Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1868-10-15


"Who is that fne-looking man standing by
thepiano, Carri. ?" whispered Mabel.
ooh, that is the Englishmsn l was telling
YOU of, MaBel-Mr. Philip Granger. Isn't he
handsome ?"
"Yes, very; but he is older than thought
he was"
"He is only thirty; don't count that old.
Suppose We walk around the room: l would
like to introduce you to some Of the girls here;
one or two think you will like very much"
AS the two young girls passed near the piano,
Mabel blushed violently as she met the admi-
ring gaze OF the young Englishman, fixed in-
teutly upon her.
Carrie introduced her to several of the young
and lovely girls, who were staying at the hotel,
One of them Mabel knew she should like e1-
tremely. The name was Grace Sinclair. There
was something very sweet and attractive about
her. When Mabel expressed her surprise at
the deep mourning she wore, Carrie then told
her that Grace was in mourning for her lover,
who had died some six months before Of quick
consumption.
ooh, how l pity her." Mabel exclaimed,
tears of sympathy filling her violet eyes.
That evening as Mabel was sitting alone in
the large drawing-room, Carrie Wray ap-
preached her and introduced Mr. Granger to
her. After the introduction she glided away,
and found some of her young friends.
This is your first season at Newport,
Miss Graham, presume 2" remarked Mr..
Granger, as he seated himself by her side.
"Yes tits" she replied, with smile "rve
beer only lately released from the school-room.
| anticipate great enjoyment from my season.
au told there is very fine bathing, and beau
tiful drives and wallis around here"
"Yes, believe there are | can vouch for the
bathing, for I've tried it, only arrived from
England three months ago, and therefore New
port is new to me; but the little I've seen oft
| like extremely"
After talking of various things, they sepa-
rated, and Mabel sought her room, while Mr..
Granger sauntered out into the grounds to
smoke
Mabel, on reaching her chamber, seated her
self at her window, and looked out over the
ocean. Of which she had fine view. The
moon had risen, and gIimmcred on the sea
with a sllvcyy spiendor illuminating all objects
with glory. Mabel watched this scene with adj
miration, aud after she had satiated herself
with its beauty she fell into fit of musing.-
She had to confess to herself that she wa3 very
much prepossessed in favor Of Mr. Granger,
and she wondered what sort Of house he had !;
and whether he had parents, brothers and sis
tcrs 1t was late before she sought her pillow,
and then Natures sweet restorer " .lulled her
forest
As time passed on Mabel and Mr.. Granger
becamd warm friends. The young Englishman
admired her extremely; and it was no wonder
he did. for there was something very winning
and fascinating about Mabel. Her attractive
ness consisted principally in her being so SIM
pie and natural, and bengso free from anything
approaching affectation. Mabel, on her part,
enjoyed very much the society of the young
man. There was something so noble and man
ly in his bearing, and his countenauce express
ed so much frankness and goodness, that wo-
man might trust in him without being deceived.
lie was not what you would call a ladies man,
but he could, if he chose to exert himself, fasci-
nate all those who came within his reach.
Mabel had to acknowledge to herself with
shame, that she felt greater interest in him
than their short acquaintance warranted; that
she had given her love ursought. Maidenly
blushcs covered her face as this was revealed
to her
One evening after Mabel had been week at
Newport, she seated herself at the piano, and
dashed into brilliant prelude, then gliding into
one ofthe old Scotch ballads, she began to sing
Robin Adair in rich, sweet voice. She
found She had the drawing-room to herself, for
all the boarders had gone to hop at the
hotel in the city. She had plead headache
as excuse for not attending it, but as she sang,
gentleman approached the piano, and listened
with rapt attention till she finished.
"Oh. Miss Graham" exclaimed Mr. Gran
ger. for It was be, please go on singing It is
treat to listen to you Ny mother used to
sing those beautiful ballads delightfully."- when
| was boy" Mabel complied, and sang bal
lad after ballad till she was tired.
The weeks few by, loaded with enjoyment to
our heroine. She enjoyed her season ss much
as she had anticipated She was always hap
py when Mr. Granger was at her side, and that
be was continually.
One day, as they were on the piazza, after
breakfast, Mr.. Granger said:
miss Graham, will you let me have the
pleasure of taking you sail this morning p
III. so lovely ont, think you will enjoy IT,
Thank you, will with pleasure" 'ne re-
Piled.
Fh.y proceeded down to the wharf, and in
few minutes their boat was dancing on the
water. which lay sparkling In the bright sun
shine They were caught in storm; the
waves rose high. aad one huge monster cap
sized their fr.iI bark and they found themselves
struggling in the water. In moment NJ.
! c.-or b.d II. arm around Mabel. and swan