Connecticut western news., 1897-10-14
ISFODEL CASTLE.

Many years have vanished from the face of the earth since the castle of Isfo- del was first erected. The ravages of war have filled many land with sor- row, and the angel of peace has often visited the world, bringing balm to the weary. Empires have arisen and, like the paling of star, have disappeared from the Armament of time since that remote period
 At the time of our narrative Isfodel had undergone many changes since the days of it's former possessors 1t still, however, presented the same granitio appearance The wild, wrathful ocean beat against the base of the cliff on which the castle stood, and dark and lonely appeared the great forest few rods away Lord Hilderbrand and many of his followers had passed away to the land of the soul.
 Finally Isfodel fell into the posses sion of Lord Hurdron, an exceedingly unpopular man, of grabbed disposition and darkened reputation. He was dom ineering in his conduct toward those beneath him in social standing. and, added to this, he bore such selfish spirit that he won the respect of only a few persons
 Very different in her nature was La dy Ella the only daughter of Lord Hur- dron. She possessed all those qualities and accomplishments that tend toward the development of true womanhood. She was greatly liked by all who knew her, and 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 man who possessed not wealth and bore not the title of nobleman. She we'll knew her fathers antipathy to her forming an in. timacy with any of the lower class. Still this did not deter her from seeking the company of Roland Hitter, with whom she had fallen deeply in love He possessed nothing in his nature that even Lord Hurdron could find aught against had not the latter such an aus. tere and jealous disposition.
 The knowledge of love meetings is sometimes difficult to keep from sus. picious parents, and SO it was in the case of Lady Ella and her lover. It was not | long before Lord Hurdron became cog nizant of the interviews between his daughter and Roland Hitter, and he inn mediately proposed to break the inti. | macy.
 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 ently Lady Ella, accompanied by Ro- land Hitter, appeared in view. Not wishing to be observed by them, Lord Hurdron stepped behind large tree to wait until they passed by.
 ''Dear Roland, let us sit down for a few moments" said Lady Ella in a sweet voice.
 Lord Hurdron managed to restrain his temper and wait for further devel- opments He saw the young couple sit down under the umbrageous foliage of 0 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 as he would rep | tile 1"
 Dear Roland, !" replied Lady Ella, "whercsoever you go there will bear | you company. What is the love l en- certain for my people compared with the deep affection that has chained our hearts together?"
 "Then this evening at the red room await my coming. And as Roland uttered these words he arose from his seat and together they walked away.
 As Lord Hurdron heard these words he inwardly cursed the soul of Roland Hitter. He waited until the young low CTS had gone some distance, when he emerged from his place of concealment and quietly wended his way toward the castle. On his way he met one of his servants, to whom he spoke few words. The man s face slightly changed color as his masters voice fell on his ears
 "A thousand pounds, Rupert, if you perform the deed, !" said Lord Hurdron, as he departed.
 II understand, my lord" And the man walked away.
 Roland Hitter lived mile from the castle of Isfodel, and it was his favorite pastime to wander along the high bank that bordered the ocean and listen to the beating of the waters below. Rare l ly day passed but that he spent DOT tion of his time there.
 On the afternoon following the events just narrated Roland was walking lei- surely along the bank, gazing on the blue waters when voice fell on his ear.
 "A Lad place for man to fall from. "
 "Ah, is it you, Rupertg" said Roland. as he turned around. "Yes, it is, as you say, bad place. The best swim mer, warrant, could not live in such Q sea. "
 "Yet his cries would probably reach the castle.
 "I fear not The sound of the waves would drown them.
 The eyes of Rupert glittered with a dangerous light as he heard these words Do you think the edge of the bank is firm?" he asked. Would there not be danger of it's crumbling if one should stand close to the brinky' "None in the least. l have stood