True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-06-23

and must be your last. / did not bring
you here for any of Aunty's pets to run
away with"
That was all mere Jest, Marion often
thought, and yet the words were printed
on her memory. Who that has ever loved
does not know how one phrase, or some-
times even one look will linger on the
heart; forgotten, perhaps while the loved
one is near us, yet recalled and dwelt
upon when absence makes the idol still
dearer.
Though constantly employed, Marion
had found her new home pleasant one {;
but now, the return Of the son and heir
of the house made her situation very dis
agreeable. George, thoughtless and gay,
did not dream that his attentions could
be unacceptable to any one, and charged
Marion's cold replies and guarded man
ner to her proper sense Of her position,
strived by renewed attention, 10 make
her sensible of how entirely he overlook
ed it. Marion, conscious of the utter
indifference with which she regarded
him, did not understand the praises Mrs.
Morton lavished upon her prudence, or
the cautions she piled her with, not TO
think that every haltering word from a
gentleman was serious admiration.
Far away from home, Harry Ashly
was wandering in the Highlands, when
the news of his aunt's death reached him.
1t was when he heard of Marion's forlorn
situation, that he first thought seriously
of his love for her. He had loved her
from the first moment he saw her, though
he would have laughed, had any one as.
cribed his interest in the little girl to such
a potent cause. He was wealthy, and
had often dreamed of making her his wife,
but did not speak to her, because he rea.
soned that they were all very happy to.
gether, and if she did not return his love,
it would break in upon the dear home
circle; perhaps she would leave them il
he spoke Of bis passion to her, and SO
deprive him of her presence, and his aunt
Of companion. So be never spoke it,
treating her always like dear sister,
Now that she was cast upon the wide
world, poor and friendless, he determined
to 20 home and tell her how long and
truly he had loved her, and if she would
not marry him, he could, at least, sci
aside some of his aunt's fortune for her.
He was convinced that Mrs. Ashly had
intended to provide for the orphan but,
like many others, she delayed from time
to time carrying this intention into effect
until it was too late,
George Motions attentions, in the
meantime, had grown SO offensive tc
Marion, that she was looking out fol
another situation, where she could teach
and be free from him.
Again fortune favored her. There wat
an old lady, Mrs. Grant, who was abou
to travel South for the benefit Of hel
health. who esgerly availed herself of thu
opportunity Of securing Marion's services
as companion. Writing to Harry tt
aequaint him with her change of plans
Marion took a kind leave of Mrs. Mortol
and her daughters, and started with Mrs
Grant for Charleston, place which he
new patron was in the habit of visiting
every Winter. She did not mention he
destination 10 Mrs. Morton, fearing lei
ters from George, and when Harry return
ed from Europe, looking for her. she wa
gone, none knew whittier. While b
was eagerly trying TO find out her presen
, home, she was wondering why all he
t letters TO Europe were unanswered.
Two years later, two men were sea-
!. ed in a large hotel in Charleston, smokin
;, and chatting.
a "Come, Harry" said one of then
i laying aside his segar, sit is late, and
Q must show myself for a few moments
Y Mrs. Grants ball. It will be expecte
8 of me. Besides, want to see this ne,
!. protege of hers, who appears for the fir
g time in public, tonight. She was he
Q with her last Winter, but in deep mour
s ing, and did not 60 out. / hoped to 81
her at Saratoga last season, but she ke
|, very private; tonight she appears. I
% the way, l heard many inquiries aft
you at Saratoga. Where were you 2"
n "Atthe White Mountains Niagara, al
" knocking about here and there. I dor
10 know what brought me here this Winte
,r excepting this fashion | have fallen int
et Of wandering over the face of the cart
: like vagabond. What is your fair
NJ cluse's name 2"
81 Harding p'
. "Well, I'll go!"
D. The two started together, and sol
1. reached their destination.
,e "My DEAR" said mold lady, speak,
c. to a young, lovely gill who stood ne
On her, "your dress is caught up, you h
On better 60 and arrange it,
i'd The young lady obeyed her. As 8
ng stood before the long glass in the dressi
ed room, she made mos! beautiful ref,
he tion upon its surface, Her figure was
he medium height, and perfectly rounde
all her bare neck and arms cleaned VIII
as as snow, in bright contrast with her d'
ey dressj her features are regular; co
plexion fair, but pale, and her la
to brown eyes were tull Of intelligence; 4
70, glossy and abundant chestnut hair Y
H d .M