, 1862-07-17
The Horrid Little FRIGHT.

30 you nave tOlu your latnef you Will not
marry your cousin COra?
"Yes; have made up my mind that l would
rather lose my grandiather's money than marry
that horrid little fright" .... :.
The first speaker was inelooking young man
Of some three-and-twenty years. His companion,
Edward Grantley. was about the same age, tail
and handsome, with rich clustering chestnut curls;
large speaking eyes, full Of fire and intelligence
fine features, and a beautiful mouth. His figure
was moulded in the perfection Of manly symme-
try.
:" You never saw her, Alfred" said he, leaning
over the table, and speaking earnestly you never
saw herr but went down, some eight or nine
years ago, TO pay visit to my intended wife.
Fancy to yourself tall, thin child of ten years
old, yellow as an orange, with pinched features
and close white cap, put on TO conceal the los
of her hair, which was shaved of after ct Of i'll
ness. When Iwas introduced to her, she dropped
little awkward courtesy, and put her finger in
her mouth then after staring at me IN silence for
few minutes, she began to giggle, and finally ran
away"
A fascinating picture, trulyr' said Alfred,
-" Cousin Cora is coming to pay a visit to LUCY
Maxwell, next week." said Edward, "and sup
pose must do the agreeable; but will never
marry that horrid little fright. Come, Alfred,
suppose we go down to the Haymarket to sec
Charlotte Cushman as Lady Macbethr
"AgreedT' said Alfred, and the two strOlled
away. .,-
They bad hardly gone when the window curtains
were drawn aside and tiny, iairy-ike girl stepped
in from the balcony. She was young-about.fiE-
teen-with bright golden hair and blue eyes.
"Now isn't It a shame for Edward TO talk 80
about cousin Cora?' soliloquized the, intruder.
+" didn't mean to listen. but couldn't come ii
before Arnold in this dress" and she glanced at
the pretty chintz wrapper. wouldn't i Be fun
il he fell 10 love with cousin Cora, after allI j
wonder IL she is so uglyI She writes beautiful
letters to me, but I've never seen her. mean 70
write to her what Edward says, so she won't fall
in love with him., Hes so hs1dsome. don't BE-
lieve she can help it il she don't know and the
fairy tripped away.
Two young ladies, some days later, were stand
ing in brilliantly-lighted parlor before pier
glass. Eyefsthing indicated that there were visit
Ors expected. The room was freshly decorated
the ladies were in full dress. One Of them, Mis-
Lucy Maxwell, was a pretty girl, with very sweet
face and n pleasant, winning smile. She wa
dressed in white. The other was talland stately
with beautiful features, clear, white complexion
with rich, warm color, and large black eyes
Her hair was black as q ravens wing, and th.
pearls among its braids added to her stately appear
ance. She wore a uark silk dress, with skirt Ol
black lace; and her white arms and neck CLEANED
oIt in strong contrast against the dark dress.
"Do look well, Lncyr she asked.
"You never looked more beautiful" replied
Lucy. Il think pearls suit you exactly. You
necklace and bracelets are divine. But what can
detain Edward? He promised to come early to
meet his cousin Cora before the Others arrived"
Poor fellow" said Cora, how disappointed
he will ber'
"Yes, Miss Stanley" said Lucy, laughing.
" There is ringl An, here he is !" Il
saI am very sorry that Cora was unable TO pay
me her promised visit" said Miss Maxwell, meet
ing her guest, but have another guest. Dora,
allow me to introduce you to Mr.. Grantley, our
dear friend Cora GFantleys cousin, ald-we are
oil friends-Edwari's betrothed."
Edwards low b w and glance OF intense admi-
ration did not look much Ike disappointment.
Other guests arrived. Miss Stanley, with her
rare beauty and noble bearing, was the belle Of the
evening; and none were more devoted than Edward
GrantIey. Did she dance? He was her partner
more than half the time. Was she latigued? He
handed her to her chair and famed her.
Day after day passed, and Edward was con
stantiy at Mr.. MaxwelIs. Miss Stanley, while she
was deluged with attentions from every quarter,
showed him especial favor. She rode with him,
sang with him, danced with him, wore the flowers
be presented. and learned the music he selected.
%Well. dear," said Lucy, coming one day to her
room, a. think you have made complete con
quest Of Edward. He Is always talking about
you, and last evening he con6ded to me his inten-
ton Of hOnOring you BY an offer Of bis hand and
heart"
aWonv cried Miss Stanley, rising and stepping
to the glass; "woni will refuse himF
aBut Thought you confessed tc me certain
liking for the gentleman" Z" said Lucy.
ii will not have him!" said Cora. ale refused
me. viii repay the obligation. No, Lucy, l re
solved IL could win bis love, no pains should be
SHARED. Now feel Inundated 10 think that i
have ever STONED TO try TO gain IT, lido love him,
but neVertheless will refuse him."
"And how will you bear itlss asked Lucy.
perhaps he will turn to bis cousin Cora for
consolation she replied, aughingly; = IL not"
The next day Mr. Grantley, to his profound as
tonishment, was refused by Miss Stanley. He
could not understand il. Full Of indignation at
what he termed her cOquetry, he determined to
visit his cousin Cora and, u he found her i'm
proved, marry her, to show that be did not care
Tor Miss Stanleys rejection. Full OF this idea, .
few days afterwards be started for his uncles. A
long journey somewhat cooled bis disappointment /;
and he had resolved to pay flying visit to bis re
lative, aud then return once more TO attack Miss
Stanleys heart, long before he reached his uncles
house.
Cora, my dear, your cousin Edward is in the
parlor."
II knew he would come" said the person Cd
dressed as she shook out the folds Of her rich dark
six and then went into the parlor. The room was
dark, tor it was late in the afternoon, and yet too
early to be lighted up.
"Good afternoon. cousin" said she.
Edward could hardly believe his ears. Truly
he had heard that voice somewhere.
ave have expected you for some weeks, con
tinued the mysterious voice. at Is very dull here
at this seasOn. and quite longed for your prom
ised visit However, ! was very happy to hear
from Lucy that your time was more agreeably en-
ployed. How & Miss Stanleyr
81 th;nk is-I Wns-" slammefed I'd