The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-03-28

Mrs. Dacre, shut may not claim the
merit; that belongs to Mary
"At this moment dinner was announ-
ced, and he could only wonder who
Mary was. In his bedroom. some bold
spirited drawings attracted bis atten-
ton, and his eve quickly detected the
name Of Mary in the corner;all in the
room bespoke female taste and consid-
Grafton, and Dacre bad said all had
been arranged by Mary. Some of Da-
cre's occupations were too common
place for the somewhat fastidious Cliff
ford, and he delighted in solitary ram
bles, in one Of these he passed neat
cottage; the gay flowers in the little
garden before It arrested his steps, and
he paused to admire the deep crimson
stocks ard the beautiful donble wall
flower often seen in such perfection in
the cottage garden Of. Anaged
woman invited him to rest in her hum
bic dwelling.
"Take this seat SIR. said she, point
ing to one whose very look bespoke
comfort and ease; 81 suffer a great
deal from rheumatis, and Miss Mary,
from the Great House, sent me this
chair"
Clifford seated himself in it.
"Oh! she's nice lady. so free and
kind; she brought me these worsted
stockings herself" continued the gar
rulous dame putting out foot not ex-
actly a prototype of Taglioni's.
Clifford had a Byronic passion for the
name of Mary, and it had come upon
his ear so often in his brief soiourn at
Woodlands, that he began to feel quite
a sensation when it was named, and no
small curiosity to see her who had a
right 10 the title.
But it was the first of September;
and guns, dogs and birds, were formida.
bic rivals to the unknown Mary. The
sky was clear; the air bland; the birds,
athose fairy formed and many-coored
things" sung gaily; and the stream
looked clear and bright, as it "broke in
to dimples and laughed in the SUM-"
Clifford and l)acre were out early, and,
with quick eye and sure aim, return.
dladen with the spoil. Dacre linger-
ed behind to give some directions, and
as Clifford crossed the lawn, he heard
the gay laugh ofchildren, and the tones
of the most musical mingling with
theirs. He paused to listen; the sounds
came nearer, and in a moment he was
in the midst Of the group. 80! Mary
is come home; dear, sweet Mary; and
we are so happy" burst from the lips
Of the delighted young ones.
Clifford was slightly embarrassed, but
seeing Dacre, he said, 'Will YOU come
and introduce me to this lady; who, !
presume, Loasts some other name than
my favorite one OF Mary?'
20 yes. her name is Dacre; the or
phan child of my poor brother Freder-
ick," he added in a lower tone. "and
this, Mary, is my old friend Clifford, of
whom you have heard honorable men
ton. But tell me how are the Powells
and Grace, and how came you home so
earlyw
40 answer your last question first,
Grace drove me in the pony-chaise to
park gate. and we had such delight
ful rioe, every thing looked so fresh, it
seemed to have the charm of novelty.
had been as happy as bird; but be-
gan to long for nv dulce domum, and a
romp with my darling pets," said Ma
ry, as she stopped to kiss the children.
| When Clifford descended to the
breakfast room, Mary was seated at
the table, and as he entered, she was
talking in a cheerful tone to Mrs. Dacre,
whose simple matronly cap and fair
gentle face, contrasted sweetly with
the profusion of dark brown curls
which hung in beautiful luxuriance
over the more animated countenance
of her companion.
"Our truant has returned at last
said his hostess, and she tells me you
L =
have met.
The brow of Mary Dacre was n
sweet clear page, where you might read
all that passed in her kind and noble
heart. Her beauty did not iascinate
for moment, but it attracted by its
grace and intelligence, it was face to
gaze on and return to, to fit across ..the
minds eye,' haunt you at all hours,un-
hidden and unexpected; in fact, she
was dangerous invader Of the rights
of bachelorship, and Clifford, scarcely
resisting the fair assailani, found the
strong holds of celibacy one by one CIV
ling way, and each stern sentinel that
|had hitherto guarded the avenues OF his
heart, deserted his post. s2 {
sWhat folly !" thoughthe, as he stood
gazing on the light form Of Mary. as
~ n