Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-04-28
MISCELL EOUS.
RUNNING THE BLOCKADE.
/" Is Miss Bessie in 2"

eS SIT
Without further question the speaker
entered the house with the air of an accus-
toned visitor. The room into which he
was ushcred was furnished with degree
of elegance which betokened alike wealth
and good taste The young man threw
himself upon sofa, and taking from his
pocket telegram just received, read it
with sparkling eyes Certainly it must
have contained good news, to Judge by
the expression of his face He was in
terrupted in his occupation by soft hand
upon his shoulder.
" Mr. Mordaunt; | protest against
you converting my drawing room into an
office. Is your letter, then, of absorbing
intcrest?'
~ beg your pardon, Bessie" said the
young man, coloring slightly; you en-
tered so softly that did not hear you"
Is that all you have to say to me ~
inquired the young lady playfully. "
begin to think it was hardly worth while
to come down.'
" No, Bessie" said the young man,
taking her hand, " 1t is not all | have to
say to you. l have come to ask you to
reconsider your decision postpouing our
marriage for six months. What good
reason is there for itf"
:" 1t is my guardians wish, Frederic" "
said Bessie, gravcly. {" lie thinks | am
so young that we can well afford to wait.
After all, this is short time. Six months
will pass away quickly"
To you, perhaps" returned the lover,
half reproachiully.
And why not?" she rctorted play
fully. For think, Frederick, they arc
the last six months of my independence.
From that time | am to bo subject to the
whims and caprlces of husband. / am
afraid they are all sad tyrants. On Sec
ond thought, it would perhaps be better
to name year
''Would you have me commit suicide %
I" As if you were capable of it," she
retorted, laughing mcrrily.
"You don't know what l am capable
Of" said young Mordaunt, shaking his
head.
perhaps if did know I should be
unwilling TO marry you at all. " said Bessie
with a saucy smile.
Frederic Morlaunt's face flushed slight
ly, as if sudden thought had crossed his
mind, but moment afterwards he re-
sponded in the same vein.
! Half an hour afterwards the young man
rose to go. Bessie Graham followed him
to the door, and then with slow and med
itative steps recntercd the drawing room.
AS she passed the mirror Il hasty glance
was perhaps natural Rarely has mirror
reflected back a more pleasing face OF
more graceful figure Neither perhaps
was faultless, but the face had wonder
fnll power of expression. A smile family
lighted it up, leaving it absolutely radient
Yet there was something about the mouth
that smiled so sweety which would have
assured careful observer that Miss Bessie
had will of her own if she choose to ex-
ert it. The eyes were clear and truthful.
Purity and sincerity were reflected in
these mirrors of the soul Frederic Nor
daunt was not the only one who had been
won by the charms Of the young heiress.
For Bessie was an heiress, and wealthy
one. Not that she thought of it. The
two hundred thousand dollars which con-
stituted her fortune were poor substitute
in her eyes for the tender lover of her
father who had been snatched from her
three years since by sudden distemper.
Bessie was about to leave the room
when her attention was suddenly drawn
to loose sheet of paper which lay on the
carpet at the foot of the sofa on which her
late visitor had been sitting. Picking it
up, glance informed her that it was a
telegram, dated at Halifax. Her eyes
rested upon it moment, and almost nm
consciously she took in its contents. The
blood rushed to her cheeks, and she ex-
claimed, impetuously, GOOD heavens
can Frederic have acted so base part p
The expression of her face was COM
pletely changed. There was deep
earnestness in her eyes, but lately spark
ling with merry light. This must be
inquired into without delay" she resolved.
IF it be as suspect, sll is over between
usr
She wrote two lines upon sheet Of
note paper and ringing the bell hastily
said 10 the servant, who answered her sum-
mons H7
DO you know Mr.. Mordaunt's Office 2?
Yes, Miss Bessie"
g You will convey this note thithei
Immediately, and place it in his hand
If be is absent wait for him."
" Yes, Miss Bessie"
Mr. Mordaunt had walked quickly
back to his Office, having important busi