aste of the owner. And when
standing on the rising eminence, and gazing upon the beauties of this
romantic place, we could but think that it was indeed the abode of
happiness; and surely it was so, for here resided the beautiful heroine
of my story, whom I will introduce to you as Fostina Woodman, one who
was destined to become the wonder and admiration of all that knew her.

Here, in the cottage of the Mountain Glen, dwelt this lovely maiden, in
quiet and peaceful seclusion, with her father, three brothers, and an
elderly aunt, who, for many years, had been an inmate of the family.

Mrs. Woodman, one of the loveliest of women, beloved by all that knew
her for her mildness and amiable disposition, had died after a long
illness, leaving Fostina, her only daughter, when but five years old,
to the care of her sister, who then took charge of the family.

Mr. Woodman had, in his early life, been a tradesman, possessing some
property left him by his father; he invested the amount in goods, and
prosperity crowned his efforts with success beyond his greatest
expectations. He continued in his business until he had accumulated
what he thought necessary to complete his happiness, and then returned
to his native village, where he offered his hand and fortune to Fostina
Aubrey, the daughter of an honest gardener, who consented to their
union.

Accompanied by his youthful bride, Mr. Woodman started for the far
west, to seek out a home for himself and loving wife in some secluded
vale, where, in peace and quietness, he might pass the remainder of his
days.

After travelling a great distance from the land of his nativity, he
arrived at the village of S----, where he stopped to survey the
surrounding country. On one side it was rough and mountainous, solitary
and wild, while, on the opposite, could be seen cultivated fields
beautifully variegated with cottages and waving forests. Still farther
on, he beheld a lofty mountain about a mile from the village, which it
overlooked, together with an extensive range of country, presenting a
variety of beautiful scenery. Here he selected a place to erect his
dwelling, and called it the _Mountain Glen_, where, for many years, he
lived in possession of health and happiness. But alas,

When in the midst of happiness,
How oft doth sorrow come!

Consumption, that awful syren, had entered the joyous home of Mr.
Woodman, and marked his lovely wife for its prey; and although many
years e