The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-09-09

the truth must out, be was only looking for
that foolish little Clara.
One morning, as he was in conversation
with Miss Ware, dashng Southern belle,
turning over, meanwhile, the contents oi
her card basket, the handwriting on tiny
card attracted his attention. Miss Clara
Hcmplc,' he read aloud, Miss Ware, who
is that young lady ! turning quickly toward
the surprised beauty for the very peculiar
handwriting was that Of the long cherished
letter. is she one of your friends =
"Oh yes, We are quite intimatc' = care
lessly replied Miss Ware, though she was
secretly dcvoured with curiosity to know
the cause of the Senator's sudden animation
avery nice little person, pretty, accomplished
and all that sort Of thing-not at all of our
set. though. Her father was in the dry
goods business, and her grandfalher-wcll,
If she had any-he was shoemaker. It's
horrible {; but she's such an amiable little
thing keep mp the acqan'ancc.'
You have reception this week. said
the senator. abruptly. 'Do me the favor
to invite this young lady. I wish 10 see
her.
'Ah NJ, why do you ask an impossibility
She is sweet creature, but invite her here
with Mrs. G. and Miss D. and the rest. of
our exclusives rash man, you know not
what you ask! You need not look so vexcd
have the goodness to wait till can order
the carriage, and will take you there and
introduce you. Will not that do as
well !
Miss Ware, you are an angel
No; but confess TO being very curious
You shall know all sometime. but not
now
Come then. John drive to Mr.. Hem
pies handsome house, isn't it 2 rs they
stopped before an elegant brown-stone
mansion. The business was evidently
protitable-so mncll so that some of our
young lions have been obliging enough to
favor Clara and her sister with proposals,
which those Young ladies have not appre
cated. How are you, Josey ?-my friend
Mr.. H..
The senator gazing admiringly. Joscy
and exquisite little brunette, with peach
checks, scarlet lips, and soft, brown eyes;
he was d!sappointed-his ideal was tall and
fair.
where is Clara 2 asked Miss Ware.
Here! responded a merry voice-and
there stood his ideal, with its blue, haunting
eyes, its rosy Southern mouth, its snowy
cheek, just tinged with faint blush, with
sloping shoulders, arching neck, and queen
Iy air-all as he had dreamed.
As these. thoughts passed through his
brain with the rapidly of lightning, he
glanced up in time to witness the sudden
start, tie deep blush, the haIf.repressed
exclamation at that utterance Of his name
and assurance became doubly sure.
Eagarly he peruscd each lneamcnt, as
she sat silently listening to the conversation
Could it be that one 50. young and fair
could cherish such love =, for him 2 How
would his personal appearance affect her.
And taking advantage Of ulI in the con.
versatiop, begged her to favor him will,
some music. Evidently terribly alarmed
her playing was at first nervous and unequal.
But as the beauties Of. the theme gradually
developed, she seemed TO drink III inspir-
alton.
Her cheeks flushed, her rich lips parted,
a soft fire burned in her eyes, and then
flashed forth golden notes, elfn strains
choral harmonies, soft dying melodies.
Charming, diviner burst from the lips
Of her enraptnred auditor.
1t is not?' she said, simply. 'Wbcn
play that always fancy myself in rome
dim forest, and think hear the wind sig
hing amid ,tbe, pines. and The birds calling
from their green recesses.' ;
The, man of the world smiled at this
burst of enthusiasm. Music to him only
expressed. sweet sounds in its highest phase :;
as an inspiration, an exponent Of thought,
Of passion, of Nature itself It was to him
as an idle deam-a mystic folly; and
h's.sm'le soltened, as it was, by admiration
made the sensitive girl feel that she had
been talking absurdities. - -
Miss Heoiple,' said the senator, gently,
4. know not WHICH most to praise-your
admirable genius,or-, '..,,
pray, don't compliment mel do not
deserve praise- music for mesis a pleasure
q recreation, delight -'-',@., ~
:if;this lovely, artless ohild be not Clara =
sthought sbs senator, T care not to And
The next afternoon 6ssw.,ir again in:tbe
mansion Of M HeMpte. He had given
no name. but inquired !. simply for Clara,
xuho nm oha .o,s.n;..l L.. -. q