Weekly Clarksville chronicle. [volume] (Clarksville, Tenn.) 185?-1857, 1857-03-20

And when her heart pleaded too earnestly
, with her head in behalf of Winters, she
would think Of the scene at the Masquer.
ade, and, calling all her woman's pride to
her aid, would persuade herself that she
despised the heartless wretch who had SO
grossly betrayed her confidence, and SO
lightly valued her affection.
hIn her varying mood, and changing
countenance, the Count read the state of
her feelings; and jealousy and impatience
of rivalry made him all the more resolved
upon victory. From Durand, be knew
there was nothing to fear, but Winters was
an obstacle far more formidable than he
had anticipated. And although he had
omitted no opportunity to undermine him,
by ingenious hints, and an occasional di-
rect thrust, he found an advocate in Fan
ny's heart, of whose presence and plead
ings she was herself unconscious. -,rg
To his own efforts, the Count had added
the influence of Mr.. 0rme, into whose good
graces he had wound himself most effectu.
ally. The old gentleman looked upon him
as the finest specimen of maj, he had ev-
er seen, and, with genuine American tody-
ism, plumcd himself upon the prospect Of
being father law to a Count, and father
Of a Countess. To accomplish this dar-
ling object, he fiattcred, caressed and in
dulged his daughter-wisely relying, for
success, upon her affection for him, rather
than upon his parental authority. Andhe
was the more earnest and assiduous in his
efforts, because he had discovered the
worthlessness Of his nephew, and saw, but
too clearly, the certain loss of his fortune.
In addition to these motives, he feared that
Winters was still dear to Fanny, and hav-
ing learned to hate him, was most anxious
to disappoint any expectations he might
entertain of future reconciliation and un-
ion with her. (.
With all these influences brought to bear
upon her, the Count felt that he had made
little or no impression upon Fanny's heart;
and though unconscious of the source, her
pride and rescntment-aided, perhaps, by
the obvious envy of her female friends
prompted the complacency with which she
received his attentions. That she felt fiat
tered, it is needless to deny, and had her
heart been free, she might have loved him;
but the thought of becoming his wife, she
had not seriously entertained, and when it
did present itself, it was ever accompanied
by an undeined desire to punish Winters
by marriage with his rival.
One night, when the Count had been
pressing his suit with increased earnest
ness, Durand accosted him abruptly, by
asking
"Count, are you aiding me, or helping
yourself?"
"My dear fellow was the reply "you
have my promise to do all in my power for
you. But must confess that l have made
little progress. A woman so proud and
obdurate, have never seen before"
"And what are her chief objections to
me?" "''
"Your habits, Durand, and the conse-
quent fear that you would render her un-
happy" U.y
81 was in hopes" said Durand, ''that by
this time, you could give me some assu-
rance of success. She seems to be more
kind and gentle towards me than ever be-
fore; and she is aware of my resolution TO
reform. wish you would bring her to a
decision very soon-I am about TO loose my
fortune, and unless l can obtain her hand,
/ am hopelessly ruined. After meeting
the demands of Winters, and paying my
debts, shall not be worth farthing"
Gas l told you before" said the Count,
"she is as proud as Lucifer, and unless you
can humble her pride, ] must tell you there
is no hope"
"But how is that to be done?"
"There is a way, Sir; but / fear to men
ton it, because'it will require great skill,
and some daring to effect it. But if you
insist I will explain--of course in conf
dence, and you can act, or not, as you
please" 2 HHf aA
"ExplainP' iah
"She yet loves Winters, and my plan
will strike hard blow at him, whilst il
will humble her, and rather incline her to
solicit you to marry her. You know that i
can initiate Winters handwriting exactly.
Well, note from him to Fanny will, l am
sure, procure meeting at night, at some