True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-03-08


dates to the bottomless pit; latterly, how
ever, he talked good deal more of the
present than of the past, and greatly to the
annoyance of younger men, fell into the
duties of escort to both ladies,-accompa-
nying them to places of public promenade
and amusement.
On such occasions, Miss Isabel We're
looked either earnest or bashful-yes pos
itively bashful; and Miss Isabel Mont
ford, brimfull of as much mischief as a
lady could delight in. At times, the Gen
eral laid aside his conical observations, to-
gether with his cane, which was not even
replaced by an umbrella; to confess the
truth, he had experienced several symp-
toms of heart disease, which, though they
made him restless and uncomfortable,
brought hopes and aspiration of life, rather
| tnan Tears OF ueaVn.
One morning, Isabel Montford and the
General were alone in the salon where
this little scene first opened.
"Our difference has never been settled
yet," she exclaimed, gaily; you have new
er proved to me the superiority of the Old
school over the-New."
"Simply because of your superiority to
both" he replied.
II do not perceive the point of the an
swer," said the young lady. "What has
my superiority over both to do with the
question:
The General arose and shut the door.
"Do you think you could listen to me seri-
ously for FIVE minutcs?" he said,
"Listening is always serious work." she
answered. He took her hand within his;
she felt it was the hand of age; the bones
and sinows pressed on her soft palm with
an earnest pressure.
Isabel Montford-could you love an
old man."
She raised her eyes to his, and wonder
ed at the light which filed them:-
eyes," she answered, 81 could love an
old man dearly; I could confdc to him the
dearest secret of my heart"
"And your heart, your heart itself?
Such things have been, sweet Isabel" His
hand was very hard, but she did not with
draw hers.
"No, not that, because-because I have
not my heart to give" She spoke rapid
ly, and with emotion. ''I have it not to
give, and I have so longed to tell you my
secret You have such influence with my
aunt, you have been so afectionate, so like
a father to me that ifyou would only inter-
cede with her, for him and me, I know
she could not refuse. have often-often
thought of entreating this, and now it was
so kind of you to ask, if L could love an
old man, giving me the opportunity Of show
ing that I do, by confding in you, and as
king your intercession."
The room became misty to the Generals
eyes, and the rattle of a battlefield soun-
ded in his ears, and beat upon his heart.
"And pray, Montford," he said, after a
pause, "who may him be?"
"Ah, you do not know him!-my aunt
forbade the continuance Of our acquaintance
the day before I had the happiness to meet
you. 1t was most fortunate wooed you
to call upon her, thinking" Cooked up
at his fine face, whose very wrinkles were
aristocratic, and smiled her most bewitch-
ing smile) "thinking the presence of the
only man she ever loved would soften her,
and hoping that I should one day be
privileged to address you as my friend, my
unclev' And she kissed hisscd his hand
1t really was hard to bear. ~ have
heard her say" persisted young lady, "that
when prompted by evil counsel, she refused
you, she loved you. and since your return
she only lives in your presence" The
General wondered if this was true, and
thought he would not give the young beau
ty triumph. He was recoveringhis self
possession. 81 remembered your admira-
tion of passing bellies, and felt how kindly
you tolerated me, for my aunts sake; and
surely you will aid me in matter upon
which my happiness ofthat poor dear fellow
depends" She bent her beautiful eyes on
the ground.
"And who is the poor dear fellow"
inquired the General, in asingularly husky
voice.
"Hcnry Mandcville," half-whispercd
Isabel, ooh, is it not a beautiful name?
the initials on those lovely handkcrchicfs
you gave me will still do l. N"
ga son of old Admiral Mandeville's?"
"The youngest son." she sighed, "that
is my aunt's objection, were he the eldest,
she would have been too happy. Oh, sir,
he is such fine fellow-such a hero!-lost
n '1oc % OobooI orJ ooa:1 T 1,.1