Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1861-03-15

" BAY, hOWoNCi, tuSiC was OuC oupJcCt
on which perfect sympathy did not
seem to exist between them, and that
was music. Albert was fond enough of
song, and when Hetty warbled and
trilled forth her birdlike notes, he found
it very pleasant to listen, but he had no
talent that way himself. He was never
known to sing song or touch musical
instrument. In speaking, the modula-
tons of his voice were exquisite, aud his
ear was sensitive to the euphony of Ian
guage; but his thoughts and feelings had
never found expression in music. He
had borne the jokes of his fellow collegi-
ans on this subject with seeming indif
ference; but when rallied by Hetty,
whose wit was piquant, as well as play.
full, shade would sometimes cross his
brow. What malign influence is il
that loves to pick flaw in the most seem
ingly perfect human bliss :? Whence
that little subtle spirit of mischief that
finds its way into the hearts of the truesi
and fondest, and sows dissenson there
Alas, no human mind was ever in per-
feet tune; there are strings that will jar
at the slightest touch, and send wild dis
cord through the soul. Hetty Buford
piqued by some allusion among her COM
panions to this defect in the model of her
faultless hero, rallied Albert little too
sharply, and then, in conclusion, babe
him playfully become a minstrel, on for
felt of her high displeasure. What his
reply was l do not know, but from that
hour a cloud seemed to have settled be-
tween them, and their hearts were es-
tranged. l saw that my friend suffered
and, to my inquiries as to the cause, he
returned frank reply, lie was wound
ed not only in mis- love, but his vanity.
But, my dear Albert" said /,
suppose you were really to learn mu-
sic. l know that you have it in you"
"No, no, Jack, have not the slight
est talent that way and if had, do you
suppose / would acknowledge myself the
slave of a girls within ? Must [ crouch
and play the fool for her idle jests ?"
| pushed my chance suggestion no fur
Their in his then mood but, on a subse-
quent occasion, was still moro unfor-
tunate. In moment of confidence,
got him to attempt to sing verse, for
the foolish idea possessed me that he
really had musical talents. forgot by
what device l trapped him, but remem.
Der distinctly his failure was SO decided
that l laughed right out. From that
moment, he would not bear any allusior
to Hetty Buford, or his former relations
with her; and | loved him too sincerely
and was too sorry for the unhappiness |
knew he suffered, ever to advert to thu
subject.
And how was it with Hetty herself
To the world she was as gay and brillian
as ever; nay, if anything, more so; Blu
|, who possessed the key to her thoughts
as it were, who watched her closely
could detect something forced in he
manner, and an unwontcd aspcrity ant
sarcasm in her tone. With me, wher
by ourselves, she was natural, though
less gay; but she never mentioned Al
bert's name, nor, much as | loved anc
admired them both, did dare to inter
fere. True, was good deal with her
and watched her with jealous care, and
she seemed to be thankful for my atten
ton, and to regard me as a brother
The enlargement had taken place MOI
long before vacation, and Albert had
gone away. On his return. he seemed
to have lost his taste for society, and be-
came harder student than ever. Two
months more passed, aud the winter sci
in. There was much gayety in the little
town where VIC were, but it was seldom
my friend would join in it. Once, on
the occasion Of a brilliant party, to be
given at the splendid residence of Gene.
raj Buford, Hcttys father, which was
about mile from town, and that once
only, did Hetty allude to him.
"Will you be so good as to say to your
friend, Mr.. Kline, that we will be happy
to see him ?" said she to me in such a
quiet, matter of course way that | would
only bow acquiescence.
/ conveyed the invitation, and was
somewhat surprised when Albert ex-
claimed cheerfully =
well, Jack, will certainly 60 with
you; feel like little relaxation"
The party was a magnificent one, and
everybody seemed to enjoy it in the high
est degree. Albert and Hetty met calm
ly and politely. as the commoncst ac.
quaintances might We had dancing,
aud music, and song, alternately. After
quadrille, there was group near the
Piano, listening to duet as it finished,
one of the performers, sprightly girl
With whom Albert had danced, arose.
aad, turning to him, exclaimed, in tone
half ,aiscsievous, half playful =
ooh now this is such a love Of a
party, Mr.. Kline, aud we only lack one
thing more to make it perfection"
"And what is that, Miss SallyT
I" A song from Mr.. Kline"
80 yes song from Mr.. Kline =
DO, Mr.. Kline" exclaimed half dozen
voices. And instantly there commenced
those teasing entreaiics which girls know
so well how to employ. Some Of them
were in earnest, supposing he really
sang, and others were only having jest.
/ looked at Albert, and was astonished
to find he was 50 little annoyed under the
circumstances. True, there was slight
flush on his brow, aud rather a troubled
look in his eye. but ne did not manifest
the signs of displeasurc which expect
ed. / next turned TO Hetty, who was on
my arm she seemed mortified and ycxcd.