Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1863-03-24


ing It. But this was on special occasion. |
"All the world was out" Who could he
find brave enough thus to dare itf He must
see. --..e
There were two or three young ladies
who had longe claimed his special regard,
and he felt sure be was not entirely indif-
ferent to them. He had even been Obser
wing them closely oflate, striving to learn
the true character of each. This he found, j..
as gentleman and ladies usui lily meet in
city life, rather difficult matter. How he
yearned to see through the false surround
ings into the true and inner life beneath
He was rather old-fashioIed in bis notions,
it must be confessed; but he did care
more FOR the real than the artifcial-mOre
for the mind and heart than for their out
er adjoining. But how would il end p
Would he be wiser than his sex? 1t was
indeed difficult question, but be did not
despair.
Ella Campbell had long beon one Of the
first in his esteem. But recently he had
thought her somewhat vain and superficial,
caring more for the outer than the inner
man, and he had been cautious in his
now.
Driving briskly to the door aud throws
ing the reins over bis horse, be quickly
rang the bell A servant at once usbered
him into the parlOr, where sat the lady OF
his Thoughts. She greeted him warmly
but en- hearing the object of his visit and
the unique conveyance be had brought, she
plead a previous engagement, AID at once
excused herself.
Ernest Hammond was gifted with a
0nOd share of fiOp. apd xrha0 mt
previously blinded, read character WE'LL
Now, instantly feeling how it was he po-
litely withdrew. And while he rode gaily
away, Ella Campbell sat poutiug IN her
room, unthought Of and nncared for by the
moving mass.
Ernost's next visit was to the home of
Squire Reed. Here he had long been q
frequent and welcOms visitor, and was
always received quite "like one of the
family" as the Esq, often said, looking
knowingly at his two girls, Charlotte and
Bella
Charlotte was the elder and the band
somer Of the two; aud beauty is always
attractive, especially with the gentlemen.
She was the favorite, too, in society. But
at times Ernest had turned from her to the
gentle, graceful Bella, with her pure heart
and piqusnt, innocent ways, almost with q
| feeling Of love for the latter.
| Hers indeed, was cbaractesafo eontem-
plate on. Timid aud retiring whom in the
presence Of strangers, she was yet singular
| ly artless and cOnfding with those she best
knew. There was dash of independence,
too, and q vein Of romance in her heart
| lleasart and refreshing to meet. She was
graceful and plant, 1t is true, bus there
was character and strength there ALSO
| Though her sister might best please in q
crowd, she would be better known and
| loved at home.
this Ernest felt; still, beauty fasci-
mated him. Not that Bella was ugIE,s Oh,
mol But she was not beautiful, either, at
least, save in the loving eyes and hearts Of
those who best know her. Ernest liked
| them both. 1t were difficult, indeed, to
! determine which which was the fayorite.
| As he neared the door he said. within
himself, as one often will in cases Of doubt,
"A LOOK nr word shall decide between
them. If one or both refuses to ride with
me, 1t shall be sign that oil is over. But
! if one accepts-why, then who knows what
| may come of it? | am twenty-eight now !;
old enough as my partner told me yester-
DAY, to be married and have home of my
own. And so am. We shall see-we
shall s,e!f
Two faces were at the window as lie
drove up. One frightened visibly, the
other visihly paled (; while mingled ex-
preston of scOrn and disappointment pas
! sed over her fOe features.
Good morning, ladies, good morning !"
exclaimed he, as he entered their presence
Il find myself in rather an awk ward posi-
tion just now, and need some to help me
out. / must have drive this morning y ct
/ have been unable to obtain any Conveyance
save the one you saw as drove up. What
shall do ?" and he looked to Charlotte for
| an answer.
An awkward position, indeed !" an
swered she. "You had best drive alone
But must ?" he asked, somewhat cor
rowfully.
Bella looked up quickly, but she did not
speak
Surely, you do not think lady will be
seen 10 such conveyance Z" continued
Charlotte with o slight toss Of her beautiful
head.
Again Bella looked up, while painfL
flush suffused her cheek. She IVES sorry
that her sister had thus spokeD-sorry for
her, grieved for Ernest. She felt sure, too.
that she could not have denied him-that
whatever he should ask, would not be i'm
proper or wrong. How then could her SIS
ter thus speak,
Charlotte noticed the expression, and half
read its meaning. She did not much like
the rerroof it conveyed; and turning to her,
she said. somewhat sOOrnfuliy, it must be
! confessed fa.
perhaps my sister will 60. Will you
BellaT
will you, Bella I" the you e man re-.
peated ,earDestly,as he bent on her glance
that thrilled through every part of her be-
ing.
For moment the blood rushed over her
brow aud neck, the next it receded and she
answered gaily:
| "Why not?" ynel se
And Charlotte repeated, though in DIFF
ferent tone;
"Why not, indsedW
''But will you 60, Bella 2" again asked
Ernest, in the straightforward manner
which ever characterized him.
II should ike it Of all thingsi" answer
ed the enthusiastic girl, forgetting the emo
tion of the moment before.
But remember how We are to CO." con-
tiDued Ernest, quickly. s~
lyon will be observed by all observers, !"
added Charlotte.
'Abd what of that" called back the de>
lighted girl as she was half way above the
stairs.
In a moment she was ready, and gaily
bidding her sister goodbye" che was
soon seated beside Ernest, and they drove
rapidly away.
! Charlotte had repented her momentary
pride, when she saw the tender glance Of
Ernest, as he placed her carefully upon the