, 1864-02-20
The Ebony caslket.
CHAPTER I.

through Lne 1OlulnS WlEuOWS OI tnc sump-
tuously furnished drawing-room in Bel
grave House, and fell aslant the full, round
figure of its owner as lie reclincd luxuri-
ously in his easy chair. A loving smile H.
lumincd his ford features, and lent merry
sparkle to his sharp gray eye. The wreath
Of thin white hair that crested his broad
forehead, and the deep lines that furrowed
the corners of his pleasant-shaped mouth,
would have given credenee to the belief
that he had long since turned the summit
of life's hill; but it was not so; and upon
taking a more earnest gaze at Mr.. Samuel
Darlington, the reputed wealthy banker, us
he sat there with that spring sunlight rest
ing on him, the conviction forced itself
upon the observer that he was not only rev.
cling in the noontide of healthful life,
but that the warm glow Of unshaded hap
piness dwelt in his ruddy face. The tall,
stately figure Of his motherless daughter
stood beside him, with one hand gathered
fondly round his neck, and the other raised
to support her dropping, pcnsiye head !;
whilst over the delicate surface Of her pale
features was spread blushing, naughty
frown.
"Now don't deny it, Grace" said her
father; 81 know by that tell-tale color on
your cheeks that you arc glad to hear your
cousin is soon returning"
"Why should be otherwise ?" was the
daughters supercilious response. "Was
he not my playmate long years ago? and
-" .r ....
"You hope he will be your life-mate in
long years to come," interrupted her father
in merry, laughing voice. And hope
so too. ne is a frank, generous, kind
hearted fellow, and rich into the bargain
immensely rich"
Ills recommendations are numerous and
great, admit" said Grace, with the same
languid coolness Especially the last"
"Yes," said her father, there he is,
like ripe, golden plum waiting to be
plucked"
"Dear me, how very tempting" laughed
Grace; "my mouth quite waters. What
do you think, Clemency J"
Clemency Maybrook, who was seated by
the folding window, deep in the mysteries
of erayon drawing, looked up from her
sketch and turned the light of her full dark
eyes on Grace, saying quietly, BLESSED is
her fate who chooses well and wisely"
"Well said, Clemcncy! well said! y ex-
claimed Mr.. Darlington.
81 tell you, father, that my cousin Hugh
is not my choice exclaimed Grace, sharply,
whilst a resttGl expression Of anger CLEANED
in her eye.
"Then he shall never marry you,' said
Mr.. Babington, seriously. {" Ii he were as
wise as Solomon and as rich as Plutus, he
would be too poor in wealth aud wisdom for
my child, unless she loved him."
\ servant entered the drawing-room at
this juucture, and announced that Mr.
Ruddcrforth was desirous Of an interview.
A passing shadow swept over the bankers
face when he heard the name, and chased
away his light humor. Show him into
the library" he said, with an impcrious gcs-
ture Of dismissal to the servant.
The name had fallen with different effect
upon Clemoncy Maybrook, and brought an
unusual lustre into her dark eyes and
brighter look into her face.
" You will not let him detain you p said
Grace, nesting her head upon her fathers
bosom as he rose to leave the room.
"No, darling, no. he replied merely
some triaing business; We shall soon dis.
patch it. Order the carriage for drive"
lie drew his hands caressingly through
the fair girls golden hair, and leaving a
kiss upon her soft pale cheek, followed the
servant from the room.
" Frankly now" said Clemency, throw
ing aside her drawing, and regarding Grace
with an observant gaze, has your heart
no touch Of woman's love or sympathy for
your cousin 7" ......
None, believe me-" replied Grace; and
then she asked coldly, " Whyp
"Why" echoed Clemency. "Do you
suppose I have forgotten, although two
years have elapsed since he left us for Italy
and Switzerland, how strongly he tcstiies
his affection for your and il, through time
and absence that affection still exists"
"The affection Of cousin, Clemency, ]
may almost say brother, nothing more"
interposed Grace. "You arc aware that
he was left an orphan to the guardianship
Of my father. We were reared beneath
one roof together, shared in the same pas
times as boy and girl, and when he passed
to mans and l to woman's estate, surely
there need be no marvel if our old affec-
tion still lives on untouched by the glow Of
any deeper feeling"
/" You cannot answer for the promptings
Of his heart" said Clemency musingly.
"True," replied Grace, lightly; "but !
can for those IF my own" q
+" He is young, amiable and handsome"
pleaded Clemcncy; "do not be too fastidi-.
ous." ' .1w p'I#i.
~ am not fastidious, and l grant my
cousins virtues" retorted Grace. al will
even acknowledge that have tried to love
him at some very bygone period. | tell
you, Clemmy, that grave, sober face Of his
seems to me as if II had no right on his
young shoulders. So much sense and pru-
dcnce as he possesses belong to the acquire
ments Of age, but not to the attractions Of
youth; and if in his absence those unplea-
SAINT characteristics have increased, he must
be perfectly unbearable."
Indeed, Grace Darlington !" said Clem.
cncy, reprovingly. "Ithink if he married
you, his double amount Of sense and prti-
dence would be highly requisite"