The herald and mail. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1873-188?, 1877-06-29

cIte their business with dispatch. In
vain did the almost frantic Saova im-
plore him to be merciful, and take her
lie rather than separate her from her
aged father. He was deaf to all her
entreaties, and having rudely repulsed
her, she dropped senseless to the ground.
After plundering the abode of all wealth
it contained, Scanlan and followers
forced the old man from his home. The
tumult aroused sSaova, and she stood, an
altered being before the marauders.
Father, farewell!" she said. "The
daughter of an Irish chieftain must pre-
serve her life for great and noble pur-
pose. )"
Scanlan was at loss to comprehend
her words, and the sudden change which
had taken place in her manner; but her
fathers eyes frightened as he read the
characters of defiance and revenge in his
daughters face. They were, however,
from that hour separated forever.
Two months from that day the Chief
of the Glen was seated at the feet of the
fair Elline, daughter OF the Mccarthy
Nor; she was listening with delight and
attention to a recital of his adventures
in her fathers service, while his mother,
a proud Gromlaith, sat watching them
with smiles of contentment. They
formed IA charming group; a fair, deli
cate girl clothed in a robe of puIest
white, her slender waist enciIcled by a
golden zone, was seated upon an ebony
chair of curious workmanship; the hand
some youth, who appeared almost on his
knees before her, as if in deep devotion
before some saint. Elline, smiling and
IN his lOua liotonaH ho
Scanlan thought only of the bliss that
awaited him, and his happiness in con-
templating the fair features of the
morrow. At their side, and looking as
their guardian angel, sat Gromlaith, ex-
ulting in her success of having effected
a union that would heal the breach.
which had for some time existed between
her noble race, and that of the Mccarthy
Nor. Day was fast drawing to a close,
the evening perfume of sweet spring
flowers embalmed the air, and all nature
seemed hushed into holy calm. The
little party felt its influence, and silence
for awhile crept among them, as if they
were afraid to break the repOse of nature.
The chief of the glen rested his head
near the lap of Elline, and at that
moment they forgot all but themselves,
even a dreadful pestilence which for
some time past had, like a scythe, cut
off so many of the chieftains and their
followers, spa ing in its dreadful march
neither young nor old. At this hour of;
fancied security the large Gothic door
of the apartment was cautiously opened,
and a female figure, closely veiied,
stood before the happy group. The
youth started to his feet, displeased at
being interrupted in the sweet but Sc
rious train of thought to which he had
yielded, and somewhat rudelv demanded
the purpose OF her visit.
"Scanlan, Chief of the Glen" she
replied with solemnity, sis not that fair
maiden Elline,, the daughter of the
great Mccarthy Nor, your afianced
bride
At the sound of the woman's voice
Elline started from her seat, and bent
an inquiring look upon her lover. Sho
fancied she foresaw that disagreeable
scene was about to be enacted by some
trembling and forsaken girl, and fearing
for her own happiness she burst into
tears.
Scanlan briefly replied " She is my
bride, the daughter of Mccarthy
Nor !"
" 1t is well, " said the incOgnita, in a
tone of exultatiOn, and turning to the
door by which she had entered carefully
closed it. Then placing herself before
Elline she scrutinized her for some time
her veil then, as if thinking
aloud, she murmured, moaning between
each word: Yes, yesS she is indeed
even more beautiful than |
had expected to find her."
And what is that to thee ?" de-
manded Scanlan, presently.
What to me ?' exultingly replied the
unknown cit is this, Seaman of the
Glen! / came to warn you of danger
that threatens you and your young
bride; of dreadful project to dash the
cup of bliss forever from your lips; it has
been we'll conceived, and will be exc
cuted by one who is your deadly enemy"
"I have no enemy who can iniure me,
Or whom fear" proudly answered the
youth 4" defended by my castles walls
and my good sword, / would bid defiance
to any chieftain."
"Your enemy" replied the unknown
who. in spite of ramparts and sword,
and certain as the punishment of of
Tended heaven ~
A horrible thought took possession of
Scanlan's mind; it appeared to him un
reasonable to fear woman alone, un-
armed, but he doubted not that she was
/ maniac sad presentment agitated
iim, and with trembling voice he said,
Who are you T.? what are your"
IL L a.. D. l.. l.
he replied, with solemn pathos, "and !
What seek is vengeance for a fathers |
leath "
"Enough, enoughp' said Scanlan.
instantly leave this place, or my fol-
overs shall thrust thee bencel"
''They dare not" she replied indig- |
lantly.
"Then will - he exclaimed, and ad-
yancing towards her seized her arm to |
lrag her forth, but she clung to him with |
,onvulsive rage. The struggle was
evere, and he had nearly succeeded in
lis purpose when she demanded to be |
Lllowed to leave the castle without force.
Il crave one boon; let me but once
more gaze upon the features of your in
ended bride tits all ask for the deep
Misery you have caused both me and
nine"
She advanced with him towards FL
inc, who had sought refuge in Lady /
arms, for she had an unac-
feeling of dread which she
ould not conquer. Scanlan himself
vkile he held her firmly by the arm
beyed her with reluctance. 1t was a
of awful silence as SaOva stood
,efore the trembling Filing. Slowly she
aised the veil which had concealed her
eatures. Then presenting the youth to
lis lovely bride, she screamed aloud:
Elline Mccarthy, l here present to
-ou Scanlan, the Chief of the Glen"
The youth instantly dropped the arm he
Iad erasped, Elline fell upon her knees,
nd Lady Gromlaith stood motionless
With horror. A loud, fendish laugh
,urst from Saova as she exclaimed tri.
lmphantly, "Now, Chief of the Glen,
where are your boasted ramparts7 Where
our good sword to defend you from the
-engeance of a poor, weak woman
Why stand you all aghast Why gaze
N me as if in fear? 'Tis true am pes
ferrous and have inoculated with the
,oison of death all those upon whom |
ave breathed. Look on your bride
ee how beautiful she is l was once as
air. Now what am I? and who made
ne what l ann"
I1I-a ba ,,,,o,, Al - |