Democratic banner., 1846-02-14
b AISLE p.
BY ELLEN

"hatSay you TO astroll, Harry, IN thoS
fine old woods?" said Franklin Carson t
his friend, as they emerged from the din
ing-room of the little inn at Rockbridge.
agreed" replied his friend.
The two young men we have thus intro.
duced to the reader had left the city, for
week, to enjoy the trout-fshing of this cele.
brated vicinity. Their dress, air and man.
ners bespoke them fortunes favored chill
dren. The first speaker had atall, command
ing figure, and a countenance of great in
tellectual beauty. His companion was
scarcely less distinguished by manly beau
ty but it was of less elevated kind: his face
indeed spoke of one in high good humor
both with the world and with himself.
Frank Carson, and his more mcrcurial
friend accordingly sailed forth. After
crossing a few fields they entered the wood
to which our hero had pointed, a noble
piece of forest, probably centuries old. A
deep gloom pervaded its recesscs, except
here and there where a stream Of sunshine
breaking through the !giant trees, flooded
the soft turf with golden light.
This is grand" said Frank, show one
could enjoy Shakespeare here! Think of
reading "As You Like It," in a spot like
this"
SAY. and there is Rosalind," suddenly
exclaimed Harry.
"Whcrc?' said Frank.
"Hcrc-on that bank" said Harry point
ing through the trees.
On agcntly sloping bank, fast asleep,
carelessly rcolined a young and beautiful
girl. Her face was turned towards the
strangers. The lips were half parted in a
and the soft mellow sunlight that
through a gaPjnst behind her, kis-
,ed her check, then slumbcred on the green
at her side. One hand hung care
.eSslv down, fcebly retaining in its relaxed
lold the wild-ilowcrs she had been gather
no. Ucrloft shoulder was thrown some
what into relief by the position in which
,he lay. half revealing the snowy bosom
which rose and fell with her breathing
The warm glow of the afternoon light en-
.clopcd this as well as her white figure in
,osy and d-lirious tints, like those of a til
ian. 4 noble dog half slumbcred beside
.cr, but as Harry unconsciously uttered an
exclamation OF surprise at so much beauty,
he animal looking up III the direction OF
he sound, and showing his white teeth,
.Hush'' said Frank in d whisper, "or
he charm is broken"
at is too late" replied his friend, ~'see,
he %stirs."
The growl of the dog had aroused the
She rose half languid and look
around, catching sight of the half con-
.calcd strangers, bounded hastily away.
eOf, like a startled deer! should like
o know where she lives. This is better
han trout-is'ing," said Harry with glee.
ssShe is very beautiful" said Frank abb
gtractcdIy, "and then what an air of mod
,sty, Inevcr saw so charming blush"
eTut, man you are in love already,' said
Harry with a laugh. "Nhat fun shall
rave, if youtakc it into your head to WOO
his pretty shcpherdcss, who, | warrant, Is
|
j, little simplcton and knows nothing bnther
,atcchism."
sIIerc is a handkerchief she has drop
BED in hcrfright," saidhis companion pick
ng it up.
"a very pretty name she has, Mary Trevor,
e, me follow her, like a true knight, and restore
he prize"
"Not now-shc is too frightened already, re-
died Frank quietly placing the handkerchief IN
lis pocket. "Let us turn back
The two friends accordingly soon regaii'edth
mn. Here Harry solaced himself witha cigar
md then a sicsta, nor did he wake until dusk,
when he found that his companion had gone out.
n about half an hour Frank returned.
"You have been stealing march on mech"
Harry, as his friend came in, "you have
,ecn taking back Miss Trevor handkcrchiei.-