The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-06-13

self several times, and mentally resolved
chat he would see It's beautifulowner again
before sunset
The afternoon, accordingly, found him
Istrolling about Brixton, inquiriag for the
residence Of Mr Harton. Several unsuc-
cessful attempts to discover the nest of
this bird of paradise were at last followed
by one more agreeable to his wishes and,
more than half dstrusting his unusual
method of seeking lady's acquaintance,
he approached large, handsome mansion,
situated on little eminence, with taste
fully arranged garden III front, He was
perfectly conscious that etiquette would
hold up her hands in horror at the idea
of his not being fermally il Ltroduced but
he reflected that /" faint heart never won
fair lady," and mentally snapped his fin
gers at etiquet.e's face. He rang the bell
and presently page appeared.
Is Miss Harton at home 7" he asked
Yes, sir; Will you step in?" replied
the butler civilly. "What name shall |
say 2"
The young mans heart beat like steam
engine at the thought of his own audacity
Be 80 kind as to take up my card and
say that Mr., Barker requests to sec Miss
Harton few moments"
The page u>hered him into the drawing
room, which was empty, and disappeared !;
Ralph b-aced himself for the coming in
terview. After shert delay, which seem
ed to him like the interval between the
condemnation and execution OF criminal.
the door opened and the beautiful Isabel
Ia entered the apartment. Without man
testing any surprise at such an unusual
visit, she politely motloned him to chair,
aud seated herself at some distance from
him, awaiting the announcement Of his
erraud.
| must request your indul cence, Miss
Harton." !" said Ralph, with perfect out
ward selfpo,session, although inwardly
he completely realized the strangeuesS Of
his position, " for having taken so great
Il liberty as to call upon YOU personally
without ever having had the honor Of an
introduction Ny object is simply to re-
turn handkerchief which picked up
in the street, bearing your name. | might
have restored il to you without intrudiug
upon your leisure; but | trust you viii
pardon the freedom | have venturcd to
take, in order to apologize more complete
Iy for what must have seemed so much
like intentional rudeness. BY some
strange fatality, have three times caused
va great annoyance, although nothing
conld have been further from my wishes.
beg you to believe that deeply regret
my own awkwarlness, and am most sim
cerely sorry ever to have placed you Ii
such embarrassing situations"
''Indeed, MIR. Barker" replied the
beautiful girl, with pleasant and cordial
SMILE OH her features, " | beg you never
to think Of it again; [ assure you, you
greatly eXaggerate the importance of such
trifes, which require no apology at all.
| am extremely sorry you have taken the
trouble to come so far merely 10 restore
handkerchief, which was ignorant | had
lost until you mentioned the fact"
A tie conclusion of his little speech
(Which, we fear, was hardly an extenpore
eiiort( and, during Miss Harton's reply to
it, Ralph had beeu searching his pockets
for the lost article, aud picture the inten-
sity of his chagrin and modification as
the truth came upon bin like an ava
ianche that he had left it behind lsa
bella instantly OWNED the real state OF
the case: she saw the blood rash to his
face, reddening to the roots of his hair,
and as swiftly retreat, leaving it as pale
as marble.
If she had not perceived the real dis
tress of the young mans mind the lncon
gruity and absurdity Of the whole matter
would have overpowered her self control !;
but her quick sympathy with all kinds OF
suffering took away every inclination to-
laugh. Ralph at last spoke, with forced
smile upon his counterance, aud voice
trembling IN spite of himself.
9" 1t may seem, perhaps, premeditated
insult, Miss Harton, when | tell you that
the handkerchief though | had with me
has been left behind by some careless mis-
take Of my own have once again made
myself ridiculous in your -eycs, bat |
promise you this shalt be the last time
Your property shall immediately be sent
by post; if | had 10 other motive than
simply to vindieate my own sincerity, |
should be concerted to See it restored.
If you viii only have the same charity for
my last misfortune which you have so gen,
erously expressed for its predecessors, |
will take pans aevef to aeed the same
indulgence a 9Th time.
So saying he took up his hat and rose
to go, bat Isabella eagerly mo,ionea him
to remain.
+" Do not feel SO keenly about mere
nothing, | entreat you, Mr. Barker," " said
sha rn;.h canine kinlnass In her In rme