The true Democrat., 1856-09-30
Cousin Ben.
Or, the Good Deed Rewarded. :.

Visitors." exclaimed Kate Bennett impa. tientlv, as she laid aside the book she had been reading, and in which she had been deeply in terested and took the cards which the servant presented.
 Dear me how provoking! Just as am in the most exciting part of the story--and that pert, disagreeable Emily Archer, too,' she add ed, reading one of the cards; who else, won der?''
 Was there magic in that simple bit of paste board inscribed with only two words, "Richard Warren" It would almost seem so, so instan . taneOus did her countenance change. The frown that disfgured her beautiful brow disappeared, her eyes sparkled, and, without another thought of the book, she hastily assured herself by a glance In the mirror, that her toilet was unex- ceptionabe, and left the room.
 As she entered the drawing room and greeted her guests with all that grace and elegance of manner for which she was distinguished, Emily Archer surveyed her with one rapid, critical glance; but dress, as we'll as manner, was fault less.
 "It must be confessed that Kate Bonnet en- ters room like a Queen," she thought, with a pang of envy and jealousy, as in Richard War ren's face she read undsguised admiration of the lovely girl before them.
 What casual observer, who had marked the meeting of these two ladies, would have dream ed that, under all their outward friendness each hated the other with her whole heart?- Yet so 1t was. Kate and Emily were rival bellies, and their claims to admiration were so equally balanced that it required no little ex- ertiou on either side to gain the ascendency and be acknowledged the victor.
 If Kate, with her classical features, queenly dignity, elegant figure, and exquisite taste, at first threw her rival into the shade, Emily's piquant style and sprighty conversation were by many preferred to kate's statutesque beauty. It was impossible to decide which was the love- liest-each had her adherents and admirers but as they were eqally numerous, it seemed probable that tue season would draw to a close without the all-important decision of the ques- ton winch had been, par excellence the belle.
 Just at this time Richard Warren returned from Europe. The arrival of so undeniably ele- gant, handsome and wealthy a gentleman was an event; all the fashionable world was in flut- ter and the rivals saw at once that the impor- tant epoch had arrived. She whose claims he advocated, whom he favored with his admira- ton would at once stand upon the precarious pinnicle of boHeship, though their tactics were entirely different.
 Emily brought to bear upon him the bat teres of. her sprghtly wit, while Kate adroit- ly laid the mine of apparently queenly indif- ference. As yet, though it was evident that Richard admired both, his preferences were not known perhaps he hardly knew himself which one he thought the most charming.
 But during this exposition of the claims of the rivals, lively conversation had been going on. The last new novel and the opera had been discussed as we'll as some of their mu- tual friends, and in the midst of some wicked ly witty remarks of Emily upon would be fashionable lady, loud voice was heard in the hall. It came nearer the door, and the words could be distinctly understood
 You no-brained impudent jacknapes, pll teach you manners; I'll make you laugh on tother side of your mouth"
 The door was flung open, and in walked a tall, athletic young man, whose really fine form was disguised in an ill-6tting suit of evidently domestic manufacture, and stood for moment awkwardiy looking round him; then hastily approaching Kate, he flung his arms around her. and gave her loud smack on the cheek.
 She withdrew herself quickly and haughtiy from his embrace.
 "Slr"' said she, with freezing dignity.
 Law! don't ye know who be?" exclaim- ed the new conner, in no wise disconcerted.- Wall, now. do actually believe you've for got me. Don't yer know yer cousin Benz Ye see, don't like farmin' no how you can fix 1t, so quit that and come to the city. Jim Simpson was down to our place. and he's doing first rate here. He said it was dreadful hard to get start in the city, but guess an't going to slump through where he gets ahead Pll risk 1t any how"
 Catherine, at the commencement of this speech, had alternately flushed and paled, for she was deeply mortified that Richard Warren and Emily Archer should have been witnesses or such scene. She caught triumphant glance from Emily. It restored her prde
 With ali the grace with which she was mis- tress, she turned to the new comer-
 You must excuse me- cousin Ben." she said, "I had forgotten you. A few years make change, and l can hardly retrace in your countenance feature that reminds me of the lad who went putting with me in the dear old woods of Hampton. Allow me, Miss Archer" !" she added, turning to her ito present to YOU my cousin, MT. Adams-Mr Warren. Mr. Adams" and with perfect composure she saw his awkward bow and scrape.
 Emily at once commenced a conversation with MT. Adams, and was proceeding to drag him out most ridiculously, when Kate came to the rescue.
 "You forget, Miss Archer" said she, "that my cousin has just arrived in town, and has not yet had an opportunity to see the lions.- He will be better able to give his opinion of them in few days, when shall have the plea- sure of acting as his cicerone."
 MT. Warren like well-bred gentleman. as he was, addressed some remarks to MT. Adams