True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-02-15
z. RAGAN, Editor and Proprietor.


as she entered the drawing-room of her
relative, that contrasted strangely with the
extreme paleness of her brow, over which
were simply parted the glossy tresses Of
her dark hair; and the softened expression
of her eye gave touching charm to her
beauty. Friends gathered around, and
the whisper of admiration fell upon her
ear, but she needed it not. The voice,
whose slightest tone would have been as
the cadence of some sweet dream, was 81
lent; the eye, that was wont to rest upon
her with looks of gratifed affection, was
turned away, and the smile, with its pecu-
liar fascination, had faded from the lip Of
her estranged lover. He stood apart, in
conversation with Miss Stanley, and had
not once addressed her. A few intimate
associates clustered around the couch on
which she was seated, and entreated her to
touch the strings of her guitar, and, will
ling to avert the scrutiny Of her father,
who was closely observing her, she CON-
piled, and warbled forth plaintive ballad.
At its conclusion, Horace drew near
there was something in his air which
seemed to ask if she would reply to his
speaking, as he bent his eye upon her face
with a glance of reproachful tenderness
Looks Of surprise and inquiry were direc.
ted towards them, and the pride of Clara's
soul was again aroused A deep and bur
ming blush crimsonvd ker forehead, and ,
scornful smile wreathed her lip, as she me-
his gaze; and then, turning haughtily
away, her hand swept the strings, and SHE
lightly sung lively air. Mistaken being
it was long, long ere she again breathed
around the witchery of song. A mingled
expression of sorrow and resentment pas
sed over Horace's countenance, and his liI
quivered, as he bent down and whispered
a few words in her ear, in a tone so deeI
and low, that they were not understood by
those around them, and then left the room
Clara turned as pale as death, and her fin
gers trembled on the chords of her guitar
| The heat of the apartment, she said, op
pressed her, and she could not sing, as sh'
took Georgiana's offered arm, and moved
to window-seat. She did not weep, no
faint. How prid will nerve the breaking
heart but, though it supports its votarie
in society, it forsakes them in solitude.
x y *
"Do you know who yon pale girl is p
said Augustus Lewis to his friend; as the,
stood together by window in the Assem-
bly, room of Mrs. D.. "What, in tn,
name of wonder, has come over you, Lay
ton p he continued, in lively tone. "
have been in raptures with her companion
this hour, and you have listened, withou
understanding word I say, or deigninI
an answer. One would believe that yo
were of the order of La Trappe. Do rous
yourself, and give me some information, j
you can."
7 "Methinks the face is one I shoul
know" replied Horace Layton, rousin
himself from his abstraction. "It ha
awakened feelings and remembrances
which, 1 thought, had been long sine
5 subdued. 1t is Miss Fenwick but hoy
: changed! Forgive me, my FRIEND" h
. added, "but I cannot remain here; I sha
| only betray myself, and my heart swell
! with agony, as I contemplate that altere
j face My impetuous temper has don
/ this"
"Stay, Layton !" exclaimed AugustuI
forcibly detaining him; "they are urgin
; her to sing; you may be mistaken; wa
till you hear her voice. I never saw
e more beautiful face; but there has bee
y much suffering to shadow the brightne'
+ of that face. List to her song"
/. The fair girl had been persuaded to s
$ down to the piano, and poured forth, in.
u tone Of melancholy sweetness, the plainti'
n air. of "Aul d Robin Grey" Horace stoc
t as if riveted to the spot, and, as the strai
d died away, burst from his friend and rusl
ed from the room. In the passage he nj
: Mr.. Fenwick, who grasped his hand, an
: drew him into an adjoining room. I'm
!, poor childl' was all he could say: but wi
4 such a. look of agony and despair as WI
: felt and understood by the generous your
. man. The appeal was not in vain, al