Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1854-10-04

escorts, she wore srIen VelVet CLOAK
trimmed with sables. and yet shuddered
at the cold, damp night-air; appearing.
moreover, somewhat wearied of the press
ing attentions of her numerous admirers.
The carriage drew up; the footman open
ed the door, let down the steps, and stood
aside for his mistress to pass in.
Still N. Armand slept on.
It SO happened that where he sat was
in the deepest shadow, and no one OBJ
served the intruder. h
The lady ran lightly forward and sprang
in-an exclamation escaped her lips.
"Wnat is the matter, Madam ?'' cried
one of the gentleman, advancing immedi-
ately to the door.
The lady disengaged the mantle from
her shoulders. and threw it over the sleep
er in such manner that he was complete
ly hidden beneath the satin folds.
''Nothing. thank you." she replied; 81
only stepped upon this cloak, and feared,
for the moment, that 1 should fall. Good
night. She extended her fair hand, closed
the door hastily, and the carriage rolled
away.
But n. Armand was asleep no longer.
He had half awoke when the door opened,
and had seen. as if in dream. the lighted
hall, the lady, and the gentlemen who ac-
companied her. The danger of his posi-
ton suddenly reused him. Were they all
coming in? Then the cloak fell upon his
head-he blessed the protecting satin
the door closed, and he found himself
alone with the lady. What was he to do ?
He dreaded to reveal his presence, for at
the irst word he uttered she might scream,
faint, GO into Mysteries Poor NJ. Ar
mand, he had never been so embarrassed
in his life.
While he was thus debating and tremb-
ling, the carriage went on. All at once
the lady drew the mantle aside and said {:
"How imprudent of you to hide your
self in my carriage -
When he felt the cloak Withdrawn, the
young man wished that he could sink
through the bottom of the vehicle; but
when he heard these words, he was per-
fectly bewildered.
The lady went on
"Had you no care of my reputation ?
no fear of compromising me? Happily l
succeeded in throwing my cloak over you,
otherwise-but no, will not be angry
with you, Rudolph; you have acted nobly,
and thank you"
NJ. Armand had begun to think that he
was mistaken for another, and these last
words confirmed it. fortunately for him,
the withdrawal Of the cloak did not vio-
late his incognito. The collar of his pale
tot was up; he wore his hat and large
silken handkerchief covered his mouth
Besides, the night was very dark; the car
riage-lsmps shed no light within; and he
was shrinking back into the farthest cor
ner. Thus protected, he could at least
continue to pass for Rodolph till he was
obliged to speak, and then his voice must
betray him.
"Well, have you nothing to say to me ?"
said the young lady, tenderly.
NJ. Armand thought the fatal moment
was come.
"Ah, I understand" continued his
companion. in Il tone of gentle reproach;
you are ashamed of your conduct-of
the cruel scene you inflicted yesterday
upon me. Well, l pardon you. You
would not let the night pass over without
reconciliation. You have come to seek
me as left the very ball which you wish
ed to prevent my attending; how could l
fail to be indulgent to fault so speedily
atoned? fear, Rodolph. that should
not have been the first to seek u reconcil
liation-I was too deeply wounded. But
| was wrong. and am ready to confess
how much your course exceeds mine in
generosity"
The young man, who was thus usurp-
ing q confidence intended for another, be-
gan to feel that he must at all hazards put
an end to the lady's error. But his cour-
age deserted him, when the smallest and
softest of hands was laid upon his own,
and in a csressing vioce she continued
ri was wrong to doubt you; but have
been cruelty deceived. All, if you but
knew all that your enemies have said to
me. They have represented you in the
darkest colors-restess. obstinate, jeal-
Gus, violent-in short, l forgot half. But
now 1 know that it is all untrue, for you
have come 10 seek me-.
And the soft hand gently pressed that
of the false Rodolph.
The young man was troubled, curious,
and pleased. She must be pretty; she had
charming voice, and seemed good, af-
fectionate, and tender. So NJ. Armand
still kept silent.
The young lady, who fortunately seem
ed to be fond of talking, and had great
many things to say, paused for moment
and then resumed
81 abjure my error" she said. "and
you have made me quite happy. Doyou
pardon me as 1 pardoned you %
NJ. Armand pressed her hand BY way
OF reply. Any thing was better than to
trust his voice with the answer.
"You: know was obliged to go to the
ball to please my rich uncle, whose heir
ess l am. 1t will never do to vex ones
rich uncles, will it, Rodolph 2"
Again a pressure of the hand, little
closer, more tender-in fact, quite ere