Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-10-05


afraid ] must deny myself the pleasure
of a ride this morning have underta-
ken a task which have only Just time
enough to accomplish, by diligent atten-
ton to it. You will excuse me, I'm
sure ?''
Cant possibly am altogether too
selfish to permit anything short of death
or a marriage TO interfere with promis
ed pleasure of this kind. Come get your
hat; we'll not be gone long. and you shall
explain to me all abont this mysterious
undertaking. and when We return can,
perhaps assist you"
.. Kind cousin Robert, said Alice, ex-
tending her hand, which Das instantly ta-
ken and pressed to the young mans lips,
with an ardor warmer than that which
common gallantry would prompt Kind
cousin Robert, whosoeyer dares call you
selfsh"-
Miss Alice" said Lucy thrusiing her
head in at the door. and rolling her eyes
around the room, '' ole missus is up and
wants to see you. Mornin' Mister Grant.
Glad TO see you've come TO give Miss AL.
ice an airin'. She's been SO pale and
sickly.like this mornin'." And closing
the door abruptlp. she again disappear
ed. a. M
Interrupted in my maiden speech ]"
cried Alice, with playful gesture of as
tonishment.
..Never mind ;" cousin Robert; sit downe
till run and see mother And darling
away up the stairs she sought her moth
er's chamber.
Old Lucy says your cousin Robert is
here with his horse to take you to ride"
said Mrs. Freeland. :. and was so fear
fui you would allow Your new task to pre-
vent you'll sent for you to urge you to go.
1t win do you good, and you can work all
the better when you return
VERY well, dear mother, ifyou say so.
4 will co.
And Alice Immediately proceeded to
prepare for the saddle. Fully equipped.
She bent down TO give her mother part
Ing kiss, and in few minutes mere was
enjoying brisk canter by her cousins
side.
"Dear Alice" exclaimed Robert as
they slackened their speed in the wide
cast shade of an avenue of lofty elms,
"see The wild storm, which in the
darkness of night seemed so terrific, has,
with the light of the morning passed away,
and left only beautiful places. Nature
now looks like a fearful bride, and every
tree and shrub glitters with jewels in the
bright sunlight"
"True, said Alice. lifting her sweet face
towards the sky. :" The sun does shine,
but clouds surround it, and at this mo-
ment it presents an emblem of my own
heart
"Au emblem of your own heart. Ally.
You speak sadly; has aught occurred to
grieye you ?" And guiding his horse
closer to hers. he took her soft little hand
in his. Tell me all about it; let me
share your sorrow now, as always have
done.'
81 have no sorrow, dear cousin Robert
at least, no real sorrow"-she replied,
returning his affection glance, while tear
trembled in her eye "I have been up
all night, and then old Lucy, believe.
has impressed me with some of her super
stitions. 1t is, no doubt. an idle fancy,
but feel presentiment ofeYil. Storm
clouds seem gathering round my heart,
and feel like one surrounding by some
hidden danger, without knowing whether
to turn for protection"
.s Turn ever, sweet cousin, here
Surely, you know this heart is tired and
true. Has it always not throbbed but TO
cherish and to protect? But you must
cheer up. Ally do not allow your imag.-
ination TO oppress you with visions of evil
which may never arrive. Rise above
these fancies, aud look upon them as they
really are, the mere offspring of an over
wrought mind"
Your words reassure me" returned
Alice, with al effort to smile. My night
of excitement and labor has no doubt pro-
duced all this and can tell you noto.
she added, looking frankly upin her COM
panion's face, t" that you were some way
connected with these fears of mine-I can
not tell why. nor how"
May / ever be connected, sweet coz,
with every thought and fancy rising in
your fair breast. But when did this shadow
fall upon your spirit You seemed hap
py when met you this morning"
That was because tried TO seem hap
py. felt really ashamed to show you
that my spirits were so depressed when
there was no visible cause for il, and l
made strong effort TO conceal or over
come such feelings; but the attempt, as
usual. has ended in my telling you all
about it-and I'm glad 1 have, for al
ready feel lighter hearted
You would have deserved 70 bO un-
happy had you not told me" replied Ro-
bert, playf But there is one thing
1 do not yet understand What could
have kept you up all night You pro-
missed, think, to explain this; did yon
not %
YES said Alice. suddenly wheeling
her horse 'and yol promised. ] think.
not to keep me out long. Remember |
haven't breakfasted yet, and this brisk
ride. has triren me a sharn annefife Come.