True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-10-13
a PRETTY STORY.
My Sisters Governess.
BY VIRGINIA DE FORREST.

''SrRPHEN," said my mother, laying
her hand over my book, "Will you go to
the station this evening, to meet Elias
new governess I"
"Who is she :" | asked.
'rThe daughter Of an artist who died
In New York about a month ago your
Uncle Ezra Evans knew him well, and
he wrote to your father, asking him to
look out for situation for this girl, who
is fully competent to take the place OF
governess in family. Papa and I con-
cluded to have her here to teach Ella
music and French, and Cora wishes to
take some drawing lessons Of her. Her
father has made her quite good artist"
why does she not stay in New
York Z"
81 don't know; Mr.. Evans said she
had determined 10 come to Charleston,
and requested him to procure her stu
alton here"
"And her name, Mother"
"'Is Helen Morton"
Well will meet her."
1t was lovely moonlight evening. and
| went early to the station to meet my
sisters governess. Arthur Lippiucot
my college friend, and constant compan.
ION, joined me on my walk, and we went
together, to wait for the train.
Arthur Lippencolt was the only grand
child of one Of the wealthiest men in
Charleston, and though | was very un-
like him in disposition and appearance,
we had been friends from childhood. To.
gether we had gone to school, together TO
college; we had graduated on the same
day, and both entered into DR.. Peale's
Office to study medicine at one time.
Tall, handsome, frank and generous.
Arthur had always filed my beau ideal
Of manly beauty. In all college sports,
in all manly exercises, he had stood unri-
vailed; bu! he had never been studious.
Talented and well read he had passed
through all his studies with honor; there
was nothing Of the book. worn about him.
|, delicate and sickly from childhood, had
in only this one thing surpassed him
ysthe felt no jealousy, but protected me
from all insult through college, and loved
me much as one would younger broth
er, or weakly child.
We stood together when the train stop.
ped; but as I stepped forward to enter
the passenger car, he volunteered to search
for Miss Morton's baggage, and left my
side I passed slowly through the cars,
looking for sisters governess. Sealed In
he further corner Of the car, her heat
resting On the back Of the seat, saw :
young girl asleep, I stood still moment
10 watch her. The light from one of the
car lanterns shone full upon her face, anC
never had | seen such wondrous beauty
Her clear complexion was without ont
shade of color, white as marble, and th,
long lashes that rested upon her cheel
were of raven blackness. Her features
were regular as those of Grecian statue
and The tiny hand under her cheek wal
delicate and white her dark hair wa
parted from her forehead, and fell in
ptofusion Of short curls around her face
As l looked, l felt that l was smiling a
myself. |, the student, the one who ha
never cared for beauty or lovliness in wo
man, standing entranced before sleepin
girl. Still, then, | stood, spell-bound, uu
til a hand was laid upon my shoulder, an
Arthur said,
"Why Stephen. the cars are empty
have you found Miss Morton?
"Hush |" said, pointing to the youn
sleeper.
"Hush! why she can't sleep here a
night" and he gently touched her hant
In an instant she was,on her feet, an
looking at us with bewildered expression
81 beg your pardon for disturbing yoI
but the cars are at the Charleston depot,
said Arthur. We are in search Of Mil
Helen Morton, and l see by the inha
on your carpet bag that we have found Il
right person.
q am Helen Morton" she said.
"Ahd this is Stephea Lincolin." Sa
Arthur, introducing me. She seemed
have expected me, for she put her har
into mine with slight smile.
"If you will give me your checks,
will 60 for your baggage" and receiviI
them with a graceful bow, be left US, Z,
With my usual shy, awkward manne
Thad not yet spoken, but | offered her n
arm 10 escort her to the carriage. Arth
soon joined US, and chatted gaily with h
as We drove home. For the first time
my life, ! wished my friend away fro
me. j cnvied him his easy grace of ma
ner; and yet instead Of attempting to '
with him, / sat silent and constrainG
watching the two. Excitemen. had Civ
Miss Morton vivid color. aud her haI
eyes were full of intelligence, She 1
piled with quiet grace to Ar,hur's z
speeches, but she did no, smile. b
hoped she would. for the look she b
gwen me at the station showed me b,
lIL 4 .......