The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-04-13

you may by little mystery, be more strongly iu-
dUced to accept iLvitaiion to dine with to-
morrow. Do net disappoint Us. Phil and his
father have decided you that mast not. Bring your
father, Mrs. Cartwright. and Jamie of course tue
ride will do the dear child gcod.''
| Constance was well pleased at the prospect of a
new acquaintance and gave the note to her father,
though scarcely expecting him to accept, as of late
he seldom dned out. He did accept however,
and promised that Jamie should go with him.
Ms. Cartwright who was in ill health, decided to
| remain at home.
The day following was cool and beautiful, aad at
a seasonable hour the little party set forth. AS
they were to go by the fields, Constance chose to
ride her pretty Arabian, and Mr.. Herbert, thinking
the exercise good Cor his son, took him upon hia
own nurse. The young lady in fine spirits
whether any thought of the mysterious gentleman
had part in exciting them know not, though it is
certain that she or wi.e found herself hoping
that he relative Of a suparcilious New York
er whom she had met the year previous at wa
terng- plice. and who. attracted probably less by
her childish beauty. than her reputation an heir
esq, had succeeded in making himself nearly as
| amusing dsagreeabe to her.
| Two or three miles from Mr.. Herbert's house.
the river was spanued by rustic log bridge. At
this bridge Constance and her father to leave
their horses. to be taken homo by servant who
accompanied them, aud were to walk the remain
der OF the distance which was but short to Col
Marston's.
Long before they reached the bridge, however,
Constance was surprised by tho appearance of
,sN r,il, 0f.3 heat
grove of trees from the shade Of which as they ap-
proHch-d, Phil Marston suddenly presented him
| self, and using oar for crutch, came forward
to meet them.
"Wny Phil, what onder is this 2"
"The 'Barque Of Beauty, Miss Herbert, which
have had the pleasure of preparing for your sur
prise during the tedious weeks I've been mewed
up like sick baby" answered Phil, with rather
an ill-sustaiaed effort at ponpusi'y. .This boat
was built expressly for the accommodation of
yourself and my cousin whcm you a,e soon to
| meet. have unbounded expectations of pleasure
in frequently sailing-uo, navigating was the word
| oh hang it! I've forgot all my fine speech
But isn't she beauty, now the boat, | mean -
"Pelfecty beautiful" answered Constance
with smile, :. and how yery convenient we shall
| fad it I"
.Al! that ugly bend in the river saved, shorten
ing the distance fully mile; not to meution the
imminent dea"ly peril Of faing from that rickety
oil bridge. Allow TO assist yoa in;'' contnu
ed Phil riea'rically. but Constance with merry
shake of the head took a flying leap, and was in
| befors the lame foot could essay to move. MIR.
! Herbert followed with bis child in his arms, and
n Iapi NJ
assisi from Constance to get safely on board;
but then he seizsd the oars and away shot the
little boat like bright bird over the smooih wafer.
Jamie was in ecsfasies and his father. delighted
with his joyous Laugh, thanked Phil quite earnest
| y for the favor and expressed polite conscious
ness of Indebtedness.
Meanwhile. we return for moment 10 the cIump
of bushes, from whence the boat had started. In
the little cave close by. witness Of all that occur
red, listening to every syllable, fearing to breathe.
lest it should bring detection, hut with every sense
preierpaturally starpened. crouehea Wild Ned the
fugitive. Poor fellow. the refuge he had deemed
so secure. invaded ? IL must leave the pIace
to-night 1t is not safe moment longer 80 were
his thoughts as the sound of oars in one direction,
and tho footsteps of retreatng servants and horses
in another, died upon his ear. g Ies-this very
night That child was with them! heard bis
voice, but l shall pever hear it again. If could
have got glimpse of his face the only white face
that don't ioak like the devil TO me,-'twould have
done me good. l wish l had but no matter
must be off before midnight" And again he lay
down in the dampness and darkness to wait impa-
tently through long hours for the coming OF night;
the friendly darkness tLa, should hide him with her
mantle frnm the eyes of the pursuers.
Very ieetly and pleasantly passed the delicious
autumn day 10 the patty at Marstou Hall, assisted
in its flight by refined conversation and exq0isit
music. by gorgeous flowers aud fruits, and by n
dinner which greater epcures than even Ralph
Herbert might have pronounced tauiiless. Con-
stance entirely enptivaied by the fresh un-
warped mind and sweet disposition Of the Yankee
+ girl; and the worldly minded father smiled at
her unconscious originality. and felt as few could
help feeling, strangely charmed by the pure, un-
taught loveliness of her mien and manner.
"Her sports, her wand'r rings when child,
Were in the sylvan wild
And all the beauty of the place
Is in her heart and on her face"
But it is time to speak of Tracy Hammond
who, we are happy to record, did not pass uuno-
; ticed. Colonel Marston, in his own frank, heart
some munner, and Emily, by her weIl-bred cour-
tesy, managed to draw the young man into con.
versation that made apparent something IF his
fine natural abilities and large requirements. Mr.
Herbert was peased with him and finding him
willing to remain ut the south for year two
at once proposed that he should become an in
mate of his family, and superintend his sons edu
cation.
Jamie is growing up depiorably ignorant
said he looking oudly on the beautiful boy. Tracy
thought as he glanced at the nree pale foreheaf
and intense eyes of the child, that he was one ts
whom wisdom reveals itself without books. taught
of higher thnn earthly teacher.
Return with US tonight, If it is convenient fol
you;'' said ire planter, and Jamie who all day
had kept unaccountahly near him. whispered. Dc
eo;-I don't 1--we books much but love you, ant
| IS vo,, taach me- know shall learn so Weld