Part 3 (2/2)

Fostina continued on her journey for several days, ridingat the public inns at night

Nothing of i adventurer, until nearly teeks had passed away since her departure She was now a great distance fro herself far beyond the reach of her enemies, she came to the conclusion that she could now rest in safety, without fear of being molested Far from her native home, where the sound of no familiar voice met her ear, without a kindred friend to sympathize with her in her lonely situation, roamed the beautiful er's land

It was a cold and rainy afternoon, and Fostina had been riding for soe, when the coach suddenly stopped, and the passengers, a as our lovely heroine, hastened to the inn

Here she rereat attention and kindness from the landlady, who, either froreatly interested in the young stranger whose arrival in the village had excited the wonder and surprise of all the inhabitants, and had now become the object of inquiry of all who looked on her pale, but lovely countenance, which wore the expressions of deep sorrow Since her arrival she had passed the most of her ti forth to a e

It was at the close of a pleasant afternoon, that Fostina had ventured out so a retired path which led through the forest, she pursued her way a great distance in thoughtful ht came on before she are of its approach, and she hastily turned to retrace her steps; she wandered on for so in the deep forest which surrounded her It was late, and she knew not what course to pursue

She feared it would not be safe for her to remain in the forest, and yet there was no probability of her reaching the village that night

She stood a fewin another direction, she discovered a hill at some distance, to which she i there, she hastily ascended, and on reaching the top, discovered lights about a e and resolution, she now descended andthe spot, she sahat appeared to be the ruins of an ancient castle

[Illustration: _Ruins of an Ancient Castle_]

Curiosity led her to a closer exahts issue from several s; this confir was inhabited She then entered the gate, which led to the entrance, and gently rapped at the door; an elderly wo somewhat alarmed Fostina infore, and seeing the light in the forest, she had succeeded in finding their residence The good lady, after hearing the story of the young stranger, bade her walk in and be welco steps Fostina entered the castle, and following on through a long entrance, she found herself in the presence of several persons, ere seated in a s conducted into the room, Fostina found herself kindly received by the fa to them the circumstances, the kind lady immediately summoned the servant, and a table was quickly spread before the stranger

After partaking of the repast which had been prepared, Fostina renal of Mrs Ca suite of apartht

Fostina, being left alone, consoled herself with the idea that she was now aled with surprise, on seeing the extrereat taste which had been displayed, in the arrangeh which she had passed, and wondered why this place of seclusion had been chosen by her new- bore an ancient appearance, and a part seemed to have already fallen to ruins, while the interior appeared to have been lately repaired, and well fitted up for the comfort and convenience of its present occupants

Fostina, after recalling to herday, soon composed herself, and fell into a quiet slu, when she awoke, the sun had risen, and the walls of the tower echoed with the sound of bells She arose, and hastily preparing herself, was soon summoned to breakfast with the family, which consisted of Mr Ca some time, Fostina made known her intention to depart, upon which Mr Cae

She inforer in the place, and had stopped at the village inn, where she had been but a few days

On hearing this, the faed her to reratefully accepted the invitation, and, at their request, pro the coht pass her time in peace and quietness, free from care and anxiety

Weeks passed away, and Fostina continued to re this ti connected with her history, to her friends, who had never h Fostina had often observed that there was so mysterious in the conduct of the fareatest kindness

It was late one evening, soon after the family had retired, that the sound of voices was heard, and footsteps approaching the castle, followed by a loud rapping at the door, which was i the alarm, hastened to answer the call

Soon after, persons were heard entering, and descending into a lower room