red to persuade Lewis not to
join them. She implored him not to forsake her, now that she was
bereaved of her beloved friends. He told her that the time of his
absence would pass swiftly on, and he should soon return with the means
that would repay her for the sacrifice during that short period. Again
he told her that he must obtain possession of that which he thought
necessary to effect their happiness in future years.

O vain ambition! delusive hope! Too many there are who think that true
happiness cannot be enjoyed without the possession of wealth.

Not many years after Mr. Woodman had settled at the Mountain, his
brother-in-law visited the place, and concluded to settle in the
village, which he did, establishing his residence a few miles from the
Glen.

It had been arranged by the brothers of Fostina, after their father's
death, that Mr. Aubrey, their uncle, should take possession of the
Cottage until their return, on condition that he would take charge of
their beloved sister during their absence. With the kind assurance of
this from their uncle, the brothers took leave of their affectionate
sister, promising a hasty return to their mountain home. But now came
the trying moment to Lewis Mortimer and his beloved Fostina. The
thought of absenting himself so long, from one he so dearly loved, so
wrought upon his feelings that he almost gave up the idea of leaving
his native land. But the entreaties of his youthful friends, and the
desire for gold which filled his breast, together with the repeated
assurances of Fostina's uncle, that he would watch over and protect her
during his absence, induced him at last to follow them.

Poor Lewis, it was a trying moment! The time had now come that he must
bid adieu to his fair betrothed! The lovely Fostina fell on his bosom
and wept bitter tears of anguish. He bid her await with calmness his
return, when they should never more be separated. One fond embrace, and
affectionate farewell, from the trembling lips of Lewis Mortimer, and
they parted!

CHAPTER II.

_The Ship Essex sails for California, with Lewis Mortimer and the two
Brothers on Board--Fostina's Grief at their Departure--Her Uncle's
Family--Fostina's Dream--Rineldo Aubrey._

[Illustration]

It was on the first morning in June in 184-, that the noble ship Essex
set sail for the distant lands of California, with a large crew of
enterprising young men on board from the village of S----, among whom
was O