Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1863-11-20
DELAWARE, OHIO, NOVEMBER 90, 1868.

because I am engaged No, no, I'm going
enjoy myself finely here. I'll get up a grar
,fl Irritation before week passes, and you, Lizzi
must help me; introduce me to the finest fello
q here, and I'll set my capsimmediately. I a
sure you my charms are irresistible"
q " No doubt of that, Laura, but I'm afrai
, Earnest would object to such proceeding
I 4" No he won't, he has too much confdenC
in me, he knows have no heart to lose, fc
be has had possession Of it so long, and he
willing shall be merry while can. III b
ready to settle down to quiet, domestic lif
when he comes home. Only fancy me, Lizzie
mistress of dear little cottage, with the ros
es over the porch, and roses of love within
Isn't it delightful ?"
" Very delightful indeed, but there is th
retiring bell, and these dresses not half dis
posed of, there is room for no more in thC
wardrobe, we must leave them till morning.
/ A quarter of an hour later. Laura, weary
with her long journey, was sleeping sweetly
dreaming of the dear one in the Sunny South
while Lizzie turned down the lamp, and seated
herself at the window to wait till all should
be asleep, that she might steal down into the
garden to fulfill an engagement with some ro-
mantle lover.
The next day was the Sabbath and Laura
did not leave her room until evening. But af
ter the halls were lighted and nearly all the
students had gone to church in solemn process
sion, headed by grave Professors and teachers
she stole quietly down to the parlOur; finding
no one there, she seated herself at the piano
and began playing a low sweet melody. FL
nally forgetting everything but the music, she
began singing, she possessed rare voice, well
trained and powerful, and gradually it arose
till the great ParIour was filed with the har-
Inonious sound. So absorbed wss she, that
she did not notice two figures come softly into
the room, and seat themselves in the shadows,
but played on unconscious of the listners.
At last remembering where she was, she
paused and sprang up from the stool, saying
half aloud "Realy forgot was stranger.
am very glad there was no one to hear me"
Some one did hear you though, and is
charmed. Naughty child, why did you never
tell me you could play ?" And Lizzie Bowen
drew her her arm around her friends waist.
{" 1 thought you were asleep Miss, who told
you to come and listen."
/" A gentleman requested me TO come in
with him. could not refuse. Allow me to
present my friend Mr. Bernerd, Miss More
land"
A half defiant curl of the pretty lip, and a
slight inclination of the head, as tall slender
figure rose from the window seat, was all the
notice Laura designed to bestow. He on his
part, noting her naughty air was no less haugh-
ty himself, and moment after Laura swept
from the room.
Lizzie broke into a merry laugh. " She is
angry because we heard her sing" she said, 81
like to see her angry, she puts on so much dig
nifty. But Edmund, you must not think her
quite tigress because she is little vexed
now."
al shall not Judge her too harshly," he re-
piled laughingly, then added They are
coming from church. We must away to our
rooms or Madam will discover us. Good
night Lizzie, hope you will be able to ap-
pease that young lady's wrath"
III try" was the merry response as they
parted and hurried to their rooms
The next morning all eyes were turned to-
ward the new scholar, as she entered the din
ing room with Lizzie. She was very lovely
with the white wrapper floating about her in
cloud like folds, and the brown curls cluster
ing around the pure, bright young face
What was her chagriD, upon finding herself
seated directly opposite Edmund Bernerd. He
observed the displeased expression, and divinmg
the cause, bowed very coldly, and went on eat
ing his breakfast, without paying her farther
attention, but his handsome lip curled slightly
and a sudden CLEAN shot from his eyes which
was quickly concealed by the dropping lids
Day after day passed, still whenever Edmund
and Laura CHANGED to meet, there was upon
the one side, freezing politness, and the most
chilling reserve on the other.
Friday evening was always time of social
enjoyment, when the students would gather in
the large parlors and pass the time with chat
ting, music and dancing. These evenings
were regarded as q very pleasant treat, and
were always looked forward to with delight.
The wished for evening came at last, and
donning light airy muslins, Lizzie and Laura
descended to the large parlor. Already a
large number were assembled, and the hum of
voices and gay laughter filled the rooms. A
quadrie was proposed, and the dancers took
their places but no one was found willing to
play-all had some excuse ready-and the
dance was likely to prove failure.
Laura was sitting alone near a window, q
quiet spectator of the gay scene, when she
heard Lizzie say to Mr.. Bernerd,
"Go and ask Miss Moreland; you know she
can play beautifully"
She would have ran away had it been pos
sible, but Bernerd came up Immediately, and
very politely proffered his request. Only a
moment she hesitated; then complied.
He led her to the piano, and arranged the
music. Striking few chords Of prelude, she
dashed off into the exciting dance. All eyes
we're fixed upon her as she played; but all un-
needing she went on. Her soul was wander
ing in the thrilling mazes Of the melody pro-
duced by her own magic touch. AS the set
finished she paused, and Lizzie came to her
side, saying, "Now you must sing for us one
Of those wild beautiful songs you sang that
night"
She had half risen, but as Lizzie spoke she
felt hand on her shoulder, half forcing her
back to her seat, and Mr. Bernerd Joined his
request with Lizzie's. "Do not say no, Miss
MorelaGd; we cannot accept refusal"
He spoke so earnestly that she looked up
and found his eyes fixed pleadingly and admir-
ingly upon her. She did not wait longer to
be urged, but began playing a sweet, bat
mournful ballad. She sang unusually well,
and when she ceased there was breathless ST.
lence throughout the apartment. Rising she
moved away; no one attempting to detain
her.
Half an hour after she was standing by 9
window, half concealed by the heavy curtains
, "Oh, if Earnest were only here l could be
so happy" she murmured to herself, with g
half smothered sigh.
Just then Edmund Bernerd coming 10 hel
! side exclaimed, "Ah, you are here, Miss More
land. have been searching for you. Viii