Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1857-03-28

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was favorite. Indeed, he could not help
knowing it. But this was q special occa-
sion, "All the world" was out. Who
could he find brave enough to dare it! He
must sec.
There were two or three young ladies
who had long claimed his special regard,
and he felt sure he was not entirely indif-
lerent to them. He had even been observ-
ing them of late, striving to learn the true
character of each, This he found, as gen.
tlemon and ladies usually meet in the city,
rather a difficult matter. How he yearned
to see through the false surroundings into
the true and inner life beneath lie was
rather old fashioned in bis notions, it must
be confessed; but he did care moro for the
real than the artifcial-more for the mind
and heart than for the outer covering -
But how would it end Would he be wiser
than his sex? 1t was indeed q difficult
question; but he did not quite despair.
Ella Campbell had long been one of the
first in his esteem. But recently he had
thought her vain and superficial, caring
more for the outer than the inner man,
and had been cautious in his attentions to
her. He would test her now.
Driving briskly to the door and throw
ing the reins over his horse, he quickly
rang the bell. A servant at once ushercd
him into the parlor, where sat the lady Of
his thoughts, She greeted him warmly ;
but on hearing the object of his visit and
the unique conveyance he had brought, she
plead a previous engagement, and at once
excused herself. t.fF
Earnest Hammond was gifted with a
good share of penetration; and when not
previously blinded, read character wcll.-
Now, insinctivcly feeling how it was, he
politely withdrew And while he rode
gaily away, Ella Campbell sat pouting in
the room, unthought of and uncarcd for by
the moving mass without.
Earnests next visit was to the house of
Squire Reed. Here he had long been a
frequent and welcome visitor, and was al
ways received quite "likc one of the fami.
w. as the Squire often said, looking
knowingly at his two girls, Charlotte and
Bella.
Charlotte was tho older and handsomer
of the two; and beautyi is always attractive.
especially with the men. She was the fa-
vorite, too, in society. But at times Ear.
nest had turned from her to the gentle.
graceful Bella, with her pure heart, and
pquent' innocent ways, almost with a feel
ing of love for the latter.
Hers was indeed character to study,
Timid and retiring when in the presence
of strangers, she was yet singularly artlcss
aud confdin1 with those she best knew.
There was a dash of independence, too,
and vein of rom ncc in her heart, plea
SAINT and refreshing to meet. She was
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 better known and
loved at home.
All that Earnest felt, still, beauty fasci-
mated him. Not that Bella was ugly. Oh,
no. But she was no. 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 favoritc.
AS he neared the door he said to himself
as one often will, in cases of doubt-"A
look or word shall decide between thcm.-
If one or both refuse to ride with me, it
shall be sign that all is over. But if one
accepts-why, then, who knows what may
come of it! am twenty eight now; "old
enough" as my partner told me yesterday,
"to be married and have a home of my
own," and so l am. We shall see!
IL
drove up. One frightened visibly, and the
other as visibly paled, while a mingled cx-
preston of scorn and disappointment pass.
ed over her features.
Good morning, ladies, good morning.
exclaimed he, as he entered their presence
81 find myself in rather an awkward posi-.
ton just now, and need some one to helr
me out. must have drive this morning
yet | have been unable to obtain any con
veyance save the one you saw as I drove
up, What shall dol" and he looked tc
Charlotte for an answer.
"An awkward position, indeed !" answer
ed she. "You had better drive alone"
" But must y he asked somewhat sor
rowfully,
Bella looked up quickly; but she die
not speak.
Surely you do not think lady woult
be seen in such conveyance |" continued
Charlotte, with slight toss of her beauti
full head.
Again Bella looked up, while a painful
flush suffused her check. She was sorry
her sister had thus spoE en-sorry for her
grieved for Earnest, She felt sure tina
she could not have denied him-that what
ever he should ask would not be imprope
or wrong. How then could her sister speal
thus .....
Charlotte noticed the expression, ant
half read its meaning. She did not mucl
like the reproof it conveyed; and turnin,
to her she said, somewhat scornfully:
Perhaps my sister would 60 with you
Will you, Bell % .! ~...T
"Will you, Bella 7" the young man re
pcated earnestly, as he bent on her
glance which thrilled through every par
of her being, t ..
For moment the blood rushed over he