Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1858-12-16
popular Gales,
From Godey's Lady's Book for OctoberI
NELLIE'S DIARY.
BY BIRDIE RAE.
CONTINUED
BY BIRDIE RAE.

stiffness on all things; even the far-off noise
fiom the great city is hushed, and there i.
perfect repose.Y cannot sleep; there i;
fever of excitement upon me, wild rest
lessness, that the quiet stars, ss they lool
down upon me with their holy eyes. canno
soothe. Is it happiness! Partly; for the
fond pressure that Mr.. Morton gave m,
hand at parting is still lingering; the low
whispered words are still thrilling my ear
sc od-night, little Nell; angels watch you
slumbers; and may your creams be efheaver
an happiness!'
MIR. Mortcn is the very embodiment OF my
girlish ideal. never thought to find him
and surely am not to be blamed for loving
him if have found him.
We were at the opera tonight Thanks
to Mrs. Mason, succeeded in getting Mr..
Morton next to me, much to mammals
chagrin, and Charles discontinue. Mrs
Mason said looked beautiful in my white
op ra cloak, trimmed with swan'-down. and
with scarlet flowers in my dark hair Nam.
ma said / was vain; while Che rIie looked
excessively gloomy and dsagreeable, and
said his opinion was not worth giving.
suppose Charlie Temple thinks | oug hit
to lei our engagement be made public, ard
allow him to stick, Ike a leech, TO MT Oh,
he is entirely mistaken. | declare, it makes
me mad TO think Of. But Mr. Morton
on, how | blushed at what be said He
spoke very low, so that mamma, who was
listening with all her ears, could not hear.
"Miss Nellie" he said, 81 do not intend
telling you that you are beautiful, or, in
deed, passing any of those Arabian Nights
compliments; bit love to look upon you
Now, if Mr.. Morton had passed direct
compliment, | conId have answered bim
saucily; tut as he did, only blushed and
changed the conversation. However, | know
thai the opera glasses were ievelled at our
box until 1 was thankful they were not
guns. Mamma says people were attracted
by the desperate Irritation Mrs. Ma. on was
carrying on with the Hon. Humbug. ! sup
pose she is right, but know that mamma
hIrted the most of the two.
Well, of course was charmed. Every
one was. said Mdme. Rzziloni as sdi-
yine;" Arbioli's voice was exquisite" and
went into rhapsodies over duet they
sung. But know one thing; was think
ing a great deal more of MIR. Morton than
Of the opera, and heard the slightest whisp-
sf OF his voice above the most approved
screech of Rizzilohi.
In coming home, Mrs. Mason contrived
to ''hook" Mr.. Humbug, while Charlie was
to escort mamma; consequently. both were
very much out of humor.
Mrs. Mason has just left me- She came
into my room an hour ago, IN her loose
wrapper, and, throwing herself upon
lounge, began to talk.
well. Nell," ">were her first words, ''you
have completely entrapped Mr.. Morton; but
Mr.. Temple, poor fellow, what does he sayl"
"Pshaw" answered, she has no right
to say anything. You know, Mrs. Mason,
have not the most distant idea of ever
marrying him. Charlie is handsome, but Mr..
Morton is grand"
"And besides, my DEAR" she interrupted,
"you love Mr.. Morton, and you do not care
fer Mr.. Temple"
"Oh, TO, no." answered, my face turn
ing scarlet, "not that; | would never care
for man who did not love me; but, Mrs.
Mason," l said, hastily, ii thought you said
there was no such thing as love ="
"Nei'her is there. my dear Child" she re-
piled; "but youth always has warm spot
about the region of the heart; but it will
soon grow cold, Nellie, cold As ice"
Then said | "if any one were to care
for me, you would not have me return the
feeling!"
"You do not unde rstanl me, Nell," she
answered. 81 say, in marriage, do not
marry for love; marry well; look to your in
terests, child, and take love on trust; you
will have children grow up around you; you
can place your afft ctions on them. Yes,
Nell, look 20 your interests. Mr.. Morton is
talented, great fayorile in society, and
you, with your beauty and wealth together,
might lead the ton. Now, Mr.. Temp e"
BAH" exclaimed, interruptirg her.
"Charlie Temple will never be anything but
a common lawyer; he is not talented, like
Mr.. Norton"
THAT is my advice, my dear; keep Mr..
Temple SO long as he is convenient, and
when he gets troublesome, turn him off;
marry Mr.. Morton, and if you fall in love
with his friend, what is the harml"
This sentiment was rather too Frenchi-
fled to suit my taste, and did not answer.
"Nellie." at length said Mrs. Mason, "hcw
would you like the Hon. IIoratio Humbug
for paternal relative"
"Oh, horrors!" | exclaimed, starting up,
'it is positively dreadful to think of; but
why do you ask! Mrs. Mason," continued,
catching her hands, "there is no prospect
of such thing, is there, Mamma has not
recovered yet from MIR. Mortoh's desertion
of her -
"The very thing" replied she; "your
mamma Of course wi,nls 10 spite MIR. Nor
ton, and Mr.. Humbug is handsome, aud has
honorable to his name, and she will n1t re-
fuse him. know"
"Oh, Mrs. Masonr' cried. in despair,
"what shall do"
"Nellie," she answered solemnly, 81 have
great affection for you; never thought to
love human being again, but, Nell" and
she put her arms round me. and tears stood
in her eyes, Il once had daughter like
YOU, aud for her sake | love you, end |
| would serve your interests, even though
they be against your mother, for she once
did me grievous wrong; but of that will
not speak it is forgiven, almost iorgotton."
"What is it," said hurriedy; "you must
| toll me I want to know -