Wyoming democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Wyoming Co., Pa.) 1867-1940, 1867-09-11

1
him. Instantly part of it was upon the
! runners. In few moments a comforta-
BILE seat was added, aud he was ready for
| drive.
But now arose another difficulty, nm
thought OF before. He must have a COM
panion---a lady of course ess half the
enjoyment would be lost. But who would
it be? Who would be seen even with
him IN such conveyance as that Ex-
cuse bis vanity, reader mine. He knew
he was fayorile. Indeed1 he could not
help knowing it. But this was a special
occasion. "All the world was OUT
Whom could be find brave enough to dare
it? He must see.
There were two or three young ladies,
who had long claimed his special regard,
and be felt sure he was not entirely indif-
ferent to them. He had even been OBJ
serving them of late, striving to learn the
| true character Of each. This he found, as
gentlemen and ladies usually 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 fashioned in his no
tions, it must be confessed; but he did
care more for the real than the artificial
more for the heart than the outer adorn-
| ing. But how would it end Would he
be wiser than his sex? 1t was indeed
difficult question but he did not quite de.
spair.
Ella Campbell had long been of the
first in his esteem. But recently he had
thought her somewhat vain and superb
cial, caring more for the outer than the in
ner man, and be had been cautious in his
attentions to her. He would test her
now.
Driving briskly to the door and throw
ing reins over his horse, he quickly rang
the bell. A servant at once ushered
him into the par!or, where sat the lady of
bis thoughts. She greeted him warmly /;
but on hearing the object of his visit and
the unique conveyance he had brought,
she plead previous engagement, and at
once excused herself.
Earnest Hammond was gifted with a
good share Of penetration; and when not
previously blinded, read character well.
Now, instinctively feeling how it was, he
politely withdrew. And while he rode
gaily away, Ella Campbell sat pouting in
the room, unthought and uncared for by
th1 1sTfHeigRts fSeiRGs next visit was to the house
of SQUARE Reed. Here he had long
been frequent and welcome visitor, and
was always received quite "like one of the
family" as the Squire often said. looking
knowingly at his two girls, Charlotte and
Bella.
Charlotte was the older and handsomer
of the two; and beauty Is always attract
i've especially with the men. She was the
favorite, too, in society. But at times
Earnest had turned from her to the gen.
tie graceful Bell, with her pure heart, and
piquant, innocent ways, almost with feel
ing of love for the latter.
Hers indeed was a character to study.
Timid and retiring when in the presence
Of strangers, she was vet singularly artless
and confiding with those she best knew
and loved.
There was dash of independence, too
and vein OF romance in her heart, pleas
ant and refreshing to meet. She was
graceful aud plain it is true, but there was
a character and strength there, Also
Though her sister might best please in
crowd, she would be better known and
felt at home.
All this earnest felt; still beauty fasci-
mated him. Not that Bella was ugly
Oh no! But she was not beautiful, Ell
ther /; at least, save in tie loving eyes and
hearts of those who best knew her. Ear
nest liked them both. It were difficult in
deed, to determine which was the favorite.
As he neared the door he sasl, within
himself, as one often will in cases of doubt.
"A look or word shall decide between
them. IF one or both refuse to ride with
me, it shall be sign that all is over
But if one excepts--why, then who knows
what may come oft? / am twenty eight
now; "old enough. as my partner told me
Yesterday, "to be married and have a
home of my own And so l am.--
We shall see-we shall see."
Two faces were at the window as he
drove mp. One frightened visibly, and
the other as visibly paled; while a min
gled expression Of scorn and disappoint-
ment passed over her fine features
'Good morning, ladies, good morning
exclaimed he, as he entered their pres
ence. find myself in rather an awkward
position just now, and need some one to
help me out. / must have a drive this
morning. yet have been unable to obtain
any conveyance save the one vou saw as
drove up. What shall do?" And he
looked to Charlotte for an answer.
Gan awkward position. indeed answer
ed she. "You had best drive alone"
"But must I?' he asked somewhat sor
rowfulIy.
Bella looked up quickly; but she did
not speak. .. . ......
"6urely, you do not think lady would
be seen in such a eonveyance?" continued
Charlotte with slight toss of her beauti-
ful head. .---..
Again Bella looked up while a painful
flush suffused her cheek. She was sorry
her sister had spoken--sorry for her,
grieved for Earnest. She felt snre, too,
that she could not have denied him--that
| wbatsvnr he should ask would not be i'm