The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-10-26

piness?' asked Lestelle. "Oh, that we
lived in the old times. of the fairies, that
might have one wish!" trt
"And what would that be?'' inquired
her lover.
'.Thot we might change situations with
one another; that you could have all the
wealth, and be a poor girl, blessed only
with your affections. Claude, should
feel no humiliation-no gratitude in re-
ceiving all from you-love would have
|equalzed us!'' He SEQ
81 feel that your creed is rather theo-
retical, than a practical one, Lestelle," !"
said Aubertin, with mournful smile.
I'll [ could convert you to its belief. l
think should have nothing left to wish
for" replied the young girl, in whisper;
and there was no shade upon the open
brow of her lover, as he mingled in the
brilliant throng with his beautiful and de-
voted mistress. s A-F
The evening passed away.a evenings
do when we are most happy; for with all
its heart burnings. its disappointments-
occasioned, perhaps. by the absence or
coldness Of the only one amidst a thou
sand for whom we have dressed and smil
ed-a ball is bright epoch in the lives Of
the young. 9 t4d go
a'a shall see you tomorrow, Claude?"
said Lestelle, in timid voice, as they
stood together waiting for her carrisge to
draw up.
"Of COURSE" replied Aubertin, gloomi-
ly, 81 have received formal invitation
to meet your guardian and the notary, to
sign the deed relative to your property"
sit will soon be over" said Lestelle.
laying her hand implorngly upon his arm.
''And you will bear this trial for my sake.
Cluude!"
"aiy sweet Lestelle!-but will make
no promises. You shall see how patient,
ly | will listen to NJ. Fradel's arrogant
taunts, and how humbly and gratefully |
viii conduct myself"
'.Clauder' interrupted Lestelle, almost
tear'uly, ''you are speaking now in bitter
ness and mockery?" e
mo, en- verite,'' replied her lover,
laughing. "But good night, Lestelle, and
God bless you'll"
He relinquished the hand he held. and
as the carriage whirled rapidly away. the
smile faded upon his lips, and he walked
away in moody thoughtlessness.
1t was severe trial for the proud spirit
of Claude Aubertin, much as he loved
LesielIe, to consent to owe everything TO
hcr-to subject himself 10 the mor,ifying
surmises OF those who judged Of him by
their own worldly and perverted imaglna-
tions. Aud there were times when he al
most determined to give her up forever,
although The destruction Of his own peace
aud hers should be the consequence; while
at others hethought Of doing something to
prove himself worthy of her love. But
name and fortune are not very easily
obtained in these days, even by the most
talented: and in the interim, a thousand
things may happen. Lestelle might grow
old-or die!-or she might cease to love
him-for the heart has changes and its
seasons, none of which. however, resem-
BILE its first freshness and purity. The
attachments Of our girlish days may last
through womanhood. and even to old age
itself; but every year we live, more oil earth-
ly feeling-more of the worlds wisdom.
viii have mingled in our dream of.love.
until it becomes less sunselfsh-less IDEAL
more rational, perhaps. but less passion
ate and devoted. Ard who could be sure
that the faith of one so beautiful and adj
mired as the young heiress would be pre-
served pure and unbroken, through trial
and temptation, amidst ambition and flat
terry. and with him, to whose protection
she=had clung so con6dirgly, absent for
;.ai.si.ed tire .i. in in foreign .ade
Woman fidelity is proverbiai; but after
all we are but mortal, and
"Look through the world. and this truth you
will fad, -. fa
That once out of sight. you are soon out of
mind" fa
II was all very well in the days Of old.
when on the departure OF the true knight.
the constant fair one would shut herself up
in her lonely tower, out of reach of temp
taiion, and surrounded only by her maid.
ems, employing the weary interval in lis
tening to the noble deeds Of his ancestors,
and embroidering gorgeous scarf to pre-
sent him on his return, but in these days
Of balls, festivals and beaux. the young
Alliance has much harder trial-and we
seriously advise the lover not to be absent
longer than he can help. ~ =
'rhe following day, Aubertin found the
whole party drawn up to receive him
NJ. Fradel occupying the large arm chair
at the head Of table covered with parch.
ments, and NJ. Dumont the notary-a
hard featured, cold, methodical looking
being at his right, while on the
other side, Lestelle sat with her head ben,
down; and as she slightly raised it on the
entrance OF her lover, he saw that her
eyes were red and swollen from excessive
weeping. Having bowed to the gentle
men, and pressed the cold trembling hand
of Lestelle to his lips. he sat down and
waited calmly for NJ. Fradel to commence
the business that had brought them to.
getlIer. 3aa z 5R'f $50 ffnq
a..You are aware. NJ. Aubertin," said
the old gentleman at length. that my ward
is very young, and that in accepting you
4 for her future husband, she acts contrary
TO my wishes and demonstrates the natu
raj wiliulness of her sex!" s
i "All this is not new TO me-" replied tht
/ young man, while he stole an arch lool
Il at I.esfella who was watchir,O him will