The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1855-11-06

Her seventeenth birth day had arrived, and
she was absent on one of these visits. We
had been in the habit of spending these days
together either in some merry gathering, OF
in the enjoyment of a stroll in the Forest
All day had been sad and anxious, and as
the clock told the hour of two, l seated my
self by the window to watch the arrival Of
the stage, silently hoping it might contain
the form of my friend, for | could not believe
that she would willingly absent herself on this
day. At length i caught glimpse of the
well known bay horses, another glimpse, and
they were approaching the residence of Cora.
| eagerly snatched my bonnet, and but mo-
ment elapsed ere we were elapsed in each
others arms.
But have not yet described the person OF
Cora, and now let me describe her as she then
| appeared. She was of the medium height,
and finer form none knew Her complexion
was fair and brilliant, which contrasted charm
ingly with the heavy waving masses of rich
! brown hair; her eyes were of sparkling ha-
zei, surrounded by heavy fringes Of the same
color AT this time her expression was one
of deep thought, though occasionally relieved
by one of playful humor. A swecter girl
than the beloved, and lovely Cora, found not
her home in the village Of o. She was hap
py, compassionable, and friendly with ALL
Greetings were scarcely over with her
friends ere we were rapidly pursuing our
customary walk A deep blush sufused her
lovely features, and she was absent in man
ner. | felt that she had some important Sc
cret to disclose, and breathlessly awaited her
pleasure. Soon we were seated on mossy
trunk of fallen tree, far from the ear of Gu
rious listeners, and with my arm resting fond
ly on her shoulder, the tale was told She
had met at several of the parties in |. young
and facinating artist, and for some unaccoun-
table reason, had become strangely interested
in him at first Night. 1t was rumored that
an engagement existed between him and Miss
Merrick, daughter of the widow at whose
house he boarded, but this she could not
credit, as his attentions to her while there,
were of marked character, though he had
never breashcd aught bur friendship. 1t might
be vain; still his fine form, manly beauty,
and charming conversation, had made deep
impression upon her heart. This was a theme
for many succeeding interview, and many
were the conecturcs of the gentleman's senti-
ments, when IN end to all doubt was brought
in the form Of delicate little note, from Ey-
andcr Wheatly, the enamored artist, breath
ing love and admiration in fervcnt and glow
Ing language and imploring earnestly for some
answering response. This was inexpresslble
joy for Cora, but what should she do? Not
for the world would she offend her kind in
dulgent parent and he might not approve of
correspondence with a strange gentleman Of
whom he knew nothing; and to ask his ad-
vice she dare not but after no little hesita-
ting, she made frank avowa Of her scnti-
ments, and ended by referring him directly
to her father, as she wished to encourage no
attentions at the risk Of his displeasurc. A
few days brought reply that he would
shortly visit her, and in person, seek the
fathers approval Of his suit.
1t was upon a sunny afternoon in autumn
that Mr.. Wheatly, for the first time, made
his appearance in our village. Never shall |
forget the silent tribute of admiration which
sprang from my heart, when presented to
him in Cora's parlor, for was already there
when he arrived. He was elegantly formed;
his dark brown locks fell upon brow of ivory
whitencss, and the large dark eyes cleaned
from beEeath that brow as if they would
pierce your soul. The well formed nose
might be termed Grecian, and the chisled
lips and faultless cheeks were tngcd with the
ruddy glow of health; the whole countenance
was one of intellectual beauty that could not
be surpassed. | readily saw an excuse for
Coras heart worship Mr. IngIesby gave
him gcntlemanly reception, but desired the
young man to wait for the space of six months,
that he might have ample time to learn his
true character, if at the end of that time he
was found worthy he would favor the suit
These were long weary months for the anx-
ious lovers, as they were entirely prohibited
from meeting or communicating.
Mr. lnglesby went Frequently to l., but
not a word was spoken Of the young artist,
and Cora was in profound ignorance of his
sentiments. But the probationary term mt
length rolled away and found Mfr. Wheatly
at the side of the lovely Cora, pouring into
her ear the oft told tale of sincere and con-
slant love- Mr. Inglesby was absent on bus
iness and did not return until late in the eve
ming, and the lover was patiently awaiting
him, when he suddenly entered the room,
started back at the presence of the young
man, recovered himself, and then advanced
and thus addressed him:
"Sir, having investigated your character
thoroughly, and discovered many obiectiona-
bic traits, i am convinced that You are not
the person calculated to make my daughter
happy, therefore, cannot consent to your
union, neither can | in the least favor your
intimacy"
This was death stroke to the hopes of the
ardent lovers. Mr.. w. arose with much Dig
nifty, in an easy and graceful manner, thank
cd the father for his favorable opinion, and
then in silent majesty withdrew. Cora was
delugcd in tears while Mr.. Inglesby was en-
deavoring TO vindcate his conduct, by repre-
senting TO her that he was fortune hunter;
that he bascly deserted Miss Merrick for Miss
Inglesby's fortune To all this Of course, Co
ra listened without believing; she thonght
his heart was too much cngrossed by her i'm |
age, to leave room for the entrance of worldly |
ambition. And as for her, she would gladly |
have shared the humblest cottage with him, |