True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-06-18
CHAPTER ".

CHAPTER w. ......' .
Before she retired that night, Florence
unburthened Ter heart to Lucy ; and spite
of herself scalding tears accompanied
the confession Of wrecked happiness,
and of her own folly and caprice accom-
plishing that wreck.
The task Of consolation was a difficult
one to Lucy; for Florence was too proud
to admit the ross biIity Of Mr.. Churchill
and herself occupying again the same
relative positions they once did; and
having now thrown off the mask she had
So long worn, she readily admitted that
none other could ever supplanl him in her
affections. Lucy, however, did the best
she could, and suggested that time would
insure forgetiu.ness, if it should not re-
store hope.
Time may do something, Lucy re-
piled Florence, smiling sadly; for if
the stream Of Oblivion is to be found any
where, It should be discovered flowing
beside the grave of Hope
A few evenings subsequent to her visit
at the opera, Florence suffered herself TO
be present at party, 10 which she had
previously accepted an invitation. She
went reluctantly; and though she en-
deavored to rise above the spirit OF list.
lessness that oppressed her, her efforts
were so unsuccessful as to make her the
subject of observation to those who had
been in the habit Of Witnessing her usual
vivacity.
What is ittha: makes Florence Els
more so grave tonight" asked the hos
tess of the mansion, as she separated her
from small gpup which surrounded
her, and walked with her to a part of the
room less occupied. The gentlemen
are all melancholy, because they say you
have not been seen 10 smile since your
arrival Florencs smiled at the observa-
tion, and declared that she was not more
grave than usual. 'Butyou are though,
continued the hostess g and | cannot
consent that the belle of the room shall
wea' upon her countenance the weeds OF
woe. | will give you in charge to Mr.,
Churchill, with especial instructions that
he will enliven you with an amusing ac-
count of his travels
Not for worlds = exclaimed Florence,
as she turned and saw Davenani Churchill
only few yauls distan. from her. But
her exclamation was uttered too late, for
he had already been appealed to, and as
matter of course, instantly joined them.
After starting topic of conversation, and
participating in ii for few moments, the
lady of the house left them together,
while she distributed her attention among
her other guests. i
Both Florence Ellsmore and DavenanI
Churchill held themselves, as it were,
aloof from each other, and spoke and
acted under visible constraint; but the
memory Of old times insensibly came
back to then, and they grew gradually
more familir.
Il suppoIe,' said Florence, timidly,
after they had spoken on general subjects,
thai yoursojourn abroadhas been proIif
ic equally Authorization ndamusement!
The expression of Churchill's coun
tenance underwent change rs he heard
the question, and the tone of his voice
became altered as he replied to it. II
has furnished me, | hope he said, with
much information though failed tc
obtain what / most desired, and the
acquisition of which is necessary before
lean become susceptible ofbeing amused.
'Wha, was that! Florence asked.
'Peace!' he replied, as he gazed
seadfastly at her, while her glance
shrunk from meeting his. 'And you,
he asked, after Florence had continued
silent for some time, you have beer
happy since we last metz! But his in.
quiry was answered by sigh. .Tha
sigh he added, 'seems to answer my
question negatively and yet you should
be happy for | learn that you are still
the soul of society, andI observe you
the anin,aling spirit Of all aronnd you
Gravity flies from your path, and laugh
ter-loving mirth entwines you perpetually
with chapleis. .af .ogI r. : ...I
"A smiling lip is not always the sigr
of a happy heart replied Florenca.
But to be ever with the gay sale
Churchill, indicates a joyousness o
spirit far removed from care ma
Il have heard said Florence, that al
iinebriates are not SO from the love O
Wine.-Some are saidto seek the intoxi
eating bowl to drown recollection, or t
Danish unpleasant, reflections, Is it 50
3 .Davenant Churchill gazed upon hi
companion for some time in deep though !