Rineldo approached the table, and filling a glass from one of the bottles, drank at the health of his fair cousin; then placing a seat at the table, requested her to partake with him the repast which had been prepared for the occasion. Fostina made no reply to this daring outrage, but seated herself in silence by an open window, and burst into a flood of tears. She now trembled for her safety, fearing that some awful plot had been arranged by her enemies, and was soon to be put into execution.
Rineldo now approached his cousin, and spoke in a low and firm voice. "Beautiful maiden of the Mountain Glen! You are soon to be the bride of Rineldo Aubrey, and this will henceforth be your home. Fair girl, make no denial." "Never!" replied the heroic girl, springing from her seat, and demanding him to open the door. "Not until you have consented to become the bride of Rineldo Aubrey," cried a voice without; "until then this room shall be your prison, and nought shall set you free!"
It was late, and Rineldo, taking a key from his pocket, unlocked the door, and bidding his cousin good night, he withdrew from the apartment.
Fostina was now left alone to meditate upon her forlorn situation; she thought her doom was sealed forever. Must she be compelled to unite herself with one whom she could never love? One who had sought by his treacherous means to destroy her happiness, and who had betrayed the confidence of her friends in executing his subtle plans.
She knew there was but one alternative; could she escape? If so, she might free herself from her enemies, who now sought to ruin her happiness.
She rose, and walked to the windows; they had been secured; two doors which led from the apartment were also carefully locked. She again went to the windows, but it was midnight darkness without; she then seated herself upon the sofa, and calmly awaited her doom. Sleep forsook her once bright eyes, which now were dimmed with tears, while, with patient resignation to her fate, she awaited the return of morning. The lamp shone dimly over the apartment, casting its glimmering rays upon the rich tapestry that hung from the walls around her. There in youthful innocence sat the once loved and loving Fostina.
Morning came; it was lovely; the sky was clear, the dewdrop glistened in the sun, and the sweet music of the birds made the welkin ring; but still the lonely maiden sat. Sadness and gloom were spread over her pale countenance, and the expression of deep sorrow rested upon her features.
The day passed slowly on without any intrusion upon her grief, until the close of the afternoon, when Rineldo again entered the apartment, followed by his father, who informed her that the day was fixed for her marriage with his son, and bade her prepare for the coming event. He then retired, leaving Rineldo alone with his cousin; he remained until a late hour, and again taking his leave, hastily left the room.
Fostina was now placed in the most trying situation, her only remaining hope was the slight possibility of escape. She waited in silence until the sound of voices had ceased in the rooms below; she then rose, and went to the windows; they were secured, and all was darkness without, as the evening before. No light could be seen, and silence reigned throughout the village. She hastened to the door, and what was her inexpressible joy, to find that Rineldo in his haste had left the key remaining in the lock! Hope now filled her breast and gave her courage to surmount all difficulties, which might befall her in effecting her escape. With trembling hands she opened the door, and, listening a moment, she passed on through the entrance leading from the chamber. She then noiselessly descended the stairs, and after convincing herself that all was silent, she groped her way through the midnight darkness, until she reached the door of the hall, which she found unclosed. She hastened through, now fearing that the door of the entrance was in all probability closely secured. On approaching it, she found, to her great delight, that it was bolted on the inside; she listened again, but no sound was heard; then sliding the bolt, she opened the door and stepped forth into the open air.
Fostina now felt herself free from the iron grasp of her enemies; but should she be overtaken!—the thought startled her. She gazed wildly around, but no one was to be seen or heard in the village, and hastening to the street she walked with hurried steps in the direction of the Mountain. She knew, from the conversation the evening previous, that her uncle's family were at the house of their friend, and, that if she succeeded in reaching the cottage, she might effect her escape without fear of being discovered.