The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1871-05-03
Morning Mo


though he was we'll bred to all, he
was impressed by none. Every face
had TIE same stereotyped look, of
which he was already tired; that look,
half of discomfort, halt of envy, which
prevails so in fashionable society The
fresh, sweet, innocent face of Claribel
rose up before him continually. He
remembered how it had fascinated
him in other days. In his memory.
all through those long years, had lived
a portrait. 1t was that of a young
girl, dressed in white, sitting musing.
He had surprised her in that position,
one day, and he had never entirely
forgottens the picture. II was inno-
cence and loveliness enshPlnea in one.
Often and often it had come up to
him, in his student days abroad. 1t
was the same face now, only more ma
tured, and, therefore, even more beau
tiful. Full of this memory, he step
ped out into the garden, for the glare
and noise OF the ball began to jar on
him. Pacing up and down the fra
grant walks, he saw an open easement
high above him, and tair, sweet face,
and stillsgirlish- fgure,i dinlly defined,
in the uncertain light. citswas Glari-
sbel, he knew. w.zaaBut-the figure disap
peared imm ediately,and the light was
put out. -azs-,,h z-,s.- s. 7sef sa.E &
Clifford was -punctual in making his
party call at the w Wallingfords':. But
he failed to see Claribel. He had
asked tor the ladies' as was proper,
but only Mrs. Wallingford and her
dausht rs appeared. When he VEN
tured to inquire if Miss Willoughby
was weli,' the elderly lady replied,
yes indifferently, and let the subject
drop. Again and again Clifford call
ed, but nearly always with the same
result If he saw Chribel at all, it
was when he surprised her practieing
in the .parlors- These interviews sot
came to be the great objects cof. his
life. Thy were always the result OF
accident, but he regarded them as tri-s
umphs, and went awav thinking~ of
every word Glaribel said, and how
she looked; aud on this food he lived
till he saw the sweet girl again. Once
or twice he overlook her in the street,
and attended her home. She was al
ways the same, innocent, fresh, and un-
pretending girl attired with striking sim
pliclty and neatness; in all things the
g, eatest possible contrast to her dash
ing, iusincere, fashionable cousins. 1t
was this difference that won Clifford's
heart. He was heartily tired of the
shams of p1lite society; of the mana,
ging mammas, and .the scheming
daughters-apd the very frankpess
and naturalness Of Claribel was q
charm that was irresistible. - ,.-..l..
Claribei little suspected the conquest
she was making. She remembered
Clifford as the friend Of her childhood;
she felt always pleased TO see him; nay
in secret, she began unconsciOusly to
think of him a good deal but she had
no idea that she was falling in love, or
that Clifford was in love with her
Pure innocent darling. There are g
dozen Claras or Nugustas, we fear,
where there is one Claribel.
AT last Clifford determined on a
coup dstGt. Convinced that The Wal
lingtords were deliberately keeping
Claribel away from him, he drove to
the house. one morning, quite carly,
and boldly asked for Miss Willougby.
Miss WilIoughby done took a long
walk this morning, said the old black
woman, who answered the bell, for it
was too soon for the fine footman to
be about Sun never catches herin bed
Then ask her to come down, please.
And in one briet moment C!aribel
came, neat, fresh, and smiling, with a
sparkle in her brown eyes, and rose
bud in her bright hair Clifford held
out both hands TO welcome her
Sit down, Mr.. Murray, please she
! said, my cousins are not up yet
i am not calling upon your cousins,
Miss Wdlopghby. My carriage is at
the door, he answered. Il have come
: to take you for long drive, away out
into the country, if you will go.'
oh Thank you so muchH she cri d,
delightedly. i haven't seen the
county for ever SO long. ~ 1.srA
Then get ready at once .-a
She tripped away, ana in few min
utes reappeared very tastetully array
ed. Clifford led her out, and seated
her in.lis elegant carriage, little sus-
pei ting that indignant eyes watched
him through the blinds of the upper
windows.
And then they whirled away
Hours after, on their homeward drive,
Clifford gave his high stepping grays
the rejns, wutched CIaribel,s who was
intent upon arranging the evefgreens
they had gathered on their journey
After while he broke the silence.
ssiaribel,' he said, what am about
to saw may seem hasty and premature
TO you; but I have lately discovered
a secret that has lived in my heart ev-
er since nv happy old college days.
'Cla ihel. love YOU
She dropped her evergreens, and
looked up, her brown eyes wide and
startled.
You were not expecting a declara-
ton, laughed Clifford, seeing her evil
dent surprise; but please think it over,
for l am very much in earnest, Clari-
bel. [ am something over five and
twenty, and I have seen a great many
charming women, but never one before
that [ wished to make my wife,: What
do You say, darling? Can L hope?'
why, Mr.. Murray she stammer-
ed, her fair cheeks all ahame, 'what
can I say, it is so sudden; and you
forget that Liam verv, very poor.
Money is no object to me, Claribel;
I have enough, and TO spare. I only
want you to love me. Do you think
you ever can?
She lnnknd I'M arain &C If to read