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

arms, and catching strong limb n my
hands. swung myself into low notch of
the tree, which afforded me safe seat
as long as 1 could retain strength
enough to keep it. Ny horse. relieved OF
his rider, struck boldly out for the oppo-
site shore, and l felt myself in anything
but pleasant predicament. Most for
tunately for me, Just then (think of it,
my romance-writing friend. youngma
dressed in hunting costume, appeared on
the bank. and discovering my perilous
situation, called to me that if l could re-
tain my seat. till he could reach me, he
would soon put me out of danger. l re-
piled ioyfully that would try to do SO.
and he disappeared over the bank. In a
few minutes the welcome sound of oars
fell on my ear, and then small boat,
propelled by the vigorous arm of my ua-
| known friend, shot into sight from behind
headland below, and moved slowly but
steadily up the strong current until di-
rectly opposite me, when with one dex-
ferrous stroke of the oar, the boat was
brought underneath my unsteady perch,
and | was assisted into the stern of the
little craft, and my young Charon rowed
safely to the other shore, where my pony
already stood grazing. L was gracefully
helped into my saddle, and declining any
farther assistance from my rescuer,I gal
loped off Now, isn't there an adventure
of first water romance for you?" cried
Lena laughing. He was very handsome
young fellow. Alice-had exquisite dark
eyes. You may take him and the INCL
dent for the next novel you write"
a 1 truly think you have had quite a
perilous adventure. Come, let me get
another dress for you. and we will put
your habit where it will dry"
And Lena readily agreeing to this, AL
ice brought one of her own neat dresses
for her friend, while she passed the h abit
into old Lucy's hands, to be dried and
brushed. IL was nearly nightfall when
Lena, once m IRE equipped for the saddle.
rose to take her leave.
Come and see me Alice. whenever you
possibly can said she earnestly. 81
shall always be at home to you; and you
must not wonder if drop in upon you
here at ali hours. after this delightful vi
Sit
And she folded her arm around her
young friends form.
thoughtful brow against Lena's shoulder;
thinking to herself how unjust she had
been. to even suspect her generous friend
of coldness or estrangement. Alas how
little did she know of the heart which
lay against her own in that parting en-
brace.
Slowly Lena Forrest rode homeward.
The rein lay loosely on her pony's neck.
and her whole attitude was expressive of
deep and earnest thought. AS she came
to the bridge which Alice pointed out
to her. she turned her head towards the
scene of her late adventure and looked
earnestly toward it.
There's some interest to be found in
the country. after ALL" she murmured
softly, ''Who could that young man have
been? Never mind, we shall meet gain;
there was thai in his great dark eye that
said So.''
And Lena smiled smile whose mys-
terious meaning it would have been diff
cult for a beholder to understand. and
then starting her horse into quicker
pace. she Salloped swiftly toward home.
Take good care OF my pony said
she to the groom, as she flung him the
bride. Take good care of him, say
he has been in the river to his neck"
And gathering her skirt in her hand,
she sought her mothers room.
Where hare you been ~ all this af
ternoon ?" inquired the widow. in tone
OF some anxiety and surprise. "You told
me nothing of your intentions and when
l questioned Ralph. the groom. he said
he had forgotten where you were going,
that you bade him return after escorting
you TO the outskirts of the town, and he
saw you ride on alone.'
&c started with the intention oftaking
short ride, but after enquiring the way
of little girl met, concluded I'd just
ride on to Alice Freeland's, and charged
Ralph not to tell you of my whereabouts.
Ifyou could only have seen the welcome L
received" laughed Lena scornfully. 1t
was really enough to set the teeth OF
fashion on edgel Such earnest looks and
sincere mannersl Out of date-alIoge-
ther out of date. And then. made them
believe started for the express purpose
of visiting them. You should have seen
how implicitly they credited it all
"Did you invite Alice to stay with
you any time o. inquired the mother
Dear me, never she's too pretty. l
declare, felt vexed all the while sat by
her. She has the most beautiful hair l
ever beheld, and her ways are just such
as would please the other sex. L told her
| would be pleased to see her at a0y time,
but didn't ask for any heightened stay, l
assure you''
And Lena leisurely proceeded to change
her dress.
Il hardly think YOU will find so for.
nidable rival in Miss Freeland, with all
her beauty and soft manners. I'm sure
you have sufficient skill to counteraet any
effect her charming simplicity, as sup