The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-05-10
For the National Era
MIRTH AND ElANCH0lY.
BY MARY IRVING.
CHAPTER l.
Wherein rdrious first Impressions are giren
aud receired.
"Pnihee weep, May Lillian!
Gayeiy without eclipse
Nearieih me, May Lilian!"


Christie, who was that tall young gentleman
with whom | saw you mounting the steps of the
dusseldorf last evening, after you had re-
morselessly given me the slip, in the midst OF
ny shopping tribulations?"
brusque little brunette attacked with the
above question her twin brother, as he was
comfortably establishing himself at the dinner
table.
Really returned the young man, sparing
glance from his oyster soup, 81 did not know
that Miss Christina Clayborne was already
driven to the extremity of depending upon a
brothers. gallantryl l left you in the hands OF
8. least a triad of hangers-onl"
Yes; triplet of dandies two of whom
despatched at short notice, by as pointed hin;
as my wits were capable of sharpening. For
driving away the third, who was safely encased
IN the hint-proof armor Of his own conceited
stupidity, | sought your aid, and found it not.
But who was the stranger that lured you from
your post? | caught only the fftieth part of a
glimpse, as you were vanishing around the
corner
Christopher threw himself back in his chair,
As though overcome by a sudden impulse to
laughter. But suddenly checking it. he drew
himself up, and answered, with the utmost
grI7y-
Tie is 4 native of Florda-son of rich
planter there-a graduate of Princeton Col
ege--a lawyer incipient, in process of forming,
under the hands of our esteemed brotherin-law
here, Esq. Hope. His name is Hamilton Grey,
Jr, soon TO be Esq Are You satisfied sister
NINE? or shall | explore further the field of his
genealogy and expectatons?"
"Oh, by the way"-broke in ESQ., Hope, a
nervous, distracted man, who sat at the head
OF the table, eating with the rapidity of a thor
'Hgh man OF business, and deigning only now
aud then to heed word of the conversation
fong on On, by the way" he repeated, alb
''"lly, looking across at his wifes sunny face,
81 IN graceful little cap, with lilac rosettes-
invited that young gentlsman-that Mr..
Trey to-cali on us. He brings me letters Of
highest recommendation from st. Augustine
ana iHnceton; and find him a young man of
me family and promise. / invited him to dine
wan us today, but he excused himself on plea
Of headache
j., 10y all means, returned the hospitable Mrs.
NOE frightening into one of the most genial
smiles that ever bloomed on the face of wife,
O' all means. Robert, let US make the young
stranger ieel at home in one spot of this great
T"Gel city, and that as soon as possible. A
Scl?" -
hardly think he is in good health, sister,"
u'iEilTeiy observed Christopher /" He has that
i'', a'sirdught phase Of conference.-the
= Hi@'chless melancholy which is sure to move
.'e commiseration of tender-hearted woman
49, with glance at Christina, as he finished
=, here Is no hope that you will gain any of
-@' 'omniseration, then" she retaliated: "un-
"ss' indeed, you fall victim to dyspepsia,
which seriously advise you to cultivate. SALLY.
Pass The lobster-salad again to Master Xiii" -
Thank you; no. / have not vet reached
Ire borders of the moon-struck age, and can af.
i'Fd to keep my rosy cheeks at least two years
longer, to vie with yours"
But this Hamilton Grey-what an aristo-
cratic name!-is he really superior to common
Hor'ss, as brother Hopes unwonted eulogium
would imply?"
oh' cannot risk my reputation for wis
I.eA, by yenturing to forestall your opinion of
;'l. I GU will have an opportunity of victim
. I'IS MN soon enough, Kitty, for he will prob
"oly call this evening. Poor fellow my con-
ence smltes me when think into what mock
* spider parlOr / have assisted to lure the
- "iiCOuSclOuS N.Y. never nllDu, Sis! I
I 1Ol" Go almost anything for you, except to
P-Hse three mortal hours on the sunny side OF
d"ay, while you are bargaining away
I-'IesS Tor graces, and turning counters and
~ wits topsy-turvyl"
f,I-e iStted her cheek, lodged rosebud play
,-.l AIMED at his head, and whistled himself
Vi The dinner room.
a., ear reader, do not take Kitty Clayborne for
.ga ule soulless butterfly her brothers badin-
sT. has represented her. Christopher, peace
- eooc'humored fellow as he was, would
tb;,S Knocked down with a right good will any
~ INDIVIDUAL who should have presumed to
tar'. TIE term "coquctte" with his playful sis
-. name. She was, in truth, very kitten,
,oo-". from her cradle, the atmosphere OF
pn,a 'alie9t; the most buoyant, fun-loving, yet
der ~. heart, that ever nestled two years I'M
Two years before. she was n country romp.
the faaI. ior various accomplishments, of which
tTeo iI1s:honable world takes no account, such as
fc;an o.i..nolng, colttaming, &C.; but sadly de-
Of ,o, u al That makes up the ordinary routine
ee lady s educational course.
had her matronly sister, Laura Hope
urros 'AAeh her In hand, and, at her husband
b1srd; persuasion, transplanted her to city
and school. Here she had practiced music
inns, tniSehlei, most heartily. Little else, il
" c. oe owned; for the active spirit, 80 sudden.
oyerIaaP 20 IN Its reckless country career, would
discnEp the narrow bounds of boarding, school
M r pune Her faults, however, were al bound
eer'ain little protuberance-organ, II