, 1844-02-07

and looking ~mischievously at Mabel, II
declare. il seems exactly as il you only
worked on this when | am here.n
nlndeed, sir said Mabel, coloring 81
should rather say that you always happen
to be here when | am working on il.
What has your presence or absence to do
with my workingT"
"Oh, nothing, Of COURSE" said Pear
son, "yet il struck me as odd that | al
ways find the happy Mordaun,'s chain Of
the precise length that | left i,-doubt-
iessa mere coincidence. But, my dear
Miss Gray" confined he, "ihis testing
conversation must serve as a prelimina-
Try TO a serious communication | have to
make. Are you willing to lIstenfm
Quite whiting! Let US have your
sserious Communication by all MEANS"
said Mabel astonished al his abrupt turn.
Pearson drew his chair nearer. "Miss
Gray" said he, "coud poor Mordaunt
know how many rivals he contends with,
and how many smiles and favors are
lavished on others would he esteem this
chain as a love token, though presented
by the fair hands of Mabel Gray herselff"
"Mr. Mordaunt," said Mabel, slightly
coloring sis the best Judge of his own
thoughts and will estimate any gift Of
mine al its proper value. You, sir, at
least, have no right to assume the char
acter of Mentor, and If | have ever given
you encouragement, you mus! forget the
silly whim of the moment"
81: is on this very subject that ! would
speak to you." said Pearson. my sen
timents towards you have been declared
too long, and remain TOO unchanged to be
doubted for one moment. ] was dali e,
nough Once TO imagine that you loved
me, and heaven knows with what rapture
| tho't so. But soon others were smiled
upon-Mabel Gray became The idol Of q
few tri~lers-and I gradually found my
self treated as one Of the lhtong. This
| c~annot-nay will not bear. have
now come to q resolution on the subject
and firmly intend to act upon IL"
"a dreadful one2" said Mabel, smiling,
40 do let me hear it., Something tina
will astonish me, now, and break The mo-
menlous lovemaking Of my other admi
refs." N' ~ rs
"a simple one," said Pearson, shut ons
that will set your GOODNESS at defiance
Mabel, ! have brought myself, by q lonl
course Of mental discipline, TO the powel
IoT dreaming as please. intend L
dream every night, that you are tn
most truthful-most observation-disclosures
constant ofyour sex; that you adore M
more than any lady ever adored knigh
! in the old romance: that our days glid
on 10 one delicious stream of uninterruPi
ted love; and that our mutual conduct
D a pattern worthy Of imitation by ever.
I other couple in tho kingdom"
d "So,n said Mabel, affecting TO laugh
: "this il your pretty scheme, is it sill
Given forth with So much parade, to'
8 and with s. graves face! You shall Sc
what the reality will bel will treat yo
t with greater coldness Than ever"
y "Do my dear Miss Gray ," said Pearson
y throwing himself carelessly back in h
chair-''pray do--ihe contrast will b
1t better, and in the meantime ! will col
6 sole myself with your imaginary kin'
y ness"
9 EThis is really quite amusing;" sa
n Mabel. "Perhaps ysu will 90 go far
|" TO tell me your dreams, sir, in order tn
II may see how very kind | have BEEN"
" "The identical thing | was about
n PROPOSE" said Pearson. "Yes, | vi
a. give you an account of them every NOR
l. ing, and you shall listen. But mind,
a interruption when you think you ha'
al been too kind for me. Is it a compact
at is" said Mabel. "There is n
:" hand-and il you will be content wi
=. such a phantom mistress, | almost think
=. will give you leave TO dream Of me eve
y night for twelve months.o
~ Whether Mabel Gray was as much
:, unused as she affected to be, | cannot pr
~ tend to say but certain it is tina. she "
~, much interested; for next morning s
was sitting t~houghtfully III tho breakfi
~ parlor and looking apxiously towards I
" door every moment, as if expecting
"a entrance OF a visitor.
Al length the door was opened, a
Mr.. Pearson was announced. Mai
!. rose in a stately manner TO receive hi