North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1863-12-16

rounded by all the charms of nature, he
hoped to pass days in sweet tranquility
| Clavsring took possession of his new home
in the lovely month of June, welcomed by
the merry songs of birds and the laughing
| flowers.
In this delicious retreat Frank Clayering
entered upon a new existence. He who had
once passed his nights in the splendid scenes
Of fashionable dissipati on-the gay saloon,
the dazzling ballroom, the elegant opera
now retired to early and refreshing slumbers.
AS soon as Aurora, with her rosy fingers,
had opened the gates of morn. he was up and
abroad The sweet, early hours he spent
gliding over the crystal stream in his swift
boat, and bathing his superb limbs in the
cooling waters. .
Reclining beneath the shady trees, in the
midst of rich and brilliant flowers, with the
snowy clouds floating in the clear sky above
him, his ears enchanted by the music of the
birds, and musing over favorite poem ro-
nance, the young hermit tasted purer dc.
| light than he had ever found in the crowded
hall, or at the merry festive board >
One morning as Clavering was taking his
accustomed sail along the fowery banks OF
the stream, he discried beautiful bird perch
ed on tree a short distance from him Its
brilliant plumage and graceful form made
him desirous of securing it for the mus.um
he was collecting. He directed his boat to
the shore, and gun in hand, proceeded to ac-
c)mpish his design. He fired, and missed
the bird few, and Cavering pursued it, load
ing his gun as he ran. The bird lighted in
magnificent grove of oaks. Upon coming up,
he fired, but instead of bringing down the
game, Frank was brought down himself hav
ing, in the excitement of the chase, put
double load in his gun. Nothing daunted,
our sportsman continued the pursuit through
the grove. As he emerged from the latter.
a delightful and unexpected scene burst up
on his sight.
A beautiful garden lay stretched out before
bathed in the soft splendor Of the rising sun
gorgeous butterflies ard industrious bees,
fitted from flower to fewer, feasting on their
sweets, and the glad birds carroll their morn
ing hymns to the great God of nature. In the
centre of the garden, stood rustic bower, al
most buried beneath trailing vines. Inmc-
diately opposite the place occupied by Claver-
| ing, small white cottage emerged from
wilderness of roses, and clustering honey-suck-
les. The lower windows and doors of the
cottage opened upon porch which decende1
by two or three steps to a gravel walk
| While Clavering was aduuirng the beautiful
scene spread out before him: the cottage door
was opened, and young lady came forth at
tended by graceful hound.
The whole thing appeared 50 much like the
gorgeous pictures of Eastern poets that CLAY
ering almost believed that he had been sud
denly transported to an enchanted garden
He watched the lady, as she descended the
porch, and passed with swan-Iike grace, u.
ward the bower. As she approached, her
eyes were suddenly raised TO the spot VIII re
Clavering stood Startled at the unusual
sight Of stranger with gum she uttered an
exclamation of surprise and terror and was
on the point of flying to the cottage, when
Clavering advanced to account Cor his Hnex-
pcctel presence. With that easy elegance of
manner, which had been one of his greatest
charms in society he addressed her:
"Lady, owe you many apologies for the
fright which have occasioned. While pur-
suing beautiful bird, came suddenly on this
place, and have been held speIl-boun, by all
that / have seen and heard. This card will
inform you that my name is Francis Claver-
ing, name not unknown in the great city
from which have lately removed, to take up
my residence in this neighborhood." .g
With that mate potencss which every
true woman possesses, Nina Eaglenoat-for
spch was the name of the fair lady-nvited
him to take seat in the bower and with an
unaffected simplicity, perfectly ravishng TO
one so long accustomed to the artificial forms
Of fashionable life, the beautful girl sat be-
side him and they conversed with each other
like intimate friends. Cavering's noble coun-
tenance and distinguished appearance was
I sufficient to recommend him ID the favor Of any
lady. Gifted with an extraordinary talent
for conversation, be possessed the rarcr, but
most facinating power of drawing others out,
Gas it is calleI) and making them talk in
manner pleasing to themselves and to their
listeners He discovered that Ninas mind
was naturslly, remarkable fine one, but
sadly in need Of proper training The cause
of this, Clavering learned from herself.
s'My father and have lived here five
years, during which time have seldom seen
conversatlc being. My father, who is pas
s onately fond of experimental chemistry,
passes his days and nights in his laboratory,
surrounded 10y retoris, stills, and bottles,
filled with cri nsor, yellow, AMI green liquids,
which he examines, smells, and handles,