Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1858-07-02

the salutation with a slight inclination Of
the head--both embarrassed by their posi-
ton, as strangers, yet so circumstanced as
to be bound, in courtesy, thus to acknow
ledge a previous meeting Not having
been introduced, Mr. Lee could not venture
upon conversation with Helen, and not
caring to talk to any one else, he minced
his toast and slipped his tea in a silence
that deepened into a profound reverie, in
which he soon became as completely lost
and isolated, as if alone on the desert of
Sahara.
Mr.. Berne, who thought that conversa-
ton was promotive of digestion, made two
attempts upon Mr. Lee, but signally failed
to do more than direct the attention of the
company to the unconscious object from
whom his twice repeated question had
elected no answer. But, not yet dis
couraged, Mr.. Berne resolved to try again
and when the third attempt had aroused
him from his reverie, Mr.. Lee was greatly
confused, ON finding that all eyes were
upon him, and every face wore smile.
"Upon my word, SIR" said Mr.. Berne,
if were of suspicious temper, 1 should
be highly indignant at the contempt with
which you have treated me. Three times
have 1 addressed you without attracting
the slightest notice. But / suppose 1
must excuse you, since it is natural with
some men to prefer building castles in the
air to mingling in the tame affairs of every
day life."
ri beg pardon" said Mr.. Lee, ''for an
inattention which, I am sure, you will not
construe into intentional neglect. These
fits of abstraction will sometimes seize me,
and it requires an effort to shake them off.
But am all attention now, sir, and shall
be pleased to hear what you have to say"
"What said to you, sir, is matter of
no great consequence. / merely asked
whether we should go on to the White
Sulpher, or spend tonight at the Hot
Springs I"
cit is not material to me, Mr.. Berne,
whether we reach the White Sulphur to-
day. or week hence, and shall leave the
decision of the question to those whose
wishes should be consulted before mine" ("
And he glanced at Helen.
"Then we will have consultation after
breakfast" Said Mr. Berne, who was re-
minded that Helen should answer the
question which had been submitted to Lee
The delicate manner in which the hint was
conveyed, pleased the daughter, whilst it
gave no offence to the father.
The consultation was held, and it was
decided that they should proceed to the
White Sulphur without unnecessary delay.
This point settled, Mr.. Berne, with evident
difidence, thus addressed Helen.
"You know, my child, that / am an old
fashioned man, ignorant of the etiquette
and conventionalities of fashionable soci-
ETY. at this day; you know, too, that when
! travel, l like to have companion that
will converse with me, to make the time
pass off agreeably, and that since we left
home, yes and no are the only words /
have been able to extrac tfrom you. Now, to
remedy this inconvenience, | would like,
if you have no objection, to offer Mr.. Lee
seat in our carriage"
"Why, father" she exclaimed, "Mr. Lee
is an entire stranger to me- have moi
even been introduced to him; and you
know the proneness of the world to extract
evil from things in themselves harmless
We women, therefore, can not be too eau.
tious in our intercourse with your sex"
at is true, child, you have not been in,
troduced to him, but that can be done in
two minutes; and as to the opinions of the
world, that is all fudge we shall be miser.
able slaves if we undertake to square oul
conduct by standard so un-fxed and,
} may add, of so little value except to those
who have no other criterion of right ant
wrong"
"That is all true, so far as your sex il
J concerned, father; but public opinion
exerts despotic sway over mine; ant
: whatwouldbe only proof ofindependenc'
in you, would be treason in me, From
this tribunal, too, there is no appeal-w'
! must either be outlaws, or obedient slave
of a power we can not successfully re
Q sist."
81 am the last person, in the world, m.
5 child, who would counsel you to throw Of
= any of the wholesome restraints of publ
e sentiment. hut when We know that our mo