True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-01-11

might have been going on to this day, bu
all ut once-I know not whether from
some hint from a friend, or that Jen
ny's native spirit was at last arottsed-cer
tain it is, that great and notable change
came over her manner.
A charming sleighing excursion had
been projected for the approaching New
Years day. About ten gentlemen, and
as many ladies, were to make up the party
They were to ride about fifteen miles into
the country-have a supper and dance,
and then return to the city by moonlight
As each gentleman was to provide his own
vehicle, and take lady, there was an ca.
ger competition for the honor of escorting
favorite bellies. Young Blackwood, with
his usual nonchalence, was in no haste to
secure Jenny's companionship, but in his
own good time condescended to say to her,
carelessly,
"Jenny you will ride with me, Of
course" ..
"Thank YOU" said Jenny, "but Mr..
Collins has already been so kind as to ask
me-"
"Eh? what ?" cried Blackwood, start
ing, and scarcely believing that he heard
Alright" you don't mean that you are 60
ing with him ?"
Certainly"
Young Blackwood turned on his heel,
and walked away, He felt himself an in
digha6t and i'll used man. The shocking
bad temper into which he fell was far from
being sweetened by finding in his dilato-
riness that he had procured the honor of es-
corting young lady, worthy, doubtless,
but somewhat faded, and very slly-the
last choice of all who were to be of the
party.
New Years day arrived, bright and
propitious, the snow in excellent order for
sleighing.
1t had been arranged that the whole
party should assemble at a certain rendez-
vous, so as to set out together, and as the
appointed time approached, one gay sleigh
after another, might be seen whirling to
the spot. The prancing horses, covered
with silver bellS-the bells merry jingle
the various colors of the ladies' plaids and
dresses-the rich fur robes, with their
white Innings, and better still, the joyous,
rosy faces, and the sound of ringing laugh
ter, made up an inspiriting and brilliant
scene.
One countenance only, looked out of
keeping with the gay occasion. 1t was
our poor Blackwood's, as he sat gloomy
and taciturn beside his elderly companion.
His eye glanced furtively towards Mr..
Collins sleigh he saw Jenny's face, bright
and fresh as rose-he heard her gaily
laugh at some witticism of her companion,
he saw that componion's glance of admira-
ton, and he grew ten times more gloomy
and taciturn than before. I am afraid
poor Miss Moody found him very dull,
and that the ride was as intolerable to her
as it was to him.
1t was over at last, however: and now,
having all assembled in the large, cheerful,
old country house, and having partaken of
a good, warm, bountiful country supper,
laid in room where glowed bright, hos
pitable wood fire, arrangements were being
made for the promised, and eagerly expec-
ted dance. .....-
On repairing to the dancing room, where
most of the company had assembled, Mr..
Blackwood's eye glanced in search of Jen-
ny; she was not there, and conjecturing
that some adjustment of her dress detain-
ed her up stairs, he sauntered up and
down the hall, nervously waiting for her.
The fact is, that he had determined to
make his peace with her, by the presenta-
ton of propitiatory bouquet. He had
procured very rare and beautiful one in
the city, and had, by taking infinite pains
to protect it from the frost, succeeded in
bringing it thither unharmed.
Jenny soon came tripping gaily down
the stairs. Blackwood in his heart thought
her the sweetest and loveliest creature in
the world, and that he would give his
right hand to win one of her old smiles
With timidity quite new to him, he pre-.
sented his flowers, and begged the honor
of her hand for the first dance.
Jenny carelcssly thanked him She was
engaged to Mr. Collins.' 2
Might he hope for the next them
81