Des Arc weekly citizen., 1868-07-28
ARC, ARKANSAS. JULY 2s 1868. are

were not fast; were not fashionable While the mighty steamer was passing through the dull and monotonoui scenery of the Upper Mississippi he would seek out and enjoy the company of Alice Armour, and at night he would sit and listen to her masterly perform ance on the piano that belonged to the boat. He enjoyed her company and her music, yet still he thought there was nothing about her that could awaken the emotion of love in his breast.
 As the steamer would approach the more important towns and cities which are along the river, ho managed to stand at the side of Miss Avery or some other fashionably arrayed lady. At some of the most important places the vessel would stop Q half a day or more, and on these occasions he would invite a few lady friends to take a ride with him in carriage. Not once was Alice asked to accompany the party, lntHi- lively she knew that he considered her too plain to elicit notice from the pub lie. To her it made no difference, or rather she was glad of it, yet how de- testfully mean it seemed in him. Often did she wonder if he had many coun- terparts. She then thought of one that was not so; the one that possessed her love long before she met with Cyrus Mathews; the one that she loved. T St. Paul was at length reached in safety, and all places of interest in that locality were visited by the party. The magnificent Falls of St. Anthony were seen, after which our tourists again travelled northward until the placid waters of Lake Pepin were reached. All were pleased and all were bene- fitted by the change of climate, except poor Mrs. Grey, who seemed gradually to grow worse. Everything was done for her that kind and attentive friends could do. Her husband and brother were ever ready and willing to do all in their power, yet it was Alice and Agnes Armour that were the real nur- ses; they were the angels of mercy around the sick bed; they performed such acts as woman alone can do. By day and by night one of the sisters stayed at the bedside of the suffering one.
 For months it seemed that she could not live. Experienced physicians said there was no hope. All seemed dark and dreary, but Alice and Agnes la bored on. Every delicacy that an ac- complished cook could prepare was brought to the sick one.
 At length therc was a change, slight change for the better, but 1t was many weeks before Mrs. Grey could go about the room. Cold weather was fast ap- preaching when her health was suffi- ciently restored to bear the fatigue in- cident to her return southward.
 During tho entire period of Mrs. Grey's illness her brother had never been absent for more than few hours at time. Over him there had come great change. He had learned to love plain, sweet Alice Armour. Seeing her week after week SO carefully at- tending to the wants of his sick sister showed him the worth of true wo- man. He could not control his feel ings; could not hide his love. For awhile Alice thought it was gratitude for his sisters recovery that changed him so, but her woman's shrewdncss of perception soon discovered that it was love, and love, too, for her. Dis covering this she avoided his company as much as possible, thinking thereby he would read his fate and act accord ingly. But she swas mistaken. He was as impulsive lover as he was an ardent bachelor.
 Our bachelor friend had 50 long con- sidered universal achievements in love affairs as things so easily accomplished, that he did not for moment entertain the idea of disappointment and humili- ation. In fact he at times thought that Alice would be downright broken hearted if he did not make . Illegal tender" of his love. Deceived man! In his mind he had pictured the final scene to himself-his tender words--the tell-tale blush-the tender sigh--the loving smile-the whispered yes-the betrothed kiss--all so easy-so nice. Self-confdent in success, determined and vain, he was surprised to see that Alice moro and more tried to avold his company.
 Time and again, while going down the river, he had sought her out to speak of his love, but if other company was not present he was certain to find tho two sisters together. His lips were bit in vcxation, but 1t did no good.
 Early one morning they landed at Canton, where, after bidding their friends goodbye, the Miss Armours soon found themselves at home, the Greys were still onward bound to AL ton. Alice had never even requested her would-be lover to write upon his arrival at home. Not . word of encouragement had she at any time given him to her he had been friend, and more than that he could never be.
 But the grand champion of bachelor ship was in love--in love, too, with a plain, unfashionable woman, and, worse than all, his love was not returned.