The Yazoo Democrat., 1859-05-14

said she, in biting tones. "suit yourself, and
humbly Inquire if Cousin Hattie will not approve.
No, sir; l will release you from any cousinly
rang through the room. Hattie, you are R
strange compound. cannot exactly comprehend
you One moment ago, I thought you deeply
interested in my welfare, now it seems only to
crafty yourself; yet in what know not"
Pardon me, Ralph. Do as you like as most
assuredly YOU will, whether l sag so or not"
A few moments after found her in her roo-a.
"Why, Hattie, what is i"
She force d q smile-I could read its bitterness
then taking an image (Ralph's), she threw it
gu the floor and crushed it to atoms "With 1t
my heart is crushed There is nothing to live
for, now have tried to govern myself because
he taught me-have been good pupil because he
wished it. 1t is useless Bor Four years have
kept that image. Miss Eldon shu never gaze
lovingly on it,"
9 Hattie you love Ralph" said in amaze.
men.
"Is it so wonderful that love the good and
noble of earth %
Mr.. Lee and Miss Eldvn were engaged:-at
least, people said SO He washer constant attend
ant; yet. her manner more than his confirmed it.
At length one bright moonlight evening, be led
her from the gay company, and told in deep yet
gentle tones his love.
My father has destined me for the wife Of
millionaire. You are not. Your income is not
sufficiently great!" was her sole AMI souIless
response, save a smile (almost giggle) of salts
faction.
! Ralph did geve; it was the hearts first trial
and the wound was not less severe because given
with an inferior instrument. The gay Miss E!don
parted with her associates in B, without one
thought Of the bleeding heart left behind
Ralph attendant more closely to his studies
Evenings found him at his desk. In spite Of
fri nds' remonstrsnces it was the same. :" have
always been wayward child too late to learn
to obey Others" he smilingly said. Yet there
were moments otherwise employed. Many "a
family might have told Of his generosity how he
had sought them out and supplied their wants,
forbidding them to thank him, but exhorting
them to praise God for giving him the will and
the means.
Hattie was in the library one evening. cousin
Ralph, what do you think heard an i'll -natured
lady remark about you Just now?"
II cannot tell. Something very wicked % he
asked, smiling at her flashing eyes.
That you hao' either grown so proud you
could not associate with our to8nsmsn, or, you
were still grieving for Miss Eldon. Both are
false, are they not?"
Hattie did love Miss Edon once. consid-
er myself worse than foolish when | think of her.
But love her no longer. As for the first accu
sstion, it is too absurd to contradict. But, per-
haps, some of my other acquaintances may think
similarly. will attend this evening party. Are
you engaged? May act as your escort." This
rrouest was granted Gone thing more, Hattie, -
$ and he drew nearer "You once felt an interest
in Esy welfare-have you changed? My sappi-
ness is in your power. Hattie, love you"
A deep blush dyed the fair cheek-the bright
eyes filled with fears; then looking up, " Ralph
are you not afraid to trust me p
5 He smiled lovingly "You once told me l only
! could control you. l do not wish to exercise my
power, but will you n3t, for my sake try to bt
what YOU ought?"
! Last summer, as passed Hattie's home on the
shores of the Atlantic, its tempting shades snd
delightful sea breezes, to say nothing of the warn
invita- tons given, wooed nae for a time. Cousir
Ralph was the same handsome man as of old
Hattie was happy in the love he bestowed upof
her She was changed the Ere in her eyes in
days gone by missed, yet th3y were joyful
Ralph and were bending over large painting
upon which Hattie had spent many an hour, fo
she dearly loved the art. A servant passed by
brushing the picture from the easel. 1t wa
ruined She quietly said "It was careless il
you, but cannot be helped Ralph smiled at IN.
: look of surprise "Hattie Eubdued il long ago
5 Is she not perfect now ?" added he, with proud
" fond look eAnd it is all owing to your pa
titnce id bearing with me- dear Ralph" "..No
Ha tie Let us thank Higher Power" said he
gr.tefuly.
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