True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-01-18
., RAGAN, Editor and Proprietor

the first object which greeted my eyes was
Jemima arrayed in her Sunday best; bright
pink silk dress, cut low in the neck; blue
satin slippers, and bright yellow sash.
"Is that the way you dress where you
come from ?" said |.
eyes, don't you think it mighty fne?"
she answered.
I told her I thought it was most certain
ly, but that our customs were different, and
that it would never do to 60 to church un-
less she wore a shawl Or mantilla. She
very reluctantly consented to disguise the
brightness of her dress and symmetry of
her figure under a black silk mantilla; and
I also persuaded her to substitute black
shoes for blue; still the bright red of her
bonnet and parasol made her appearance
anything but subdued When she joined
the teacher and scholars, in the lower hall,
preparatory to issuing forth in procession
for the different churches, even Madame
A could scarcely avoid a smile; while
suppressed litter came from most of the
girls, Madame A told us that as it
was so cool we would not need our parasols,
and that we had better leave them at home,
so Jemima was shorn of her bright appen-
dage, making her appearance much less
remarkable.
The first year passed on leaden wings.
Though Twas studious, and was praised by
my teachers for my advancement, l. saw L
was no favorite, and knew that | was es.
teemed proud and distant by my school
mates, for had wrapt myself in chilling
reserve that few had essayed to penetrate
Jemima still occupied my room, and hac
really formed sort of liking for the girl
who was possessed of some good qualities
though as impassive and indifferent as some
huge block of wood / had frequently
overheard her warm into something lk'
life when defending me from the charge o
"being proud" of which the girls often ac
, cused me in her presence.
The first vacation was the only pupi
remaining; but I was not unhappy: ha'
more freedom, and frequently took lon'
walks for botanical specimens, accompanied
} by nephew of Madame As, bo
of about fourteen. He always took hi
fshing-rod or gun, and would often war
der off. Under the shadow Of some favol
t ite tree, reclining upon mossy seat, | Sc
for hours listening to the voices of thos
dim old woods, or lost in dreamy reverit
!. Oh those dreams of youth-how joyous
: how spell-bound do ye seem.
= twas one of those never-to-be-describe
hazy days of Indian Summer, that l WI
e resting in my favorite seat, with wreath
) crimson wild flowers in my hair, when, fec
ing thirsty, made cup of some of tt
d large leaves lying near, and bent over
= spring at my feet. Suddenly shade
II darkened its bright surface. l raised II
c eyes, and beheld the apparition of a your
e and handsome man, dressed in dark gree
hunting suit. He apologized very polite
r. for intruding, asking for drink, in col
1t plimentary strain, that, without being rud
l. yet brought the blood to my cheek. I(
:, fered him the cup. He filed it, and bo'
? ing to me, said, with smile:
ID Your health, bright fairy of the fou
st tain," then bowing over my hand as he
ID turned the cup, gave me an interesting lo
IN and departed.
to How did those features haunt my dream
ID But in vain 1 repaired to the moss-gro'
spring, he never more appeared! In val
&c amid crowds I sought those haunting ey'
st their glance I never met! became m
ct ancholy and depressed. At last, howev
of a return to school duties prevented me frc
tn dwelling too much on this image \
a room was now shared by lovely girl,
h very opposite of poor Jemima. sopl
i Lee how shall I picture your gentle ta
in your loving eyes of blue, the pure tra
'et parency of your fairy cheek, in repose p'
no as the mountain snowflake, yet when
as cited lit up with all the warmth of cri
lily son sky at sunset. She was fragile CT
he ture, more resembling some delicate fiov
=, than anything fitted to brave the bast
ed autumn, and though I had stood aloof fr
Ire other sympathy, my heart opened insti
I'D lively to this bright blossom. When |
to came more intimate with her she made
,ot her confdant. Tony surprise Inow he
I'D that my gentle 'little Sophie was engat
to be married, and that the long lett