The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1859-07-21


their home once, you know, if his brother
willcd it to him.
so, So" said Robert Southey. And
his fine eyes roved again to the portrait.
The noble face seemed lighted up with a
trusting smile, as he gazed, and vet, 1t
was but child's face--a child of only
seven years
" How old is that cousin by this timer"
he asked carelessly.
0, about my age. I assure you she
is very plain looking girl. The painter
idealized that face"
Eugene Bartlett was both vain and
heartless, aud had not even wit enough
to conceal either defect. She had fan
cicd that she loved, more than once, but
never till the poet face Of Robert Southey
met her vision, had she IN reality known
the true meaning of the much used, much
abused word. She fancied that her beau
ty was irresistible-it was to some men
but not to him. He liked to call there
because ne often met Mr., Bartlett, who
was a liberal patron of the arts. a good
scholar and an interesting conversations
aIist, but for the handsome daughter he
had nothing more than friendship
scarcely that
She however, fancied that he was in
terested in her--nay, that he was despe-
ratoly enamored of her charms and did
not dream that he sought for heart, not
beauty, mind, nor wealth.
How long did they occupy here?"
asked he.
so, till she was seven--in fact that
picture was taken the year my uncle died.
There was a great time about the will,
and when she found it was really in IA
vor Of my father, the widow left the
house and went out West, where she has
resided until within a few years. When
they came back father offered them a
home, but they refused. To tell the
truth, was not sorry, for [ thought my
cousin was a gawky. How could it be
otherwise ?-no boarding-school privi-
legcs. I suppose her mother must have
been her teacher, but dear me, she cant
know much"
Robert Southey glanced at the speak
er with a look she would not have relish
ed, had she noticed it. Fortunately her
eyes were cast down.
Do let us change the subject" said
Eugene with little start of impatience
" What did you think of Guardaline last
night ? Wasn't he superb positive
ly adored him-for the time, | mean
Robert Southey seemed quite lndilfer-
ent whether she adored him for the time
or for all time, and replied to her arch look
with quiet almost contomptuous smile.
"The Barber Of Seville is [ think
the most charming Of operas,' continued
Eugene" don't you?"
"On the contrary, I dislike it the most" ?"
replied Robert Southey.
40, is 1t possible? Why, everybody
goes in rapturcs over it, u" replied Eugene
q don't agree with everybody then" !"
he said quietly. "I have but little sym
pathy with everybody"
She looked as il she did not know how
to take this declaration, and it annoyed
her to see his eyes again wandering to the
portrait.
"Tll take it down and burn it," she
augrily calculated to herself
After few more common-placcs, Rob
ert Southey took his leave.
He walked about until it was quite twi-
light, aud then remembered an errand in
another part Of the city, he rctraced his
steps. Was it his guardian angel that
| prompted him?
He had nearly reached the place towards
which his steps were bent, when he felt
light touch on his arm. He looked
down. There was the face Of the portrait,
only more nature-much sweetcr in ex-
preston. His heart beat as it had never
beat before
May ask your protection ?" said a
sweet voice" some one has followed me
and spoken to me more than once, and
L" the lip trcmbled, the eloquent eyes
swan in tears.
Certainly [ will protect you" said
Robert, drawing her hand within his arm
-"and as to that scoundrel over there,
/ know him-he should be chastised as
he deserves. He will be before long if he
is not careful"
The man met his eye and skulked along
a back street. 1t was Morely, the keeper
of the slop-shop.
q should not have been out alone at
such an hour, but my mother needed medi.
cine," she said, as they walked along.
The fair girl trembled excessively.
They moved rapidly away, till they came
to the miserable building where lived An
ME and her mother. Annies cheek burn
ed as the young man assembled the steps
and opened the door for her. There were
loud and disagrceable sounds up stairs,
the entry was dark, and poor Annie stood