Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1868-06-19

ne entered, Sn6 WIS Ittkllk III a SnOSAAA
tone to Mrs Dacre, whose simple matroniy
cap and fair gentle face, contrasted sweetiy
with the profusion of dark curls which hung
in beautiful luxuriance over the more AMI
mated face of her companion
ssOur truant has returned at last, said
his hostess. s'and she tells me you have not
met"
The brow of Mary Dacre was a sweet,
clear page, where you might read all that
passed in her kind and noble heart Her
beauty did not fascinate for moment, but
it attracted by its grace and intelligence; 1t
was a face to gaze on and return to, to SIT
across the minds eye" haunts you at all
hours, unbidden and unexpected; IN fact,
she was a dangerous invader OF the rights
of bachelorship, and Clifford, scarcely resist
ing the fair assailant, found the stronghoids
of celibacy one by one giving way, and each
stern sentinel that hitherto guarded the
avenues of his heart, deserving his post.
what folly?' thought he, as he stood
gazing on the light form of Mary, as she
tripped like wood nymph over the lawn
e'to fancy so young and fair creature
would evermingle her fate with mine; moth
inc but love- the purest and profoundest,
could ever tempt me to marry; and then l
must have equal devotion-one who would
share my aspiring after better things than
earth can offer and sympathiZe in all my
hopes. It is folly, rank folly, and egregious
vanity. to imagine she could ever love me
thus"
But Mary was not insensible to the
polished manners and winning grace OF her
uncle's friend, nor didthe delicate attention
he paid or the friendly interest he evinced
for her, pass unappreciated. Agreeable
first impressions facilitate intercourse amaz-
ingly, and one is astonished what progress
love makes in a country house, where COM
munion is unfetterred and free.
ssAnd so we are going to have dlnner-
party to-day. said Clifford to Mary, as she
was gathering flowers for the vases; how L
wish it was over-I hate such affairs.
II see your are spoiled" said Mary,
laughing: .'you have been petted by my
aunt, and praised by my uncle, till you
really are beyond hearing"
''Who are coming?"
"A great many agreeable people.
Country squires mostly are-they Will
talk of the corn laws and tithes, and pedl-
gree of their horses, and other intereting
sayings and doings. Will you tell me any
of their names z!
ssSir Edward and Lady Talbot; he, grave
and sedate; she, all sparkle and suavity.
Mr.. and four Miss Arnolds; he, clever,
shrewd man of the world; his daughters
worthy ofsuch sire. Pretty, accomplished
and sing and play enchantingly. Lord Luz
cas-, fond of the feast, though not of reason;
he is a bachelor" continued Mary, archly,
therefore must be merciful to him. Then
Mr.. and Mrs Powell. MY Powelis two sons
and dear, graceful Gnce-beauty, wit and
goodness enough in her own dear SELF to
make the dullest dinner charming"
docs your enthusiasm extend to the
whole family" asked Clifford, assuming an
indifference he did not feel.
30 yes, indeed, wear them all in my
heart of hearts"
Clifford was satisfied.
s'You can imagine how much more may
be extracted from such folks as those you
seem to hold in contempt, continued Mary
.'by the exercise of o very little moral al
chemy; will you tryT"
Il will do anything for you.
''Well, be thankful, then, for this petite
historiette-you ought, for had scarcely
+ left ten minutes for the graces. And away
she nan, laden with flowers, looking as Gilt.
/ ford thought, the very personification Of
Flora.
You niece is very lovely" said Clifford
a day or two after the above conversation
breaking long silence, and thus indicating
the current of his thoughts
"Yes, replied Dacre, pretty and por
tionless; my poor brother was ever SO heed
less of the future, and he left her with little
beside his blessing; butt cannot talk of tina
even to you, Frank"
Clifford spoke of his protracted visit g
have been here six weeks surely, never die
time pass so rapidly.
You must not, my dear fellow, think o
I going vet, we have all been so happy IL
your society"
Clifford wondered if Mary was included
in that imperial pronoun We. Another and
another week few IN, and still he fingered
he was less cheerful, and when alone in his
wanderings, which became more frequent
he felt life fiat, void, fruitless; but ever il
his musings he imagined bright, fair Wis
ion, which he believed was the only charm
required to make it very different-he be-
4 came decided that love was not all delu
1 sion-an airy Misunderstanding but tc
make the gloom apparent at Its vanishing
! "Mary ~ he softly breathed, and, as if she
heard the scarcely uttered sound turn Of
the path brought her to his side.
'.How fresh all thingslook," she exclaim-
4 ed; how pleased and glad nature appears
listen to the matin song of the birds; is il
not sweet music, is it not all delightful 2
! 1T is lovely, but it is something brighter
than all makes it appear fair and bright to
me r.
Need we go on, or say how beyond all
''count of time" that morning walk was ex-
tended, or how Mrs. Dacre forebore re-
proof when they enteredlong after luncheon
or how Mr.. Dacre smiled when Clifford
said:
'sIIow noiseless falls the foot of time,
That only treads in flowers"
and smiled still more when he asked for ten
minutes chat in the library. Mary. in the
interim, with eyes overlooking with tears,
whose source did not spring from woe was
quite confidential with Mrs. Dacre; and it
would have been difficult to have found a
more happy party than that which met at
the dinner hour that day.
But spring has come, with all Its green
buds and every sweet blade of grass is full
of fragrance, and the air sis making sweet
music, while the young leaves dance;;a and
Mary, with a fearful eye and smile like a
sunbeam, has just received the nuptial bles-
ing. In the pretty, primitive looking
church where her VOWS were registered,
there was no inspiring paintings mo gothic
aisles, sparkling shrines, or delicate carv-
ing; but in after life how dear was the
memory of that humble sanctuary where
Mary Dacre had become Bachelors Bride.