Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-01-06
Agnes Mistake.

Agnes Mayheld sat IN har own quiet little
bJudoir, vacantly watching ths passing vahi-
cles and pedestrians; her fair cheek rested on
one small jeweled hand, while the other rested
caressingIy upon the head Of a beautiful span
iel presently she turned, and addressing her
self to the dog said
Major, dear, you look so very intelligent
that sometimes fear you understand what
may have been saying, do you know what
have been thinking about, too? Little you
know of your mstrcsss trials, for although
outwardly all seems pleasant aud cheerful, yet
am far from being happy. Major, my pa
rents are determined that l shall marry, and
too, against my own iuclinstions; mean am
not inclined to marry the one they want me
to. have been engaged for two years and
am now Only eighteen, DO you kaow?"
The dog gave low bark, as much as to say
understand, go on.
And have never seen my afiianced hus-
band, but I know shall detest him she con-
tinued, " for he has been so highly polished
and praised before me SO long. Oh dear
wish could get out of this scrapo somehow.
If Guy Clifford had not long bank account,
papa would not be so eager for lis daughter
to marry; but | won't be driven" and she
brought :hs little hand down with much more
force than you would have deemed it possible,
upon the head of the inoffending dog
"My poor dear Major she said, when she
had done, and she gently stroked the soft coat
of her companion. Won't you forgive me
Major" Another low bark announced that
he was pasifed. She then continued
"No, am not going to be driven, and
whep Guy Clifford makes his appearance here,
he will be very cOolly received by me-"
:" Indeed how glad am to know Of it. !
am always enthusiastic on that subject, and to
see anyone from the dear old places, brings
back to my mind the beautiful scenery, the
lovely sunsets, aud ell other beauties Of dear
old Naples"
"Ihave some very fine sketches of some of
the scenery around Naples, the harbor and
many others l never sketched with more as
siduity than while staying there, for was
carried away with its beauties and its solitude.
Oh how beautiful were its sunsets when
the bright blue waters of the bay were reflect
ing the crimson and gold of the clouds, which
seem to put on a fairer hue, aud more deli
cate penciling at that hour. am myselfin
raptures over all Italy, and Naples in partic-
ular."
Are you too an artist, and have you been
long abroad ?" asked Agnes
1t is two years only since left New York
and yet it seems much longer; one does not
live SO fast in those old countries filled with
the works of dead ages and illustrious men, a !
solemn grandeur hangs over every notable
place, and the time though short seems long,
pardon me for answering the last interoga-
ton first, but l may be think as the first re-
ferrsd to myself-yes, l am or am trying 20
be, an artist, but it will be long fear before (
can claim the patronage of the fastidoOus pub
lie, as have earned no name as yet"
The above conversation took place in the
drawing rooms of Mr.. Mayfeld, Agnes father
Guy Clifford had returned from Europe, and
in his honor a grand reception had been given
With him came his friend Charley lie Clare,
and in the hurried introduction which took
place, Agnes had mistaken Guy for Charley
pisa persa and she persisteEtly. iguored the