The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1842-05-05
BY MITCHENER & MATHEWS.
THE RINGLET.


cheerful fire blazed on the hearth, in tho neat lit
tie paror of Mr.. Percy, cool evening in November
and HeIen with choice party oryouns friends, form
ed an agreeable little circle around it. Helen Percy
was not what the world would call handsome that is
she did possess regular feaues-had neher black
nor blue eyes-tresses waving gracefully over her shou
ders-nor skin quite white as The new fallen snow
but then there beauty in her face, and beauty
that was richly worth all these-a consisted fexpres
sion. The feelings off god and benevolent hea al
ded by the graces ofa rure and well cultivated mind
cast ustre face that could boast of no other &C,
Complshmen and none other was necessary to render
il interesting But lleen's most powerful charm was
in her conversation often Epriehy and always sensible
and pleasing ii rendered her most engaging com
panion
Nwas generally known among her acquaintainces
thatshe vas be:rothed to young navy officer who
was then and had been nearly two years, absent IN he
United States service, and who was now daily expec-
ted home Helen anxious for his arrival, not for
the qualification ofher own affectionae feelings alone
but the tale of scandal had gone fhrh and she wished
its once arrested. An amiable and worthy
young in the habit of visiting at the house of
Mr., Percy; he knew ofHeen's engagement and his
visits to the family prompted by friendship alone
but others thought differently; were surprised
that, III the absence ofCIarence Lee she would sane
ton the addresses of another dishonorabe thus
TO traffic with his feCngs-n short she was in their
eyes most hearess coquette. Helen knew these
whs pers were around her. but she knew also she was
wronged she despised the petty ertifces, olhose who
would consue every friendly feeling into accepted
Inya- we'd N shO ho Tho oc
deprvng her off friendship So valuable as that of the
innocent mover oft all
remarked that small group were assembled round
the fresde of Mr. Pe,cy's house. and this occasion
stranger was seated among them, who had entered
with the company, and yetappeared unkn own to them
Mi; aprofsion of light hair fell over his forehead and
cheeks, which were also shaded by large musachios,
and he plir Of green specaces over his eyes.
The little party were gay and lively as usual, hut
there sudden stiffness in the room, when the
stranger holding in his hand ringct of dark brown
hair, tremulousy asked lady 10 him if that was
not pretty tresS.
1t certainly is. the reply, 'and favoritp memen
to, presume.'
lit aken madam, from the bosom of an officer,
friend ofmine who fell from from on board one of
the United States vessels during late cruise; body
was happily recovered, butt
May inquire his name1' interrupted Helen, in
breathess haste, and unconsciously rising from her
chair
His name is Clarence Lee.
And lost over--' the words died uron her lips,
and she sank back nsensbe into her seat The
ger started from his chair threw of ha speca cles,
achios and light hair. and in an instant the metamor
phised Clarence Lee leaning her chair. and
endeavorng to recall her 10 animation, by repeatedly
pronouncing her name in his own natural voice Hell
ena, length recovered cast round bewildered glance
and scarcely imagined she was in existence when she
behed her lover by her side.
Am not dreaming' said she, reviving.
4 should hope not, said Clarence, sezing her hand,
and eagerly pressing it. 4 have put thy faith to sad
ttia Helen. but wilt thou not forgive me when l tel
thee that was cruelty deceived by othersl-hev told
me thou vert false to me, Helen but this pledge ofthy
affection again displaying the ringet) proves their
words false, rot thee. and that meet the fond,
faithful heart left two years ago.
1t is needless to remark, that the sratagem rea
diy forgiven ard that Heen after at the alta Of
ofhymen, gave herself pledge other love and faith
10 Clarence Lee.