Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-11-09

a gay and brilliant party-ascendlnS the
bank from their boats. Mr.. Ackerman
now seemed to forget all his recent trou-
BILE in his eager delight to introduce his
new and titled friend.
'e Miss Tattleton," he exclaimed, with
profound bow, as that lady stood be-
fore him, allow me to make you ac-
qaainted with my friend, Lord Melville,
of -. England
Miss Tattleton opened her eyes wide at
the title, bowed most graciously, and pas
sed on. Thus, another and another came
up the bank, and were severaliy introdu-
ced to '' My lord," who made his bow
with all due ceremony to his new acquain-
tances.
1t was the day which had been set
aside for the picnic, and Fairy Isle had
had been selected as the pleasantest spot.
Mr.. Ackerman having received his invi-
tation late, fastened at once to the ap-
pointed place, and, as has been perceived,
arrived there somewhat in advance of the
main party. All were there now, in the
best of spirits, and with the brightest an-
ticipations for the afternoon. Mrs. For
rests manouvering, as usual, had been
carried successfully on, and during the
intervening days between the picnic pro-
iect and its realization, Robert Grant had
been courted, flattered, and fawned upon
with such consumate skill that he scarce
ly felt the meshes of the net which tight
er and tighter was enveloping him. His
self-love was gratifed by her attentions,
and besides this, his own family were con-
tinually dwelling upon the advantages of
the match it was SO evident he was about
L. I ,,,;f u, Il o
ly-expressed satisfaction at the aspect of
things, (carefully uttered where it would
be sure to reach his ears,) contributed
much to lead him blindly on in pursuit of
this ignis .tatuus passion.
Since the night of the mountain accident,
Robert had never crossed the threshold
of Morgan Manor. True, the thought of
his cousin had at times crossed his mind,
but it was always put aside as something
he would dwell upon hereafter.
He began, too, 10 rejoice that he had
never fully committed himself, and that
he was under no real engagement to Al
ice FreeIand. If the memory of the kind
words he had spoken, the fond looks
he had given, his many acts oftenderness,
(Which could not have failed to carry
conviction with them, ever crossed his
mind. and forced upon him the assurance
that he had done all to lead Alice to be-
lieve he looked upon her as his future
bride, he dashed the Thought madly away,
and sought the society Of Lena Forrest,
to Tighten the Pangs with conscience in
flicted.
From the time of leaving the house for
the picnic grounds until they reached
them, the widow so managed that Lena
and Robert were left much to themselves,
and even in the boat they sat in close
conversation Lena all smiles, Robert all
earnestness. The mother sat little way
apart, drawing attention from them by en-
enchanting the circle around her with her
brilliant powers of conversation. The
memory of Alice went further and further
from the y,s as mans heart, and the gill
l. ded cloud Of his second did not fail to OBJ
scure the once clear sunlight of his first
love.
4 Is TIE young couple stepped upon
shore, Lena among the rest was introdu-
+ cei to the English lord. A glance of
surprised pleasure shot from her black
eyes as she heard the title, and Robert
frowned as he saw it, and coldly bowed
to the - distinguished foreigner"
A spot was selected for the refreshments
to be served, and while the Misses Manly
undertook to suptr;ntend the table, the
rest Of the party separated AS picnic par
ties usually do. into groups, or pairs, and
wandered off in the shadow of the green
trees, to listen to the music of the water
fall, or the swceter music of tender tones.
as the case might be.
Mr.. Ackermau, as was his wont, hoy
cred round the Misses Manly, assisted
them all in his power, and answering THEN
eager inquiries in regard to the arrival
of the nobIeman.
Mrs. Forrest stood little way off, sur.
t rounded by two or three fascinated ad-
mre rs, u pom whom she was playing Oh
. her pretty speeches and bright glanceS
she called upon Miss Tattleton. who stood
next her. for her opinion. or addressed to
I her some confidential item, thus delight
ing that lady by her attention, and win.
3 ing from her Il most anxious desire tc
7 please and serve her.
$ Lord Melville seperated himself from Z
5 group who had been honi=ing him, and
/ sauntered leisureIy to the side of Miss
S Tattleton. To make the acquaintance o.
lord was in her eyes " a consumatior
;, devoutly to be wished and she duly ap
n preciated this favor upon his part. As he
approached with a mingled air of ease anc
promposity, she rapidly stroye to call Ut
some subjects to her mind fitting for t
: conversation with SO great a parsonage
Little things often help us out of grea
difficulties, and the f" caw-caw'' ola crow
:, which at that moment few over her head
r furnished herewith the desired topic.
r Have you crows in England. M!
g lord she inquired. with very dors IA