Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1860-01-25
THAT HoRBIU LITTLE FRIGHT.

o. lOIIlu llltle
Ihe nrst speaker was ine-looking young
of some three and-twenty wears. His
companion, Edward Grantley was about the
came age, tall and handsome, with rich clus-
teEing chestnut curls; large, speaking eyes, full
IL ire and intelligence; fine features and a
beautiful mouth. His figure was moulded in
the perfection Of manly symmetry
IOu never saw her, Alfred said he. lean
lnS over the table, and speaking earnestly
yoU never saw her; but went down. some
eight or nine years ago, to pay visit TO my
intended wife. Fancy to yourself tall, thin
child Of ten years old, yellow as orange,
With punched features, and a close. white cap,
put on to conceal the loss of her hair. which
was shaved off after fit Of illness. When
waS introduced to her, she dropped little
awkward courtesy, and put her finger in her
mouth; then, after staring at me in silence for
few minutes, she began to giggle, and finally
away
'' \ fascinating picture, truly" said Alfred.
'' Cousin Cora is coming to pay n visit to
Lucy Maxwell, next week. said Edward.
and l suppose L must do the agreeable; but 1
will never marry that horrid little fright
Come, Alfred, suppose we go down to the Hay
market to see Charlotte Cushman as Lady
Macbeth ~
Agreed said Edward, and the two strolled
away.
They had hardly gone when the window
curtains were drawn aside and n tipy. fairy
like girl stepped in from the balcony. She
was young-abOut fifteen-with bright, golden
hair and blue eyes
=. Now isn't it shame for Edward to talk 20
about cousin Cora % solilCquized the intruder.
" didn't mean to listen, but | couldn't
comc in before Arnold in this dress y and
he glanced at the pretty chintz wrapper.
" Wouldn't 1t be fun, if he fell in love with
cousin Cora, after all | wonder if she is
ugly She writes beautiful letters to me- but
I've never seen her. L mean to write to her
what Edward says, so she won't fall in love
with him. If he's so handsome I don't he
IeYe she can help it if she don't know" and
the fairy tripped away.
Two young ladies. some days later, were
standing in a brilliantly lighted parlor before
apier-glass. Everything indicated that visiters
were expected. The room was freshly deco
rated, the ladies were in full dress One of
them, Miss Lacy Maxwell, was pretty girl.
with very sweet face and pleasant, winning
smile. She was dressed in white. The other
was tall and stately. with beautiful features
clear, Whlt0 complexion, with a rich warm
."lor, and large black eyes Her hair was
lack rs raven wing, and the pearls among
- braldS added to her stately appearance
She wore dark silk dress, with a skirt of
black lace; and her white arms and neck
Sleamed out IN strong contrast against the
dark dress.
DO lock well, Lucy - she asked.
"iou never looked more beautiful - replied
i
r"cklace and bracelets divine. But what
can detain Edward He promised to come
early to meet his cousin Cora before the others
arrived.
Poor fellow" said Cora, " how disappoint-
ed he will be -
'.Yes. Miss Stanley" said Lucy, laughing
There is a ring, An, here he o
Il am very sorry that Cora was unable to
pay me her promised visit said Miss Max
we'll, meeting her guest, "but L have another
guest Dora. allow me to introduce you to
Mr.. irantley, our dear friend Cora Grantley's
cousin, and-we are all friends-Edward' $ be-
trCthed. -
Edward low bow and glance of intense ad-
miration did not look much like disappoint-
ment.
Other guests arrived. Miss Stanley, with
her rare beauty and noble bearing was the
belle OF the evening; and none were more de-
voted than Edward Grantley. Did she dance
He was her partner more than half the time
Was she fatigued! He handed her to her
chair and famed her
Day after day passed, and Edward was On
stantly at Mr.. Maxwel's Miss Stanley while
she was deluged with attentions from every
quarter, shOwed him especial favor. She rode
with hiui, sang with him, danced with him
wore the howers he presented, and learned the
music he selected
Well, dear: said Lucy, coming one day to
her room, = think you have made a complete
conquest of Edward. He is always talking
about you, and last evening he confded to me
ms intention OF hOnoring ycu by an offer of
his hand and heart
Won" cried Miss Stanley, rising and step
ping to the glass. won. L will refuse him -
But L thought you confessed to me a GER
tain liking for the gentleman said Lucy
will not have him - said Cora - He re-
fused me. | will repay the obligation. No,
Lucy, resolved, if L could win his love- no
pains should be spared. Now feel humilia-
ta1 irly thotT II Ia,-
gain 1t. do love him, but nevertheless will
refuse him"
- And how will you bear it 2'' asked Lucy.
= Perhaps he will turn to his cousin Cora
for consolation she replied, laughingly; If
The next day Mr. Grantley, to his profound
sstOnished, was refused by Miss Stanley. He
could rot unde stand it. Full of Indignation
at what he tern ed her coque,ry, he determined
TO visit his cousin Cora, and, if he found her
improved. marry her, to show that he did not
care for Miss Stanley rejection. Full of this
idea, few days afterwards he started for his
uncles. A long journey somewhat cooled his
disappointment; and he had resolved to pay a
flying visit to his relatives, and then return
once more to attack Miss Stanley's heart, long
before he reached his uucles house.
Cora, my dear, your cousin Edward is in
the parlor."
II knew he would come,' said the person
addressed, as she shook out the folds of her
rich dark silk. and then went into the parlor.
The room was dark, for it was late in the af-
ternOon, and yet too early to be lighted up.
Good afternoon, cousin said she.
Edward could hardly believe his ears. Truly
he had heard that voice somewhere.
We have expected you for some weeks, "
continued the mysterious voice. 1t is very
dull here at this season, and quite longed for
your promised visit However, L was happy
to hear from Lucy that your time was more
ia
II think-that isl was''-stammered Ed
ward.
"Ah, delighted to hear that she is so well, !"
interrupted Cora. ''Of course you are engaged
by this time. Ii was not treating me fairly;
but forgive you. Do you know l have some
thoughts of marrying my dancing master, Mon
seur La Pirouette,n
Il think that the idea is an excellent one, ;"
stsmmered Edward.
DO YOU" said Cora. Thank you"
At that moment lights were brought Cora
was standing with her face concealed by win
H. .ur,ain. hut as the servant left tba rco,,