Daily clarion and standard., 1866-07-15
Written for the Clarion and Standard
A B G E n A P | 7 t
KNOW VOTEON
BY MISS c. CORINNE LESTER.
CHAPTER V.

A day like this was now frequently
spent; the pleasures of the house still
went on. Gena would not allow her
self to remain away from the usual en-
ioyments of the day and evening; her
strong mind and great pride would not
suffer her to expose the agony and
deep sufferings of her heart But with
an assumed gayety and frivOlityof man
ner she mastered herself; her powers
of perception convinced her that Count
de L and her sister were much as
tonished at her gay versatility, which
only served her in appearance, while
her soul was in tortures. Gena was
dignified, yet gentle towards the Count;
not one word had she asked of eXpla-
nation in regard to his base conduct
towards her; but silently treating his
i'll behavior, she always met Estelle
with a kind sisterly smile. The sisters
from children had never lived much in
each others society; they were raised
to love each other, but to pursue their
own pleasures Gena still treated
Estelle cheerfullv and lovingly; but
that beloved father, what could she
think of him language failed to clothe
her ideas. Why, why, did he smile
upon her, seek to inquire if she was
happy, and yet appear to be laboring
under some sort of an embarrassment,
all this plotting was soon to draw to q
close; the under current of itinerant
events were now eliminated and ready
for the issue.
OF all Genas faculties, the most
efficacious was that of suffering; she
was formed for enjoyment; her nature
was trusting and animated but trouble
and wrongs excited her to a degree
| that almost deprived her of reason, of
| life.
One morning Gena was quite aston
ished by a visit from Estelle to her
| private room She softly entered, and
gently knelt beside Gena's chair, and,
with all the sweetness of an angel,
asked for Gena's blessing.
My dear sister, said Estelle. smil-
ing, II am so happy this morning to
impart my great JOY you"
Gena smothed the fair brow of her
sister, and almost doubted her exis-
tence, for the past three months, Estel-
| les artfulness completely enshielded
| her falsity.
MY darling sister" said Gena, Il
am indeed glad in seeing you so hap
py, am all attention to hear your
| pleasing story"
For moment Estelle gazed upon
| the floor, abstractedly-she soon col
lected herself, and reused up that ami
mostly she so cherished towards
Gena
''Gena, dear, perhaps you may have
observed how many elegant things Pa
has purchased for me lately ?"
Il must confess / have" said Gena,
'.but suppose l can easily account
| for that; George, no doubt, will soon
| claim you for his bride, and our dear
Pa viii not be chary in giving you an
outfit"
s.Sister, mine, replied Estelle, laugh
| ingly, 'syou have guessed only half OF
the story, | shall never wed George
Martin"
"Who, then ?" asked Gena, tremb-
lingly.
s'Our father" answered Estelle
"wishes me to accept Count de L. fol
my husband, but although may love
him with my whole soul, / will not
take him from you dearl Gena." Es-
telIe buried her face in Gena's lap. and
appeared much affected.
"What does the Count say" inquired
Gena, calmly.
HE tells me dear Gena, that life
will be burthen to him without me-"
| "Then, if you truly love him accept