The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-02-27

lexpecC, ike most girls was nattered py tnelr
attentions. Several sought my hand, but
ther was none of them in whom 7 was
particularly interested One of my most
constant visitors, and whom always pre-
ferred as an escort, was a gentleman from
Kentucky distant relative of your aunt
Lucy's, and at that time visiting at your
uncle's house, hadhear before he came,
tn at he was engaged to lady of his own
State. believed he visited me as a friend,
and accepted his attention as that of o
relative. He was always gentle kind and
thoughtful; but liked his society most
because he was very intelligent, and found
many of his suggestions improving me.
He selected reading for me, and pointed
out beauties had never seen before. He
had travelled everywhere, and entertained
me with accounts of his travels. He had
wonderful command of language, and great
descriptive powers, and in listening to his
descriptions of places he had visited, 1
could almost fancy was looking at them
in beautiful pictures. Yes; I can truthfully
say that the idea of his ever being more to
to me than friend never for an instant
flashed into my mind until one afternoon,
as [ was sitting on my horse at your uncle's
waiting for my escort to mount, turned to
speak to him, and, as I did SO, met the
large, splendid brown eyes of Mr.. Selden
fixed upon me- In that one glance I read
my mistake and that his heart was mine.
'There WAS to be picnic at a place
called the Oaks 1t had been the theme
of conversation for a long time, and every
one anticipated a gay day. Mr. Selden
took me, and while we were riding through
beautiful wood he said something of his
early return to Kentucky was much
surprised, as had heard nothing of it be-
fore, and probably showed the regret felt
in my voice, as said, as carefully as I
could
"'Why, Mr.. Selden this must be very
sudden and unexpected; is it not? You
are not tired of us already, hope?
I then playfully added, perhaps some lady
friend has given you peremptory summons
and lecture for tarrying here SO long,
"T am not tired of my stay here, Miss
Nettie; it has been delightful beyond my
expectations. But why do you try to quiz
me about some lady 2"
"'Because Aunt Lucy said before you
came that she had heard you were not fancy
| free
"'Your aunt has been misinformed;
there is no lady in Kentucky whom regard
in any light than that of friendship. Bht I
have fingered here too long for my own
happiness, I fear, for little sprite has
stolen my heart, that I thought was proof
against bright eyes
cat this moment couple on horse
back, who were racing, passed us, and
startled Mr.. Seldens horse, which was very
fiery. After he became quieted, the con-
versation was not resumed during the ride;
but he sought every opportunity through
the day to return to it, and I as carefully
avoided it. We had merry day, and the
host and hostess of our picnic grounds in
sisted, as it was moonlight, that we should
repair to the house and finish the day by
dance in the evening, to Which plan there
wac not dissantino voica
"How often, through these weary years,
have looked back to that day For it
was surely the happiest of my life. As we
had long day, we did not extend our even
ngss dissipation into the wee sma' hours.
The ride home was delightful beyond de-
scription; the woods were just sufficiently
lighted to make it pleasant, and heard the
outpouring Of the love of the noble heart I
had won. How many bright pictures I
drew in imagination of our future in the
few weeks that followed. But, alas !! that
enemy to the happiness of so many, jeal-
ousy, came between us. Some young
ladies from neighboring city came to
visit my brother and sister. They were
your uncle's nearest neighbors, and were
much at his house, for it was always a de-
lightful place to visit, and on this occasion
they made it more attractive than ever.
There were horseback, boating and dancing
parties, tableaux, charades, private theatri-
calls, and every amusement they could plan
Or think Of
IT was alone one afternoon, half expect
ing my lover, although he had not said he
would come, but on glancing up the road,
l saw couple on horseback who proved to
be Mr.. Selden and Miss Mabin, one of the
young ladies from the city. They came
nearly up to the large entrance gate and
turned. did not look up again. but dis
tinctly saw them. On the next evening
there was to be large party at Mr. Mabin's
and in the morning Mr. Selden called to
say he expected to take me there, and TO
know at what hour 1 wished to go. l
thanked.him very haughtiIy, saying had an
escort, have never forgotten the expires.