Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1862-03-14

them more or less, aud as they are not
errors Of the heart, they are soon forgot.
ten and do not injure the character OF
the person. 1t is much better to commit
a few awkward blunders than to carry.
under a graceful exterior, deceitful,
hardened, or envious heart. For my
part, | am really sorry you were so un-
lucky, and although | could not help
laughing with the rest at old Twiner's
grimmaces when that cake fell on his
gouty toe, | pitied you both ever so
much"
Eli was as,onished at these words from
Carrie Brooks the very girl be loved 50
much, the belle Of the party, and the one
of all others that appeared not to care
for him. The few simple words she had
uttered had dispelled all The gloom which
had discouraged him, and he felt as if,
with her to pity him, he could encounter
any quantity of laughter and derson.
Carrie" said he, 4 thank you very
much for your kindness, both in forgiv-
ing and plying me for my misfortones;
but l am not through yet. When I get
back, they will be sure TO cali upon me
for my forfeit, and I cannot reveal the
secrets Of my heart before all the compa-
ny what can do? 2"
"Tll tell you," said Carrie, you can
bow 10, and kneel to, and kiss the girl
you sit nearest to; it will not take
minute, and then we are going TO have
colillon, and no one will think anything
about it,"
81 would willingly do that, Carrie, pro-
vided that you was the one that | should
sit nearest to-"
1t was now Carries turn to blush and .
Eli could hardly believe bis own voice
but the word, were uttered, and he wisely .
thought bed better 60 on aud say the
whole,
For the truth is, Carrie said he. q
do love you the best, and have for a long
time; but I though, you did not care any
thing for me, while so many fashionable
young men were so attentive 10 you.-
Whenever | attempted to show my pref
erence | was sure to make some funny
mistake which would cause much laugh
ter; hut, Carrie, if you can assure me
that | have not loved in vain, and that
my hopes for the future may be blended .
with yours, then will prove to you that
your confidence in me is not misplaced,
and my constant care shall be to make
myself worthy Of YOU
II do assure you, Eli" replied Carrie.
placing her hand in his, "tbat | feel
proud Of your love, and will give you in
'eturn all that my poor heart can afford"
Eli imprinted a kiss upon her mouth, =
'ud as if by magic his feelings Of awk- 2
yardness and embarrassment fell from ]
lin. He was like another man, and fei
Is if he could make a spercb in the town
lall, kiss a room full of girIs, and carve a
turkey. without making a siaole mis-. 9
axe.
A few more words passed between the !
overs. when lapnbino voices warned |.
hem that somebody wa, coming
"yYeU Carrieo said Eli 81 sLan,, he G.
fraid To redeem NV forra;t no,yo .,
The narIo. ,yas now GII.l with o,,..ts .,
.tnrned FROM tbo sur,or ,arI, ond -.
,on a. order vos oh,airad Sab PHI -.
am;nded ,bom tbot fla last c,rf.;, - ~
,aipad nrre5eomed o,d f. rod.oo, :,
III Goddard was TO bow TO the vit,iest Il
neel 10 tbc prettie,t and kiss t5e one he !
wed bostn i,
Eli Immediately oroso and ror,arl,od
,ot sucb a to.k ,vos r,r, oos, ,o mar ?,
,rm ;posmncb os thor. wac h,t ona ~
.e room on whom 10 could fr,nw ali !,
lese homaces. crossed 70 where Carrie ~,
It, made a graceful bow, and then bend o.,
Ig on one knee, raised her hand to his !