Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-09-23

yearEed to see through the false surroundings
into the true and inner life beneath ! He was
rather old fashioned in his notions, it must be
confessed but still he did care more for the
real than the artificial-more for the mind and
heart than for the outward adorning. But how
would ii end Would he be wiser than his
sex2 1t was, indeed, a difficult question but
he did not quite despair.
Ella Campbell had long been ono of the first
in his esteem. But, recently he had thought
her somewhat vain and superficial-carng
more for the outer than the inner man, and he
had been cautious in his attentions to her. He
would test her now.
Driving briskly to the door, and throwing
the reins over the horse, he quickly rang the
bell. a servant at once ushercd him into the
parlor, were sat the lady of his thoughts. She
greeted him with cheerfulness, but on hearing
the subject of his visit, and the unique convey
ancc he had brought she pleaded previous
engagement, and excused herself.
Earnest Hammon was gifted with a good
share of penetration, and, when not previously
blinded, read character well. Now instinctively
feeling how it was, he withdrew; and, while
he rode gaily away, Ella Campbell sat pour
ing in her room, unthought of, and uncared
for by the moving mass without.
Earnest's next visit was to the house of
Squire Reed. Here he had long been fire.
quent and welcome visitor, and was always re-
ceived quite :'like one of the family" as the
Squire often said, looking knowingly at his
two girls, Charlotte and Bella.
Cbar +fo tla oI1 I'd
of the two; and beauty is always attractive,
especially with the men. She was the favorite,
too, in society. But, at times, Earnest had
turned from her to the graceful Bella, with her
pure heart, and piquant innocent ways, almost
with feeling of love for the fair Bella.
Hers, indeed, a character to study.
Timid and retiring when IN the presence of
strangers, she was singularly artless and con-
liding in those she hest knew. There was a
dash of independence, too, and a vein of ro-
nance in her heart, pleasant and refreshing to
meet. She graceful and plant it is true,
but there was character and strength there,
also. Though her sister might best please in
a crowd, she would be best known and loved
at home.
All this Earnest felt; still beauty fascinated
him. Not that Bella was ugly. Oh, no 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 determine which of the
two was the favored one.
AS he neared the door, he said within him
self, ga look, word, shall decide between
them. IT one, or both, refuses to ride with
me, it shall be sign that all is over. But if
one accepts-wby, then, who knows what may
come of it l am twenty-cight now; old G.
nough, as my partner told me yesterday, to be
married and have home of my own. And
so | am"
The faces were at the window as he drove
up. One frightened, visibly; and the other
visibly paled, while a mingled expression of
scorn and disappointment passed over her fine
features.
ssGood morning, ladies', good morning." eX-
claimed he, as he entered their presence. 81
find myself in rather an awkward position just
now, and need some one to help me out. /
must have ride this morning, yet have been
unable to obtain any conveyance save the one
you saw as drove up. What shall do
.sAn awkward position, indeed !'' answered
she. "You must drive alone."
esBut, must 1 ?'' he asked somewhat sorrow
fully.
Bella looked up quickly, but did not speak.
ssSurely you do not think lady would be
seen in such a conveyancei"
Again Bella looked, while bright flush suf
fused her cheek. She was sorry her sister had
thus spoken-sorry for her, grieved for Ear
nest. She felt sure that she could not have
denied him-that whatever he shonld ask.
would not be improper or wrong. How then,
could her sister speak thus!
Charlotte noticed the expression, and half
read its meaning. She did not much like the
reproof it conveyed, and turning to her, she
said somewhat scornfuliy:
s.Pcrhaps my sister will go with you. Will
you, Bella7.
"Will you, Bella ?'' repeated the young
man, as he bent on her glance that thrilled
every part of her being. For a moment the
blood rushed over her brow and neck, and next
it receded, and she answered gaily:
s.And why not, pray ~
ssBut foiH you go, Bella 7'' again asked Ear
nest. in that straightforward manner which
ever characterized him.
81 should like it of all things!" answered
the enthusiastic girl, forgetting the emotions
of the moment before.
s.But remember how you are to do SO, con-
tinucd Earnest quickly.
ssYou will be the observed OF the observers,