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

deaf to her request, and intended to tease
her, by way of revenge, to her hearts con-
tent-but Blanche turned with great dig
nifty, and said with some emphasis, yet
with lady-like composure and sweetness:
MY friends, the Misses Ashley, Miss
Maylie," and then resumed thc conversa-
ton with Emma as pleasantly as if they
were sitting alone together N her own
parlor.
twas qsbat triumph for th.t little, cx-
citable, raDellous Blanche to control her.
self in that way-and even Clhra Maybe,
with her self-confdent boldness, was re-
bufed They neither of them were aware
of Mr.. Dunnoran's close vicinity at the
timc-and Blanche was just beginning to
calm her vcxation when a sudden hush,
and quick, firm footsteps were heard coming
steadily up the hall. She turned complete
1y round, and looking eagerly Up met a
keen, searching pair of gray eyes, as the
owner, Ralph St. Clair, walked quickly
past. The hush was speedily succeeded
by a deafening applause, and as its thun-
,dcrs ceased, Judge Morton rose, and with
a few brief words introduced the Young or
ator to the audience.
With his fine, noble face family tinged
with red by his brisk walk, st. Clair rose
He had peculiarly rich subject for that
usually trite theme, Fourth of July ora.
ton. Just returned from the land of mon.
archy and oppression, he spoke Of Italy in
her ruined loveliness, and Spain md Aus
tria with the iron heel of oppression crush
ing them down, and drew a vivid compar
risoa to his agn lasd Of freedom " use! gsse
but few gestures, and went into nc u n "
bursts of cloquence, but he spoke deepl,
in earnest all the time--and once or twic
with vehement, almost passionate enthusi
asm. So entirely had his audience bccl
absorbed, that for a moment after he con
cluded not a whisper was heard, and thel
the thunders of applause rained arounC
him. He looked gratifed, it is true, bu
more tired even than gratifcd, as he sa
wiping the perspiration from his face
There was not particle of sclf-conscious
ness of greatness as some of the first mel
of his country pressed around him to offe
their congratulations. The tears had beel
dimming Blanche's eyes throughout it all
and they now overfowed as her father ap
preached her, and taking little unglovet
hand in his said:
My dear child, you have pleased nj
very much to-day
1t %as a great deal for her father to say
And Blanche's small fingers cuag closel,
round his, utterly obliviou8, as she met hi
look, of the speaker who had lately callec
tears to her eyes, Or the annoyances of th
last two hours. He, TOOK seemed uncon
scious of aught else save hisyoung daugh
ter-and thus they stood, needless of wha
was attracting all eyes, and causing Clar
Maylie's cheeks to color with chagrin-
namely, that Mr.. st. Clair had left tn
group upon the platform and now stoo'
grasping hand of each of those gawk
Ashley girls. They started with surpris
when his deep voice said:
MY dear sisters, this is indeed a pleas
IRE. How is mother and father and littl
Ben p
The worlds homage, the laurel wreat
of fame placed on his brow by his ow
country, were all forgotten for mother an
father and little Ben Eyes that ha
withstood his fervent cloquence were file
with tears, as this great mans simplicity c
heart revealed itself, and the people dre'
reverently back; leaving them together
AS Emma Ashley presented her brothe
to Mr.. Dunnoran and Blanche, the sam
deep, sweet voice said, with smile:
Il remember those eyes
She blushed beneath his earnest gazc
and still more when he drew her han
within his arm, and giving the other to h
sister Martha turned to leave the hall, whil
Mr.. Dunnoran followed with Emma.
you will go home with us to dinner
said Blanche's father, as he handed thel
into the carriage.
Il should be happy to do so, dear 81
but l have promised to dine with some ol
friends. will see you tonight, ladies
and he stood with uncovered head till the
drove off. :
%, I am so glad, papa, that behave
myself. How should I ever have lookt