, 1896-11-12
ISFODEL CASTLE.

row, and TIE angel Of peace has often
visited the world, bringing balm to the
weary. Empires have arisen, and, like
the paling of a star, have disappeared
from the armament Of time since that
remote period.
1t is written OH the pages Of tradition
that this castle was built by Lord Hide
brand, a retiring gentleman, who cared
little for martial display, but preferred
the unobtruslve quictude of a solitary
life. He rarely engaged in any of the
numerous tournaments that were SO
prevalent in those days-not that he
lacked the courage to miugle in the
cOmbats, nor for u lack of confidence to
cope successfully with the different par
Elephants.
Lord Hildebrand possessed Il mind
whose functions tended more to Il liter,
airy or an artistic life than to the study
of warfare or any of its relations. His
soul was deeply Tstllctical in its per
ceptive qualities. He bchold beauty in
nature that seemed cold and rude to
Others. In the construction of the castle
of 1sfOdel there had been displayed SC
much grandeur and beauty that it seem
ed as if it had been erected as II mansion
of retirement instead Of n means of de-
Tense. The former intentions were at
first proposed by Lord HildcLranG, but
it was not long after the completion of
the castle that the Danes invaded that
portion Of the country, and then Isfo-
del was altered from II quiet retreat to
n place Of defense, its elevation and sur
roundings r-catly adapting it as a
stronghold, and so, after many weeks of
exertiOn i'll attempting to take it, the
Danes finally Withdrew, leaving the
castle still IL the possession of Lore
Hildcbrand and u few companions.
At the time Of our narrative IsfOdel
had undergone many changes since the
days of its former posscssors. 1t still,
however, presented the same granite
appearance. The wild, wrathful ocean
beat against the base of the cliff OH
which the castle stood, and dark and
lonely appeared the great forest n few
rods away. Lord Hildcbrand and many
of his followers had passed away to the
land of the soul.
Finally Isfodel fell into the posses.
ison of Lord Hurdron, an exceedingly
unpopular man, of grabbed disposition
and darkcned reputation. He WAS dom
incering in his conduct toward those
beneath him in social standing, and, add
ed to this. /" bore such IL selfish spirit
that no won the respect Of only Il few
persons.
Very different in her natur was Lady
Ella, tho only daughter of Lord Hur-
dron. She possessed all those qualities
and accomplishments that tend toward
tho development of true ~womanhood.
She was greatly liked by all who knew
her, aid well did she merit the love
that her friends bore her.
If there was one thing to which Lord
Hurdron was violently opposed, it was
that Lady Ella should marry II man
who possessed not wealth and bore not
the title of noblcman. She well know
her fathers antipathy to her forming
an intimacy with any of the lower
class. Still, this did not deter her from
seeking the company of Roland Hitter,
and with whom sho had fallen deeply
in love. He possessed nothing i'll his
nature that even Lord Hurlron could
find aught against had not the latter
such an austcrc and jealous disposition.
Tho knowledge of love meetings is
sometimes difficult to keep from suspi-
cious parents, and so it was in tho case
of Lady Ella and her lover. 1t was not
long before Lord Hurdron became cog
infant of the interviews existing be-
tween his daughter and Roland Hitter,
and he Immediately proposed to break
the intimacy.
Early one morning, as he was passing
through the dark forest of Athol, Lord
Hurdron's attention was arrested by the
sound Of voices falling On his ear. Pres
emily Lady Ella. accompanied by Ro-
land Hitter, appeared in view. Not
wishing to he observed by them, Lord
Hurdron stepped behind n large tree to
wait until they passed by.
Dear Roland, let us sit down for a
few moments" said Lady Ella in u
sweet voice.
Lord Hurdron managed to restrain
his temper and wait for further develop
ments. He saw the young couple sit
down under tho outrageous foliage Of
q large oak tree. He beheld the young
man pass his arm tenderly around the
waist Of the fair girl. and he noticed
that she did not attempt to resist this
act of familiarity.
Dear Ella. said Roland, "let us
leave this country and fly to some for
eign land, where our marriage can take
place %unhindered by your people. for you
know that were your father to learn
OF our betrothal he would spurn me from
these premises rs he would a reptile"
"Dear Roland" replied Lady Ella,
"wheresoever you go there l will bear
you company. What is the love l enter
tain for ny people compared with the
deep affection that has chained our
hearts together"
''Then this evening nj the red room
await my coming" And as Roland ut
tered these words he arose from his sea,
and together they walked away.
As Lord Hordron heard these words
he inwardly cursed the soul Of Roland
Hitter. He waited until the young Low
ers had gone some distance, when he
emerged from his place of concealmcn'
and quietly wendell his way toward the
castle. On his way he met ohe Of his
servants. to whom he spoke o few
words The mans face slightly changed
color ~ his masters voice fell on hi
ear.
IA thousand pounds. Rupert, il yor
perform the deedi'' said Lord Hurdror
~ be denarted.