The Democratic press. (Eaton, Preble County, Ohio) 1860-1865, 1862-09-04

When she turns away, her cheek
is flushed from its accustomed rose
into vivid scarlet, and at that mo-
ment the door opens. She springs
forward,
'Ah, MahFice;3ft It is YOU! I am
so glad! What news? +? 70. ....
Following her cousin Maurice is
a gentleman, at sight Of whom her
brow scores into a frown of vexa-
ton, while her words declare her
'happy to see Monsieur Ralston.'
. Monsieur Ralston-a tall, erect,
soldierly-built man, who might
have been handsome but for the
sneer habitually upon his lip, and
the cynical disdain which elevated
his brows. lie bowed to her smi-
lingIy, saying, with unconceaIed
irony, which was at the same time
quite careless of her praise or
blame.
'We shall not interrupt you
long, Mademoiselle. l merely ac-
companied your cousin here on our
way to the club 2
AS coolly, as meaningly, she an
swered, .a
THE plural can hardly suffice,
Monsieur, since my cousin and ]
have grown together from child
hood
He half laughed, looked as if he
could have applauded her sharp
charge at him, and Immediately
answered, mischievously,
Mile pardonne, Mademoiselle,
but threw the plural in to save
your courtesy the pains; but l as
sure you I am not too sensitive to
assume the whole burden Of the
interruption t.
! Pardon me- she simply said, 6,
was rude p
The gentleman looked somewha
surprised, and Maurice seemed dis
pleased at the whole dialogue. HI
threw a glance Of displeasure a
his cousin. T..
why need you always quarre
with Ralston he muttered, il
passing her. ....
Clotilde, without answering, re
turned to her first question,
'What news?' "A
| With a warning expression,
which she did not heed, Maurice
unfolded newspaper and com
meuced reading:
'Reinforcements of the army
called for-skirmish near the Pot
omac, and several of the Federals
taken prisoners ETC.; lastly, News
from Europe, England and France
declared neutral
Francep the girl listener ex-
claimed, amazement ringing in her
tones. France !-and this time
the voice was both indignant and
sorrowful. 'Oh my country But
it is not true; there is some mis-,
take; France will never join with
England in this cold disregard.
She will not SO soon forget st.
Helena She was a faithful friend
to America in her early struggle, /;
She will not fail her now, when
traitors at her own hearth stone
threaten utter destruction to the
Union 7 .'-nio
In her earnestness she had for
gotten the presence of Mr.. Ralston;
but her cousin had not, and he bit
his lip uneasily, for.these were dan
gerous sentiments te utter in such
days as had come upon them. ~
In his discontinue he attempted
to throw the cover of raillery over
her words, with a You girls never
get the right string;' but just at
this point a glance at Ralston ar
rested further speech. That gen
tleman was thoroughly oblivious
of his remark-his eyes fixed with
some curious meaning upon Clo-
tide. What was this meaning? g?-
a startling, perplexing question.
Clotilde herself was unconscious
Of it. She was sittingin utter ST.
lence, with only one indication of
annoyance = the tapping Of her
slippered foot upon the Indian
mating. 2' ina ,iGa'.5. .9;nB
Maurice broke the silence by
another attempt as before" 'aAI'
lie was stayed bya half impa-
tient, half imperious toss of Mr..