Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1833-06-07

Of my proceeding being rather queer one added to al
haboal love Of accommodating before any Onslaught or
rested my hand asst was already upon the bell. there
fore began TO encompass the house. after the manner
the besegers OF Jericho only that used ,rumpe1
I'll reached bay window, level with the flower he,
without, which brilliantly Illuminated irow within
The curtain partially drawn aside, aud the ringing
sounds OF youthful laughter attracted step
ped on TO the Hover bed and looked in upon hci
Wilke or Dan Stems fancy could not have embc
shcd. Ii was long room, fitted up with rich oakcr
panels alternating with portraits in the antique style,
now tickiy hung with cvergreens. The chief light pro
ceeded from vast Yule log, which lay glowing and flick
ering in wide chimney. The place full of boys an,
girls from twelve years old; two stout little fel
lows had just succeeded by the help two chairs at
achng bunch Of Christmas the chandelier in the cen
~e-akng advantage, as IL seemed, OF the moment, Will.
eyes al young lady (hc only grown up person the
party0 who seated upon a STOOL with her back urne,
towards the window, amidst shouts of merry laughter
drew closer and she rose TO begin the game
knew by the little white hands extended 10 catch the m
gi'ves the elegant form, the rich black locks and the
d,mpcd chm even though her eyes covered, the
person oil sweet Isabel Denham.
From an involuntary impulse tried the clasp of the
window il opened, and there stood within tho curtain
gazing with tremulous delight and eagerness upon my
beautiful mistress Ii required pause of several min.
ues before could summon courage nirude upon hi.
scene oil innocent merimen The little folks the while
Skipping aboutin the fire light, like many brownies
shouting with rapture; and Isabel bounded aongs the m
as gracefully as though she had been Ttania herself
She had little success in the gamc the mischievous crew
VINO 10 take especial delight pulling
curs escaped from her gentle hands, whenever she es
ed 10 lay hold upon OF her assaants At last she
came running towards my hiding place, with both hand,
outstretched crying, sure there is some rogue hid
ing here, who shall not escape quite easily he did
the last time! cannot describe how this random spe oh
Affected me; but internally blessed the omen and COM
ing forward as she approached quietly possessed myself
OF her two hands, and pressed them TO my lips Startled
il not alarmed, by touch unexpected she gave sud
den cry, exclaimng, Papa! il is you'll and, freeing
one OF her hands, huriedy removed the bandage from
Tor me the
warranabe liberty had taken Just flashed upon nv mind
at the instant when had fully committed myself On
recognizing my face, Isabella almost shrieked changed
color tried TO speak, and hurst into was terribly
alarmed; the little people stood aghast, though Satan
himself had stepped from behind the curtain support
ed Isabel to the sofa and knelt at her side
Forgive me. dear Isabel! little thought I should
alarm you so much was not of myself on see
ing you so near mel will you suffer me to entreat you
pardon Her eye slowly Enclosed, and rested on mine
troubled, but full of sweetness.
'Oh, Mr.. Vernon! 1t was not kind to rChten me thus
DO not know whether shall ever forgive you for causing
me such shock
Il shall never forgive myself if have distressed YOU
out hear my excuse; hoped TO have you at Thorn
tons, you came not; fastened hither TO find Won: he
held you through the window, and could not restrain IN,
eageness TO approach you and now have you not for
gotten; will you forgive mel
Il do not know, she said, blushng deeply, whether
ought TO listen to you at all You deserve that
should send you away at once.'
you would not be so unknd, did you know how have
longsd to cast myself on your mercy
WELL forgive you! | in the seventh heaven
The blindman's buff party appeared solely disconnected
al we not better set the little people to play again
i; ana without more ceremony seizng upon the bigges
boy OF the party bound up his eyes, and after few mi
nutes romping with them, the merry uProar became al
loud as ever Returning TO lsabes feet, then told m,
tale explaining well could, my past silence sue9
Tor her pardon and her fair hand She too NATURAL,
sincere, perhaps too much hurried, yrannze over mo
such moment; and when after an ardent expostulaol
and enreaty raised her from tho sofa and sIyy LEADING
her under the little rogues Bush of Sautaon covered
her eyes, brow, and lips with kisses,-ehe had areaJv
oreathed the sweet words that made her for ever
In the course OF that evenings learned how
faithfully the dear girl had kept her PROMISE although m,
silence had so little deserved it, and how just had been
instantaneous feeling of anhpathy towards the nader
aunt from whom poor Isabel had suffered long persecu
ton on behalf OF protege of hers recommended as sui
tor to my peerless mistress.
1t was very late ere reganed Thornton's Prory The
reve fortunately, was not yet over, and | found ST
George in charitable mood that before his carriage
drove away, had obtained from him permission which
completed me happiness OF the most exciting, yet mos
delightful Christmas day had ever spent, may hope
ever TO spend again. W