The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1876-06-07
u MISCELLANY
TIE EAInr OF rnE wELL.

The civil war between the Cavaliers and
Puritans, which then desolated the land had
taken Landleigh Castle in its destructive
course, and that once lordly pile was NOW. a
ruin. An ancient well stood near its black
ened walls, with a square coping of old,
gray, messy stones, into which flowed a trans
lucent stream. AT the back of this well was
an antique recess of stone, from the center of
which the water took its course.
The beams Of early sunlight gllttcred ON
the water as q young cavalier approached the
well. If there be a spellcalled !" sweet memo
ries, which, they say, binds the heart to
certain places, and if the loneliness of the
scenes in which ones childhood has been pass
ed serves to renew the guleess joys Of in
fancy, then, indeed, might Denzil Norman at
tribute to their influence his increasing reluc-
lance to depart aud rejoin his regiment. But
no he knew the spell that bound him to that
spot was the charm of q simpe village maid.
en-. Yet, from the moment 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 garded by the fairy of
the castle. She harmed bur the wicked
Those who had never beheld her (which he
never had) said that her smile was SO sweet it
made everybody who was fortunate enough to
encounter it good looking and happy.
"Ah famous fairy of this well, z he cried,
apostrophizing it." it, indeed, such spirits
exist between heaven and man-how gladly
would importune you to award me the affec-
tions of a village maiden. Then far-far
from kingly courts and the hostiles din of
warfare -
L He paused abruptly, for it appeared to him
as if voice answered him from the WELL He
listened intently and heard sweet, silvery
voice mingling with the ripping of the waves,
which chanted these words
Denzil Norman zil Norman!
f List the Fairy of the Well
Foes are comng-foes coming,
Here no longer thou must dwell.
Happier days may on thee wait
Fly from love- and hy from hate!
Denzil was filed 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 beings
as FAIRIES, who watch or 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 warming was
true, then-he was in peril. The Round
heads were near. If detected, he knew he
would be denounced as a spy, and shot with
out delay. Yet he would not fly until he had
exchanged a few farewell words with the
lovely Alice.
He fastened back to the house of Dir.
Brooke, the village physician and the father
Of his love. The worthy doctor was surprised
at his return. x8
" Rash youth y he exclaimed, g were you
not admonished on your way hther to fly At
once from Landleigh :"
g How know you thats" answered Denzil,
in amazement. I" Yes l was admonished,
but had not said farewell to Alce.''
ssThis is absolute Madness said DR..
Brooke. Boy, boy, are you aware that that
farewell may cost you your lifea
"Not SO, worthy host /; wear good
sword and possess strong heart and strong
arm to back it, replied Denzil, with the con-
fidence Of youth. "Where is Alice ?"
'sShe is absent, but will shortly return !;
when she does win send her to you," said
the doctor, and left the room. ~
As Denzil gazed listlessly from the window,
panel of the wall glided noiselessly to one
side, through the aperture came lovely
girl, some eighteen years Of age, clad in the
plain but becoming costume Of village maid.
She closed the panel quietly, advanced to
Denzil's side, and laid her hand upon his
shoulder. He started up in joyons surprise.
"Ah, sweet Alice /" he exclaimed.
" Denzl, Denzil ~ she answered impati-
emily; what do you tarry here when every
moment adds to the peril OF your safety ?
/" Chide me not, Alice, !" he returned. " since
tarried but to ask yon if you viii love me
when am gone, as I shall continue to love
you Z"
"Oh, Denzi Denzil - she responded,
plaintively, 1T is generous to leave this i'm
prs ssion on the heart Of poor maiden, whose
last hope could be to unite herself in wedlock
with one Of noble descent like yours? I do
love you, Denzil--nor blush to acknowledge
that which is as dear to me as the love Of life
itself. But, alas have heard it said your
hand was devoted to anotheri -
Another! What other? demanded Denzil,