True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-10-24

sne colcealtu lleI leellllos ulueI slle Hldsk
of politeness.
The doctors friend, | had forgotten 10
mention, was young man of bright |
Aorid complexion, not good,looking cer-
tainly, but polite and gentemanly in his
manners. He came and sat down by me,
and we soon entered into spirited con-
versation. Presently Mrs. Milton, who
had been regarding us with nervous CLAN
ceS every now and then, rose and request.
ed Mr.. Neland to accompany her to the
hot-house to look at some choice exotic
she ha(hlatel Y received, and which she
wished him TO anaIy2e. They left the
room, leaving me 10 play the hostess to
DR.. Louiston, not very agreeable task
just then, | assure yon. But had pre-
viously resolved what line of conduct to
pmsue, and proceeded to carry it into
effect.
Rising and walking to the open Win
dow, | emptied my apron Of its contents
of shrcds, of stalks and leaves, and pa-
cling my choice bouquet of wild flowers
in vase, | calmly turned round to DR..
Louston and said, You have doubtless
heard my name coupled with many idle
reports, and your partial motive | added,
smiling, 'in coming here to-day was one
Of curiosity, and must say, my dear sir,
that cannot much blame you after your
experience. Now, DR.. houston,' | con-
linued, 'if you choose to come and visit
us occasionally from motives Of friend.
ship, don't imagine, my dear sir, that you
will be reading on slippery ground, or
that snares are spread round about to en-
trap you. For as TO myself, though |
have not yet informed Mrs. Milton, or in
deed any one but dear mamma, am to
be married to dear cousin (who is now
travelling in Europe for his health) at the
end of six months. ~
| calmly endured that fixed gaze of in.
quiry, without shrinking, for every word
had uttered was truth.
/ Dr.. Louiston rose, and coming TO where
| was standing, said, while a beautiful
smile played upon his counlenance, AT
least then, Miss Mary, let US be friends.
'Certainly,' | replied, laughngIy, at the
same time extending my hand, i have
not the slightest objection
Just al that unIucky moment, while
my hand was still in DR.. Louslon's, Mrs.
Milton entered the room, while gratiied
expression swept over her features and
when the gentlemen had departed, and
she openly congratulated me On my sup
posed conquest, it almost broke my heart
to think of the kind friend | was deceiv-
ing For believe, Lucy, my interests
were as near her heart as her own.
Well, DR.. Louslon and L. see | must
be brief, sister, as the dressing bell has
rung, continued from that time as friends,
riding on horseback, rowing, and walk
ing together and The time allotted for my
visit was fast drawing 10 close.
But, Lucy, whenever thought of re-
turning home, there would come such a
sensation around my heart, that | could
almost wish, sometimes, that it would
cease to beat altogether. know it was
0ery wicked but | could not help it.
One evening, | remember it as well as
if it were but yesterday, we had been
walking together, DR.. Louislon and
were seated beneath lofty oak. We
were both of us silent. | was thinking
with deep regret Of returning 10 the city
the next morning, for mamma had writer
that must not delay my return another
day, as papa and you were expected by
the next steamer. As the dew was las
falling, we rose and returned home. A:
we nearly reached the door, DR.. Louislor
turned to me and said, Forgive me, Mary
for the words am about 10 speak. Wher
received your PERMISSION to visit you
it was with the mutual agreement that i
was 10 be only as friend. But oh, Ma
ry,' he continued, earnestly, Il have lount
too late, as others have found before me
that love has grown out of friendship
and Mary, forgive me dear, but | mus
say it, l have sometimes dared, yes ! dar
ed to hope that, though your hAhd was
promised to another, your heart was mine
Oh! that that wild hope might indeet
prove reality, and would not ask fol
more.
My head was lying on his Shoulder
my hand lay passivcly in his. | had no