Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-02-13
THE FACE AT THE WINDOW.
AN INTERESTING STORY.

THE FACE AT THE WlNUOW.
AN INTERESTING STORY.
1t was woman's face saw as drew rein
at Cuthbert Hail. pale, calm, almost proud
tsce, with large Creole eyes and coal
hair, loopcd away from the checks in heavy
and shining folds. l had seen many more
beautiful faces during my winters in New York
and Washington-my summers at Cape May,
Newport and Nahant, and beside, l was ex-
peciing to meet at the Hall certain belle
and heiress, a sister-in-law of the friend who
had invited me to his home. So gave only
passing glance at the pale stranger, and, dis
mounting, rang the bell. A servant answered
the summons, and, conducting me into the
library, went to call his master. In few
moments the door opened, and the lady whom
/ had seen at the window came in, with two
curly headed children clinging about her.
She bade me good morning in voice sweet
as the thrill of lutte string, and said, with
some embarrassment
81 am sorry that Mr.. and Mrs. Cuthburt are
both out riding"
"Ah and so am - was the answer, ssbut
/ suppose they will not be long, for, though
they did not expect me to-day, l wrote to
them 1 should probably be here this week"
"Then You are Mr.. Vincent7'
ssRichard Vincent, at your service; and now
please introduce YOURSELF
dill am''-she paused, wound one of
the little girls ringlets about her finger in her
confusion, and begun again, 81 am''-Once
more she hesitated, and l resumed
81 have guessed it: you are the governess ~
She smiled, but the color mounted to her
very temples.
"Poor and proud,'' 1 soliloquized, chow
that blush becomes her!'
At this moment we heard the tramp of
horses feet, and saw Cuthbert and his beauti-
ful wife dashing up the broad avenue leading
TO the mansion. The governess hastily left
me, and l shortly after saw her talking to my
friends on the veranda Their brief confer
ence over, my host and hostess entered, and
gave me the cordial welcome which is the
characteristic of the South. When the greet
ings had been nterchanged, | turned to Cuth-
bert, and said
"Pray, where is Miss Dupont, the charming
sister-in-law of whom You spoke 20 He and
his wife exchanged significant glances, and
continued: 81 am all impatience to see this
paragon-don't keep me long in suspense 10
81 will not-you will meet at dinner -
The next moment the dressing bell rang,
and the host led the way to the guest chamber
where he left me to make my toilet. In those
days l was not Indifferent to my personal ap-
pearance, and with the aid of an attentive
servant / arrayed myself in the most elegant
suit my wardrobe afforded.
6" wonder if ] shall suit the heiress %
queried, mentally, as | took a last survey in
the mirror and decended to the dining hall.
There, near the table, sat Cuthbert and his
wife, the face had seen at the window, and,
not far from the governess, young lady with
fair complexion, blooming cheek, the sun
niest of blue eyes, and a profusion Of golden
hair. l was connoisseur in ladies' dress at
that period, and l took in at glance her
costly India muslin robe, with friils of Mech
lin lace, the splendor of her bracelets, ear
drops, and necklace, and the exquisitely
wrought golden comb which Topped up the
Iich tresses. Why was it that my face wan
dered from her to the pale, calm governess,
with her bands of raven hair, great eloquent
eyes, and a dress that fell about her like
"Dunmisto
Blanche" said my host. ssallow me to
PRESENT an old and valued friend-Richard
Vincent! 2"
The blonde beauty colored, simpered, and
with an inclination she intended to be like
mat of prima donna to an applauding crowd,
acknowedged my bow.
"Aiss Marguerite, - resumed Cuthbert, 'Fthis
~ Inc guest we have been expecting !"
She bowed with the grace Of a queen, and
Srespecttully as If she had indeed been one,
as said :
"We have had the pleasure OF meeting be-
fore Cuthbert -,
"As told you,' murmured the governess,
- went down to tell him you were absent"
Ihe ceremonies of dinner now began, and
asa seat had been assigned me beside Blanche,
Nied to play the agreeable, but often found
-! thoughts wandering to the pale, silent girl
IpPoSite When the meal was over and the
ssn ~ules had left the room, We fingered at our
Cuthbert.
ohe is very beautiful" replied.
and have you fallen in love at first sight? 20
a., III have l shall not tell you," exclam-
~ and then we went on chatting in merry
lan. lnrHn When we adjourned to the great, cool,
b.urous ba. parlor, l found Mrs. Cuthbert and
ans sister, but the governess was walking to
thonnto no on the terrace, apparently absorbed in
at,sW' The usual smali-talk ensued, and
ba ~ al my request, the heiress sat down at
.kin piano, and played and sang with much
sdia., l had observed q harp in the boudoir
;ot n'' me- and begged he, TO sweep its string,