The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1850-08-22
CHAPTER III.

One evening after about two months ac-
quaIntance with the count, Ellen gave
party. While at her toilet, it must be
confessed she consulted her mirror with
more than usual care. She ould scarcely
she, who generally thought but little of
dress, now wavered and debated for half
an hour before she could decide between
hel white Grape dress and her pink silk
The white was at last chosen; and, with
/ a white wreath around her graceful head,
she certainly looked very lovely.
The evening advanced, but the count
did not appear. Ellen's color rose and
faded every time the door opened and
closed: but he did not come until she had
almost given him up. Ellen spoke to HIM
almost coldlv as he greeted; but very soon
she felt her displeasure fading away under
the charm of his conversational powers.
His manner was so kind, so daferential.
so gentle to her, that her heart softened TO
him almost tenderly.
He was called upon TO sing, and as
Ellen heard his rich voice so full of feel
/ ing, and listened TO the impassioned words
OF his song, she felt strange. wild Joy in
I heart. As he ceased singing, his eye
sought hers, as though he sung for her
. alone. She replied by glance from eyes
full of tears. The count was soon again
by her side, and he contrived, after a
time TO lead her through the parlor con-
servatory into the garden. The night was
soft and warm. They both walked along
/ in rather awkward silence At length the
count III a suppressed voice, said
/ you one word, and TO ask you one ques
ton
Ellen wished to speak, but she could
not utter single wora. The count went
on
81 would must tell you briefly, but
| truly, that love you. and ask if you can
If YOU do-love me in return!''
Ellen was SO agitated that she could
scarcely support herself. The count per-
ceiving this, hastily threw his arm around
her, as if TO support her; then as quickly
withdrew it, and, rather embarrassed, of
fered his arm. Ellen struggled for calm
ness, but she was greatly agitated She
pressed her hands to her bosom and felt
Charles last letter. She grew more and
more undecided. She knew not what to
do or what to think After a violent
mental conflict, she said
''You will think it very strange, but I
| cannot answer your question; feel that |
do not know my own mind; | cannot de-
eide what | ought TO do" She paused;
and trembled exceedingly from nervous
excitement.
'.Do not be agitated," said she count
kindly, almost tenderly, "much as | suffer
while my fate is undecided, you shall not
be hurried in making your decision; take
what time you wish to know your own
mind; permit me only to ask when | can
know your determination
Ellen hastily named the next day; aud,
escaping from him ran 10 her own room
10 endeavor TO compose herself before
again appearing amongst her guests.
When she returned to the parlor, the
count was not there. Oh. how inexpres-
sibly dull and hresome the time seemed
TIL the company departed
Ellen passed a sleepless night; but when
the count was announced on the following
day, she went down to see him with a
calm and decided air; but when he came
forward to meet her, with his fine eyes
full of love and anxiety, she felt her heart
sink, and she said quick, in order not TO
give herself time TO relent-
at gives me more pain than | can ex-
press TO feel that am Disappointing SO