The Democratic sentinel and Harrison County farmer. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1851-1852, 1851-06-18

ul1as W duuIeSS TIE young Vile OF ner Iatner.
Daring this scene, little Eddie, who only
understood enough to perceive that seme-
thing was wrong, some trouble brewing, ran
to his mamma, and hiding his face in her
lap. began to cry very bitterly and dispair
ingly. But Isabel soon reconciled him to
life, by administering sacharine consolation
from the sugar bowl before her.
1t was, finally, with saddened and anx-
ious spirits, the little affectionate family cir
Gle broke up that morning.
With the hustle and hurry of necessary
preparations, the week passed rapidly, and
brought Saturday evening, when the Allstons
with few family friends, were awaiting the
arrival of the Judge and and his fair bride.
There were not many marks of festivity
in the handsome drawing ROOM there was
somewhat more light, perhaps, and few
more flowers than usual. Isabel, who had
never laid off mourning for her mother, wore
tonight plain black silk, with a rich lace
cape, and white rose-buds in her hair. En-
ma was dressed in light blue barege, with
her pet curls floating around her waist
AT length, rather late in the evening, a
carriage was heard coming up the avenue,
and soon after Judge Allston entered the
drawing-room, with tall and slender lady
leaning on his arm. Shrinking from the
glare of light, and with her head modestly
bowed, Mrs. Allston entered more as a timid
and ill-assured guest, than as the newly ap-
pointed mistress of that elegant mansion.
Isabel advanced Immediately to be present.
ed; offered henhand alone, but that cordi-
ally; made some polite inquiries concerning
the journey, and proceeded to assist the
bride in removing her bonnet and shawl.
She then called Emma, who advanced shyly,
eylng the enemy askanse. She extended
her hand in half diffdent, half defiant
manner; but Mrs. Allston, clasping it in both
hers, bent down and kissed her, smiling as
she did so, on the loveliness of that face.
The blood shot up to the very brow of the
child, as she turned and walked quickly
away to distant window seat, where she
sat and looked out upon the garden. 1t was
moonlight night, and she could see the
cleaning of the white tombstone within, and
she wondered sadly if her mother, lying
there in her grave, knew about this woman,
and was troubled for her children's sake.
Frank was presented by his father, with
much apparent pride, to his young step-mo.
ther, who looked searchingly, though kindly,
into his handsome, yet serious face.
! 1T was some time before Isabel found the
opportunity to observe closely the person
and manners of her fathers bride. Mrs
Allston was, as have said, tall but would
not have been observably so, perhaps, ex
cept for the extreme dclicacy Of her figure
She was graceful and gentle in her move
ments-not absolutely beautiful in her face,
, but very lovely, with most winning smile
and sor of earnest sadness in the expires
sion of her soft hazel eyes, which Isabe
recognized at once as spell of deep power
the spell which had enthralled the hear
of her thoughtful and unsusceptible father
/ She looked about twenty and did mo-
look unsuited to Judge Allston, who, witt
the glow Of happiness lighting up his face
and sparkling from his fine dark eyes, ap.
peared to all, far younger and handsome1
than usual.
Isabel felt that her father was not entirely
satisfied with the reception which his wife
had met from his children; but he did no
express any dissatisfaction that night or evel
after.
1t was happy circumstance for Isabel
in her embarrassed position, that the mex
day was the Sabbath, as going to churcl
and attending to her household duties alb
sorbed her time and attention; thus prevent
ing any ackward tete-a-tete with one who's
very title, step-mother, had arrayed her hear
against her in suspicion, and determined
though unconscious antagonism.
On Sunday afternoon, about the sunse
hour, Judge Allston had been wont to q
with his children to visit the grave of thei
mother; but this sabbath evening, [ neee
hardly say, he was not with them there
i. elbow cool and shadowy looks that arbo1
at the end of the garden, where Miss Allstol
and the children are. Let us Join them
dear Charles" said Mrs. Allston to her hus
: band, as they two sat at the pleasant soutl
window Of their chamber
:. Judge Allston hesitated a moment, ant
then said in a low tonc-"That arbor, deal
! Cecilia, is the place where my Emma lie
buried"
i The young wife looked startled, and some
what troubled, but said nothing.
On Monday, Isabel, after showing he
I step-mother oyer the house, resigned int
her hands the house-keeper's keys, with al
the privileges and dignities of domestic au
thority.
\ Day after day went by, and Isabel pre-
served the same cold, guarded manner to
wards her step-mother, though she cfter
met those soft, hazel eyes fixed upon her
with half pleading, half reproachful look
which she found it difficult to resist. Franl
and Emma still remained shy and distant
and "the baby" constitutonally timid
would scarce look at the stranger lady, whit
sought in an anxious ill-assured way, to win
its love and confidence. As little Eddi,
shrank from those delicate, inviting hands
and clung about Isabel, she would clasp hin
yet closer to her heart, and kiss his brigh
head with passionate fondness.
On Friday afternoon Mrs Allstons piano
arrived. This was great event in the fam
lily, for Isabel did not play, though she sang
|very sweetly, and Frank and Emma had botI
a decided taste for music. Mrs. Allston was
gifted with delicious voice, which she had
faithfully cultivated, and she playing with
both skill and feeling.
All the eyepg sat Judge Allston, gazing
proudly and tenderly upon the performer,
and listening with all his soul. Isabel was
charmed in spite Of all her fears and preiudi.
ces, and the children were half beside them
selves with delight.
The next morning as she came in from her
walk, hearing music in the parlor, Isabel
anterad and found her sion -tnofhar Mo vino