The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1841-04-29

the same place Of worship on the Sabbath,
aud We would no, say their eyes and
thoughts did no, sometimes stray from him
who occupied the pulpit. Every time she
saw him, Lucinda looked on him with
pleasure and pride, for now that ho had be-
come a man, his commanding figure and
expressive counienance distinguished him
from ell other young men 10 her native
town. She frequently heard his beauty
spoken Of among her companions, and his
alitclionate conduct 10 his parents com.
mended BY her father. lnto the select cir.
cles 10 which she visited he was seldom 10
ylted, because no IVES farmer and wore a
striped fruck but she consoled herself by
thinking that his talents aud his virtues
would one day place him above these llule
distinctions. He had labored 10 cultivate
his mind, and prepare himself for the duties
of active life. The occupation his father
designed for him he never intended to
change, bu, he wished to be a theoretical
as well as practical farmer, ni.n improve
his faculties equally with his ielus and gar
deos. This, her mother aud sister did
not, or affected not, 10 perceive. They
annoyed her almost daily by sigmiicaa, al
lusions to hay stacks, ploughs, aud above
all, to the striped frock which was constant.
ly worn in the field TO protect his other
clothing. 10 general she affected to take
no notice of these inuendos, but at times,
her feelings oTercame her, and she retired
10 give ven, TO her tears. Sometimes she
half resolved 10 make a confiaut of her
father, bui she vas deferred by the fear
that he likewise might disapprove. At
times, she Eel, mortified aud humb!ed when
she though, OF bis occupation, for the pride
SO carefully nurtured in childhood was not
yet totally subdued. She would wish he
had been merchant or studied some pro.
fsssion, or II be must be a farmer that he
would never wear the trock which had oc.
casloned so much rldicule a, home, and re.
solved that her influence should be exerted
10 persuade hun 10 discard il altogether.
In the mean time both Lucinda and her
sister had become objects OF general attrac.
ton, especially Caroline, whom nature
seemed 10 have designed for belle aud a
/ coque;te. Lucinda was equally beloved
aud more respected, but thu dignity her
miud had imported TO her manners repealed
the advances Of mere foppety and gaian.
try. She had several advantageous offers,
but, TO Der fathers surprise. rejected them
all One suior lacked Nelson's native
ability another his kind, adeelionsie TEN.
per; and all she thought we're dehcien, IN
some Of his peculiar characteristics,
Caroline, who had no previous attach
ment to interfere With her present selection
was soon engaged. II was to the same Mr..
Russell men,oued 10 The early part Of the
story. His home was 10 the city, but he
had become acquainted with Caroline while
visiting a relative in S. Her beauty and
playfuIness SOON determIned him to make
her the companion Of his fortunes. He
was shat the world considers gentleman,
free from any notorious vices, and equally
free from any fixed principles Of right and
wrong. But he suited Mrs. Hale aud Car.
oline exactly. He seemed to have an 10.
stinctive dislike TO every thing counter.
feited or economical, and his love for fash.
Ionable life could not be disputed. The
wealth aud standing Of his falher seemed
TO make II certain that the family Of the son
might always live life Of pleasure.
1t vas suspected by some, that 'Sqire
Hale never heartily approved the match
between Russell aud his daughter. Bo this
is i. may, il was concluded after the lapse
Of fev months. The mansion OF Squire
Hale vas brilliantly illuminated on The
nigh, Of the 2j,h April. Is. Caroline
vas that evening 70 give her hand 10 Frank
Russell. Many Of tho inhabitants Of S.
assembled to congratulate The young cou.
pie, and Nelson Newhall among the rest.
Mrs. Hale protested against bis having an
invitation, but her husband declared bin
as respectable and promising as any young
man 10 he village, aud invited him accord
ingly. The evening was spen; in mirth
and festiviiy, and all appeared 10 enjoy il
but Lucinda, which Il was ascribed to the
parting 10 take place on the morrow. That
bowever, was not the sole reason. Mel
500, in the crowd, had contrived 10 press a
letter into her hand. She hastily conceal.
ed it without having been observed, bu, tho
d1sh upon her cheek, and the unwonted
abstraction Of her manners, were general.
ly noticed.
Ths company separated, and the family
retired to their respective apartments. -
Lucinda passed sleepless night, some.
times reading the letter she had received,
and sometimes celebrating upon the course
she should pursue. She finally came 10
the conclusion That she would give the let.
ter to her father as soon as might be con.
venient after Carolne's departure.
lu the course Of the uext day, she found
her father alone, presented the letter 10
him with trembling hand, and fed to her
chamber. She was soon summoned TO at
tend him, Ny daughter" said be, hold
ing up the letter, this tells me that you
and Nelson Newhall have loved each other
from your childhood Whv has it been
kept secret from me p Because dar
ed not let Won know il. :" "W hat was you