The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1868-07-08

/ ''Incedtt TeglR0! Whispered Oarl.
In half an hcur everybody had ac-
cepted Miss Aubusson. She was the
crowned queen OF the Thornton, hence
forth. Mary old bachelors, who sus-
pected all woman of designs on thei
celibacy, paid fearless homage to tn,
gracious sweetness which cared so little
to allure. TIE matrons were charmed
with her dignity, the young G rls were
enchantee, and the young men rayeo
about her. The Drawing room ceased
to attract when Miss Aubusson was alb
sent. And that was very often-far toe
often for these enthusiastic new friends
of hers.
Not more than two evenings week
did she spend with US. At other times
she was driven away after dinner in 6
close coupe, which the black driver
brought around at seven o'clock.
Miss Aubusson never made any re-
mark as to the way in which these
evenings were spent. She was siHsu-
larly nncommunicntive, maintaining a
quiet reticcnce which discouraged any
expression of curiosity or interest. But
from the Frcrc maid, Norine, the la
dies understood that "Mees" went into
society with friends at the other end Of
the city.
| Whatever was the nature oe the con
vivialities it which she assisted, it was
evident that they were exhausting in
their effect.
Sne was wont to come down in the
morning, her face whittier and more
transparent than ever. The fne-grain-
ed skin flushed less rosily than at first;
the luminous, beautiful eyes shone out
Of purple holIows; there was sharp,
pioched look that told of suffering.
What was it that tZpreyed upon the
life of this young, tender creature If
l asked the question with mingled Gu
riosfty aud pity, Carl had keener in
teres.t Miss Aubusson had been at the
Thornton six weeks before l had guess.
cd that carl Fries was in love with her.
He was an odd fellow; quite unde-
monstrarive; capable of intense, concen
trated feeling, aspiring to impossible
heights of nobleness, delicate and dain-
ty in h s taste, Brahman among Brah
mans, as pure as Sir Galahad, and as
brave and chivalric as any grand knight
of old; not affiuent in small graces; hand
some alter the Morse type; blonde hair
ed, blue eyed, of fair, large symme-
try; a man whom woman of enthusias tic
temperament naturally worship.
l could not at first divine whether OF
not Miss Aubusson loved Carl. She
bore herself towards him withthe same
gracious gentleness that she wasted up
on us all .i
1t was simple enough accident that
showed Carl's heart to me,
The bell had rung for dinner, and
Carl and I, havirg just come down
stairs, wore-crossing the hall On our
way to the diuing room, when, to our
surprise, we saw Miss Aubusson stand
ing at side door, in earnest converse
ton with shabby, dissipated looking
man whom we had seen the first day
she came, and who Norine said, was an
agent for "Mees." There had been a
little wondering gossip about the con-
ection of man of such disreputable
appearance with lady like Miss Au-
busscp; but as he had never been seen
again, and she had crept into all our
hearts, 1t dIed away.
On this occasion the bell had rung
some minutes before Carl and L left
our room, and as there happened to be
no servant about, Miss Aubusson Ger
tainly had reason to suppose that she
as unobserved.
She was standing just within the
doorway, her wine hued silk cleaning
in the IL ht of the chandelier, her head
little bent forward, her whole figure
indicative of earnestress and as we
approached We heard the pathetic, soft
entreaty Of her voice.
She started at the sound of our foot
steps, which she did not hear till VIC
were close beside her, said few low,
rapid words to the man, aud then turn
ed to go to the dining hall There
were two or three letters in her hand ;
her eyes were wonderfully bright her
sensitive upper lip quivered with emo
ton
We sto,d aside to let Ter precede US.
With slight bow size did so, but at
that moment one of the letters slipped
from her hand and fell upon the floor.
Carl hastened to pick it up.
"Miss Aubusson T'
She turned, saw the letter in his ex-
tended hand. Instantly her face whit
ened. There was anger, shame, fear
in it as she said, almost clutching the
paper that he put into her hand.
"Mr. Fries, did you see the super
scriptiou upon this letter? %
But she glanced up at him as she
spoke, and her countenance changed
81 beg your pardon I should have
known that you would not look at it."
Carl's fine face flushed.
you are good to say So" he an
swered
"NoW she was smiling now in her
own sweet, sunshiuy way. "No! L was
very wicked to be so rude. Pray for
give me! This letter is connected
Hirh a painful secret that concerns a
friend of mine"
"Her embarrassment, her emotion,
wcro past concealment.
A soft fire shone in Carl's eyes.
"Will you accept my sympathy, Miss
Aubusson 2 Can L not be of service
to you ?" he said
rOh mol Thank you most kindly !!
But not one can help me. IF any one
could, 1 should be proud to ask it of
you. But no one can do any good"
There was an Undesirable pathos
in these last words and her eyes sudden.
ly filled with !ers.
Miss Aubusson did come into the
draw. ing room that evening, and after