The sound of voices approaching in the opposite direction suddenly broke in upon her trance, and she then, for the first time, reflected that she had passed the boundaries of her father’s land. The estate adjoining had lately been purchased by a wealthy Englishman, it was said. For many weeks repairs had been going on in the old mansion, which for several years had been tenantless; and the family were daily expected to arrive. That they had now done so was Louisa’s conclusion. The voices drew nearer; but, trusting to the thick foliage for concealment, she remained perfectly still; when apparently within but a few paces of her the party stopped.
“What a lovely view!” exclaimed a soft female voice. “I wish ma’ma had not turned back, she would have been so delighted.”
“It is truly fine,” was the reply, in a masculine tone; “it is even more beautiful than the view from the lawn we so much admired last evening; what if you were to sketch it.”
“If I had only brought my crayons, I would do so now. How lovely it is!” answered the lady.
“If you have strength for it after your long walk,” was the reply, “I will return for your portfolio; here is a nice shady seat for you—I will soon be back, but do not ramble away from this spot.”
Louisa heard the retreating footsteps, and was about to make good her own, when a beautiful Scotch air, very sweetly warbled, arrested her attention. The song ceased abruptly, giving place to a scream so loud and shrill, as blanched the cheek of Louisa with the hue of death. She sprang to her feet, and panting with terror, emerged from her shelter into the open meadow just as the scream was again repeated. She now almost breathlessly looked around to detect the cause of alarm. In a moment she saw it all. A noble stag, having probably leaped the park-pailings, came bounding swiftly across the meadow directly toward the spot where Louisa was now standing, no doubt with the intention of slaking his thirst at the tempting stream. The terrors of Louisa were at once allayed; and she now hastened to the spot whence the screams issued, to soothe, if possible, the fears of the unknown.
Trembling with fright, and clinging to a tree for support, was a female, dwarf-like in stature, and deformed in shape. Her countenance was deadly pale, and her eye-balls, almost fixed with terror, were strained upon the animal, as he came leaping onward. Ere Louisa could speak he had approached within a few paces, and, as if now first aware of their presence, he suddenly halted, arched his beautiful, glossy neck, and bending his antlered head, stood at bay. Seeing how utterly helpless was the poor unknown, Louisa sprung forward, and telling her not to be alarmed, quickly placed herself before her; but the noble stag, as if disdaining to war with women, after gazing upon them a few seconds with his wild eyes, suddenly turned, and tossing his head proudly, trotted off in another direction.
At that moment how rejoiced was Louisa to see her lover rapidly approaching—for the stranger had already fainted.
“Water! water!” she cried, “quick, or she will die!”
Without speaking, Evertson rushed to the river, and filling his hat with its cooling waters, was in a second at her side.