The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-05-12

Henry was much alta, he'd to Emm,
but never yet thought Of love. With
bhtne aspect, he enjoyed the practice
wItcheries ofthe coquette, until Miss Anne
voice vas heard calling 20 Melinda
Come away. sister, Mr.. fearson
coming"
"Tell her M. Walton il already here
remarked the somewhat nettled youth.
! II will return soon" said Melinda. "yo,
SON. e~'
But Henry hurried away, stung mos
bitterly. He did not love Melinda bu
no" is one to escape the upas infiue.ce o
q coIuette! Love is not the only passion
they excite. Henry was piqued, TOO, q
abe 'effrontery of Miss Anne, who nigh
at qssst hsve whispesed her inteiiigsac.
to her sistcr, md now he hated the olG
maid most heartily.
! Turning, he beheld Melinda, endeayoy.
! ing, all in her power to fAscinzae 1r. Pesr.
son.
mot care S5r him." muttered Henry,
who now beheld the GlitterinS ring on Ne.
linda's finger, placed there 81 Ssaues.-
Now. continued the ambitious you'll,
just for my own qualification, am de.
termined TO be revenged. will court
her every opportunity have, and then
play her own game on her r. Saying this
he strolled on amidst labyrinth oE rose
bushes and mary vines, meditating the
means Of effecting the purpose. He paus-
ed suddenly a. he heard these words:
Alas, thus il is 20 be poor I"
Through the insterstices Of a CLUSTERING
honeytuckle he beheld the pale, thought.
full face Of Emma. She was standing in
the summer house, with her eyes resting
on the boquet which she held in her hand.
Without suPposing what might be the
cause Of her abstraction, Henry entered
and placed his wreath on her white fore
head.
did not say was taught 70 make
my next gift more magnificent I"
And were you not at the same time
taught to whom It should Do giveas"
II know what she meant" replied Hen.
~, "but methinks she has already suffi-
cient number Of presents from others."
"And but few-yet I am CONTENT
said Emma.
"You appreciate yours, Emma, which
she does not. She is . eoquett,., and can
never love" Emma smiled at this remark
OF the youth, and they then returned to-
gether Ia the house:
II WA not long before Melinda sssailed
Henry With an indignant frown on her
brow.
Il saw the 'sreath gave VOC decor.
ting the hrus Of Eairla." !
IL se-," replied he, "Mr. Pe.rson's ring
decorating your finger"
" Had you cared for the giver you would
have respected the gia."
Had you cared for the doner, you
would not have accepted the ring ~ said
Henry, with some warmth.
81 soon viii convince you that care
nothing for Mr.. Pearson" said the deceit
full Melinda.
That evening they were al at the ope-
RI. Jsques, who almost courted the spin.
ter rs much as Melinda, who was now
paying marked attention to the former
Melinda, true to her promise, and assured
OF having too great q power over her rich
beau to endanger his fealty, now practised
all her art on Henry, without scarcely
turning to Jaques. Henry could not but
yield attention TO her incessant olatter, and
during q considerable length Of time he
could find no opportunity Of bestowing
word on the mute And silent Emma. The
spinster's mods and frowns had no ef-
feet. Melinda continued the assault until
the curtain rose, and the charming voice
Of the celebrated vocalist inspired silence.
Jaques affected all that was fashionable.
Now his splendid opera glass was pointed
TO the performers, and now to some par
ticular portion Of the audience. He spor-
ted his gold spectacles, his diamond pin,
and jewelled watch. He learned and
practssed attitudes Of the last foppish east
and Thought himself being Of much i'm
portance-ss did also the spinster and Me-
linda: and peFceiving the ring he gave
her on Henry's finger, remArked,--
"Your ring b gone--has some one stol-
en- itf'
II have Il CIR; I presume you would no.
'nsinuate thet 1 am capable ofbecoming .
thiefr said Henry.
I'VE know not who are honest" replied
!sques. evidently intending 10 produce .
quarrel
"Les Il rest for the present-so-morow
you shali hear from me-"
"Givs me the ring, Henry" said Melin-
ds.
aNo. til Scu have said you Pi%osa !:
ON INV finger yourselt," said Henry. Just
then. two strangers entered the boz, and
asler scanning fhe company some mo
ments In silence, addressed Jaques:
"ls your name Pearson Y
"NS. What Il your viii with rneT
I'VE wish you 70 accosnpany N TO
prison r remarked the other, 1t the same
time arrestipg the horroF-stficken man.--
Without the ability 70 utter . word, the
ane wealthy beau wss Instantly conducted
10 . vile pfisou. The ns1t day Il uss a.
csStained that he Aad iong been counter