True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-08-25
STEUBENVILLE OHIO, WEDNESDAY August 25, 1868,

bring her out on so cold day, even to
Christmas revel--she has been so delicate
Of late"
Here he looked at the villainous old
tartar, in lace cap and specIacles. who
nodded assent. l could have shot them
both, ~
| need not describe the dinner. As
soon as it was over, slipped away as
quick as / possibly could, without being
noticed, seized the first hat could find
in the hall, and ran down tho avenue as
fast as the frozen snow would allow me.
Show me Captain Paget's house,"
said to lad / met.
"ls's the big white house, yonder across
The fields" |
In three minutes was standing on the
piazza Of the mansion. Pausing to take
breath, I reconnoiiered The house, before
ringing the bell so softly stealing round
| reached a window which was brightly
Illuminated from within. The curtain
was partly drawn aside. Twas long
room, fitted up with thick oaken panels,
alternating with family portraits. The
chief light proceeded fIom log. which
lay glowing aud flickeling in the wide
chimney. The place was full Of boys
and girls, from seven to twelve years old,
one little fairy like creature being enga.
ged in binding up the eyes Of q young
lady (the only grown up person Of the
parly) who was seated upon stool, with
her back turned towards the window,
amidst shouts Of merry laughter. drew
closer, as she rose 10 begin the game,
knew by the little white hands extended
to catch the fugitives, the elegant form,
the rich, black locks, and The dimpled
chin, although the eyes ,oere covered, the
person Of sweet Madaline Paget.
From an involuntary impulse, / tried
the clasp Of the window it opened and
there s,ood within the curtain, gazing
with tremendous delight and eagernei
on my beautiful mistress. Merrlly tht
game went on. the little folks skipping
about taking especial delight In teasing
her by every means in their power. Al
last, she came running towards my hiding
place
"l'm sure" she said, "there's some
rogue hiding here, who shall not escape
quite SO easily as he did the last time"
! / cannot describe how this random
speech effected me, but internally bles
sed the omen, and coming forward as she
approached, quietly possessed myself O
her two hands, and pressed them to my
lips. Startled, if not alarmed, by toucl
so unexpected, she gave asudden cry
exclaiming: \
"Pspa. i. is no. you I" and freeing ont
of her hands, huriedly removed the ban
; dage from her forehead. II was seriou
moment for me, and the little peopl
looked as alarmed as If Satan himself ha,
stepped from behind the curtain.
Il On recognizing me, Madaline shrieked
changed color, tried to speak and burs
into tears. supported her to the sofa
and knelt beside her.
I "Forgive me, dear Madaliue, ! it'll
thought / should alarm you SO much
r but hear my excuse. And then explain
ed to her how ] came 10 be there, an
B crayed pardon.
l ~ do not know" she said, blushin
. deeply, "whe.hsr / ought to listen 10 20
or no. You deserve that should sen
o you away at once"
h You would not be so unkind, di
# you know how have longed to cast my
Il self on your mercy" aa.
e !" Well forgive you." Nj
nj ] was in the seventh heaven. Adroi
q ly setting the children to playing by them
/. selves, | returned 70 Madaline, and tol
s my tale, explaining as we'll as ! could. m
d past silence, asked for her pardon and ht
n fair hand. She was naturally too sincel
!. to ,yranize over me at such q momen
and when. after an ardent expos,ulatio
n and enireaty, Iraised her from the sof
and silly leading her under branch
= mistletoe. covered her eyes, lips an
!. brow with kisses--sLe had already bre'
!. the sweet words that made her mine 70
r ever. i s a,s
i. | was married soon afterwards, and n
YER since. have failed at Christmas tim
q to join in game Of blind mans buff. al
4 kiss my wife under the branch Of mis,l
/. toe. ~