cradled in the
home of indulgence, and received every care and attention from Aunt
Aubrey, which a fond mother could bestow, and she therefore felt not
her loss. Her father, too, had devoted most of his time, since the
death of his wife, to the care of her tender offspring.

But O, how soon was the happiness of Fostina to end! O lovely maiden!
if the dark curtain of futurity could be raised, and thou be permitted
to behold what awaits thee in the distant future, methinks the bright
hopes, which now fill thy young heart with joy, would be forever
crushed!

A sudden and awful calamity again visited the quiet and happy home of
the Woodmans, in the cottage of the Mountain Glen. The musical voice of
the gentle and loving Fostina was no longer heard to resound over the
Mountain.

That dreadful malady, the cholera, which has struck such horror and
dread upon the inhabitants of our country of late, had long prevailed
in the village of S----, sweeping off a great number of its inhabitants.
It had found its way into the peaceful cot of Mr. Woodman, and marked
three of its happy inmates as victims. The once happy home was now the
abode of misery and suffering. Mr. Woodman, his youngest son, and Aunt
Aubrey fell victims to the disease which proved fatal in its course.

Fostina and her two elder brothers were the only surviving members of
the unfortunate family, who were now bereft of their only remaining
parent and faithful nurse who had watched over them since the death of
their mother.

Poor Fostina would have sunk under this heavy affliction, had it not
been for the kind attention of her brothers, and the ever watchful care
of Lewis Mortimer, who whispered hope and consolation to his gentle and
confiding Fostina in the time of this severe affliction.

Weeks rolled on, and Lewis continued to remain with the bereaved
family, as they would not consent to have him depart.

But, alas! as time passed by, our lovely heroine was doomed to a more
severe trial of her young heart's affections.

Her brothers had long contemplated the idea of leaving their native
land for California in pursuit of gold, for which so many have
sacrificed their home, friends, and even life, without obtaining the
desired treasure. They had made known their intention to Lewis
Mortimer, and had prevailed on him to accompany them. In vain did
Fostina plead with them not to leave their home; but when she saw that
their determination was fixed, she endeavo