The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-03-04

countenance. And though the latest
European news may be perfumed with
the essence Of foreign war, it will be
proved a false report before it reaches
my ear and rouses my American indig-
nation.
Two days more of this suspense, and
| shall be as ferocious as lioness, for
even now | cherish feeling that is akin
TO desperation. The creaking of tie door,
and the singing of the tea kettle on the
hearth, sound so like the far-off scream
of the painting engine, that have nearly
broken my neck dozen times TO day in
my haste to catch the first glimpse ofthe
expected train. But though doomed to
disappointment each time, | have at last
brought my writing desk up before the
east window of my chamber, and am re-
solved not to leave my pos! till | see the
cars coming.
| glance around me out OF doors, but
the scenery is not attractive to my eyes,
and fails TO charm my mind. L see only
the dull sky scattering feecy snow down
upon gaunt-armed trees in the distance,
and the stone dwelling of MIs. Collins
in the adjacent yard.
A strange character is that same Mrs.
Collins. A widow possessing an uncer-
tain fortune, and little six year old
daughter, named Carrie, who is the pet
Of the whole neighborhood. The lady is
slender and petite in person, with hazel
eyes, pale brown hair, aud complexion
once blooming with health, and now tint
ed with carmine' every time she ap-
pears in public or entertains company at
home. Her age has been considered
| quite as uncertain as her fortune, but lit
tie Carrie confdentially informed me one
day that her ma was thirty nine. at the
same time charging me never TO tell, as
she would be sent to bed supperless if |
did. OF course have kept the little
girls communication profound secret
Mrs. Collins attends parties with girls of
eighteen, smiles sweetly on young gen.
tlemen and rich bachelors, and chats with
the vivacity and simplicity of a boarding
school Miss, assuming childish grace
that is quite fascinating. She insists on
calling mere acquaintances her darling
friends, and invariably addresses all young
gentlemen by their christian names.
She gratifies her passionate taste for
works of fiction by borrowing books, and
after perusing them, circulates them
through the village, without the knowl.
edge OF the owner, SO that when they are
returned numerous thumb prints, crum-
pied leaves, and soiled pages, bear tesli-
mony of thorough reading And she
is an obsequious faUerer to those who
are above her in point of wealth or gen.
ius, as we'll as an arrogant boaster to
those she deems Eer interiors.
| may as well confess, before Iproceed
farther, that Mrs. Collins is no favorite
of mine, but on the contrary an object of
absolute aversion, for have already be !
trayed it in my criticisms on her char
acter.
The first time | ever called on her |
shall never forget. 1t was three months
ago, and during her six months resi- |
dence in the village | had very often re-
celved cordial invitations TO visit her
when she spent afternoons with me.
which was frequently. selected a cold,
though sunny afternoon, for my first call
upon my neighbor, and at a seasonable .
hour presented myself at her door.
was confronted by Mrs Collins herself,
who was evidently looking up the street
in expectation of seeing some one. and .
thought frown darkened her brow as
we exchanged the courtesies of the day.
Accepting her cool invitation, | walked
into the parlor, and took a seat near the
fire-of the faint glimmer that was seen
at the mouth Of the stove could be call
ed by that name. The floor was cover
de with Brussels carpeting, the windows
draped in embroidery, and the piano and
centre table were preIily carved had
but little time 10 observe this before the
bell rang, and a young lady was ushered
into the room by stout, plainly dress.
ed girl, with hair and eyes much like
Mrs. Collins.
The young lady was Miss Marion
Moore. the extremely youthful belle Of
Stony Hill, and the daugherofa wealthy
physician.
Mrs. Collins advanced 10 meet her,
holding out both hands
My darling Minnie, what has kept
you so long, | expected you an hour
ago"
A very tender kiss followed, and Miss
Marion replied. still holding the hand of