange a few
words with his loved Alice.
The doctor welcomed them both most joy
fully.
And Alice-where is she ?" asked Den
zil, anxiously.
''What Alice? ?" inquired Lord Eustace.
"She TO whom am engaged, my Lord"
answered Denzil zone dearer to me, far
| dearer to me, far dearer than life"
Engaged, Denzil ?" cried Lord Eustace I;
"you forget have a daughter, named Kate,
to whom in early life you we're betrothed."
"Pardon me,noble Lord, | was boy
them" remarked Denzil. "The heart will
not be commanded despite myself, love
another and surely you would not covet
for your daughter the hand of a man who
could never bestow upon her his affection.
But cannot wed your daughter; my love
my vows irrevokabe,"
May, stay until you have seen Kate"
urged Lord Eustace; "let her plead for her.
self. Doctor, bring her hither"
DIR. Brooke left the room, but presently
returning, leading a female by the hand who
wore over head and peson flowing white
veil.
"Here she is, Denzi," he said "you have
met her before, am told"
"The Fairy of the Well p cried Denzil,
in establishment
otherwise Kate Blount," replied Lord
Eustace, pleasantly "who, under that dis,
guise (by various subterranean passages o
the castle,l for years saved the life of hel
prescribed father"
"To such daughter can Denzil refuse his
hand 2" asked Doctor Brooke.
"Doctor, do you. you, my friend, urge m,
TO this apostacy r''' crisd Denzil, reprosoh
Ally. lie snelt before the fairy yststaily