Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1863-01-22
THEFAoE AT THE WINDOW.
BIZ GEO. MARTIAL.

drew rein az CutnDurt HatI-a pale
calm almost proud face. with larp
Creole eyes. and coal black hair, loupe,
away from the cheek in heavy aoC
shining folds.
had seen many beautiful faces du
ring my winters in- New York and
Washington-my summers ct Cape
May, Newport and Nahsnt, and be-
sides was expecting TO meet al the
Hall a certain Southern belle and heiress
a sister-in.law OF the friend who had
invited me TO bis-home. So Ionly gave
passing glance to the pale stranger.
and dismounting rang the bell. A lew
moments after the door opened. and
the lady whom had seen at the win
dow came in with two curly headed
children clinging about her. She bade
me good morning in a voice sweet as
the thrill Of lutte string. aud said with
embarrassment:
81 am sorry that Mr.. and Mrs. Cuth-
sHrt are out riding"
''Ahl so am :" was the answer.
'bnt suppose they will not be gone
long. for though they did not expect
me to-day, l wrote them should prob
ably be here this week"
"Then you are Mr.. Vincent"
"Robert Vincent. at your service;
and now introduce yourself"
"I-I-I am" she paused, wound
one Of the little girls ringlets about her
finger, in her confusion, and began
again. 81 am" once more hesitated
and resumed
81 nave guessed it-you are the
govern-ss?"
She smiled and the color mounted to
her very temples.
"PoOr and proud" soliloquised,
chow that blush becomes her"
At this moment we heard the tramp
of horses feet, and saw Culhburt and
bis beautiful vile dashing up the broad
avenue leading to the mansion. The
governess hastily left me and shortly
after saw her talking to her friends on
the versnda. Their brief conference
over. my host and hostess entered and
gave me the cordial welcome which is
the characteristic of the South. When
the greeting had been interchanged / |
turned 10 CuIhburt and said
"Pray, where is Miss Dupont, the
charming sister law of whom you
spoke?"--He and his wife exchanged |
significant gIances, and continued
II am all impalience to see this para
gon. don't keep me long in suspense"
81 will not. you will probably meet
at dinner"
The next moment the dressing bell
rang. and the host led the wav to the
guest chamber, where he left me to
make nv toilet. In those days | was
not indifferent TO my personal appear
ance, and with the aid OF an attentive
slave arrayed myself in the most
elegant suit my wardrobe afforded.
81 wonder if shall suit the heiress."
l queried as took last survey in the
mirror and descended to the dining
hall. There near the table sat Cuth-
burt and his vile, the face had seen
at the window, and not far from the
governess a young lady with fair
complexion, blooming cheek. the sun
niest of blue eyes, and a profusion Of
golden hair. l was connoisseur in
ladies' dress at that period. and l took
10 at glance her costly Indian robe,
with its frills OF Mechlin lace, the spIen-
dor Of her bracelets, necklace and ear
drops, and the exquisilely wrought
golden comb, which looped up The rich
tresses. Why was it that my face
wandered from her to the pale calm
governess. with her bands of raven hair
and her great eloquent eyes, and dress
that fell about her like Dunmist.
blanche" said my host. "allow me
to present an old and valuable friend,
Richard Vincent"
The blond beauty colored, simpered,
and with an inclination she intended to
be like that of prlma donna to an
applauding crowd, acknowledged my
bow.
"Miss Marguerite" resumed Cuth-
burt, "this is the guest we have been
expecting"
We have had the pleasure of meet
ing before. Cuthburt!"
"As told you," murmured the
goVerness.
The ceremonies OF dinner now began.
and as seat had been assigned me be.
side Blanch | tried TO play the agr-ea-
ble. but / often found my thoughts
wandering to the pale. silent girl oppo-
site. When the meal was over aud
the ladies had left the room. we fingered
at our wine.
"What do you think of my sister,"
asked Cuthburt.
"She is very beautiful" ] replied.
"And you have fallen in love at
FIRST sight, have you?"
"IfI have | shall not tell you,"
said, and then we went on chatting in
merry strain.
When we adjourned to the great.
cool. luxurious parlor, ] found Mrs.
Cuthburt and her sister. but tie govern
ess was walking to aud fro on the ter
race, apparently absorbed in thought
The usual small talk ensued and at last,
at my request the heiress sat down at
the piano and played and sang with
much skill. had observed harp in
the adjacent boudoir, and begged her
to sweep its strings for me.