True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-01-04

1T was a very natural feeling, l dare say,
for young girl like yourself-and It's a
great thing, dear Miss Dunnoran, to over
come such feelings as you did; trust me,
l know how to appreciate it,
I was afraid, Mr.. St. Clair, when you
came to know how foolish was, you would
despise me-
Despise you. dear Blanche; should
have been terribly disappointed if you had
been overcome by your weakness. But who
is there among us, who, sooner or later, has
not to wrestle with some fault Or other%
Not you, certainly, Mr.. st. Clair
Yes-even I, Blanche, for the last two
years have fought a fairy phantom, yet
with vainer success than yours, for it has
vanquished me-
She would have fain looked away, but
those bright yet ttendereyes riveted herown.
Blanche, we have known each other in
timately through the fine medium of the
soul for these past twelve months | have
come with your brothers blessing on my
suit-forgive me if may seem hasty.'
There was no mistaking this-and his
eyes kindly let her own droop at theirpleas-
ure. She could not speak, it was so sud-
den, yet certainly far from displcasing-
for the Raphael of her rbrother's friendship
had long since stolen place in her heart
| by his half brotherly, half loyer-like letters.
4 should not have spoken of this now,
dear Blanche he resumed, after pause,
but / am obliged to return to England in
a few months, and-Arthur wished me to
bring his sister
Ibese.1pr LETT her crimson cheek -.
Nay, do not think of it moment
Blanche, if it pains you. Icm serve seven
years for my Rachel if success would at
tend it. All wish to ask tonight is, may
I hope to win your love?
With tremulous, smiling lips and tear
ful eyes, she replied:
4 believe you have won it already
With great delicacy he did not ever
take her hand, though they were far apart
from the company and entirely unobserved
but in voice that was deep with feeling
he only said: Bless you, my Blanche.'-
And such a look from those soft gray eyes
dwelt upon her that Blan he was fain t
turn away. She scarcely knew after this
how the company broke up, She only re
membercd that dear voice had said: Il vii
call in the morning, Blanche
There was new charm to the ASHLEY
girls now, for our heroine, not thrown
around them by the radiance of their broth
er's fame, but by softer halo, their deep
ono-thoughted, never-dying affection fo
him If they could love him so tcndorly
she thought there must be a great deal o
apprcciative tenderness beneath their plai,
exterior. And so there was. Blanch
was right. The unattractivc girls, although
rather common place in all that pertains t
, the refinement of intellect, had still warm
; afFectionato hearts, and almost worshippc
him in their calm, still way.
AT very questionable hour for cal
ing, st. Glairmadc disappearance the mex
morning. Blanche was alone in her owr
room when the servant handed her car
, with the single name Of RaphacF trace
upon it. With quick coming breath an
beating heart she went down into the pal
lor to receive him. lie came forward
meet her, and taking both her hands j
his looked down with an anxious, question
ing gaze. Blanche knew what it meant
and her eyes sank, then raising them brave
ly, she said, in a quick, trembling voice /:
q will trust to you. l will do as yo
and papa say
4 He didn't change his attitude, nor tn
fixed gaze.
Dear Blanche, will you go with me fc
loves sweet sake alone? Tell me frankly
) She bowed her face upon the hands ths
clasped over her own, and family articul'
) ted: For loves sweet sake alone, dea
Raphael!
The dropping head found another res
k ing place as he took her to his bosom, in
c close yet gentle embrace.
e FWho would have thought of those cir
t being his sisters?' said Clara Maybe,
,, she triAed daintily with her cake
r Blanchc'S wedding. Ibclieve It's thebe
1t policy to be gracious to everybody, aft
n all, Mr. Shir'cy-don't youS.