The North-Carolina standard., 1843-04-26

| she was placed under his care. She seemed stu
diously to avoid all intercourse with the inhabt
ants-and when reluctantly compelled by circum
stances TO be partaker oftheir festive gatherings
it was task rather than a pleasure. While her
brothers merry laugh and cheerful manners made
him welcome guest IN the humbleSt caoin
her bauteur seemed to chill even the happies
hearts around her, like a sudden frost upon the
fairest flowers Her dress was rich and tasteful
| and her Jack hair formed fine contrast to her
fair complexion. The first glance pronounced
her beautiful the second detected want of breadth
and expansion in the forehead, the third discover
ed sJe ne sais quot in her air and manner which
made him turn with pleasure to the open browed,
unsophsticated buckeye damsel at his side:
Such was Martha Ellis at her first introduction
to western society. Her father was originally an
industrious, plodding shoemaker but by great fru-
gality acquired wealth, married into poor but
aristocratic family, and died one of the richest
merchants in New York Martha lost her mo-
ther in early life, but not until she had I'M
bibed some peculiar notions with regard to the
distinction and importance to which wealth would
entitle her.
! Her father saw them with regret, and would
often point her to his shoemakers bench and tools,
which he carefully preserved to the day of his
death, as momento of the way in which he was
first enabled to procure her the luxuries of life
But while Martha inherited her mothers pride
and beauty, Henry possessed the liberal view OF
his father united to the refinements of educatlon-
He loved his sister devotedly, and when ne fol-
lowed the remains of his father to the grave, she
seemed to be the only resting place of his affections
! II was returned with all the warmth of which
selfish and proud heart is capable, a warmth like
that of the sun in winter, which falls obllque-
| lv upon the heart that it awakens no sleeping
flower to beauty, and though it gilds, scarcely
melts the surface ofthe pendant, icicle. Through
the urgent entreaes other brother she was persua-
ded to accompany him to Marietta, little dreaming
but that she should find Select coterie, circle
| of exclusives even there.
She was surprised at the primitive group on the
shore, still more so when the General told her
that they were the most respectable Inhabitants
She could hardly believe it possible when she saw
his own wife and daughters engaged in the do
mestic duties of the kitchen. 1t was fruitless to
search for the GristocrGtic-for once they were
found wanting. She found her position Il most
uncomfortable one. Her cold and reserved de-
meanor was returned with double interest by the
independent buckeyes. She urged her brothers s
return, but he always found a ready excuse for re-
naming, and was daily proposing some excursion
of pleasure-gcnerally, however, without success.
One day, however, sailing party was propoo-
sed by the villagers to Blennerhasscts Island,
one of the many fairy spots sprinkled here and
there upon the Ohio. 1t is about twelve miles
from Marietta, ana has since been memorable as
the scene of Burr's defeat. Nohe among the hap
py group seemed worthy of Marthas notice, save
"a young man to whom her brother introduced
her, former acquaintance In the city. His
polished manners and brilliant conversation inter-
ested her, and for once she strove to be agree
able. She retraced the happy hours of city life,
troI again the stately rooms, promenaded Broad
way and was once more the rich heireSs She
even condescended to converse awhile with Anna
Perkins, the village favorite, and froWned not
when she saw her leaning on her brothers
arm. Atherton was charmed with her beauty
and she, with woman's instinct, perceiving her
power drew the slken chains yet lighter around
him. A call was proposed for the next evening,
and Martha had already promised herselfto Ather-
ton as partner in the dance when the boat touch'd
the shore on their return. Anna Perkins, who
was the life of the party and seemed more anima-
ted and looked more beautiful than usual, was the
first to spring to land exclaiming as she did So
There is Monsieur's bake house Come Miss
Ellis you 'parley vous" it sometimes let's go and
have chat with the Frenchman.'
A smile of contempt curled on Marthas lip,
but before she had time 10 reply two men came
from towards boat and entered the bakehouse.
Their appearance indicated long travel, and the
casual observer would see nothing remarkable in
their exterior.
tha's arm, 'who knows but they may be some no.
blemen in disguise, from sunny France, come to
visit their poor countryman all alone in the back
woods"
Like enough, Miss Perkins A French no.
bleman visit baker, Those shabby boatmen
would thank you we'll for your high compliment
'NeVer mind answered the gentle Anna, as
she turned with light feet to the Frenchmans,
I'll go by myself and take my evening lesson,
Bon soir'
In moment she was in the presence of the man
of cakes. The old settlers we'll remember the
place and its worthy proprietor.
AS she entered, the two strangers were busly
engaged, making their bargain, or rather mourn
ing over their disappointment in obtaining boat
stores at the time promised From her limit
ed knowledge of French, she gathered that
the poor baker, though he had worked hard
all day, had not been able, for want of kelp to
complete the required quantity. His eye brigh-
tened he saw Anna enter. AS soon as She
understood the difficulty, in trice her sleeves
were rolled up, and her pretty hands and near
ly half of her little plump arms were embedded
in dough-
Thank you, ma belle file, said the elder of
strangers in tone and manner which convinced