The Van Buren press., 1859-12-30
s1(gliseellallp.
Romance of Love.
The Two Flirts.

so Laura, you think your cousin George
Is irresistible p
Indeed do replied Laura = and Fan
ny, in spite of your boasted impenetrabili-
| ty, L fear that Cupid will send an arrow
from Georges black eyes straight through
your heart. His reputation as hirt is as
great as your own, and his conquests are
innumerable. He boasts, however, that his
heart is untouched. The bell l must 60
7 Finish your toilet soon, Fan, and Join Inc
in the drawing ROOM
| Fanny turned to the glass to arrange
some flowers in her hair, murmurins,
Perhaps his heart will not remain always
untouched. Cousin Laura seems to fancy
that shall rank among his unloved vie
Tins. l am much hattered by the implied
compliment" and scornful smile played
around the small mouth.
Fanny was tall and graceful with SYM
mctrieal figure, and profusion of dark,
chestnut hair, whose rich cuIls shaded a
face of rare beauty. The perfect features,
white, even teeth, and glorious dark eyes,
with a clear complexion and bright color,
were each and all enhanced by exquisite
taste in dress. and many accomplishments.
The dress she now wore of black lace, was
cut SO as to display the snowy neck and
arms, while a bracelet and necklace of
pearls were her only jewels. A wreath Of
brilliant scarlet cypress and geranium was
mingled with her curls, making a most
dazzling tiara.
We will follow Laura down stairs
Stretched lazily upon sofa. she found a
gentleman of some twenty-six or seven
years of age. handsome as an Apollo, and
at present fast asleep. Her exclamation of
George - awoke him and he started to
his feet,
My fair cousin said he, kissing her
cheek, have come. you see. according to
promise, but heard you were dressing and
waited here for you. Where can l Ado
Mise lefore your guests arrive? Your fa-
ther kindly insisted upon a visit of month
so have brought my baggage. You write
| that Miss Fanny Gardner is to be here
Has she arrived 90
1.-TWO days ago. She is lovcler than
ever. Do you know hel %
No, but her propensity for breaking
hearts has made her the subject of many a
conversation, so have heard of her. Can
didly, Laura, is she SO very beautiful ?"
She is the most beautiful woman ever
saw. plays on the harp and piano to per-
fection, sings like an angel, ambush
she is coming. Take care of your heart,
George, she is dangerous. Come this way
and l will introduce you by and bye.''
Fanny entered the parlor by one door
and the cousins left it by another. She
looked after them, and her thoughts ran
something in this wise: ' Hem Dusty
coat, heavy boots and no doubt dirty face.
a traveller. Tall, finely formed, and what
an erect. manly carriage! l like to see a
man walk as if..ho spurned the very ground
So the exquisite made his escape to add the
charms of an elaborate toilet to his hand
some face before he attacks my heart, and
reduces me to the necessity of wearing the
willow for him.
Laura returned just in time to greet the
first of her guests for the evening. 1t was
her birthday, and large circle of friends
and neighbOrs had assembled to do her
homage. The house stood in the midst of
its own park-like grounds, and had been
built by her father, whose place of bust
ness was in neighboring town. She was
his only child. and since the death of her
mother his housekeeper and companion, and
no expense or pains were spared to make
her life u happy one.
Fanny Gardiner was standing in the con-
servatory, surrounded by q group of gen
tlemen. when Laura asked her to play for
them on the harp. Two of the gentlemen
went to get the instrument while
Fanny selected seat surrounded by green
leaves and flowers. She made the centre
of very pretty tableau, as she sat there,
with the bright light striking upon her, and
the delicate hanging flowers falling in pro-
fusion around her. George came to the
door of the conservatory just as the harp
was placed before her.
Z" She understands the study of effect"
he thought, " and really Laura has not ex-
aggerated her charms. She is beautiful"
The first notes of her clear, rich voice
held him spell bound. They were low but
very sweet and pure as the song proceed
ed they rose full aud strong, till the air
seemed flooded with melody. The small,
white hands drew notes of great power
from the harp. but that young, fresh voice
rose high above them. Fanny sang as she
did nothing else, with her whole heart
Once interested in the music, she forgot all
her coquettish ways, and reveled in melo-
dy. The last notes were still quivering on