Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1859-02-25
JULIA MERTON, OR THE CO.
QUETTE PUNISHED.

J
Merton one winters day.
81 did," replied Julia, "but Charles,
was unfortunately engaged" :"
"That was unfortunate, indeed" said
Charles, sOrrowfully; but why did you not
send me an answer to that note ?"
"Well, really, forgot in season to send
it by Ann when she went to school, and
you know that is the only way have to
send to you; but l will not forget it
again"
This conversation occurred between
Charles Graham and cousin Julia Merton.
Charles Graham was about twenty years
of age, a smart, active young man, and
Yankee withal. Being born in our happy
New England, and also of poor parentage,
he inherited much of that quality which
constituted a true Yankee. Charles knew
that all he could possess in this world he
must get by his own industry. and, like a
man Of true spirit, he began to buffet the
billows which rose against him, and al
ready had gone above the water. He had
the advantage of an excellent school,
which he had attended for twelve winters
constantly, and at the time of our nara
tive, no scholar could 60 before him in
the clementry branches of learning But
a cloud passed over his prospects, and
threatened to engulf him in an awful
catastrophe.
Charles Graham fell in love. Being
from infancy constant companion of
julia Merton, he had unconsciously fallen
into the mire, and ere he was aware, he
sunk almost beyond the reach of hope.
Julia Merton was bright-eyed, rosy
checked girl Of eighteen, and just what
some folks call coquette.
You may smile dear reader, to think of
school girl being coquettc, but it is so.
L have attended school great many
winters myself, and such mincing, such
partiality, such scorning young men, and
shyness for others, never saw in any
place. But to return to my story.
say Julia Merton was a coquette-
Yes, she was called so, and must have
been, of course. Formed by nature with
a pretty face and rosy cheeks, together
with lively and agreeable disposition,
she made sad havoc with the hearts of the
young men of her acquaintance 1t was
just such girl that Graham fell in love
with, and it was reported in -tle-village
''that if Charles Graham could not win
Julia Merton, nobody could" But alas
no one can foresee future events.
Charles had been partial to Julia about
year, and it was on the eve of grand
ball in the village, that he sent her billet
to attend her there; but Julia, seized with
a fit of coquettishness, did not even deigr
to answer it. 1t was on this occasion tha
the above conversation took place.
Charles returned home that afternoon
with some light misgivings of heart, bu
they were soon banished. That evening
he waited upon his sister at the ball.
Julia was there, and was the merries
of the party, A gentcel young stranger
was her partner, which gave Graham nC
/ slight uneasiness. A proud smile of seorr
was upon her brow, as she now and ther
glanced at poor Charles. He returned
home that evening, sadder, if not a wise
man, only determining that lie woulC
make but one more effort for Julia's hand
and, if unsuccessful, he would think NJ
more about her, "she is too proud fo
} Charles Graham, ever to become his WIFE
1t was at the close of the school one dal
of the same winter, that one of the scholar
handed Julia Merton note. She openet
and read-"Charles Grahams compli
ments to Miss Julia Merton, and request
the favor of attending her to the sleigl
ride on Thursday eve"
"Well, l shan't go" said Julia.
"Why not?" replied her sister Ann
f "You know that Charles is as likely
. young man as there is in the village"
"Well, l don't care if be is; shan
! 60"
5 81 suppose you will answer his billie
then?"
e 81 shall do as please about that" re
piled Julia, angrily
Q The sloigh ride came and passed, bu
: Charles did not carry Julia Merton, an
e again he was seen vending his way to he
J fathers. He found Julia alone, and sit
. ting down by her side, in sad tone h
. said.
5 "Julia, have come to bid you fare
n ,pall tomorrow | leoya the VILLAGE