The constitutional union., 1861-01-04
THE FACE AT THE WINDOW.

It was a woman8 face l saw as I drew rein at Cuthbcrt Hall-a paie, calm, almost proud face, with large Creole eyes, and coal black hair, looped away from tic cheek in heavy and shiny folds.
 l had seen many more Hc"e};Gul faces dur ing my winter. - New York aaa Washington my summers at Cape N4y. Newport, and Nahant; and, besides. lw;, eN pecting tq.meet at the Hall certain Southern belle and heir csa q sister-in-law of the friend who invited me to his house. S@al gave only passing glance to the stranger and, dismountng, rang the bell. \ slave answered the summons and conducting me into the library went to call his master. In few moments the door open cd and the lady whom had seen at the win dow came in, with two curly-hcaded children about her. She badc me good morning in d voice sweet as the thrill of uto-string, and said. with some embarrassment
 '' am sorry that Mr. and Mrs Cuthbort are both out riding
 An. and so am l, " was the answer; .sbut suppose they will not be long. for though they did not expect me to-day 1 wrote them l should probably be here this week"
 Then you are Nr. Vincent 7"
 Richard Vincent, at your service; and now introduce yourself"
 "I-I-l am, she paused. wound one of the little girls ringlets about her finger in her confusion, and began again. '' l am," once more she hcstated, and resumed:
 Il have guessed it-you are the governess?"
 She smiled, but the color mounted to her very temples
 Poor and proud" soIiloquized, " how that flush 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 in the yerandah. The brief conference over, my host and hostess entered and gave me the cordial welcome which is the charac- teristc of the South. When the greetings had been exchanged, I turned to Cuthbert and said:
 Pray, where is Miss Dupont the charm ing sister-in-law of whom you speak 7" He and his wife exchanged significant glances, and l continued-'' 1 am all impatience to see this paragon-dont keep me long in sus- pense v
 ' 1 will not, you will meet her at dinner"
 The next momentthe 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 slave l arrayed myself in the most elegant suit my wardrobe afforded.
 q wonder if l shall suit the heiress?" queried mentally, as 1 took last survey in the mirror and descended 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 goyernoss, a young lady with fair complexion, blooming cheek, the sun niest of blue eyes, and profusion of golden hair. l was a connoisscur in ladies toilet at that period, and took in at a glance her costly Indian muslin robe, with it's trills of Mochlin lace, the splendor of her bracelets, necklace and ear-drops, with the exquisite wrought golden comb, which looped up the rich tressess. Why was it that my eyes wandered from her to the pale, calm governess, with her bands of raven hair, and her great, eloquent eyes, and dress that fell about her like a " Dunmist"
 Blanche" said my host, allow me to present an old and valued friend-Richard Vincent"
 The blonde beauty colorcd, simrered, and