Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-02-03
Her tears were still fowing,when Anna exclaim.

iier Tears Were SILL iiHoWinB,When Atha eAclalm-
ed,
and those beautiful little ponies. | thought
some one would come 10 take us out ridingw
and with her most winning SMILE she prepared
to meet him, and to receive an invitation to ride
in his new sleigh. Patia had hurried from the
room, to hide her tears, at the mention of his
name, and in her own apartment was yielding
herself up to wretched musings when Louisa
entered iE hurried manner and informed her,
that Mr.. Merton had expressed a wish to see
her.
"Perhaps he has brought me some more mu-
sic;" said Patia, and her heart lightened at the
thought; and removing the traces of her recent
tears as far as she was able she followed her
sister into the sitting room. Mr.. Merton arose
and bowed deferentially, upon her entrance
and then begged for the pleasure of her compa-
in q short ride In 4 confused manner she stam-
mered forth her thanks and acceptance, and then
with wildly throbbing heart, she retired to at
tire herself for the ride. Edward Merton had
long felt assured that Anna Dunton possessed
no very amable or gentle qualities; but he was
shocked beyond expression, as he marked the
look of hatred with which she regarded Patia as
she left the room. She started up once, as if to
follow her; but as her angry glance fell upon
the wondering face of Merton, she resumed her
seat, although she absolutely shook with sup
pressed rage. Louisa was disappointed, for al
though the younger sister, she usually accom-
panied Anna; but her surprise at Patia's good
fortune, for the instant drove away all other
thoughts. But Patia was absent but few mo-
ments and when she returned, cloaked and hood
ed to 90 out, was it any wonder, that the young
man turned with pleasure from the passion dis
turbed features of the beauty, to the mild tho't-
ful face of the "plain daughter" now turned
timidly towards him Nor did the face seem
so very plain, either, as shaded by those fair,
glossy curls, it looked out from the close fitting
hood that so well became it! At least thus
thought Merton, rs he took the little gloved
hand that trembled perceptibly, as he led her to
the sleigh.
1t was an elegant little affair." got up TO order; ;
and as the restless ponies shook their shaggy
names, they gave back peal of musical bells,
that sounded anything but musical to the enrag-
ed Anna. She had kept her passion from break
ing forth in words until they were fairly off;
but then, such torrent of abuse as she poured
forth on the unfortunate-or rather Fortunate
Merton, shocked even her mother. Nor did that
short sighted woman escaped a reprimand from
her dutiful daughter, for allowing the little
fright to go out riding with any one; and far
more with that detested Merton.
Mr.. Dunton being now able to be in the store
again, knew nothing of the ride, or of the storm
that succeeded it, and was somewhat surprised
when Edward Merton, few days after, present
ed himself to ask for the hand Of his daughter
The parental consent was not withheld, as the
reader may suppose. But his pleasure equaed
his astonishment, when he found that it was his
"plain daughter" instead of Anna, for whom
he sued. The mother could hardly believe her
senses, when Patia with tears and bushes told
her of her betrotha
"Why, Patia! the man must be mad Why
Anna would have married him had he but pro-
posed to her! !" Anna assured her sister again
and again that he was fool and taunted her
with the assertion, that he married her but for
housekeeper and wished her much Joy in be-
ing thus selected. But Patia in her quiet hap.
piness, needed not her taunts or felt her ridi-
cule but looked away into bright future, to a
home that should be all her own, and to loving
heart, upon which she might lavish all that affec-
tion, which had ever been thrown back upon her
in her chldhoods home.
And the "plain daughter went out from her
home as bride, with few tears and few regrets.
Beech Wood Cottage was made over to her, ac-
COIulHS W ploullSc, WHeH saw
the angry scowl of Anna, she would have relin-
quished it to her. But this her father would
not permit, ard it finally became the happy home
of herself and husband.
Five years have passed since the marriage of
the "plain daughter" (hardly to be recognized
as such in the fresh. healthful, nay, almost beau
tiful Mrs. Merton), and Anna and Louisa are
single still, so that Mrs. Dunton begins to fear,
that she shall have, not only one, but two cold
maids" in the family. Louisa stays much with
Patia; her quiet home bright with the halo Of
domestic affection, being sort of refuge, when
Annals overbearing insolence and unrestrained
fits Of passion, make her own home unendura-
BILE. Mr.. Dunton has long since seen the folly
of setting up beauty as worthy Of admiration, in
dependent Of other good qualities. And often
after visit to Pata's delightful home, wishes
that he could have been blessed with three in
stead of one, "plain daughter"
Chicago Tribune.
CURIOUS ExPERmENT.-There is pleasing
and profitable experiment which | have often