Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1858-02-12

at, then, that the worst passions of his
nature were called into active play; OF
that, forgetting he was man and she a
woman, he resolved to be revenged. How
II was 10 be effected, he could not de.
termine, at the moment; though the
presence of her father, and his own sub
ordinate position were sufficient to satisfy
him that cunning was his chief reliance
for success-any open demonstration would
but ensure defeat and disgrace. But when
the heart is bent on evil, the head is weak,
indeed, that can not devise the means for
its accomplishment.
Unconscious Of the lapse of time, the
Captain stood upon the same spot for many
minutes, rumineting schemes of deadly
vengeance, and was at length aroused by
the voice of Bell Brown, exclaiming-
"Why, Captain, you herel promised
to meet Ida at this place and join her in a
walk have you seen her?"
"Yes, have seen her." Was his curt
reply, as he struggled to compose his
features and collect his thoughts.
"Ah, / see how it is, Captain" she said,
with ap arch smile, II am one too many
here, and interrupt contemplated-per-
haps appointed tete-a-tete; is it not SO p
Say yes, and I'm off"
"No, Bell; there was no such appoint
ment. Our meeting was accidental, and
accident, alone, can ever bring about an
other. You know but little of my charac-
ter, if you think I covet the society of a
heartless firt" at.. eaE
"You astonish me, Captain Fritz Ida
a flirtl No, no, that can not be-she is
the very soul Of truth and candor. Some
thing unpleasant has occurred between
you and you speak the language Of
passion"
"That is, no doubt, your opinion )" said
he; "but some characters are not fathomed
without many soundings. Doubtless, you
believe the current report, that Ida has
discarded Maj. Dader -
Bell WINGED under this remark, and the
Captain, who had long since OWNED her
secret, watched closely, to see its effect
upon her. After moments hesitation,
she replied:
Certainly, I believe it, and have her
own word for il"
perhaps you have never loved, Bell
yet you must know, by intuition, if not
experience, what love is. Now, tell me,
is it natural-is it reasonable, that the
Major, after definite rejection of his suit
could be the same devoted and cheerful
suiter that his every action proves him
still to bep Or could Ida, if not Airt,
or engaged, so openly encourage him p
They ride together almost daily he is her
constant--almost her sole companion; and
yet you believe that she has discarded him,
and is not Airt."
"But, Captain why should she tell me
an untruth about it?" fsf ...
\ "That is question for you to decide y
he answered, with a sneer, as he saw the
poison working its effect upon the rather
feeble mental constitution of his unsus-
pecting dupo. "But let me not prejudice
you against her. Unfortunately, reason
will assert its sway, and force the truth
upon US on occasions when delusion would
be a blessing; and gladly would 1 be
credulous on this point, did the facts per-
NIT it. ......
eve should be cautious, sir, in forming
harsh judgments; and though not pre-.
pared to say that you reason falsely, l can
not adopt your opinion without further
investigation. Now, you must admit thai
there has been very sudden revolution
in your feelings towards Ida, and for that
change, there must be cause. Has she
not discarded you, too2"
"That she could not we'll do, before ]
proposed" He answered, with toss Of
the head intended to simulate offended
dignity. "It is true, l admired her once
that l do not now, is for the reasons al
ready assigned. never courted her, and
never will--of that you may rest assured.
"still, Captain, in spite Of your reasons
can not believe that she is firt, and dc
believe that she has discarded the Major
And may it not be possible that her hear
has been won by another, and that she ha'
conhded that secret to Maj, Dade, anC
hence their continued intimacy2"
"Another | Who, besides the Majol
and myself, could be so highly honOred
There is no other in the fort"
"Beg your pardon, sir; there is on