Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-10-12

subjected to her criticism and advice. 1t
may not be that this was prompted by
those OF lofty affection which should ever
exist in the relationship of mother and
daughter; they knew and understood each
other too well, perhaps. to experience
any such feeling. but the habit, for it was
nothing more, of thus pouring everything
into her mothers ears, saved Lena many
hours of what might have been bitter
self-reproaeh, for by receiving on all oc-
casions her mothers counsel, she could
readily throw all blame, if any existed,
upon that mothers shoulders and Lena
was too selfish not to fully understand
and appreciate the benefit of this prac-
tice.
As she finished her recital, to which
Mrs. Forrest had lent a most attentive
ear, she looked smilingly up in her mo-
theirs face and asked
"What do you think of it? Better fol-
low it up, had L not, if the young man
turns out to be worth the trouble ?''
Certainly replied the widow /; +"
Irritation will be the pleasantest pastime /
can think of, during these dull days of
black dresses and limited society. But
I've had call during your absence
And mischevious light twinkled in the
widows eye. while merry laugh trilled
over her lips, as she spoke.
From whom, pray ?" asked Lena in a
tone of wonderment.
Here is her card" replied Mrs. For
rest. producing fancy visiting card. with
painted wreath of marigolds and red
poppies around it. with peacocks in the
corners. Miss Theodosia Thereasa
Tattleton. She told me she lived just on
| the outskirts of the town, and from her
description of the place. presume it is
the one we noticed last evening from the
stage windows. She is a maiden lady.
and lives with bachelor brother who is
very wealthy. and man of considerable
influence. I should judge, from what l
have gatheredsfrom the servants"
How does she appear % asked Le-
ma, as she twisted the card in her fair fin
gers. "Does she appear refined or agree
able ? From the appearance of her vi
sitting card here, l should scarcely consi-
der her one of the upper ten.''
"Well, at all events. was so much
amused with her, that didn't hesitate
to accept an invitation for tomorrow eve
ming at her house, and you, ofcourse must
accompany me-"
s'Our black robes will make rather a
singular appearance, there. I'm fearful,
if it's going to be anything of a party
Besides. We might subject ourselves to
remark, by attending such aplace SO soon;
and Lena cast down her eyes, perhaps to
conceal the disappointment at what her
own prudence suggested.
Pah - returned her mother with a
seornful curl of the lip. Never fear
These simple villagers, depend upon it.
will think everything a0e do. right enough;
and | presume we could set the fashions,
for all SEASONS. SO long as we choose to
stay here. For my part, L intend 10 en-
joy myself. Our wealth will give Us un-
limited influence. if we choose 10 exercise
it aud l intend to distance the Mrs.
Horton they all praise so much, till she
Is entirely lost in the blaze OF my own
popularity. A village of this kind is as
good kingdom when the rule is once
gained and we can reign supreme here,
if we choose"
So saying. the widow rose to repair to
the drawing room, while Lena, with her
propriety scruples silenced. flung herself
upon loungue to mediate.
When Mrs. Forrest declared her inten- |
ton to surpass the former occupant of the !
house she owned. she did not pause to
consider tClat had made Mrs. Horton SO
aud station would gain for her that popu
larity which true charity and generosity.
governed by high Christian principles, had
acquired for the lady whose praises every |
lip was sounding. However, the widows
knowledge of the villagers had been chief
ly obtained from the servants, and per-
haps she was excusable for her rather
narrow minded views.
The domestics who had been sent to |
set all tn ings in order previous to the wi
dow's arrival, had busted themselves not |
little-and all servants do the same who |
have mistress that will listen to their |
gossip-learn the position, character and /
circumstances of the principal inhabitants /
of the place.
Miss Tattletou and her brother, haC not
escaped the general survey, and all that
had been CLEANED of them had been duly |
laid before the eager widow, who imme
diately decided, in herown mind that the |
brother might possibly be a good catch,
and the sister, she felt assured after what
she had seen of her, would be a ready |
tool in her hands, for any part she chose
to make her play.
Mrs. Forrest was not far from right
Charles TaltletOn was very wealthy, and |
a bachelor. He had made his fortune in I
Preston. and, having. as it were, grown
up with the place had acquired an influ-
ence and position which admitted him in |
to the first society of the aristocratic liz
tie village. He was an easy. whole soul
ed, well-meaning man. He had acquired
his wealth by perseverance and diligence,
and he knew well how to appreciate and