Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-11-25

o them, and shot, like bird, smooth
= by. Mr.. Cushman grasped his com.
,anion's hand tightly, and glanced en-
luiringly into his face. 81 81
lis that Lacy 70 be asked, hastily.
eyes, SIR" was the quietly spoken
answer. ~
"The d-e-v-i-l!" he exclaimed an |
yrily. Then, suddenly realizing the |
word that had slipped unconsciously |
from his lips, he added, excuse me,
Cyrus. | don't speak so very often, |
but somehow I'm unusually full to- |
night. The rascal!'
In less than half an hour after, both
parties, Mr.. Cushman and Cyrus, and
Charles Lacy and Sarah, we're, we'll
seated in the Lyceum hall, the former,
Immediately in front Of the latter. To
Sarah it was disagreeable neighbor-
hood, but her comp anion had chosen it,
and she could not we'll do otherwise
than seat herself as quietly as possible
in the assigned place, hoping earnestly.
than they would not learn Of her near
ness to them. There was strange
commotion going on within her, as she
sat there listening to the frivolous re-
marks Of her companion, and watching
eagerly the thoughtful face of Cyrus
Like many . woman, for time she did
not know her own heart, SO completely
was she dazzled by the new light which
famed and dazzled before her. Never
had she seen anything like it before.
Never before had the poisonous tongue
of Aattery whispered in her ear, or
poured its intoxicating sweets into her
unsophisticated heart. She had al
ways been fed upon plain, wholesome,
every day truths, and now that a deli
cious fruitage melted upon her lips, she
forgot for q little time what had so long
sustained her, and prayed to taste for
ever the enchanting sweetness. Before
her wondering eyes new life appeared
"a life of ease, elegance and luxury
One word from her and she would be
installed mistress over the palatial home
of Charles Lacy, in o PARKWAY city.
Yet she hesitated before letting that
ore word fall from her lips. Her &C.
quaintance with the young man was but
Of few weeks length, while she had
known Cyrus Roberts for years. Per
haps, as she stood charmed and blind
ed almost by the glitter and tinsel Of
this new affection, there winged itself
through her girlish heart thought Of
the terrible punishment that ever pres
ses down upon an unloving, unsancti6ed
marriage, for she turned to look in
the face once more, the love that had
blessed her for 50 many years, But
certain it was, when Charles Lacy urg-
ed her to become his wife on their way
to the lecture room, she told him he
must first get the full consent Of her
father. AS she reflected upon this be-
fore the commencement of the lecture,
her face wearing an expression of in
tense sadness, her companion, DESTROYS
of entertaining her pleasantly, com
menced lively criticism, more comic
than gentlemanly, upon the appearance
of those seated near them
"Look, Miss Cushman admire the
new style Of coats now extant!" he said,
noddlng gracefully towards her father.
"By JoYe, that collar is enough to
turn the head of q dealer in velvet, .
he continued, drawing his white deli
cate hand along the edge Of it.
"Hush MIR. Lacy-that is-don't,
he will hear you p whispered Sarah,
confussdly.
"Don't be afraid, dear I'll warrant
the old curmudgeon is as deaf as a
tombstone. But lean this way-don't
lose sight at any portion Of that collar.
One can afford to be blind for life for
the sake Of one glance at it. Shan't
l try and strike up bargain with the
old fellow? He carries stock enough
about his neck to carpet good sized
drawing room. Perhaps he could be
tempted to part with it for a fair re-
muneration. Shall / try him 20
"No, no, MIR. Lacy" whispered Sa-
rah, earnestly taking him by the hand.
"You will anger him -
"Nonsense! Such old dodgers are
always good natured. They hardly
ever have spirit enough to resent a
downright insult. Besides, what if I
do start his spirit little, who cares
for the respectable old grandsire %
81 warn you to be cautious" plead
ed Sarah. "He's listening to you now.
He is"
"Don't let fear trouble you, Miss
Cushman, and let me have little fun
at the old gents expense. Iguess I'll
try and make his acquaintance. That
will be rich"
"Don't, Mr.. Lacy - The words
came family from Sarah's lips, and
smile, somewhat scornful, settled upon
her pretty face.
"Only little innocent amusement,
Miss Cushman," he pleaded, bending
down until his mustached lip almost
pressed against the crimson ST her
cheek. 81 want to learn about his
coat collar before Pm day older" And
leaning forward, he laid his hand on
the old gentleman's shoulder.
"What's wanting, sir 2" asked Mr..
Cushman, abruptly, turning squarsly
about in his seat.
"Your countenance is strangely fa-
miliar, sir" commenced Lacy, in a
bland, insinuating tone, while Sarah
shaded her face with her hand. ssand /