True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-02-15
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From the Southern Lady's Book.
LIGHT WORDS.
We have been friends together.
Shall light words part US nOw?"

"Thcn you are decided upon not speak
ing to Horace Willis this evening, my dear
Clara; and are determined to let few light
words, uttered in jest, sever the tie Of
early friendship~
This speech was addressed by Miss Stan
Icy to her friend, a young and lovely girl,
whose flushed cheek rested upon her hand,
as she sat in an abstracted mood by the
window.
"And would Georgiana Stanley have me
listen calmly to his reproaches, and submit
to be reproved before large circle of
friends? No! Clara Fenwick's spirit can
not stoop to that" -.
'1 think you were both to blame," re-
piled Miss Stanley "but your proud de-
meanor, my dear Clara, provoked him to
tell you many unpleasant truths, and you
would not listen to his apolagy."
'1 cannot conceive what apology he
could offer, for his manner of speaking"
returned Clara, proudly tossing back the
raven curls that shaded her polished brows
at least cannot accept one"
"And so, for few light words, you are
willing to cast from you the heart in which
you have garnered up tho wealth Of carly
hopes; one who is rich in intellectual en-
dowments, and whose high-minded virtues,
blended as they are with those qualities
which throw charm over domestic life,
have prevailed upon fond parent to give
into his hand the wealth of a young child's
affections. Do you think that you can
Justify this course to your father ?"
The delicate hand of Miss Fenwick was
passed over her eye as her friend concluded
this appeal but in moment she raised
her head, and, looking at her, though with
less of pride in the depths Of her dark
eyes, she answered:
"I knew that you would blame me, and
perhaps I was wrong; but I cannot hum
bic myself to make concessions to him."
"Then you must prepare to drink bit
ter cup" said Georgiana. "Strange, way
ward girl 1 cannot help it, if I offend
you; but 'tis ever thus, that pride usurps
the better feelings of your heart, and casts
shade over many excellent qualities"
A cloud lowered upon Clara's face, but
she spoke not
I grieve for you, Clara" continued
Miss Stanley; "for shall yet see the
light of this laughing eye quenched in
tears, this smiling lip quivering with sup
pressed emotion, and this sunny brow, the
dim shadowing of inward woe, this young
heart boweth till earth will be but place
Of WEAKNESS" ....
"And you believe this to be my fate p
returned Miss Fenwick. 'No Georgiana
! have spirit that will not bow. My
heart may break, but neither cheek mol
brow shall betray p and a smile playec
upon her beautiful lip, as she turned dis
dainfully away.
Tears started into the mild eyes of Mis-
Stanley, and foreboding of coming Nor
row pressed heavily upon her mind. Slt
arose from her seat, and, laying her ha4
upon Clara's arm, said solemnly and il
prsssiyely: "We trod the same path EI
childish days, and culled the same bngh
flowers; and when my dear mother died
and was left in loneliness and sorrow
you shared both heart and home with me
and now, in the sincerity of early friend
ship, vow to devote myself to you in tn
years Of blight and desolation, which m.
prophetic spirit whispers are in store 70
you if you persist in your determination
Believe me, dearest, that a meek spirit i
d jewel far above pearl or gem j. and yO,
would be more beautiful to Horace, whe'
ingeniously cOnfessing q fault, than radian
with diamonds, yet with your forehea'
bright with such dazzling scorn."
Y -
A small circle Of friends met that even
ing at Mrs. Lorton's, an aunt Of Clara,s
to, whom she was much attached; an,
most gladly would she baye absentod hel
uelf, as Horace was to bsaone Of the party