extent of her information on subjects of which fe- marrying her to a man whose handsome person and males are usually ignorant, made her an object of fashionable air constituted his sole recommenadmiration to all the men who were capable of ap-dations. His embarrassments, which had been preciating her ability. Yet few among these ad-temporarily relieved by the loan from his bromirers would have ventured their own happiness in ther, had now become greater than ever, and a domestic connection with a lady, whose fiery it was obvious that his credit could be sustained temper, glowing imagination and disregard of the but a very short time longer, unless he could ordinary maxims of prudence and morality, were succeed in this favorite scheme. He had not so openly exhibited in her conversation, if not in yet mentioned the subject to his family, fearing her conduct. Among the young men, the mere that their indiscretion might disgust his intended butterflies of fashion, after one or two attempts to daughter-in-law. He was equally reluctant to disapproach this brilliant light, usually retired with close his project to his brother, whose consent must singed wings to a respectful distance. In this class be obtained, if at all, by the most artful managewas found her silly cousin, whom his father's calcu- ment. But to deter young men of superior prelating cupidity had destined for her husband. In- tensions to his son from addressing his niece, he deed, there was little congeniality between her and had, by some hints, given currency to a rumor of any other member of her uncle's family, except an engagement between the two cousins. Affairs himself. His wife was an exceedingly weak wo- were in this position, when the father of Eliza man—the staple of whose conversation consisted in died suddenly, leaving a will, in which he appointed the description of laces, silks, bonnets, and all the his brother his executor and the guardian of his et ceteras with which a fashionable lady arms daughter. Although Mr. Robert Howard had as herself for the field. The subjects sometimes dis- much affection for his brother Edward as a heart cussed between her niece and her husband, were hardened by a long course of dissipation, and by entirely above her comprehension. She was a contact with some of the worst specimens of huwell-meaning woman-if that epithet can properly man nature was capable of feeling, yet the poignbe applied to one whose days and nights were ancy of his grief was much blunted on the present wasted in a continued round of company, and her occasion, by a perception of the facilities which domestic concerns entirely neglected. Her beau- his power as guardian would afford for the executy, good-temper, wealth and high connexions, had tion of his matrimonial projects. But bitter disoriginally recommended her to Mr. Howard, who, appointment soon convinced him that his exultanot seeking his happiness at home, bore with philo- tion was premature, and that he had greatly under sophic indifference the mortifications to which the valued his niece's strength of character. Eliza, mental imbecility of his wife occasionally exposed who was passionately attached to her father, was him. The children inherited their mother's per- deeply grieved at his death—the first real calamity sonal charms and frivolity, without any of their of which she had ever been sensible. She had father's talent. Is was impossible for a young lady been too young to feel the magnitude of the loss of Miss Eliza's talents and disposition to avoid which she had sustained in her mother. But her feeling contempt for such a family circle, although heart was now sensibly touched by losing a parent she was restrained from its open exhibition by the from whom she had experienced nothing but induluniform kindness which she received from her silly gence and affection, and she for some time lost all relatives. Years glided by in the manner which relish for the society and amusements which she we have been attempting to describe, and Eliza, had formerly sought with eagerness. While this now nearly eighteen, had quitted school, and, to use state of feeling lasted, her uncle of course abstaina common expression, was fully turned out in the ed from taking any measures to secure the object fashionable circle, where she had been long known. which he had so much at heart. He privately asHer father, who came frequently to see her, was sured some of his larger creditors, however, that vastly proud of her beauty and her striking im- he would settle their claims with the aid of his son, provement in manners and conversation. His who was to be married to this rich heiress, as soon vanity was much gratified at hearing that some of as a decent interval of mourning had elapsed. the first men in the metropolis had been struck with This hopeful youth, who was relied on by his faher genius, and had sought her society. The per- ther to save him from bankruptcy, had never paid sons who reported these complimentary expressions, any marked attention to his cousin and destined took care to omit other remarks, made at the same bride, who had awed him by her infinite superiority. time, which were not quite so flattering to the young The old gentleman, who had hitherto concealed his lady. The elder Mr. Howard now saw, that it design from this indispensable agent in its exewould be no easy task to procure his brother's con- cution, now considered it high time to prepare him sent to the match between their children which he for the attempt. He disclosed to him the despehad long contemplated. He could hardly suppose, rate state of his affairs, and told him that he must that a fond father would readily sacrifice a lovely either make his fortune by winning the hand of his girl of uncommon genius and acquirements, by fair cousin, or give up at once the fashionable ex travagance in which he had hitherto supported him, railroads had not made a trip to the western wiland which he knew that he would sooner die than derness a mere holiday excursion. A caravan abandon. Stimulated by so powerful a motive, the of travellers which then set out for the new setyourg man commenced his approaches, as soon as tlements could not avoid hardship, and occasionally decorum would permit, but carried them on so un-incurred considerable danger. The risk then apsuccessfully that he was soon compelled to beat prehended was from fording swollen streams, from an ignominious retreat. His father, although traversing the mountains by the steep and rocky alarmed at the decision with which the advances paths then dignified by the name of roads, and of the young fopling were repulsed, yet encouraged from the not unfrequent attacks of Indians; and him to a renewal of his addresses-assuring him not, as in modern times, from the recklessness of that perseverance would inevitably succeed. But more savage steamboat captains and engineers. the haughty disdain with which Eliza met his se- But Eliza Howard, although nursed in the lap of cond effort, was even more mortifying than the luxury and extravagance, was not the girl to be cold indifference which she had manifested in the either deterred by hardship or daunted by danger. first instance. The disappointment and rage of Her fearlessness and fine constitution not only the old man now knew no bounds. Driven to enabled her to undergo the fatigue and brave the desperation, he forgot his usual prudence, and perils of the journey, without murmuring, or shrinkopenly reproached his niece with her ingratitude to ing; but her ardent imagination was kindled by an uncle to whose care and affection she was so the wild sublimity of the region which they passed. much indebted. Concealing his real motive for the It is not our purpose, however, to narrate the incimarriage, he told Eliza that he had his heart fixed on dents, whether pleasant or otherwise, which befel keeping her ever near him, and on securing the them on the road, nor to describe the solitary happiness of his son, by an union with a girl equal-grandeur of Virginia mountains, or western forests. ly distinguished for personal and mental charms. This flattery could not reconcile her to language and conduct which she regarded as a direct infringement on her freedom of action, and which seemed to her very inconsistent with her uncle's previous agreeable and affectionate deportment. Her inclination had never been restrained even in trifles, and she was not slow in deciding and expressing her determination, that it should not be controlled in an affair which would so materially affect her weal or woe through life. The desperate urgency of her uncle on the one hand, and her haughty but justifiable obstinacy on the other, finally led to a breach which rendered a longer residence beneath his roof insufferable to Eliza. While she was perplexing herself about the choice The dull routine of a country village, and of a of a new home, her mother's sister, who had re- serene household in which steady occupation left noved with her husband to one of the western set- little leisure for amusement or the intellectual conlements, came to Richmond. This lady, who was versation in which she delighted, preyed heavily he exact counterpart of her deceased sister, no on the spirits of the poor orphan, whose ill-directsooner learned from her niece the unpleasantness ed education had unfitted her for domestic happiof her situation, than she proposed to take her withness. While Eliza was wishing eagerly for some herself on her return to the west. This offer was novelty that might serve to dissipate the ennui hankfully accepted by Miss Howard, and immeditely communicated to her guardian, who, in spite of his reluctance, could not in decency refuse his onsent. We shall therefore for the present leave our heroine on her way to the forests of the west, and reserve her adventures in that region, for the subject of another chapter. Suffice it to say, that the whole party arrived at its destination without serious accident. The residence of Mr. Johnson, who had married Eliza's aunt, was in a small but flourishing village on one of the mighty streams which flow into the Mississippi. Mr. Johnson was a merchant of unpretending good sense, modest demeanor, and exemplary piety. His wife and himself had congenial tastes and habits, and lived in perfect harmony. This new abode, which to one of more quiet temper and settled principles would have proved highly agreeable, as well as salutary, soon became wearisome to the restless imagination of Eliza Howard, who had been accustomed to a continued round of excitement and dissipation. that oppressed her, a lawyer named Taylor took up his abode in the village. He was a middleaged gentleman, of fine person, elegant manners, and highly finished education. After wasting some years and his fortune in dissipation, he had sought the west with a hope of rising into legal and political distinction with that growing region. He had brought letters of introduction to Mr. Johnson, the principal merchant of the place, and If our readers be not too much wearied, we will was of course invited to partake of his hospitality. beg them to accompany our heroine in the journey Possessing the power to please in a very eminent which she was about commencing at the close of degree, and being particularly anxious to secure the last chapter. They must recollect, that when the good opinion and patronage of his entertainer, these incidents occurred, stages, steamboats and Mr. Taylor carefully concealed his natural levity CHAPTER II. VOL. VI-68 of manner and sentiment, which he had the saga- | had associated with many gentlemen who were city to perceive would offend the sober sense of the equals of Mr. Taylor in person and mind. Mr. Johnson. But he was delighted to find him- But none of them had paid her special attention, self compensated for this self-denial by the con- or had made any impression on her heart. Bet versation of Mrs. Johnson's niece, who surprised she who had passed "fancy free" through the cirhim as much by the brilliancy of her powers as cles of the Virginia metropolis, was destined to the boldness of her opinions. Her extraordinary fall a victim to the tender passion in the depths of beauty too was not without effect on a professed a western wilderness. In this remote quarter admirer of female loveliness. But although much Mr. Taylor was the only person who sympathised fascinated, Mr. Taylor was not in a situation at with her deeper feelings and was capable of conpresent to encumber himself with a wife who did versing with her on subjects in which she felt the not possess solid metallic attractions. His first in- most interest. Her aunt was a sensible woman, quiries induced him to believe that Miss Howard but only moderately well-informed; and her notions was mistress of a large fortune, which indeed was on all serious subjects were the very antipodes of the common impression. But having known seve- those entertained by her niece, who, perceiving the ral instances in which fortune-hunters were egre- pain which her opinions occasioned her kind relagiously duped by common report, he determined tive, forbore their expression in her presenceto be cautious in giving credence to this rumor. But a restraint so foreign to her usual frankness While he was thus hesitating between belief and could not but be painful, and she eagerly seized incredulity, a gentleman from Virginia came to the the opportunity afforded by Mr. Taylor's society, village, and staid a few days at its only tavern, to indulge her inclination and discuss her favorite where Mr. Taylor boarded. It so happened that topics. Her unguarded freedom thus made him this gentleman was well acquainted with the situa- aware of her weaknesses, and encouraged him in tion of the elder Mr. Howard, and had good rea- the prosecution of his villainous scheme. He son to believe that he had applied a greater part, carefully strengthened her bold opinions on the if not all his niece's fortune, to the payment of his subject of matrimony, both by conversation, and own debts. Entering freely into conversation by placing in her hands books which defended. with Mr. Taylor, the most intelligent and genteel those pernicious doctrines. Meanwhile he flattered man whom he had met with in that region, he her by an appearance of extreme deference for did not hesitate to express his belief of that fact, her wishes and understanding, knowing well that and his pity for an orphan who was thus defrauded she was far vainer of her mind than person. Such of her property by one who should have been her assiduities, under circumstances so favorable to protector. Little did the stranger dream, what a his purpose, were not long in securing a place in fatal influence this communication would exert on her affections which enabled him to triumph over the destiny of the poor girl who was an object of her honor. The haughty, accomplished, intelec his compassion. Taylor, who was thoroughly tual and beautiful Eliza Howard, fell a victim to selfish, at once abandoned all thought of seeking her own vanity, and to those principles of false the hand of a lady who was likely to be penniless, philosophy which sanctioned criminality under an with habits that were suited only to opulence. appearance of freedom. But although the matrimonial scheme vanished What she regarded as an evidence of proud with the money which was its motive, his passion superiority to the rest of her sex, was thus con for Miss Howard was undiminished. Various ex-verted into a means of her destruction by the wes pressions and sentiments which had fallen from of an artful villain. After this base triumph, her that young lady in conversation, induced him to seducer soon began to exhibit those symptoms of old hope that his passion might be gratified in a mode indifference, which always add tenfold bitterness to which would not involve the necessity of honora- the cup which must be drained by a wretched feble proposals. A contempt for marriage-ties, as male who has thus fallen from "her high estate" an arbitrary human institution, was extensively of innocence. The frowns and contempt of the prevalent in that sect of philosophers to which world she might have borne, if she had been sp the uncle and instructer of Eliza had attached ported not only by her own sentiments but by the himself. Now, although in the society in which faithful affection of the man in whom she confided. Miss Howard moved in Virginia, and in which But when the latter stay was taken from her, when this connexion was still held sacred, she could she felt she was no longer loved and had been not divest herself of what she called old pre-basely betrayed, the pride of superiority to vulg judices, yet her very doubts on such a subject prejudices, the vanity of philosophy, gave way were dangerous. These doubts she had not the mediately to a sense of burning shame and utter prudence to conceal when conversing frankly with wretchedness. Her aunt, who had no conception Mr. Taylor, of whose society she was very fond, of Mr. Taylor's real character, and had observe! and who basely determined to finish the corruption with pleasure his attentions to her niece, was of her principles. Before leaving Virginia, Eliza greatly surprised at the sudden change which took place in the deportment of both. No idea of the narrow escapes from parties of Indians, they at reality ever occurred to her innocent mind, which last reached the hamlet which was the residence was greatly perplexed to account for the increas-of Mr. Turner. This little settlement was stronging coldness of the gentleman, and the gloomy ly fortified, and its inhabitants compelled to remelancholy that had clouded the countenance of main in a constant posture of defence. Here a girl lately so sprightly and happy. She sought Eliza determined to stay for some months, until explanation from her niece, who repelled her with after the dreadful crisis was past. In the meanhaughty irritability. As time passed on, the in- while she exerted all her powers to gain the entire difference of Mr. Taylor and the dejection of affection of her hostess, and after she had fairly Miss Howard visibly increased. The latter soon succeeded in that object, by a most painful effort became aware that her shame could not be long summoned resolution enough to communicate her concealed, and the agony which that discovery situation. She was not disappointed in her exoccasioned is far beyond description. She felt pectation of finding sympathy: the kind soul pitied that she had not only lost her place in society, but her sincerely, and did everything in her power to that she had been the victim rather of intellectual console her unhappy guest. But the wound which vanity than of ordinary womanish weakness. that guest had received, was too deep and severe The bitterness of these reflections changed her to be healed by any palliatives which such a phyformer love into a hatred which was deadly in sician was capable of applying. As the time of proportion to the natural violence of her temper, trial drew near, she became more gloomy and increased by long and uncontrolled indulgence. desperate than ever. To save appearances, Mrs. The desire of revenge took undivided possession Turner gave out that Eliza was the widow of a of her heart. But ere she formed any plan of relation who had recently died under very painful vengeance, she knew that it would be necessary circumstances. This rumor served to explain her to retire into some obscure corner where she melancholy, and excited the compassion of the could hide her disgrace from the eyes of a prying whole circle in which she at present moved. world. It was by no means easy to devise the Thus passed her trial, with none but strangers means of effecting her removal without exciting near to cheer her fainting spirit while borne down suspicion. But after long reflection, she adopted not only by physical suffering, but far more by the the following plan of operation. There occasion- agonizing sense of guilt and infamy. After her ally visited the village, and the family of Mr. convalescence, the thirst of vengeance, which had Johnson, a Mr. and Mrs. Turner, from a remote subsided during the continuance of her illness, settlement on the frontier. They were kind- burned with renewed intensity. Walking in the hearted, but coarse in manners and sentiments. forest by which the hamlet was surrounded, she This did not, however, prevent them from being was frequently engaged in meditating on some received into the first society of this secluded re-plan by which this furious passion could be gratigion, which was at best a motley assemblage. fied. In one of these rambles she unconsciously Eliza had heard Mrs. Turner use some expres- strayed too far from the fortification and was sions, which indicated greater indulgence towards captured by a straggling party of Indians. The female frailty than was either very usual or savages, after stripping off her ornaments, and very becoming; laxity in such matters being the such parts of her dress as would encumber her characteristic of all border communities. Catch- in walking, rudely drove her before them into the ing eagerly at the hope afforded by this cir- heart of the forest. This situation, which would cumstance, she told her aunt that she intended to have overwhelmed an ordinary female, had comaccept the invitation given her by this couple to paratively little terror for one who bold by nature return with them; alleging her taste for romantic was rendered desperate by misfortune. The Inscenery, and the love of adventure which she had dians, who had before perpetrated similar outalways manifested. Although a little surprised rages, and had been accustomed to witness the at her choice of companions, the kind old lady noisy terrors of their female captives, were struck readily gave her consent to the excursion, hoping with admiration at a stoical indifference so similar that change of scene and excitement might re-to that on which they prided themselves. This store the former cheerfulness of her niece. As admiration only served to strengthen their previous soon as the necessary arrangements could be made, determination to present her as a wife to the the wretched girl left with an aching heart the denser chief of their tribe, instead of inspiring them with settlements, and plunged with her new protectors the compassionate idea of releasing her from capinto a boundless wilderness, occasionally interspers- tivity. Although rendered indifferent to the daned with the huts of the daring hunters who had acted ger of her situation, by carelessness of life, as the pioneers of advancing civilization. After she could not long repel the assaults of hunger, travelling for several days along the slight track and the sensation of weariness which came over which had been formed through the thick under- her limbs after travelling constantly during a long growth of the primitive forest, and after several summer's day. Her savage conductors hurried on, from fear of pursuit, without even stopping a which was not very distant, and persuaded its moment for refreshment. They were themselves warriors to avenge the death of his slaughtered accustomed to long fasts and long marches, and comrades. They, therefore, after partaking of a thought little of the effect it might produce on hunter's breakfast, started at as rapid a pace as was their prisoner. The sun which had been so op- comfortable to their female companion. The party pressive in its meridian, was now throwing its was on its way to the village from the vicinity which softened and slanting rays across one of the glades Eliza had been taken, when it stopped so opporof the forest through which they were passing, tunely at the spot from which they saw and shot when the crack of several rifles was heard from her captors. They considered it unsafe to pass a neighboring thicket, and five of the six Indians another night in the forest, and therefore pushed laid dead on the spot. The other, although slightly on until after night set in, although Miss Howard wounded, as soon as he recovered from the con- could with difficulty be supported by Girard, the sternation occasioned by so sudden an attack, young Frenchman, and the more vigorous arm of sprang rapidly onward into the forest, and escaped a backwoodsman. The impression which her all pursuit. It was a party of twelve hunters, great beauty had made on Girard, was much deepwho had thus fortunately intercepted and fired on ened by the brilliancy of her conversation and the savages, and who now advanced towards their the evident vigor of her understanding. When forlorn and exhausted captive. Eleven out of the first seized by the Indians, she could hardly have twelve were specimens of those stalwart border- been said to be grieved at the prospect of death ers, whose strong arms and stout hearts fitted or captivity. In her despair she had already them so well to bear the hardships of the wil- thought of suicide, and had been restrained from derness, and encounter the attacks of its savage its commission by neither religious scruple nor denizens. The slighter frame, lower stature, and cowardice-but partly by affection for her helpless whole mien of the twelfth, showed him to belong daughter, and partly by a hope of yet wreaking a to a different class. But all of them were equally dire vengeance on her seducer. But there is prompt to relieve and comfort the unfortunate lady something about the King of Terrors which makes to whose rescue they had been so providentially us shrink from his near approach, and often causes sent. They raised her from the ground, on which the most resolved self-murderers to cling to the she had thrown herself, assured her of her safety, existence which they loathe. When, therefore, and finding that she was well nigh dead with hun- this wretched girl saw herself restored from captivity ger, thirst and fatigue, gave her such rude refresh- to liberty, and from the prospect of immediate ment as their knapsacks furnished. When they death to all the blessings of life, it produced an perceived that, although partially recruited, she elasticity of spirits, and revulsion of feelings, such was still very weak, they proposed that she as she had not known for months. The excitement should retire to the thicket from which they had arising from this cause, gave unwonted animation emerged, and sleep until the following morning. to the thanks which she paid to her deliverers In compliance with their advice, she lay down and and uncommon force and eloquence to her lanquickly fell into a sound and refreshing slumber. guage, which was at all times striking. Her foAs soon as she had retired, her rescuers began to reign admirer, who little expected such a style of express their admiration of her beauty, and their conversation in the wilderness, looked on her as astonishment at finding a lady evidently so deli- something divine, and by the time that they reachcately bred in so remote and dangerous a situa-ed the fort was himself wrapt up into the fifth tion. In this conversation, the expressions of the heaven of love. As the absence of Miss Howard others, although sufficiently hearty, were feeble in comparison of those which fell from the lips of the slight young man who has been mentioned, and whose accent and broken English betrayed his foreign origin. The extreme vivacity with which he poured forth his eulogiums highly amused his companions, who jeered the young Frenchman for having fallen in love at first sight with so tattered a lady. But regardless of ridicule, he persisted in his extravagances, until the whole party, except the two destined to keep watch, fell asleep in the midst of his harangue. The next morning the industrious foresters were stirring with the dawn, and rousing the young lady from her slumbers, warned her that a longer stay in that quarter would be dangerous. The savage who had escaped might have reached the village of his tribe, had occasioned much uneasiness, and the despatch of several parties in quest of her, her safe retura gave real gratification to all, and especially to het hostess Mrs. Turner. Mr. Girard the next morning came early from his lodgings, to inquire after the health of M Cushing, Eliza's feigned name: but he coul! scarcely believe that the languid, melancholy being who received him, could be the delightful companion, who yesterday cheered his journey until ber own spirits sank under the weariness of her frame. After learning that she felt no inconvenience except fatigue, he anxiously inquired whether she had any cause of sorrow which could throw 3 gloom over the bright hour of her deliverance. This question perplexed Eliza, who was wholly unaccustomed to dissimulation, and her hesitating |