Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1897-01-11
ISFODEL CASTLE.


Many years have vanished from the
face Of the earth since the castle Of Isfo-
del was first erected. The 1avages of
war have filed 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 a star, have disappeared
from the armament Of time since that
remote period.
1t is written on the pages Of tradition
that this castle was built by Lord Hide
brand, retiring gentleman, who cared
little for martial display, but preferred
the unobtrusive quietude Of 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 mingle in the
combats, nor for lack Of confidence to
cope successfully with the different par
ticipants.
Lord Hildebrand possessed mind
airy Or an artistic life than to the study
Of warfare Or any Of it's relations. His
soul was deeply @sthetical in it's per-
ceptive qualities. He beheld beauty in
nature that seemed cold and rude to
Others In the construction Of the castle
of Isfodel there had been displayed SO
much grandeur and beauty that it SEEM
ed as if it had been erected as mansion
Of retirement instead Of means Of de-
Tense. The former intentions were at
first proposed by Lord Hildebrand, 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 quiet retreat to
place Of defense, it's elevation and sur
roundings greatly adapting it as a
stronghold, and SO, after many weeks of
exertion in attempting to take it, the
Danes finally Withdrew, leaving the
castle still in the possession Of Lord
y Hildebrand and few companions.
At the time Of our narrative Isfodel
had undergone many changes since the
days Of its former possessors. 1t still,
however, presented the same granitic
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 few
rods away. Lord Hildebrand and many
Of his followers had passed away to the
land Of the soul.
Finally Isfodel fell into the possess
ison of Lord Hurdron, all exceedingly
unpopular man, Of grabbed disposition
and darkened reputation. He was DOM
ineering in his conduct toward those
beneath him in social standing, and, add
ed to this, he bore such a selfish spirit
that he won the respect Of only few
persons.
Very different in her nature was Lady
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 we'll 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 intimacy with any of the lower
class. Still, this did not deter her from
seeking the company Of Roland Hitter,
and 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 austere and jealous disposition.
The knowledge Of love meetings il
sometimes difficult to keep from suspi-
cious parents, and so it was in the 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 be observed by them. Lord
Hurdron stepped behind large tree to
wait until they passed BY.
Dear Roland, let rs sit down for q
few moments" said Lady Ella in
sweet voice.
Lord Hurdron managed to restrain
his temper and wait for further develop
ments He saw the young couple sit
down under the outrageous foliage Of
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 a. be would reptile. \
Dear Roland, replied Lady Ella,
''wheresoever you 60 there will bear
you company What is the love ! enter
taiA for my people compared with the
deep affection that has chained cur
hearts, togetheri'
sThsn this evening At the red room
await my coming = And - Roland IT.