Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1858-10-01

yOuf PiSSeHCe3 all Inat ne IeelS LOT Whal
he terms my generous devotion to you
which is a modest way Of reminding me
that | need not expect no change in tn,
relations subsisting between us at the date
of our last private conference. His con
duct is eonsiderate, provided he believes
that l have hopes and expectations found
upon change of determination on his part !;
and / suppose it was to crush all such
hopes, that he SO firmly declined my
fathers pressing invitation to take up his
residence with us until the period arrives
for his return home. feel grateful for
the delicacy that dictated such line OF
conduct, but regret that he should believe
me SO weak as to require such precau.
ton"
Ann had INDUCED suspicion that her
brother was actuated by the considerations
which Helen mentioned, and was evident
ly embarrassed by that suspicion, whilst
she felt unwilling that Helen should know
she entertained it; and to hide her en-
barrassment, she asked:
"Are you sure, Helen, that your own
bearing towards him, has not influenced
his conduct?' -G sa
81 do notexactly understand your ques-
tion, Ann. Ny bearing has not been in
tentiOnally repulsive, but, at the same time
L have certainly avoided any and every
thing-in word, or manner-that he could
possibly construe into an advance. But
why do you ask the question p ~ ~ e
because he told me he thought he per-
ceiyed change in you--shat there was
less of feeling in your language, and less
of that warmth of expression in your
couhtenance, which used to make it so
sunny"
81 have my full share of human frailty,
Ann,-your brother would say an unusu-
al share-and it may be weakness that I
cannot wear a sunny smile when my heart
is sad-that my face can not glow with
warmth when the source is chilled by cold
distrust; but can not help it. The eye
the face, should be the index to the
heart, and such, ! trust, mine will ever
prove, and if your brother will read again
the pages Of my history to which that in
dex points, he will cease to be surprised
at the change he has detected. AS we'll
might he expect an undiminished supply
of light and heat when the face of the sun
is obscured by clouds, as that happiness
will wreathe the lips with smile, and
sparkle in the eye when the light of the
inner temple is shaded by sorrow"
Just then a servant handed Helen a
card, which she glanced at, and turning to
Ann with heightened color, said
"What shall l do? Mr.. Hart has arri-
yed and wishes to see me; my father and
Jane have gone to Waynesborough, and
if l go down, you will be left alone r
"Never mind me-" Ann replied. "Just
hand me that volume on the table, and
shall do well enough until you return. -
But, Helen, don't" And she stop
ped short, in much confusion.
"Don't what, Ann?" Helen asked, with
an arch smile.
"Nothing-I was going to be imperti-
nent, but reflected in time to check the
impulse"
Helen went downstairs, and, a short
time after, Ann heard her and Mr.. Hart
pass out into the garden, where there were
some beautiful walks amid flowers and
shrubbery, and she sighed as she reflected
what might be the result of an interview
the object of which she could not mis-
take. Mr.. Hart was man we'll calculated
to win favor with the fair Sex, and as Ann
had, several times, heard Helen speak Of
him in terms of high commendation, she
feared that he might so far have supplant-
ed her brother in Helen's affections as to
reconcile her to a marriage with him as
safe and prudent step, though not exactly
an affair of the heart Whilst she was
thus speculating upon possibilities, her
brother came in, saying
"You are all alone, Ann, and the house
deserted-how does this happen?"
"Mr. Berne and Jane" was the reply
shave gone to the village, aud Helen and
Mr.. Hart are tete-a-tete in the garden"
"Mr. HartW He exclaimed "Why,
when did he arrive2 And what can be his
businessP Have you heard Helen say
anything about expecting himP"
"No, not word; though she did not
seem to be surprised at the announcement
of his arrival"
"Then, il is as you suggested in your