CONTAINING THE OUTLAW, AND FASHIONABLE CONNEXIONS. In Four Volumes. BY MISS LEFANU, AUTHOR OF STRATHALLAN, LEOLIN ABBEY, HELEN MONTEAGLE, &c. From legend old, that hoary Time supplies, VOL. I. Creation's Heir. LONDON: PRINTED FOR A. K. NEWMAN AND CO. LEADENHALL-STREET. 1823. TALES OF A TOURIST. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. But as he fondly snatch'd the wreath of fame, Pleasures of Memory. THE bells of the village of Llanvair, in Merionethshire, had been ringing from early morning; the villagers were dressed in their holiday clothes, and preparations for old English hospitality, on the most festive and extensive plan, were seen at the park and castle, for the double purpose of celebrating the coming of age of its lovely mistress, and her recent marriage with VOL. I. B with sir Herbert Montgomery. Great was the joy with which her arrival was anticipated; for though it was many years since she had been permitted to visit her native domains, the numerous objects of her bounty remembered well the fascinating manners and benevolent mind of their young and lovely lady. Her equipage was now distinguished winding down the steep descent, that, between two rugged mountains, turned towards the ancient and picturesquely-situated Castle of Llanvair. Instantly three distinct shouts of welcome and heartfelt triumph resounded through hill and valley. The multitude pressed forward to meet her, while the ancient harper of the castle, Cerdic ap Howyll, maintained his station at the gate, to welcome its mistress in the genuine strains of Cambro-British melody. The fair and blushing bride, however gratified, was too much oppressed by the ardent and tumultuous zeal of her faithful dependants not to seek, as soon as possible, the privacy of her 1 |