Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1857-05-15
she plead previous engagement, and

she plead previous engagement, and
At once excused herself.
Earnest Hammond was gifted with
o good share Of penetration; and
when not previously blinded, read
character well. Now, instinctively
feeling how it was, he politely with
drew. And while he rode gaily away,
Ella Campbell sat pouting in her
room, unthought of and uncared for
by the moving mass without.
Earnest's next visit was to the
home of Squire Reed. Here he had
long been a frequent and welcome
visitor, and was quite ''like one of
the family" as the Squire often said,
looking knowingly, at his two girls,
Charlotte and Bella.
Charlotte was the older and hand
somer of the two; and beauty is al
was attractive, especially with the
men. She was the favorite, too, in
society. But at times Earnest had
turned from her to the gentle, grace
full Bella, with her pure heart, and
piquant innocent ways, almost with a
feeling Of love with the latter.
Hers was indeed a character to
study. Timid and retiring when in
the presence of strangers, she was
yet singularly artless and confding
to those she best knew.
There was a dash Of independence,
too, and a vein of romance in her
heart, pleasant and refresing to meet
She was graceful and plant, it was
true, but there was character and
strength there also. Though her
sister might best please in crowd,
she would be better known and loved
at home.
All that Earnest felt; still, beauty
fascinated him. Not that Bella was
ugly. Oh, mol But she was not
beautiful either; at least, save in the
loving eyes and hearts of those who
best knew her. Earnest liked them
both. 1t was difficult indeed to de-
termine which was the favorite.
As he neared the door he said
within himself as one often will in
cases Of doubt-"A look or word shall
decide between them. If one or both
refuse to ride with me, it shall be a
sign that all is over. But if one ac-
cepts-why then who knows what
may become of it. l am twenty eight
now: 'old enough, as my partner told
me yesterday, 'to be married and
have home of my own and so l
am: We shall see-we shall see-we
shall see."
Two faces were at the window as
he drove up. One frightened visibly,
and the other as visibly paled; while
n mingled expression of scorn and
disappointment passed over her fea-
lures
"Good morning, ladies, good morn
ingl" exclaimed he as he entered
their presence. al find myself in
rather an awkward position just now,
and need some one to help me out l
must have a drive this morning, yet
/ have been unable to obtain any
conveyance but the one you saw as /
drove up. What shall / do?" and he
looked to Charlotte for an answer.
"An awkward position, indeed" /"
answered she, "you had better drive
alone"
"But must II" he asked somewhat
sorrowfully.
Bella looked up quickly, but she
did not speak. l
"Surely you do not think lady
would be seen in such conveyance?''
continued Charlotte, with a slight toss
Of her beautiful head.
Again Bella looked up, while a
painful flush suffused her cheek. She
was sorry her sister had thus spoken
sorry for her, grieved for Earnest
She felt sure she could not have de-
MED, that whatever he should ask
would not be improper or wrong
How, then, could her sister speak
thus2
Charlotte noticed the expression,
and half read its meaning. She did
not like the reproof which it convey
ed, and, turning to her she said some.
what scornfully:
Perhaps my sister would go with
you. viii you, Bella ?"
"Will you, Bella?" the young man
repeated earnestly, as he bent on hei
glance which thrilled through every
part of her being.
| Enxr Ll@oI .....l - =
over her brow and neck-the next il
receded, and she answered gaily:
"And why not, indeed?"
"But wiu you go, Bella?" agar
asked Ernest, in the straight forward
manner which ever characterized
him.
"I should like it of oil things!' an
swered the enthusiastic girl, forget
ting the emotion of the moment be
fore.
"But remember how we are to go,
continued Ernest, quickly.
"You will be the observed of al
observers, added Charlotte.
And what of that? ?" called bacl
the delighted girl, as she was hal
way up the stairs.
In O moment oil was ready ans
gaily bidding her sister good bye,s ,sh'
was soon seated beside Ernest, an,
they drove rapidly away.
Charlotte half repented her mo
mentary prido when she saw the ten
der glance of Ernest, rs no place,
her carefully upon the scat, and drew
closer tho folds Of her large, warn
shawl, in which she had shown th
good sense TO wrap herself. But !
was too late now; so, taking bool
she prepared TO spend tho. morning
alone. In the meantime Ernest an,
Bella had joined the molly thronl
now moving so rapidly through tn
city. ~ et
Tho spell Of the hour was then up
on them; and as they sped mcrril.