Squatter sovereign., 1857-11-14

her arm, clasped at the wrist by rich
bracelet of emera.ds and rnbies. Her
glossy black hair was parted upon her
forehead and gathered in one heavy mass
upon the top OF her head, where it was
confined by a she'll comb of exquisite
workmanship. In her hand she held d
miniature of Ter son. who bad that morn
ing returned to college. Upon this her
eyes were fondly fixed. when gentle rap
at the door aroused her from her pleasing
employment.
Bewildered at the beautiful scene before
her. so novel, 50 enchanting confused,
abashed at the presence OF the elegant
woman who now kindly greeted her, Vio-
let stood trembling at the entrance, her
cheeks suf1nsed with bushes rivalling The
tints Of the roses around her. One hand
rested on the polished moulding. the other
was partly raised. as.n TO shield her eyes
from so much spleIdor. and one little foos
just poised upon the marble sill. hesitating
to bear its lovely young mistress into a
spot so strangely beautiful. Mrs. Baiian-
tyne advanced, and gently taking her iimia
girl by her hand, led her into the apart
ment, and seated her upon the ,abouret at
her side. She then removed the little
gipsy hal and the golden curls leaped
gladly forth from their unwon,ed thraldom.
and nestled again AROUND their sweet rest
ing place.
At length Violet dared to raise her eyes;
she met the encouraging smile, and heard
the gentle voice of that lovely lady, and
her agitation suddenly calmed. her fears
subsidized she even smiled in return, and
in short time felt she no longer s,ran-
ger. Thus affable and kind were the
manners of Mrs. Ballentyne.
| In simple language, and with artless
grace, Violet related her little history.
1t was an event fulone, nor had she tales
| of harshness to reveal. nor complaints OF
suffering; her path had been lowiy one
but without thorns. The goodness. of poor
old Nelly was her theme, and when told
| she was no more to see her, ind forbidden
henceforth even 10 speak to her. the tears
SO lately repressed again burst forth until
even those of the listener mingled with
them. Suddenly her eve rested upon the
miniature of Eugene. She started, blushed
and faltered forth:
! 'Tis himself. Oh, madam, tits the same
who tore me from the arms of that bad
man.
1t was now Mrs. Ballantyne's turn to be
surprised.
'' Are you sure 2 Why this is the mi.
mature of my son, of Eugene :"
6 Yes. madam. am sure. Oh. never
can forget that face, never ~
| Mrs. Ballantyne certainly evinced more
ieellng Than there &as any necsssi.y fer
We'll Violet, il may be so; bnt you
must never speak of j, again. Should
you meet my son. on no account betrav
your identity with the Rag gaiherer's child.
True she is an excellen, old person. but il,
is fitting now you should forget her: your
station in life for the future must preclude
all aliusion to the past; you are now Miss
Darling, my ward, my niece, or any other
title may claim for your
The next ne VS. in the fashionable world,
was that the eccentric widow had adopted
a young girl. lovely as Juliet. artless as
Ophelia. but ere more than one tantalizing
glance had been obtained o. her fair young
face. she was suddenly removed TO dis
lance from the city and placed at school
for the next three years, during which
Mrs. Ballantyne. partially withdrew from
her gay career and devoting herself more
TO literary pursuits. awaiting with great
anxiety the return of her son from Europe.
Al length the fond mother was made happy
she once more pressed her darling child
to her bosom. He returned to her in per-
feet health. and the bea,t-ideat of manly
beauty. She was not now to know for the
first time that his heart and disposition
were right.
Violet also returned, and met the same
kind welcome.
(coNcLuDED NEXT wEEK.)