Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1859-04-15

we VIII use, 1t together, 1T is large
enough fer both and if you refuse shall
feel intrusive even if you deny that I am
Walter seated himself beside Alice Cecil
beautiful and animated young lady, on
the opposite side of the table and Lily soon
forgot that she had bad any other compan
ion than the minister though, judging
from the stolen glances in that dire.tion,
Walter was not equally oblivious. Parson
Barker was talented and well educated
man, with fine conversational powers, and
when he chose could make himself very
interesting. Several young ladies, mem
bers of his church, who had Joined since
the demise of Mrs. Barker, and more than
one gay widow, would have been willing to
console the parson for his loss at the hy-
meneal altar, but his humility or indiffer-
ence blinded him to the fact and buried
him amid the dusty tones ofhis library
"Come gentlemen get your partners and
let us explore this fairy haunt, there is
tradition that Puck retired to this place
after Shakspeares demise. Miss Alice will
you accept of my escort for the stroll. Mr..
Mayhue viii of course follow with Miss
Aylmer." !"
"Why, 'of course Mr.. Acton?" asked
Alice Cecil, slightly piqued. ~
"Why2 Because he is her cavalier SER
uante and to refuse him she must be more
or less than woman"
81 am under infinite obligations to Mr.
Acton for his high appreciation of my hum
BILE attractions" replied Walter sarcastical-
ly "and can only exhibit my gratitude to
the gentleman by resigning Miss Cecil to
his guardianship"
"Here, Miss Lily, is a bunch of hearts
ease" said little Harry Hartwell almost
out of breath an painting ike chased deer
81 was so afraid l should not catch up
with you. Won't they be fine specimens
for your class? Minnie Barker and
gathered them away up yonder on the top
of that cliff" o.
"Botany seems to have created quite an
excitement amongst your pupils, Miss Ayl-
mer. My little Harry talks of specimens,
her bariums, classes and orders as if he un-
derstood the science. He is very careful
hot to swim out into deep water where he
might lose himself his caution mi ght pro-
itably be initiated by older heads in some
Instances"
"Oh yes, pa, Miss Lily teaches us all
something about Botany although, she says
we cannot understand all that she tells us,
it will make us wish to know MORE" inter
rupted Harry.
"Your son is right, Mr.. Hartwell, try
to teach them the love of nature if nothing
more. Many thanks, Harry; for your pret-
ty gift, which is as acceptable as beautiful Z"
81 did not think Miss Lily needed hearts
ease" remarked Walter as he turned into
narrow path that wound up the rugged
side ofSugar Loaf.
can addition would be superfuous this
is but an outward symbol of that which l
ever bear within"
II wish then you would impart some of
it to me, need it sadly" ta'
"Would that posed the power" an
swered Lily with fervor of which she was
aware too late, then added, sand would
bestow it upon all who lacked"
"Here are some lovely flowers" said
Walter breaking off heavy cluster of
clematis bells, "Let me twine them in your
snnny curls, your snowdrops have wither-
ed.-There, they look like amethysts in a
golden setting"
"Oh what beautiful specimen of the
foxlove!" Lily sprang forward to obtain the
coveted treasure, serpent of unusual size
glided beneath the broad leaves at the foot
of the plant and entered crevice of the
rock. Walter caught her arm only in time
to snatch her from the danger into which
she would have rushed, Lily's cheek
blanched with terror as she watched spell
bound the retreating form of the venomous
reptile until the last rattle disappeared,
"Since you desired the flowers so much
as to risk yonr life for them they shall be
yours" and Walter seated her on jutting
rock while he gathered them, for Lily trem.
bled too violently to stand without sup
port.
ave had better return think, you are
scarcely able to pursue our walk, " said he
as he tied the flowers which had cost SO
much in her boquet. Although uttered as
a suggestion these words were in effect a
command, for he drew Lily's hand within
his arm as he spoke without waiting for a
reply, The image Of tho rock again float