The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1872-12-19
rTrE rsARoNEr,s DAUGHTER.

n Il n
Clara and Sophie Brandon were twi
sisters, but how unlike! The forme
was a belle and beauty, full of brillian
wit as yet untainted by one particle 0
malevolence or causticity buoyant will
gaiety and happiness, and it may be .
little, or not a little, proud of her power
of fascination. Sophie-but we neeC
not describe Sophie Brandon-there ar,
thousands like her in the world, good
quiet little souls, whom no one thinks
of noticing, or misses if they are absent
and yet they do a deal of good in their
own way, and are the blessing of many 8
heart and home. The sisters loved each
other very tenderly, but there was M
confidence between them, their thoughts
and pursuits being so widely different
and then Sophie was 50 quiet, and Clara
so gay.
About the time Of which we write, Sir
John Brandon's ward, Edward Dalzell,
returned from abroad, and took up his
residence in his guardians house. He
was handsome and animated; had g
foreign, but not disagreeable, tinge OF
manner, even when he spoke on the most
trivial subjects; praised Clara's style of
singing, and offered to learn her favorite
duets, and try them with her; encour-
aged poor Sophie, who really had nc
voice at all, by kind words and smiles,
and was a universal favorite with the
whole family.
A grand ball was given in honor of his
return, at which Mr.. Dalzell danced the
first with Clara, who, radiant in her
brilliant beauty and costly attire, was the
acknowledged star Of the festival. And
then taking compassion ON Sophie,
whom no one else seemed to think OF
noticing, he devoted himself solely to her
amusement He had kind heart, that
Dazell In the solitude of their own
chamber the sisters spoke Of him TO each
other.
e'What sweet voice Edward has Y
said Clara. Such distinguished air,
too; and how well he waltzes! 1t was
very good-natured of him to dance 50
much with you, dear"
every" replied the young girl m q
low voice; she never said much.
do you know" continued Clara, che
told papa that | was the handsomest girl
IN the room, and the best dressed
Certainly that pale pink satin, with the
pearls and blush roses, was very becom-
ing. l wonder you always wear white
muslin, Sophie, although l admit it
looks very neat and simple but some
how gentlemen never think of noticing
girls in white muslin -
Sophie laughed; she was very good
tempered, and seemed pleased that Mr..
Dalzell should admire her sister; but
then, who could help it? And Clara
patted her pale cheek, and called her "a
dear little lattererw After which, they
kissed each other and went to sleep.
Edward Dalzell was as good as his
word, and Clara very soon liked nothing
half as much as practicing duets with
him but then he had such clear, rich
voice, and knew so well how to put in
the proper note just where hers failed.
He sang, too, with great feeling and
expression, and had u hablt-or else it
was the girls own fancy-Of seeking the
yelled eyes of his companion when they
came to certain passages in the air, as If
To ascertain whether she felt it too And
always when the lesson was over, he would
so and sit down by the side of Sophie,
and tell her in low voice what they had
been singing about; for she did not un-
derstand Italian, although she liked to
listen to them, and wished now, she had
paid more attention to music; but until
of late she had always had very bao
health, and was not allowed to study
much.
More than six months passed away
since Edward Dalzells return to England
Clara was more beautiful, although per
haps less brilliant, than ever. Sophie.
lust the same
1t was evening, that pleasant twilight
hour when it is so delightful to gather
around blazing fire, and talk, or think.
or fancy images to ourselves in its fitful
light. Sir John Brandon was doing in
his armchair. Edward sat between the
girls but they were all strangely silent,
and yet very happy. What could they
be thinking of? THERE'S proud smile
upon Clara's beautiful lip; and even
Sophie has warm flush upon her cheek.
and a subdued joy in her eyes, which
makes her look almost pretty; and we
have an idea Edward Dalzell must acre,
with US, by the way in which he is re
garding her. Sir John Brandon was tn,
first to move.
Are you going to your study, sir !?
asked Edward, In voice that faltere,
slightly.
Eyes, for half an hour Do YOU wan
any thing, my dear boy?"
Il viii accompany you, Sit John, i
you please"
Very well but / warn you am to
sleepy TO attend to business until afte
tea
The sisters were left alone; it wa
strange that neither of them shout,
wonder what Edward could possibl
want with papa--it would have been bu
natural perhaps they both thought the
could guess Clara went to the piano
and played over little air Dalzell ha
given her in the morning, and thel
practiced the duet they were to sing t.
gether that night. But Sophie neve
stirred or spoke; she was always $
quiet.
Presently the door was flung open an
edward DalzeH. his handsome far
beaming with animation; walked straigh
up to Clara, and kissed her bright cheec
for the first time, calling her 'shis dea
little beauty of q sister" But for Sophi
he bad q more sacred name still, VIII
Wept and yet joyed when he uttered it.
Was 1t dream or did Clara really "
har father standing over them, with MI