beautiful), it was now overspread, and a black thunder-cloud was rapidly rising. Oh! where was Dr. Stanley? was he in the woods? or had he not left Peru on his return? The storm rose rapidly as if to bid defiance to the approaching enemy-near, and more near the thunder rolled, and the livid lightning streamed along the heavens. At that moment a flash, followed instantly by a tremendous crash, so shocked the nerves of the lonely sufferer, that she sunk powerless from her chair; the poor frightened girl threw a glass of water in her face, and bathed her hands and temples in cold water; returning consciousness soon rewarded her exertions. Mrs. Stanley had not yet entirely recovered from this shock, when a man on horseback rode furiously into the yard inquiring for Dr. Stanley-a neighbouring physician had been struck by the same flash which prostrated Mrs. Stanley, but not like her did he revive-poor man! he was perfectly paralyzed, and for several weeks his life was in jeopardy. I repeat these circumstances to show how every thing combined to increase the horrors of this poor lady's situation. This proved indeed an awful day to her, replete with the most painful suspense she had ever endured; its recollections will never be effaced from her memory. The rain which had poured in torrents, now began to abate; the lightning was less vivid, and the distant rolling thunder gave some reason to hope the storm was nearly over. But not so-shower after shower arose in quick succession, and the rain continued to pour in torrents. The hour which had been named for the return of the husband had long since past; the streets were still filled with loaded wagons and car riages; families were flying in order to keep before the enemy. The inhabitants of Chazy and Cumberland-Head were pouring along-foot passengerspersons on horseback-boats plying on the lake laden with the frightened country people, but no tidings from Dr. Stanley. There sat the young and unprotected wife—the agonized mother, with every nerve strained to discover in the dim and clouded distance some trace of him on whom her every hope depended. Perhaps exhausted by fatigue, he had fallen from his horse! and even now lay exposed to the pitiless storm-perhaps the same flash of lightning which had prostrated her for the moment, had levelled her husband with the earth; alone in the forest, no friend at hand to assist him, perhaps at this very moment his lifeless form was stretched upon the plain! Overcome with these imaginings her heart palpitated, her eyes seemed bursting from their sockets, her brain reeled, she could no longer bear the presence of the servant girl who stood watching the changing emotions of her face with amazement, she rushed into her own room, and prostrating herself before the throne of mercy, poured forth her sorrows to that God who had never turned a deaf ear to her petitions. The Comforter descended with healing upon his wings-she arose composed and submissive -her trust was in Him who had promised that his grace should be sufficient for her, and she left her room reposing on the strong arm of her Redeemer. Mrs. Stanley no sooner entered the solitary parlour, than her attention was arrested by the rapid tramp of the express, and this timid sensitive woman, who at any other time would have shrunk from encountering a stranger, now flew out and hailed the courier; the man, struck probably with her pale and grief-worn features, and apparently unprotected situation, checked the mad speed of his horse, while in a trembling voice she asked, "what intelligence from the enemy?" The man, in terms of respect told her," they had struck their tents, and as far as he could judge, were making preparations to march immediately to Plattsburgh; they were now four miles back on the lake road; on the Beekmantown road, he thought they might be seven, the party by the lake would probably be upon us in two hours!" and he plunged his rowels in the sides of his horse and dashed forward. What could she do in this extremity? She would quietly await the issue. But, had she the right, or if she had, would it be just to expose the young creature who had staid so patiently and faithfully by her, during the last few perilous hours? No! her heart-her conscience told her it would not. As long as she had the power she would protect her, but it was probable the time was rapidly approaching when she would require protection herself. A thought occurred to her; she instantly called Polly, and after telling her it was possible Dr. Stanley might not return in time for them to leave the place, in that case she (Mrs. Stanley) might not be able to give her the care which every female required in such a state of confusion-left it to her own choice whether to remain and risk all with her, or to take a seat, in case she could procure one, on some one of the many wagons which were constantly passing. Once in Peru, she could join Cynthia and the children without delay. The girl with a degree of levity which surprised Mrs. Stanley, hastily replied,—“ No marm, I'd ruther stay with you and see the fun." Shocked at this thoughtless answer, Mrs. Stanley explained to her the probable situation in which they would find themselves, should the enemy arrive before they could get away. The girl raised her head, her eyes were filled with tears; she was pained for her mistress. "If I go I shall be safe, but what will become of you, marm? I am strong, and if a soger goes for to hurt you, marm, I can hit him a lick-but what can you do with that little dillicate hand o' yourn?" "I must trust in Providence, Polly!" said Mrs. Stanley. "Well marm, if you will go on the wagon with me, I'll go,-but if you ar goin to stay and trust in Providence, I'll stay and trust too." “But, Polly, it may not be in my power to protect you, and what will you do if Indians come with the enemy?" "I shall be better off than my mistress even then-for I can run for it, and you can't," said she pertly. Mrs. Stanley was silenced. This poor ignorant creature evinced more good feeling and consideration in her pert untutored way, than many a polished lady, who prided herself upon her disinterested friendship and sensibility, might have done. CHAPTER IV. HOUR after hour passed away, away-still the husband and the father came not-shower after shower came pouring down; the thunder burst in tremendous peals, while the livid lightning still played fearfully along the sky! The force of the storm had in a measure spent itself, when Mrs. Stanley beheld her kind neighbour Mr. S― approaching; she flew to the door to bid him welcome-he seized her hand with the most affectionate interest: "Dear, dear madam! why are you still here? I thought you left Plattsburgh last night. Oh! madam, you ought not to be here now-in less than two hours the British may be upon us." She briefly stated to him her situation. "Sad enough," was his reply. "What do you propose to do? you will not remain here? you must not.' "If my husband should be detained, which God forbid! I will cast myself upon the protection of the British officers; they are gentlemen, they surely will defend a helpless woman like myself from insult." "My dear lady," said he, "you are yet too young; you know little of the world, and less of camps; I dare not trust you to such uncertain protection, and then, observe," said he," Mrs. Stanley, observe that fortification across the river directly in front of this house." "I do, sir." "On the hill which rises at the extremity of your garden the enemy will in all probability throw up breastworks; every gun in yonder fort is pointed to your dwelling, and the opposite defences will probably be arranged in the same way, and you will find yourelf exposed to the fire of both forts; you may be the victim of the first shot that is fired; I cannot leave you thus, neither can I aid, unless you will consent to share my fortune in an open boat upon this stormy lake; there is a bright moon, although it may be obscured by clouds; I think the night promises to be boisterous; I shall keep before the enemy if possible, but where I shall pass the night is yet uncertain. I |