Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1860-12-14

to seat on his knee.
"No, wouldn't sit thereIn l cried, push
ing away his hand, while the tears, which
had been crowding their way into my eyes,
gave = sudden dash down my burning
cheek. "I'll never sit there again, neverP'
"My dear little Phebel"
There was real pathos in his rich, man
ly voice--a quick, penetrating, surprised
look in his clear blue eyes as he uttered
these words, followed by rapid, wonder
ing expression Of tenderness, as he repeat
ed them.
"My dear little Phebsl May God bles,
youl"
l stole quietly away from him out of the
house, with that fervent benediction lying
fresh and deep upon my childish heart,
hndthrew myself down in the shade Of the
old orchard trees, and sobbed out the heav-
mess that pressed upon my spirits. For
hours lay there in the mellow September
sunshine, brooding over the little romance
that had eilcntly and strangely grown in :
to the woof of my almost baby life. I
wept before my time for the delicious griefs
that forever cling to sweet, conscious wo-
manhood.
When [ returned to the house, Frank
had taken his leave, but in my work -bas-
ket he left small pearl box, which con
tanned plain gold ringl Did 1 wear it
Are you woman, reader, and ask it2
"Pbebel Phebe! mother says come down
stairsl there is . gentleman in the parlor
who wishes to see You"
The words broke harshly upon my pleas
ant dream, which had been weaving all
the long golden July afternoon, the unbro
ken stiffness ofmy little chamber. Atmy
feet, upon the carpet, with its leaves rumpled
and crushed, lay my neglected Virgil in
close proximity to huge Latin dictionary,
while upon my lap in wrinikled condition
my sewing was lying, with the needle han
ging by long line Of thread, nearly to the
floor, as if escaping luckily from long
round of monotonous hemming, which, as
yet, boasted but tive or three stitches at
the commencement.
"Who can it be that wishes to see me9''
exclaimed, rising hastily and calling af-
ter my little year old brother. "who is
it, Charlie?"
"Don't know It's somebody. Mother
says come down."
"Who can it be2'
An hour since had seen a gentleman
with heavy bearded face come mp the
walk, but | was toe busy with my dream.
to notice bim very particularly. Still as ]
recalled his face and figure, and his quick
springing steps, there seemed something
strangely familiar in them. Who could il
bef My heart beat rapidly. Surely I had
seen that face and form before, and name
that was singularly dear to me trombled on
my lips-Frank Haynes.
But could not 60 down to meet him
though L was summoned a thousand times
did not wish to meet Kim; why should II
There was no occasion for it. was not
the foolish girl of twelve summers he had
left five years ago in short frocks and curls
but full grown woman, instead. No,
was not the same. would not 20 down
Besides, = sudden headache was nearly
binding me. Mother could hardly ask il
of me when l was hardly able to cit up
But what would he think? Would he still
remember, tenderly, the little Mrs Hayne.
of Ave years ago2
Littlei / repeated the word as I stood
before the long mirror which gave back, to
me an accurate picture of myself Asen-
der, passable form; q dark, clear complex
ion; large grey eyes; a mouth whose red
ness seemed to have robbed my cheeks OF
their color; white teeth; a forehead broad
but not high; large, heavy braids of chest
nut brown hair, was the likeness framed be.
fore my eyes. turned away with sigh
and glanced down at my hand. Upon the
third finger Of the left haHd was a plain
gold circlet The nov blood rushed ap to
my cheek as looked at it. l would not
wear it any longer. He should never know
that had worn it at all just then my
brother came again to the door of my room
crying out q new message.
"Mother says little Mrs. Haynes is wan
ted down stairs"
al have terrible headache, Chsrlie.-
Please tell mother so;" and / sank upon Q
chair close to the window, aud leaned my
head upon a chair.
"Desr, dear-tf they would but forget
; me" l murmured TO myself, as the hum o.
their conversation came clearly to my ears
An hour passed away and l heard SOUND
: of voices in the hall, then steps in the WALL
t below. did not glance eagerly from tho
window or peer carefully from the half
f closed shutters, but clasped my hands
! tightly over my eyes till the sound Of foot
9 steps died away in tho distance then
crept steslthily down stairs and stepped
a softly into the parlor, where 40 lately h,
: had been. was half across the room bo
; fore 1 noticed that was not alone, snt
Q then, before could make hasty retreat
t glad, merry voice, rich with its COLDER
/. music, exclaimed:
"My owu dear little Mrs. Haynes, as
livel How happy am to see you'll" and
hand claspcd mine tightly, while pair o
bearded lips were bent down TO mine.
Z drew my head back haughtily. was
little child ne longer; l would not accept
= even from him, the caresses he had be
IL. 4 =