The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-07-13
aughter echoed through the room.

laughter echoed through the room.
sprang to my feet. My cheeks flush
ed with burning blush. 1t was too much
even from her, at that moment. Anoth-
er violent peal of laughter rang from her
cherry lips, and I, maddened by her
strange behavior, picked up my hat, and
rushed from the house. could have for.
given it at any other time, and upon any
other subject-but this was impossible.
received note from Jessie, the next
day, begging my pardon for her thought
less conduct, and expressing hope that
would forgive her. But was determ-
med and enclosing her note in an envel-
ope, sent it back to her. She had tri-
He'd with me in too serious manner, and
was determined neither to forget or for
give it. That she really loved me, do
not doubt. The blow fell heavily upon
her, and have good reason to believe,
cured her entirely of her habit of trifling
with important matters. She married a
poor but worthy man, and now takes in
washing al ironing to support her large
family.
A year passed on. was twenty-five.
had become head clerk in one of the
largest mercantile houses in nv native
city; for, wealthy as was, I preferred
spending my time in some useful employ
ment, to lounging the streets and doing
nothing. Among my many friends, was
young artist of great promise, whose
studio often visited, for | was as much
lover Of art as himself His pictures al
ways won large share of my admira-
ton; for, besides being remarkable for
their purely classic beauty, they were in
variably true to life.
IL have beautiful picture to show you,
Phil said my artist-friend, as entered his
studio, one fine day, about year after nv
parting with Jessie Irving, it is, in nv
opinion. the loveliest portrait have ever
drawn"
"Is it from life I" asked, with some in
terest.
"Yes,' replied my friend, lifting cur
tain and taking down framed picture,
and placing it before me. ADO you not
think it beautiful T.
was too much absorbed to answer
1t ,cas beautiful, most wonderfully SO. The
countenance had not the dark, naughty,
magnificent beauty of Amanda Sinclair,
but it was far moro lewitching! Eyes Of
liquid, dreamy hazel, but yet brilliant in
their expressive softness, gazed smilingly
out from beneath most beautifully curved.
archng eyebrows, while the long eye-lash
es that shaded them were of rich brown.
Her auburn hair fell in natural ringlets
over her alabaster shoulders, and her softly
rounded cheeks, and beautifully chiselled
lips were tinged with the richest vermilliou
The lips were half parted with bewitch-
ing smile; and the whole countenance
was so perfectly lovely, that I could not
help falling in love with it Immediately.
Arthur said /, lis this your picturep
Yes was the reply.
will you sell it to mep asked, ca
gerly.
4 cannot replied he, for I have prom
ised il TO my sister,
was disappointed.
DO you know the name of the ladyp
I asked.
Il do not was his reply.
From that hour my only thoughts were
to discover the original of the picture that
had so facinated me.
went to all the parties, balls, levees,
lectures and everything else, with the hope
Of getting sigh Of her. But all was use
less; and almost despaired of ever meet
ing her. grew thin and pale; my health
failed, and my friends prophesied that l
should die Of consumption within year,
ifsome relief was not procured.
Physicians were consulted, but they did
me no good; and, as last resort, it was
recommended that Ishould travel. cared
nothing about it, myself but, hoping that
I might discover the beautiful unknown
whom so madly loved, I readily agreed
to the proposal.
For month travelled, without seeing
anything very strange, or improving my
health and spirits to any great degree. I
was in New Orleans, and as it was the
last evening ! was to spend there, con-
cluded to accept the invitation OF friend,
and spend il in visiting cousin of his.
Il was one of those glorious autumn
evenings, that are so enchanting to the
traveller in the South ; and vale, hill plain
and city, seemed all bathed in a flood Of
the richest silvery moonlight. could not
but enjoy the scene; and really sighed
when our walk was ended, .and we stood
at the door Of Mrs. Forester's mansion.
"Young missus will be in in jiffy,"-
said the negro servant as he ushered us
into the splendid parlor. For moment
we sat SILENT when the door opened sud
denly, anil before me stood, radient in all
the splendor Of her peerless beauty--the
original of the artists picture.
III did not hear my friend's-@M AL.
line Forester, Mr.. Philip varney," but FIX,
ing upon the maiden one long gaze, IN
which my whole soul was poured forth, ]
fell insensible 70 the floor. When Iagain
returned to consciousness, was lying mp.
on the sofa while beside me knelt Alline
Fouester, bathing my heated brow with
Eau q Cologne, with those melting eyes
looking fs!l into my OWL The cenqpes'
was 6nished- ~ loved her deeper than ey
4 or.
i My isin,iae was accounted -, - d