Year: 1859

a in the task before me. is. ~ -,
: Once more | was among the fair atten-
g dants, intcrt upon the means Of forming
: some acquaintance which would lead to an
Introduction to the Gipsy Queen, for
I was resolute in my determination not to
leave the scene until my more than eager
curiosity was fully satisfied.


The ringing laughter Of children caused
me to turn my eyes in the direction from
which the sound came, and clustered
around large table, I saw dozen girls
examining mammoth doll, which was
soon TO fall prize to whoever had the
fortune to win it in the petite lottery, so
well understood at all village fairs


Drawing near the happy group. could
not resist the invitation extended by the
rosy face attendant so I became interested
in two chances. and was in few moments
by what process did not see. declared
the owner of the inanimate representation
Of baby hood, destined like him to hang
heavy on my hands. r


Not caring Tor my easily won prize,
gave IT to child who seemed much dis
appointed at having lost her chance I
fancied. as she gave me the smiling
thank you that the face bore strong
resemblance to the Queen had so re.
Gently left.


! As I was about to leave the scene. dis
appointed at not having learned aught of
mv fair friend, heard the exclamation.
There he is. papa ! and the child, TO
whom I had given rhe doll stood near me.
holding the hand Of an elderly man, who
came forward and in the name of the
child kindly Thanked me-
A few SENTENCES were exchanged, and I
learned that had the pleasure of address
and one honored by nations tears when
few years since its owner ended his last
battle-the battle of life.


Seeing that was stranger, he invited
me, should | remain in the little aradise
over the coming Sabbath. TO visit the
church near the tavern. which invitation
accepted for various reasons Of my own


Catching glimpse of well known
face, asked the General If he knew Mr..
Brandon who used to reside here (


Yes, was the reply; he resides here
nova gentleman of wealth


rs he? thought I.
The Generals remarks in regard 10 him
were blended with admiration, which re-
moved my surprise when he informed me
that Robert Brandon was soon to wed his
daughter and then, without noticing my
confused manner, he kindly bade me good
night.


During the conversation. had rightly
surnised that the .Gipsy Queen was the
daughter of General Y--r; and my
anger knew no bounds when / reflected
npon the fate in store for her should Rob.
ert Brandon Gull her Wife


That night my bed was undsturbed, for
sitting beside my ope1 window, 7 watched
the moon sinking behind the hills, and
saw the stars pale and die and when the
rirds sent forth their matn songs, and
the East grew light with the coming day,
| confessed myself deeply-very deeply
in love. :


The sweet chimes foated like music on
the still air of country Sabbath morn,
aud could but exelaim, How beautiful,
as neared the little church A moment
more aud was beneath the humble roof,
and seated beside the daughter Of General
Y-r. the Gipsy of the fair.
1t would be more than useless to ask
me what that mornings text was, for !
only remember clear musical voice be. |
side ME raised in songs Of praise. When
the service was ended, | was presented to
Miss Laura, and accepted an invitation to-
the evening at heT. house.


From that moment was determined to
strike one blow to win the hand of her
20 much loved.


During the evening Mr.. Brandon was
present, and my impatience was scarcely
to be controlled, when he was presented
to me but, when a moment after turned
a leaf OF music for Miss Y--r, | whis-
pered in her ear, Que moment alone with
you.
She seemingly understood me and,
leaving her seat, she said Mr. Alton, are
you fond of summer moonlight ?
| pazcd out upon the food Of light fal
! ing everywhere, but | did not tell her
hat | had passed the whole Of the previ
Gus night gazing upon the same, but
dd tell her strange tale OF one who stood
ncar US, and her lips quivered as she re-
piled.


You are a stranger to me, Mr., Alton,
out feel aimed at hearing your story
| trust that you may be mistaken; still |
must ask you to consult my father, and to.
you both 1 trust my case. Excuse my
extreme agitation, sir; your revelation
has deeply affected me, Pardon what may
seem rude, il wish to be alone


| soon took my leave, and early the hext
day her father called upon me, and alter
hearing my story, he vented his rage in
the harshest tones. Had not used every
argument to quiet him, Robert Brandon
would have met from his hands quick
punishment. The pupers for which | bad
sent would not reach me until late that
afternoon, aud l did not wish to move
many steps without legal power.


Alter loifg conversation the General
left me, aud, seated alone in my room, my
Thoughts were running wild over the