The Van Buren press., 1859-12-30


ment from her At that moment her eve
give one quick bound. it was full of admi-
ration. and she felt a thrill Of triumph.
d" Fanny, allow me to introduce nv cons.
in George, Mr.. lewis. Miss Gardiner"
said laura The others q the group drew
back. both parties We're known in that
circle as consulate fiiris. and they were left
to entertain each other.
"Miss Gardiner, " said George bowing
low, "my heart has not tlriilod for Years
as it has tonight, to thu glorious musit
you have favored us With
90 oing TO begin with battery" thought
Fanny. 'He shall be paid in his own
coin "
"Such an attentive listAcr as you are"
said she, is an inspiration 10 any performer.
But wiil not take too II, ich credit to taY-
SELF Who could not Stag, and who not
listen III sach a scene us ESP The dow
ers, the fountain. the lov.. 4ls.s ~ riale
it place for music r. I. 1t seems to-
night like vision Of The isify land"
And the queen of that bright realm is
not wanting said George, with q meaning
glance, "Oh nay fayofite dance DO
not say you are engaged, Miss Gardiner,
unless You would see me rash upon your
unfortunate partner and annihilate hiru."
Fanny replied by placing her arm within
his, and ia anothcr moment they had Joined
the dancers Laura smiic', rs she watched
them, and rs then eyes net once or twice in
decidedly dangerous iaanner, she uodcd
her hcad - il veiy well pleased.
"W onGor how last nIg'u's belle will look
by dayl ght," thought George, as he came
down 70 ia kfast these brilliant beau
ties arr generally faded Ia the morning"
Fanny was in the breakfast room His
uncle was seated IN the sofa, with Fanny
Oh low stool at mis- feet The whits tl0w
ing morning dress, snd nose, floating cur,s
We're fully as fascinating rs more clabofat tc
costume, and he tinny ia.d. in is setting
of soft lace, VS. rs fan rs when diamonds
adorned it,
$50, Miss Gaminc-, said George, "you
have granted Laura's prayer, and will stay
here some weeks. Why did you keep her
in suspense so long ?"
81 was waiting to hear from Harry"
said Fanny. He spoke of coming home
this summer, and wished to be at home if
he came. Yesterday my letters said he would
not return for some time, SO l can stay
here'
George felt savagcly jealous of this un-
known Harry. He did not love Miss Gar
dincr-not he, indeed but he had no OBJ
jections to her falling in love with him.
After breakfast was over, Laura, her
cousin, and her friend went into the music
room. Fanny soon found that Georges
voice and musical talent were not one whit
inferior to her own and Laura stole away
90 on honse-heh cares issert," leaving the
two in the middle Of a duet. One after an
other was tried. Their voices harmonizcd
perfectly, and the store of music was mex
haustiblc. With discussion on the merits
of various operas, trying over favorite airs,
sometimes with the opera before them, sing
ing whole scenes from it, time flew by, and
the luncheon bell found them still at the
piano. Laura affected profoud surprise when
she opened the door and saw Fanny play
ing brilliant accompaniment, and George
leaning over her joining his rich tenor voice
to her pure soprano.
"Why. you must have sung yourselves
hoarse," she said gaily. "Have you been
here all the morning."
Fanny blushed guilty, and then, stealing
a glance from under her long, dark lashes,
said, Mornings are fearfully long in the
country, are they not. Mr.. Lewis Laura,
where have you been 90
George bit his lips, He fancied he had
been particularly fascinating, and having
found her so. he had though the time very
short. But in revenge he said:
g Is luncheon ready. Laura? Singing
makes one SO hungry -
The tables were turned with vengeance.
and Fanny took his offered arm to go to
luncheon.
A few days later George and Fanny
were walking in the forest by the side of
pretty little spring. Fanny, lovely in a
dark-blue riding habit, with a most fasci-
mating straw hat and white feathers. and
George, manly and handsome in his volun-
teer suit of rifle green.
why, said Fanny, looking round,
"where are the others? am very tired
and she sunk down in a graceful attitude
upon low seat, which some benevolent
person had placed near the spring. epic
mics are dreadful bore, are they not, Mr..
Lewis
+" Shocking" said Inc, lazily seating him.
self at her feet. "Miss Gardiner, shall I
give you some water Here is leaf for a
drinking cup. How exquisitively rural"
Do you like the rural 90 said Fanny
taking the leaf of water. "Country plea
sures, l mean, and fine scenery. Climbing
high hill, scratching your hands with briars.
and burning your complexion to tint like
old mahogany, to see fine prospects ? Now
if anybody wished to annoy me, they have
only to propose walk to see fine view.
admire what comes before nae, but seeking
them" and she finished the speech with a
shudder.
George raised his eyes languidly, saving.
Il dctest simple pleasure and natural
1t is delightfully."- cool, here,
after our long walk, Miss Gardiner"
Yes" and the yeung girl took off her
hat to enjoy the air; as she did so. she
loosened the comb which confined her curls
and the whole mass fell round her in a pro-
fusion of ringlets. George took this as a
matter of course, and taking one of the
curls between his fingers, examined its col
or and texture with an artists eve.
See, said he, how it curls around nv
finger; just so can your chains bind and
conhne your victims heart 1t is remorse