True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-07-02
3. RAGAN, Editor and Proprietor,

while her whole frame trembled with ter
r0r. .i,.-.. }.~.,'l.. 81. ........t
When Walter recovered consciousness,
the first object that met his gaze was the
pale face Of his hostess, whose eyes were
fixed with deep pity upon him, He tried
to thank her, but she placed her tiny
hand on his lips, whispering. sf.u
Lie still, and don't try talk Mona
will stay by you, while | give orders
about your room And, with smile
and graceful courtesy, Laura left him.
Walters fainting fit was but the begin
ming of long illness he was taken to
his room, and for seven weeks did not
leave it. Laura insisted upon sharing the
fatigue of nursing him with Mona /; she
it was who prepared his medicines and
cooling drinks, and, in his delrium, pla-
ced the cloths wet with cold water upon
his head while Mona, who liked to
reign supreme in the sick room, sat watch
ing, with mixture of admiration and
jealousy, the fair unsurper OF her offices,
Waller had been delrous for several
DAYS but he lay one afternoon in quiet
sleep, from which the doctor thought he
would awaken in his senses. Laura took
a book and sat by the side of the bed, to
be near when lie wished for anything,
while Mona sat sewing by the window.
Waller at length slowly opened his eyes,
and fixed them upon the far reader, who,
absorbed in her book, did not see him.
He noted all the maiden's beauties the
rich black hair, banded smoothly off her
high white forehead the regular features.
clear dark complexion, long jetly eye
lashes, thai now dropped over the large
black eyes the tall, noble figure, liuy
hand, aud beautifully rounded arm all
were perfect. He lay watching her for
some momens; but Mona, finding he
wa awake, BUSTED up 10 The bed, and
Laura withdrew. From that day he
grew rapidly better, and many happy
hours'we spent in that sick-room, Laura
read to him, sang to him, and Iong con
versaluns there were between these two
Conversations, during which the young
girls heart was gradually passing into the
possession of another, .,.. ......
What wonder that Walter fancied him.
self in love with the fair girl, who thus
devoted her time and alents to his COM
fort and entertainment? He found her
presence would convert that sick room
from prison into a paradise. Il don't
say i, did so, but he thought it did.) ,a
At last, one afternoon, when Mona
was preparing his evening repast, he
won from the happy blushng girl a prom
ise to accompany him 10 his home in the
spring as his bride. ta 4.C'..
When Laura sought her room that
night, her cheek was flushed, her eyes
sparkled, and her heart throbbed quickly
with excess of happiness. Fastening
her door, she knelt and thanked the Civ
er of all good for the new joy bestowed
upon her. Laura's was an earnest,
thoughtful nature, and all emotions left an
indelibo impression upon her heart she
was not one to part with her love lightly,
hut, once given, it could not be recalled.
Walter was now we'll enough TO be
out, and Grace was expected hume daily.
Laura was seated in her own room sew
ing, when her cousin burst in upon her.
Let me pause moment, 10 describe
Grace Danvers. She was most char
ming combination of blonde and brunette
beauty, Her eyes were dark hazel, sha-
ded by black brows and lashes, while
her hair was light yellowsh brown,
falling in profusion Of shining curls on
her shoulders ; her features were regular,
and her complexion puro rod and white I;
her figure was petite, but most equisitely
bounded, while her hands and feet were
tiny as fairy's. ''
Dear Laura 2 she cried, as she sprang
into her Cousins arms, | am so glad to
be a! home again! So, hear you have
been having sick nigh, here while l
was gone long letters from certain
cousin Of mine not mile off, full of a
handsome squire most dolelully sick,
reached me. l saw him at the gate, and,
instead of pale interesting youth, he
struck me as being in most stupid state
Of health. Lost your heart, Laura, eh 2
Nonsense, Grace You are wild
with spirits, How did you leave Mrs.
Ellis and Fanny ? @""..a 's'nar u
'WeIl-.everybody well |! But here
comes Mr.. Elliot up the avenue; you
must introduce us. And, bounding
across the room, the gay beauty smooth
ed her curls, arranged her collar more to
her satisfaction, and announced her readi-
ness 10 be presented to Walter.
The young man gave start Of delight
ed surprise when his eyes fell upon Grace.
Her pale.blue dress, which was cut go as
TO leave her falling shoulders and round
white arms bare, set or to the utmost
advantage her exquisite complexion and
golden curls her drive, and the excite
ment Of coming home, gave an additional
tinge of color to her cheeks, and her eyes
sparkled with animation. Walter bow
ed gracefully, and they were soon engaged
in a lively conversation. Laura left fhem