Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1875-07-24

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trolled ha-ha. Ludolph was alike fasci-
mated, and startled by her needless man
ner. She laughed at modes and codes,
and lived herself fearless and free. She
established her own laws and governed
her own actions without fear of con-
demnation. Ludolph wondered what
the American bellies would think of
this wild, fanciful little maid, this
volatile little lady who could set down
In dishabille and in garden bower
and entertain him as skillfulIy as
though she were elaborately attired
and seated in gilded drawing room.
What are you reading2" he asked,
seating.himself on the rustic bench.
Not the Arabian Nights not
'D'Aubigne's History of the Reforma-
tion.' nor the Bible. so guess what"
she said, concealing the book behind
her and poising the bright head on one
side IN mock gravity.
II certainly should not have guessed
the Bible had you not told me-" he
replied laughingly, Il do not imagine
The cap of sanctity would Ct we'll on
this ooquettish head, eh pet?" His
eyes fell lovingly on the exquisitely
developed figure, then wandered toher
face where pink and white were 80 sd-
mirably blended.
"Ahl Dolphie," she said slowly.
Some of these days | intend to be a
veritable Florence Nightingale, scat
tering with these hands jewels of char
ity, and making my name by-word of
the populace for my excessive piety.
| do Got always intend to sow my seed
in a wilderness ofwit and fields of nom
sense but a day of reformation is
coming when | shall begin newness
of life,F
She folded her hands idly in her lap.
A woman's hand, delicate, rosy and
slender, dainty pink palms that the
plow-share of annoyance would tear
and splly but the sweet eyes were res
olute and earnest as they wandered
over the blue waste of the plunging
VOlga. The wanton winds played
around her brow, and lifted the gilt.
tering curls with caressing touch. If
Ludolph ever worshipped at the shrine
of woman, twas at this moment. Her
sunny beauty was irresistible, and those
holy, womanly words spoken minute
before made her divine.
May that resolqtian never wither."
was his hearty reply.
How lovely the Volga glistens in
the sunlight" she continued. Look,
Ludolph, it reminds me ofisome great,
writhing serpent, angry and restless. /
used to sit ip this hover, when child,
and watch its sapphire waves lap the
shore for hours. There has always
been charm for me in its grand in
quietude. Sometimes lashing the rocks
in fearful discomfort, then again kiss
ing the water ferns with woman's gen.
tleness. | have watched it when on
its laughing bosom was pillowed the
image Of stars and cradled the moon
in a brief embrace, singing low. sad
lullaby. 1t tfascinates me as no other
element of nature has ever done. 1t
speaks of a life beyond this pale ofex-
iatence,. and tranquil future in the
sea Of eternity. See how like SER
pent it looks" One slender fngerwas
pointed to the rushing water and the
hazel eyes, dreamy and lustrous, were
bent upon its tide.
What a drall simile,n he laughed,
"likening this broad, beautiful Volga
to loathsome reptile. What an in
corrigible dreamer you are.
She did not reply for some time, but
sat idly gazing at the exquisite pano=
rama before her. At last she ex-
claimed, ''0h LSdolph, have a bright
idea"
well tell it Immediately, my dear,
before it escapes you. Such things
are exceedingly rare, | assure you
"Oh do cease your carping, you de-
praved imp. To tell the truth. Lu-
dolph, your manners are fearfully
vitiated; but to the subject. l know
where there is the most delicious
cherry orchard this side of heaven.
Would you like to knoWs'
She arose and stood before him, and
a matchless flush mantled her cheek,
and priceless sparkle lit her eyes.
He glanced up at her and her loveliuess
swept over him like subtle. deadly
odor. Was it smile of triumph that
eurled the coral lip and dropped the
lashes upon the cheeks like sundered
sunlight? :?
All she knew her power at that
moment, as every beautiful woman
strictly does, but having no desire to
exercise power so easily won, she
said quickly, Another evidence of my
expressed opinion relative to your man
ners Does silence give consent,
mon-chere ~
Her levity aroused him and he re-
piled, Certainly. VIII you not guide
me ?"
Yes, follow me and | will lead you
hither." Tossing him a kiss from her
rich, ripe lips, she turned and tripped
away down the garden walk in the
direction of the river, which rushed
and foamed short distance below.
Ludolph picked up tho dainty little
bonnet and followed more leisurely.
What did you bring that for p she
asked, turning suddenly round from
unmooring her light boat.
For you to wear, mad-cap."
"Well, you can just take the trouble
to walk back with it, for | certainly
shall not wear it. Now if | was old,
bald and grayheaded, Imight consider