Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-05-24
pains never to need the same indulgence a

pains never 10 need the same indulgence
fourth time"
So saying, he took up his hat and rose to 90
but Isabella eagerly motioned him to remain
"Do not feel so keenly about a mere nothing
1 entreat you, Mr.. Barker" said she. with
genuine kindness in her large, beautiful eyes
1 shall never forgive myself for having beer
the innocent cause Of so much chagrin, If Vol
persist in viewing this idle matter through
microscope. Pray laugh at the whole affair
with me, for we have both been placed in
ridiculous light and, believe me, it is tue
ing objects as little mistakes and incidents. }
The unaffected kindness of her tone and
manner went to poor Ralph's heart, and, as We
often feel more gratitude for little favors thar
fer great, he felt that her beauty was the least
of her charms, fer it was only the transparent
veil through which shone her true womanly
nature in all its loveliness. As he again rose
to 60, she extended her hand towards him; he
took it in his own, and bowling his head, wa:
on the point of imprinting a kiss upon the
white tapering fingers, when the door suddenly
opened, and MIR. Harton entered Isabella
hastily withdrew her hand, and coloring
deeply, said to her father:
Let me introduce you to Mr.. Barker
papa"
The large, stout gentleman advanced, and
Offering his hand, said, with a penetrating
am always glad to welcome my daugh.
ter's friends; how do you do, Mr.. Barker? ~
Ralph stammered out something about the
weather, and was evidently in no little confu-
sion, when Isabella came to his rescue, and
said, with quiet self-possession
g Mr.. Barker found my handkerchief in the
street, papa, and was so kind as to come on
purpose to restore it. 1 feel very much obliged
to him, indeed, for his politeness"
Barker, Barker" said Mr.. Harton, re-
peating the name abstractedly, (he saw there
was embarrassment on both sides, and having
unlimited confidence in his daughter, wished
to extricate them from it,) "an old schoolfel-
low of mine was named Barker-halph James
Barker. Perhaps you are relation of his,
sir?"
THAT was my fathers name, SIR" an.
swered Ralph, internally thanking the old
gentleman for his tact; but he died several
years ago."
Then, upon my honor" said Mr.. Harton,
warmly, it's the luckiest chance in the
world that brought you here, Mr.. Barker
Your father and 1 were old friends of long
standing, and for years and years we CORES
ponded together; but after went to Calcutta,
1 suddenly ceased to hear from him. You
must stop and dine with US this evening; 1
have hundred questions to ask. might have
known you were Ralph's son." he added,
looking in the young mans face, same eyes,
same hair, same everything Well. well, it
will be my turn next"
And with these words the old gentleman left
the room.
The two young folks remained in silence for
some time; Ralph at last broke the silence by
saying:
MAY consider that have Miss Harton's 8
permission to remain, as well as her fathers?''
81 shall always welcome my fathers friend -
she answered, evasively, and little distantly.
adding in more cordial tone, 81 am sure no.
thing has happened to make your visit other
than acceptable. Besides" she continued, a
little miscbievously, when you next call, you
may as well bring my handkerchief yourself,
instead Of sending it''
Having thus seen our hero fairly launched
on "the course Of true love-" we will hope
that it "ran smooth for the future. and that
the little ripples at its commencement were not
prophetic OF subsequent matrimonial storms
One thing is certain, and that is, that about a
year after the Times contained the following
notice:
"Msy IL, at ST. Mathews, Brixton, by the
Rev. Alfred Coupler, D D., Ralph Barker,
Esq, of the Middle Temple, to Isabella. daugh.
ter of Frederick Harton, Esq, of Bushy Hill.
Brixton."
1t may be interesting to add that Ralph s
groomsman on the occasion was Mr. Henry
Livingstone, and after the ceremony was over
he was heard to whisper in the bridegroom 8
ear:
81 say, Ralph, if you find any more hand
kerchiets, send me one, will you 2"