t-work. The spaces between the trunks--forming the four sides of the
edifice--were simply plain, deep-set slabs. The design could not be
mistaken. It was that of an oak grove inclosing a tomb. But whose, and
why this singular design? There was no inscription to afford an
explanation. Another view added to the mystery. Standing in the middle
of one of the sides, underneath the arch formed by the branching limbs,
was an exquisite female figure of white marble. One foot and the body
advanced, one hand grasping her robe, the other extended pointing into
the distance, her head turned to one side, the lips parted as if
speaking, the countenance expressive of the enthusiasm of love combined
with impetuous resolution, an attire of the most perfect simplicity,
similar to that worn by Roman maidens, and with a plain bandeau around
the head,--the whole presented a figure of perfect symmetry and
life-like impassioned earnestness, as beautiful as it was
unintelligible. I sought through all my recollections of ancient and
modern impersonations--of mythology, history, Scripture, and poetry--but
could find nothing to furnish a solution. The structure and the figure
surpassed even conjecture. Velleda, and Lot's wife, according to an old
picture in the catechism, were the only resemblances I could recall, but
the surroundings evidently did not suit the types.

While in my embarrassment, I became dimly conscious of seeing an elderly
man coming towards me from behind the structure, but should have
received no distinct impression of his presence had he not approached
the gate of the inclosure upon which I chanced to be leaning, and mildly
requested my permission to pass. Recalled to myself, I saw by a hasty
glance that the person before me was a man apparently some sixty years
of age, to whom time had imparted only a 'richness' of appearance,
exhibiting the gentleman at every point, and with an aspect of the most
profound grief, tempered with resignation, benevolence, and urbanity.
Having politely assisted his egress, he passed onward with a graceful
gesture of acknowledgment. He had taken but a few steps, when the
thought occurred to me that he must have come from within the perplexing
structure by some secret door, and that he could unravel its mystery. I
was impelled to follow him, and proceeded hastily to do so, when the
indelicacy of my intrusion on one evidently connected with the grief
which the monument was designed to commemorate, f