The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1857-02-25

moss rose bud, fresh with dew, and sent it up
| to her, while he waited below. He was, she
knew, too sincere TO deceive her; and surely,
he was aware of the meaning of the sweet token.
What wonder, that she blushed and was EN-
barrassed, when, on entering her little paror,
her visitor rose with a smile, which was sue
ceeded by grateful glance from his eyes, as he
saw the appropriation she had made of his gift.
He came forward with an enthusiasm un-
usual to him, and taking both hands in his, said:
You look like an angel, Emily
He had never spoken in this way before; and
Emily, confused and agitated as she was, stole
glance at his face, to see if he could be in ear
nest. There was no doubling the meaning of
that look. Love, devoted love, shone out of
those fine eyes, from the very soul Of the speaker.
Yes he continued, stealing his right arm
aroundSh her slender waist, while Emily, trem
bling with happiness and surprise, was fain to
lean on him for support, yes, dearest, you look
like an angel and are one; and if you can stoop
from your height to love one SO little worthy of
it as1, what bliss will be mine. have loved
youa almost since began to write you, but would
not, on your generous permission to correspond,
reveal my sentiments. had asked to write
you simply as friend; and to have written as
d lover would have been breach of implied
promise. So, as [ could not endure sus pense
any longer-as every letter received from you
exhibited more of your rare qualities Of head
and heart, l came down to know my fate
You are silent. Am l then to despair"
In fact though Emily had, at first, leaned on
him for support, she had recovered her strength
as he proceeded, and, raising her head while
he was speaking his last words, even glided
from his embrace. But the tone of deep sad
ness with which he concluded moved her pity.
She laid her hand on his arm, and looking up,
and smiling into his face, said:
atFrank?'
1t was enough. Frank Howell, for it was he,
as the reader has perhaps suspected all along,
saw sufficient in those eyes and in that smile,
to assure him, that he need not despair; and
putting his arm around her again, he not only
drew her towards him, but kissed her, though
reverently, as brother would kiss any recov-
cred sister.
Suddenly the old widow with whom Emily
boarded, looked into the paror to announce
that the coffee was ready.
i thought Miss Emily ought to have a bite,
Sir before she went out, said the old lady.
Thank you,' said Frank, it was very con-
siderate; you take care of this dear creature, [
See He hardly knew what he said, and was
continually on the point of betraying himself
Your coffee is very fine. DO finish your
cup, dearest This was said to Emily, who
blushed, and reproached him with her eyes.
But now We must be off. l declare it is
striking six o'clock, and we shall be the last on
the ground
The widow saw them depart, and then step
ping into her next door neighbor, to tell of the
Iove-ke expressions of Frank, winding up by
declaring that he was going to marry her dear
Miss Emiiy-she was sure of it--anG certainly
sweeter wife he could not get nor more worthy
of him, rich and handsome though he was
The neighbor hurried in to tell her acquain-
tances; and thus, before night, all the village
heard that doctor Frank Howell was going to
marry the school MISTRESS
Meantime the picnic went merry off. On
the way to the fine old woods, in which the party
met, Frank told Emily that he wished to keep
the engagement secret until the ensuing day.
You will meet my sister here, and | wish
her to see and know you, before she hears of our
being affianced. 1t will embarass you too much
TO have the announcement made to-day
Yes, yes, dear Frank, wait till tomorrow;
you'll spoil the days pleasure if you'll tell all
The decided language of Frank on the pre-
cedIng afternoon, had created a reaction in En-
lly's favor. The sensible portion of his hear
ers, on reflection, had seen the folly of their
prejudice; and even his sister, who was an
excellent creature in the main, though little
spoiled by hattery and passion, was sorry for
having expressed so decidedly. When all the
gentlemen but. Frank had arrived, it became
evident that he meant himself when he spoke
OF friend, and there was no little CONSERVATION
among some Of the guests. His sister at first
was annoyed to find that Frank on his own con-
tesslon, was more than half in love with school
teacher; but as she loved Frank dearly, and val
ued his opinion highly, she always came round
in the end to his opinion, and on this occasion
did not depart from the general rule In short,
by the time Frank arrived, Mary was prepar-
if possible.
We need not say that Mary did like Emily
No one could help liking the sweet girl, unless
prejudice closed the eyes of reason. Before
the day was half over. Frank had the mex
presslble pleasure of seeing his sister and his
betrothed walking with their aims around each
other Mary was evidently charmed with her
new acquaintance.
1t was happy, happy day. The spot had
been judiciousIy selected, in an open bit of for
est land, through which lucid stream, fresh
from the neighboring hills, wound in and out be-
tween the borders Of the verdant turf The
company soon broke up into pairs, some wan
lering off alone, some sitting by the brook, and
others grouped in little bands here and there.
When the dinner hour came, all gathered to-
yether again; and while the ladies sat on the
grass and were seryed, the gentlemen unload
ID the hamper, or leaned on their elbows help
ng their partners.
That evening Mary Howell, when she reach
ed home, heard of her brothers engagement,
and to the surprise OF the narrator, who had ex-
oected to see her quite indignant, answered.:
Frank has light TO choose for himself
He and I'are alone in the world; SO there are
10 parents to please; and as for me, have met
Miss Saunders to-day, and already love her as
sister. She is worth score of the mere
butterflies of fashion, with whom, I say it with
shame. have consorted TOO much. But will
make her my model hereafter, and try to be
more worthy the esteem of the good