The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1897-10-30

filled many land with sorrow, and the
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.
At the time OF our narrative Isfodel had
undergone many changes since the days OF
its former possessors. 1t still, however,
presented the same granite 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 possession of
Lord Hurdron, an exceedingly unpopular
man of Grabbed disposition and darkened
reputation. He was domineering 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 ullCltul III "uo i"ty
Ella, the only daughter Of Lord Hurdron.
She possessed all those qualities and accom-
plishments that tend toward the develop
ment OF true womanhood She was greatly
liked by all who knew her, and we'll did
she merit the love that her friends bore her
II there was one thing to which Lord
Hurdron was violently opposed, it was that
Lady Ella should marry man who pos
sessed not wealth and bore not the title Of
nobleman. She we'll knew her father 9
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, with whom she had fallen
deeply in love. He possessed nothing in
his nature that even Lord HurdTon could
find aught against had not the latter such
an austere and jealous disposition.
The knowledge Of love meetings is somt-
Aes difficult to keep from suspicious
pMcnts, and so it was in the case of Lady
E "a and her lover. 1t was not long before
l. I'd Hurdron became cognizant of the in
tie Jews between his daughter and Roland
H ter, and he Immediately proposed to
eak 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
entity Lady Ella, accompanied by Roland
Hitter, appeared in view. Not wishing to
be observed by them Lord Iurlron stepped
behind large tree to wait until they
passed by.
"Dear Roland. let us sit do vn for few
moments, " said Lady Ella in IA sweet voice.
Lord Hurdron managed to restrain his
tie uper and wait for further developments.
He saW the young couple sit down under
the outrageous foliage OF large oak tree.
He beheld the young man pass his arm ten
derby 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 foreign land
where our marriage can take place undin-
dered 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 a reptile "
"Dear Roland" replied Lady Ella,
wheIesoever you 90 there will bear you
company. What is the love | entertain 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.
some distance, when he emerged from his
place of concealment and quietly wendell
his way toward the castle. On his way he
met one of his servants, to whom he spoke
a few words. The mans 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.
81 understand, my lord" And the man
walked away.
Roland Hitter lived mile from the
castle of Isfodel, and it WIS his favorite
pastime to wander along the high bank
that hordered the ocean an listen to the
beating of the waters below. Rarely day
passed but that he spent II portion of his
time there.
On the aftern Don follow ng the events
Just narrated Roland was wllking leisurely
along the bank, gazing Oh the blue waters,
when voice fell on his ear
ga bad place for man to fall FROM
"Ah, is it you, Rupert?" said Roland, as
he turned around. EYES, II il, as you say,
bad place. The best swimmer, warrant,
could not live in such sea-"
''Yet his cries would probably reach the
CASTLE"
81 fear not. The sound OF the waves
would drown them"
The eyes Of Rupert glittered with dam
gerous light as he heart these words. 500