embowered glades which surrounded the castle, and muse on the mournful fate of those who gave him birth. But anger at their death would usurp the place of pity in his bosom, and then, transported by his feelings, would he vow deep and signal vengeance on the murderers, should he ever be so fortunate as to discover them.

"Not far distant were the ample domains of the lord Ruthven, the hereditary rival of his house. The family feud had been by no means diminished by an obscure report that the late lord Glenalvon had been assassinated by emissaries of the present owners of Ravenswood. This baron was of a gloomy and melancholy turn of mind, and a prey to dark and malignant passions, which were strongly expressed in his countenance. Deprived of his only son in early youth, the whole hopes of his house were centred in his daughter Adelaide. Amiable and engaging, as she was beautiful and accomplished, it is not surprising that Adelaide should attract the admiration of all who beheld her; nor was young Glenalvon, notwithstanding the hereditary feud which subsisted between the families, insensible to her charms. Her eyes of the softest jet, beautifully expressed the workings of her soul; her raven locks fell in ringlets down her alabaster neck: her form was such as Venus might have chosen for her own most perfect model. But to return to our subject. As Reginald was one evening wandering in the forest which bordered on his domains, he was suddenly startled by a shriek which seemed to proceed from a female: before he could collect his thoughts, a repetition of the same sounds struck on his ear. Drawing his sword, he unhesitatingly rushed forward in the direction of the cries. To his utter astonishment he beheld a female form, apparently lifeless, whom he instantly recognised to be Adelaide Ruthven, in the arms of an athletic stranger, who was rapidly bearing her away. His first impulse at the sight of the daughter of his mortal enemy, was to sheath his sword and retire; but sentiments of a more exalted nature soon banished from his bosom these illiberal feelings, when he beheld beauty and innocence in the gripe of lawless villainy. Throwing himself into a posture of attack, he com

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manded the stranger to liberate her, whom he had unjustly seized, and to answer, with his sword, for the outrage he had committed. He was not slow in replying to the challenge, and depositing on the ground his lovely burden, who had fainted, he immediately closed with Reginald. After a short but doubtful conflict, the superior skill and address of our hero prevailed, and he laid his antagonist breathless at his feet. Turning from the prostrate body of his foe, and bending, with a countenance expressive of the greatest anxiety, over the unconscious Adelaide, he carefully raised her in his arms, and, while intently gazing on her beauteous features, she slowly opened her fascinating eyes, and, encountering those of Reginald, she faintly exclaimed-“ Where, where am I?" "In the arms of one who deems it the happiest incident in his life to have rescued you from the grasp of that worthless villain," was his ready reply. Endeavouring to throw herself at his feet, from which he gently withheld her, she gave utterance to the feelings of gratitude, with which her heart was overflowing. Oh, my gallant preserver! to whom I am indebted for my life, and, what is still dearer than life, my honour, never, never, can words sufficiently express the boundless thanks which I owe you. May I, without presumption, enquire the name of one who has so generously risked his life in defence of mine. Could but my father". "Hold, fair maiden," exclaimed he, "in me you behold the bitterest foe of your house: I am Reginald, lord Glenalvon." A deadly paleness overspread her blooming countenance as he uttered these words, and almost unconsciously she said, "Alas! must our acquaintance be of such short duration? Have we met to part so soon?" Then, as if alarmed at the boldness of her expressions, the eloquent blood rushed instantly into her cheeks, heightening even nature's bloom. "Happy am I, fair lady, to have deserved such gratifying commendation; I trust you will not deny me the pleasure of conducting you to a place of safety." Accepting his offer, they proceeded in silence; for the minds of both were too fully occupied by their own reflections to permit of converse. They soon arrived at the outermost keep

of the castle, where, committing her to the care of the seneschal, he courteously bade her adieu; and, slowly pacing homewards, ruminating on the extraordinary events to which that day had given birth, he reached Glenalvon ere he had concluded his reverie.

Feelings of a very different nature to those he had hitherto experienced now occupied the breast of the ardent Reginald. He felt all that solitude, that restlessness, which all true lovers feel when separated from the object of their affections. The image of the lovely Adelaide ever presented itself to his view. In vain did he endeavour to subdue his passion by frequent reflections on her birth and family, which were insurmountable barriers to the completion of his wishes. In vain did his proud bosom swell at the thought of suing to the enemy of his house, nay, as some said, to the murderer of his revered father. The powerful influence of love, however, subdued all other passions, and held him enslaved at the shrine of beauty. Nor was Adelaide insensible to the merit of her brave and generous preserver, who had so nobly risked his life to save that of the daughter of his most determined foe. Nor was this all; chance soon manifested to her, that the feelings which swayed her breast, had also deeply penetrated the heart of her gallant protector.

After a long and wearisome chace, Reginald had separated from his companions, and having given his steed the rein, was musing on her he loved; when, suddenly, his own name, pronounced by the silver tones of a voice, which he at once recognized to be Adelaide's, struck on his delighted ear. Dismounting, he gently approached the spot from whence the sounds had issued, where he beheld her, singing to the accompaniment of a small lute, a melodious air, of which he heard enough to convince him that he was not an object of indifference to her he adored. Unable any longer to contain himself, he rushed forward, and, throwing himself at her feet, avowed his love in most impassioned terms. Terror and amazement at first deprived the maiden of utterance, but recognizing the features of Reginald, a deep blush overspread her lovely countenance as she faintly uttered

welcome. The youth again besought her to listen to

bis passion: "Dearest Adelaide,' he cried, "your sweet accents have convinced me that I am not totally indifferent to you. Oh! say, will you receive my heart, and tender your own in exchange! Speak, Adelaide, I beseech you.' "My father, Sir," she answered-"I know all," impatiently cried Reginald; "but what should the enmity of our fathers be to us? There is no hatred between us. Say that you do not abhor me! bid me but hope-Adelaide, do not reject me." The eloquent blood mantled in her cheeks, as she indistinctly echoed, "My father-oh, bitter enmity-to how cruel a fate have we been destined!" Transported

by the excess of his feelings, he seized her hand, and imprinting on it, ere she had time to withdraw it, a fervent kiss, exclaimed, "Tell me-oh, Adelaide-confess to me-let me hear, from those sweet lips, that I am not hated; that I may be beloved. I will sue to your proud father-I will do aught you may enjoin to avert that bitter rancour which reigns in his breast. Speak, then, Adelaide; speak, I conjure you, and seal the happiness of your devoted Reginald." With a faltering voice, and an eye which shrunk from her lover's ardent gaze, she returned-"It is your happiness, Reginald, and your's alone, that I would complete. The debt of gratitude I owe you for the preservation of my life, and the candour of your confession, compel me to acknowledge that Adelaide knows not how to refuse the suit which Reginald prefers." Just as the delighted youth was pouring out the thanks that overflowed his bosom, the form of Lord Ruthven, approaching the bower, was dis tinctly seen by the lovers.

"Fly, oh fly, instantly," exclaimed the agitated maid; leave me, Reginald, if you value your own life, if you value my peace!" Gently soothing her alarms, he declared his determination to await the Baron, to avow his passion for her, and to entreat a reconciliation of their enmities; but, yielding at length to her earnest entreaties, he tenderly bade her adieu; and, hastily retiring, with mingled sensations of joy and melancholy, directed his course to the castle. On his arrival at

home, he found a messenger, bearing a dispatch from the Lord Fitz Eustace, his intimate friend, the principal contents of which were, that the gallant King Richard and his nobles had assumed the cross; and it concluded with a warm exhortation to Reginald to follow their example. Dazzled by the splendour which diffused itself over an expedition to the Holy Land, and eager to signalize himself by some chivalrous exploit, he, unhesitatingly, and without reflection, followed the advice of his friend. After writing a few lines, expressive of his determination, he delivered them to the messenger, and bade him inform his lord that he would be with him in the space of a week. His thoughts then recurring to Adelaide, his heart smote him for thus deserting her. How was he to acquaint her with his resolve-to go to Ravenswood was impossible-his only chance was to haunt the bower where he had surprised her. As quick in executing his purpose, as in forming his resolution, he instantly proceeded thither, but in vain did he watch, until the shadows of night convinced him farther delay was useless. Day after day did he repeat his visits, until the evening preceding his departure, when, after watching ineffectually for several hours, he was retiring dispirited and melancholy, as the light figure of Adelaide, approaching the bower, arrested his attention. Hastily rushing forward, he exclaimed, "Dearest Adelaide, how eagerly have I desired this meeting! Why have you so cruelly kept aloof from me?" Kindly welcoming him, and yet as if reproaching his want of confidence in her, she answered, Not less eagerly than yourself, Reginald, have I wished for this interview— would you imagine that aught but compulsion would have prevented me from revisiting this spot. * * * *” The manuscript here becomes illegible for several pages, excepting a few detached sentences, by which it appears that Reginald, having joined the armament of the lionhearted Richard, by his valour and courtesy won the love and admiration of all who knew him, and was particularly distinguished by his gallant prince. The Lord Ruthven connected himself with those who, under the guidance of that arch traitor, John, plotted against their

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