The Democratic press. (Eaton, Preble County, Ohio) 1860-1865, 1862-09-04
NO.105..' .'.'

Ralston's head, and the words, 'Do
not check your cousin in such
expressions at least, not for my .
benefit. | assure you she is per-
fectly safe. tits the only bfaveyi
true, loyal word | have heard
spoken since we hung out the
palmetto for the stars and stripes ~
Perhaps Maurice was not so
taken by surprise at this as Clo-
tide; for it was the common saying"
at the club that Ralston feared
neither God, man nor devil; SO it
was to be expected that he would
declare any dangerous doctrines
that he chose. 1t was only strange
he had never declared his present
sentiments long before. But to
Clotilde the surprise was overpow-
ering. A man whom she had ever
seen bitter and brilliant--a seofer
and a sneerer, somewhat naughty
and insolent withal - one with
whom she had never established
any Of the pleasant relations OF
acquaintance which her youth and
beauty and high fashion made so
natural; to hear from this protested
cynic an outburst so warmly loyal
as to partake of reverence in its
tone both for the words and the
speaker, was past comprehension.
But if she was surprised, no less
had the gentleman himself been
surprised to find this youth, beau
ty, and fashion not inconsistent
with the high qualities of courage
and loyalty. 1t was entirely in
opposition to his theory. In his
earlier manhood-when, perhaps,
he was more deserving-he had
met with indifference and slight.
Later, when Dame Fortune, at q
turn of her wheel, left him the
possessor of q princely fortune, the
world, who had slighted, smiled,
hattered, and fawned. He repaid
it with disdain, and grew bitter
and cynical Of course he grew
immensely popular at this. His
sarcasm, his absolute b1usqieric and
indifference were charming when
so large rent-roll accompanied
them. The difficulty of winning,
too, made the siege more earnest;
and as youth and beauty and fash
ion had severally and collectively
been the chief assailants, SO he had
come to hate and despise their very
sound. -''. ''' ''' 7'-a''.
Perhaps the recent sharp evil
dence of The young lady's dislike,
as well as her prompt patriotism,
had convinced him of her sincerity,
and given him an excuse for faith;
for he presently held out his hand,
while smile Of singular sweetness
frightened his saturnine face as lie
said, 'a17. r24a.. 3.. ,l'rg. ~ -7ssai
Mademoiselle, I fancy VIC have
both been somewhat mistaken.
Shall we drop the lancer ,tsai
with all my heart, Monsieur, !,
and into the extended hand she
frankly placed her own for mo-
ment. ga ,arTaf 9iiR r-re2
2. Maurice gave, a true French
shrug at this turn of affairs, feeling
at the same time greatly relieved.
AS they rose to 60, Ralston ap!
preached her. r.T2d | 'adl boi1oq71
''Mademoiselle, let me advise yoH
Such sentiments as you have ut
tered, though brave and true and
loyal, are yet unsafe to be expressed
freely at this time; but should you
ever through them find yourself in
any danger, I shall be glad to serve
you &, &C.,, .,,...-, IT,, l.f
She thanked him cordially, and
saw him depart without the slight
est lpremonition that, in that very
hour, her danger was drawing
nigh. q ... n, -.ya4oi, .,.-,
TO BE CONTINUED IN OUR NEXT.
aaDas~It a man cheat you once,
hlo M n HIM. tf "a rooool t;,> .. IL.