htened and the pupils expanded, and
her whole being seemed rising up in supernatural strength to bear the
blow.

CHAPTER XXV.

THE SLEIGHING PARTY--CLARA HASTINGS--MOTHER AND SON.

On his way home, Edward Sherman found himself suddenly assailed by a
chorus of eager voices, as he unexpectedly encountered a sleighing
party of gay young friends. They were bound for a settlement near by,
where rural festivities were in anticipation.

As he reluctantly drew up alongside of the capacious establishment,
where nearly a dozen ladies, (including his own sister), and about
the same number of gentlemen were cozily stowed away, he was beset
with urgent solicitations to join their company.

The affair, they stated, had been gotten up on a short notice during
his brief absence from the city, and his sister had been inveigled
into it, with the expectation of meeting her brother, and particular
friend Dr. Goodrich. But the doctor had given them the slip, and they
could not, on any account dispense with his society. Louise joined her
entreaties with the others. "I will ride with you, brother," she said,
if you will only go."

"No, no;" objected the gentleman who sat next her, "I will propose a
more fitting expedient. Let Mr. Sherman close his eyes and throw a
soft snow ball into the crowd, and upon whomsoever the ball shall
rest, let her be transferred to his sleigh."

The proposition at first occasioned quite a tumult, but finally all
laughingly agreed to it. Into their midst quickly flew the lump of
glittering snow and rested upon the belle of the party, Miss Clara
Hastings, and Edward in triumph bore off the crested prize.

Miss Hastings, we have said, was the belle of the party, nor was this
all; she was one of the most popular young ladies in the city of
Pendleton. Her father, Judge Hastings, a man of talent, and high
standing, had bestowed every advantage upon his only child, and she,
petted and caressed in society as well as in the family circle,
handsome and dashing in appearance, with spirits unbroken, gave life
and interest to every amusement in which she was engaged. The turn the
affair had taken was therefore as much regretted by her friends, as it
was gratifying to Edward, to have obtained so agreeable a companion.

The lady herself did not appear in the least disturbed by the change.
On the contrary, as they started off in advance of the rest, her
smiling face indicated the satisfaction which she felt