The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-07-28


Her small graceful head had no covering
but its wealth of golden curls; her face
usually pale and pensive, was flushed and
brighted with pleasant excitement; and as
she moved onward with light, easy grace
he watched her with admiration till the
intervening trees hid her from view
Bringing his eyes then to "objects nearer
home," they fell on the little party under
the trees, who were now chatting on some
pleasant theme; and no tones were more
gay and modnlated than the Lewises, but
recalling the contemptuous allusion to
"that girl" he turned away, and-I am
ashamed to record against my hero an
act Of childish petulence-he flung far
from him the bright flowers he had gath
cred with 80 much care, as if they had
been to blame for the words still ranking
in his bosom. A short walk however,
served to dissipate his fit of anger, and
retracing his steps he was soon beside
Lillian Lewis, who was sitting in "sulen
solitude" That young lady, irritated at
his long absence, received him with cool
dignity; but his frank, pleasant smiles and
words restored her good humor, and they
were soon chatting as sociably and agree
ably as was their wonted custom
II observe there are some ladies here
with whom 1 am unacquainted," said the
gentleman, after a time. "Will you do
me the kindness of introducing me when
opportunity offers? In frolic of this kind
it is pleasant to be on speaking terms with
the whole company"
81 do not think that is always desira.
ble," said Lillian, drily "And believe
you are acquainted with all the ladies
here, save one."
"There are two walking beside the
stream; that tall lady you perceive"
That is Mrs Morton. She was one
of our gayest bellies. but since the death
of her husband, which occurred very
shortly after their marriage, she has lived
almost secluded from the world. will
introduce you to her with pleasure"
"Many thanks, lady fair. And to her
companion?"
Lllian's brow darlsened pardon me,
Mr.. Ramsey, l have no acquaintance with
cobbler's daughter. Perhaps Miss Og-
den will crafty you," she added, coldly,
as they met that young lady.
eff it be in my power" was her ready
response, and taking his offered arm, the
two stroled on, Lillian haughtily turning
away.
Introduce you? most willingly" said
Kate, as he explained the favor he desired
"You will be greatly pleased with Mrs
4 Morton, l know; she is Il very charming
woman. And Jessie Ward is very
charming girl--but I must not say yor
will be pleased with her, lest offend"
And Kate's merry blue eyes turned
mischievously upon him. .....
"Wherefore that fear?" was the laugh
ing query.
Like a genuine Yankee l shall an
swer your question by asking another
r Are your "tastes and proclivities" alto
, gether of an aristocratic stamp? If the,
are, you will be shocked to learn that TIL
, bewitching Jessie is the daughter Of
prepare yourself for an overwhelmin;
revelation--the daughter of the villag
shoemaker"
J Alfred Ramsey was much amused b.
, his companions mock solemnity, ant
c laughingly assured her he was not alto
D gether "overwhelmed" by her revelation.
''Ah! then you are not so immensel
: aristocratic as some of our Mapleto
grandees, who would think themselves dis
3 graced forever is they condescended t.
, notice the plebeian Jessie"
"Yourself and Mrs. Morton are no
> included in that class, presume?"
1"Oh, could never set up for an aris
: tocrat, / have not stateliness or dignit
enough for such a character; and Mrs
Morton is very independent in her way
!, and apt to do things which her fashiona
: BILE friends consider "shocking;" but sh
only laughs at their CONSERVATION. S
. that being very much attached to Jessi
Ward, she makes no secret of her par
tiality. Besides, tits sort of hereditar
> friendship, their mothers having bee
schoolmates and constant friends"
= At this moment they came in sight G
. Mrs. Morton and Jessie. The introduc
\ tions were given in due form, and 500
8 the four were chatting together as cosl
# and pleasantly as possible. Jessie at frs
p was rather shy and backward in takin
/ part in the conversation, but her timidit
A once banished, Alfred found that he
mental charms were quite in keeping wit
o her personal ones. Need I say that fc
o the remainder OF the day he devoted hin
r self to her and her generous patroness.
e "After all I was right in my notion
!. about Southerners," said Kate Ogdel
n towards the close of that lovely da,
n ''Mr Ramsey has fallen in love with Je:
It sic Ward at first sight, and I do beliey
n he will propose before they leave the grow
), How absorbed he seems in what she
saying! and that glance "speaks volumes,
" as the novels say. All, girls, none of |
q ever brought that expression to his eye
o just look"
Il "How absurd you are, Kate Ogden!
said Emily Lewis, angrily, shaking off Ii