The Last of His Race. By S. DRYDEN PHELPS, The Spirit of Song. By Mrs. E. C. KINNEY, The Ancient and the Modern Muse. By LYMAN The Oak-Tree. By PARK BENJAMIN, The Voice of the Night Wind. By E. CURTISS The Dayspring. By SAMUEL D. PATTERSON, White Creek. By ALFRED B. STREET, 190 Paris Fashions, from Le Follet. DON'T be angry, ma'ma-I wont jest any more, f it displease you, but I will make a plain confession." that calm, that repose you allude to, which forms, in my judgment, the guarantee of Mr. Franklin's sincerity, and the finishing grace of his character-a character in all other respects, also, a true and noble one." Caroline did not listen without interest. Mrs. Clifford was a native of New York, and had come over just a year ago to enjoy a tour in Europe. Franklin had been a fellow-passenger; and a sort of "Well," said Mrs. Clifford, let me hear it." "I have not one feeling which I wish to conceal from you. There have been moments when I liked Mr. Franklin," and a pretty color crossed her cheek, but I have been struck with a peculiarity which has chilled warmer sentiments. He appears phlegmatic and cold. There is about him a perpetual re-intimacy had grown up between the young people, pose that seems inconsistent with energy and feeling. I am not satisfied that I could be happy with such a person—not certain that he is capable of loving, or of inspiring love. When I marry any one, he must worship, he must adore me. He must be ready to go crazy for me. Let him be full of faults, but let him have-what so few possess a warm, unselfish heart." "I have heard you, through," said Mrs. Clifford, now you must hear me. It is very proper that you should not decide without full consideration. Examine as long as you think necessary the qualities of Mr. Franklin, and never marry him till he inspire You with confidence and affection. But remember <mething is due also to him; and the divine rule of acting toward others as you wish them to act toward, you, must be applied here, as in every affair in life. While you should not, I allow, be hurried into a decision, yet your mind once made up, he should not e kept a moment in suspense." which the gentleman had taken rather au serieux. He had gladly availed himself of an accidental business necessity which called the son and proposed traveling companion of Mrs. Clifford suddenly home, to join her little party, and had accompanied them through Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, and Holland. The result was, that the happiness of his life now appeared to depend upon an affirmative monosyllable in reply to the offer he had just made of his heart and hand. Mrs. Clifford was the widow of a captain in the American navy, who had left her only a moderate income-sufficient, but no more, for the wants of herself and daughter. Mr. Franklin was a lawyer of six-and-twenty, who had been advised to repair the effects of too severe professional application, by change of air, and a year's idleness and travel. The conversation was scarcely finished, when the subject of it was announced. After the usual salutations, Mr. Franklin said he **Do you think, ma'ma," asked Caroline, "that he had come, according to appointment, to accompany as much feeling?" I think he has. I think him peculiarly gifted with unselfish ardor. That which appears to you coldness, is, in my opinion, the natural reserve of a rum heart-so modest that it rather retires from mervation than parades itself before the world. "estiment and fire, when common on the lips, are not are likely to be native to the soul. It is precisely the ladies on a walk, and to see the lions of London, where they had arrived some days before. In a few minutes, hats, shawls, and gloves, being duly put in requisition, they had left their lodgings in Grosvenor Street, Grosvenor Square, and were wending their way toward Regent Street and the Strand, through the crowds of this wonderful and magnificent metropolis, of which every thing was 1 a delightful curiosity, and where, amid the millions | agree that the extremely beautiful may also dispense around, they knew and were known by scarcely a with them. These ball-room belles of yours-these human creature. real roses of the evening-are, I suspect, so lovely as to make them exceptions to the general rule. But there is a class of young ladies, among whom I place myself, neither so old and ugly as to make ornament ridiculous, nor so beautiful as to render it unnecessary. To this middle class, a bit of lace—a neat tab-a string of pearls here and there-a pretty worked cape-or a coronet of diamonds, I assure you, do no harm." Every stranger, newly arrived and walking about London, has noted the effect of this prodigious town upon him; and how singularly he is lost in its immensity, overwhelmed by its grandeur, and bewildered amid its endless multiplicity of attractions. So it was with our little party. Excited by the thousand novel and dazzling objects, the hours fleeted away like minutes; and it was late before they had executed or even formed any plans. "Let us at least go somewhere," said Caroline. "Let us go to St. Paul's, or Westminster Abbey, or the Tower; and we have, beside, purchases to make --for ladies, you know, Mr. Franklin, have always shopping to do." Well, as it is so late," said Mrs. Clifford, "and we have promised to call on Mrs. Porter at half past two, I propose to leave the lions for another morning, and only enjoy our walk to-day." "Then, ma'ma, let us go to that splendid shop, and look at the lace once more. Only think, Mr. Franklin, we yesterday saw lace, not broader than this, and I had a half fancy to buy some for a new dress-and what do you suppose it cost?" "I am little versed," said Franklin, "in such mysteries-five pounds, perhaps-" "Twelve pounds-twelve pounds and a half sterling-sixty American dollars. I never saw any thing so superb. Ma'ma says I ought not even to look at such a luxury." "That you are not so ugly as to render ornament ridiculous," replied Franklin, "I allow; but that there is, in your case, any want of lovelines to require-to render—which—” "Take care, Mr. Franklin!" interrupted Caroline, mischievously, "you are steering right upon the rocks; and a gentleman who refuses all decoration to a lady's toilette, should not embellish his own conversation with flattery.” "Upon my word," replied he, in a lower voice, "to whatever class you belong, Miss Clifford, you do yourself injustice if you suppose lace and diamonds can add to the power of your beauty, any more than the greatest splendor of fortune could increase the charms of your-" "Ma'ma," exclaimed Caroline, "we have passed the lace shop." "So we have," said Mrs. Clifford; "but why should we go back—you certainly don't mean to buy any-?" "No, ma'ma; but I want some edging, and I "But is lace really such a luxury?" inquired might as well get it here, if only to enjoy another Franklin, smiling. "You can have no idea how exquisite this is!" "As for me," rejoined Franklin, "I can never tell whether a lady's lace is worth twelve pounds or twelve cents. Although, I hope, not insensible to the general effect of a toilette, yet lace and diamonds, and all that sort of thing, are lost upon me entirely." "Oh, you barbarian!" "Real beauty was never heightened by such ornaments, and ugliness is invariably rendered more conspicuous and ugly." 66 look at the forbidden fruit." The shop was one of those magnificent establishments of late years common in large metropolises. A long hall led from the street quite back through the building, or rather masses of buildings, to another equally elegant entrance on the parallel street behind. The doors were single sheets of heavy plateglass. In the windows all the glittering and precious treasures of India and Asia seemed draped in gorgeous confusion, and blazed also through unbroken expanses of limpid glass of yet larger dimensions "You will not find many ladies," said Mrs. Clifford, than the doors. Silks, laces, Cashmere shawls, to agree with you." "Oh, yes! How often do we hear of belles, as distinguished for the simplicity of their toilette, as for the beauty of their persons. How often in real life, and how frequently in novels. There you read that, while the other ladies are shining in satin and lace, and blazing in diamonds, the real rose of the evening eclipses them all in a plain dress of white, without jewels, like some modest flower, unconscious of her charms, and therefore attracting more attention." "Well, I declare," said Mrs. Clifford, smiling, "it is just as you say!" damask, heavy and sumptuous velvets of bright colors, and fit for a queen's train, muslins of bewildering beauty, dresses at £200 a piece, and handkerchiefs of Manilla of almost fabulous value. The interior presented similar displays on all sides, multiplied by reflections from broad mirrors, gleaming among marble columns. Perhaps those numerous mirrors were intended to neutralize the some what gloomy effect of the low ceiling, not sufficiently elevated to admit the necessary light into the central spaces. At various points, even in the day-time, gas-lights burned brilliantly. Before the door were "And what does Miss Caroline think of my attack drawn up half a dozen elegant coroneted equipages, on lace and diamonds ?" "Why," said Caroline, laughing, "since you do me the honor to require my opinion, I will give it you. I agree that such pretending ornaments ill become the old and ugly. There you are right. I the well-groomed, shining horses, and richly-liveried coachmen, indicating the rank of the noble owners; and on the benches before the windows lounged the the tall and handsome footmen, with their long goldheaded sticks, powdered heads, gaudy coats, bright colored plush breeches, and white silk stockings, and gloves. In the shop there were, perhaps, fifty persons, as it happened to be a remarkably fine day in Juneone of those grateful gifts from heaven to earth which lure people irresistibly out of the dark and weary home, and which, when first occurring, after a long and dismal winter, as in the present instance, appear to empty into the sunshiny streets, every inhabitant, the sick and the well, the lame and the blind alike, from every house in town. Caroline asked to be shown some of the lace which she had looked at the day before. It was produced, and Mrs. Clifford and Franklin were called to examine it. The wonder consisted as much in the endless variety of the patterns, as in the exquisite fineness and richness of the material. The counter was soon strewn with the airy treasures, one piece after another, unrolled with rapidity, appeared to make a lively impression on the young girl, who at last, with a sigh, apologized to the polite person patiently waiting the end of an examination which his practiced eye had, doubtless, perceived was only one of vain curiosity. "Gracious Heaven!" exclaimed Caroline, "what have I done! I have brought away a piece of that lace! Ma'ma, let us go back directly." Although the incident had occupied but a minute, Mrs. Clifford and Franklin, engaged in conversation. had not perceived it, and had gone several paces on. The old gentleman smiled, bowed, and disappeared around a corner. At this moment a man stepped up, and laying his hand roughly on Caroline's arm, said, "Young woman, you must come with me!" And a second iron-hand grasped her other arm. Shocked and affrighted, she saw they were policemen. Then the voice of a person very much out of breath, cried, "This is the one!-I can swear to her! And look!-there is the very lace in her hand!" Pale as death, bewildered with terror, the poor "It is too dear," said Caroline, "I cannot afford it. girl could only attempt to say, "Ma'ma! ma'ma!" Pray let me see some narrow edging.” but her tongue clove to the roof of her mouth, and "That lace is very pretty," remarked a lady of a her voice refused its office. A crowd had already commanding figure, evidently a person of rank. collected, and the words, "Lady been a stealing!" "Very pretty, my lady," replied the clerk who and, "They've nabbed a thief!" were audible had waited on Caroline. enough. "What is it?" "Twelve and a half, my lady." "It is really pretty-give me twenty yards." "Very good, my lady." The article was measured and cut almost as soon as ordered, and the remnant rewound into a small parcel and thrown upon the counter. At the same moment, and as a boy handed Caroline the edging, wrapped in paper, for which she had already paid, and which she took mechanically, she heard one of the bystanders whisper to another: "The Countess D!" (one of the most celebrated women of England.) "Ma'ma," said Caroline, "did you observe that lady?" And they left the shop. "Bless me!" said Mrs. Clifford, looking at her watch, "do you know how late it is? Half past two. We promised to be at Mrs. Porter's at this very time. She said, you remember, she was going out at four; and it will take us, I'm afraid, nearly an hour to get there." "Then let us make haste, ma'ma!" And with a very rapid pace they hurried back toward Regent Street and Portland Place. They had gone on in this way, perhaps, twenty minutes, when a white-headed, respectable-looking old gentleman was thrust aside by a rude fellow pushing by, so that he ran against Caroline, and caused her to drop her pocket-handkerchief. He stopped, with evident marks of mortification, and picked it up, with a polite apology. Caroline assured him she was not hurt. "You see who we are;" was the stern reply; we 're policemen, in the execution of our duty. Take your hand off my throat." Franklin recognized their uniform, and relaxed his hold. "Policemen! and what have policemen to do with this lady? You have made some stupid blunder. This is a lady. She is under my protection. Take your hand off her arm!" "If she's under your protection, the best thing you can do is to accompany us," replied the man, bluntly; and he made another attempt to drag, her away. Franklin restrained himself with an effort which did him honor, conscious that violence would be here out of place, and perceiving that it would be utterly useless. He strove a moment to collect his thoughts as one stunned by a thunderbolt. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded. "If you ask for information," remarked the man, impressed by his agonized astonishment, "I will tell you; but wont the young woman get into a hack, out of the crowd?" An empty carriage happened to be passing, into which, like a man in a dream, Franklin handed the ladies. One police officer entered with them-the other took his seat on the box with the coachman. Caroline, although still colorless, had partly regained her courage, and endeavored to smile. Mrs. Clifford, in a most distressing state of agitation, only found breath to say, "Well, this is a pretty adventure, upon my word!" As the carriage moved away, followed by a troop of ragamuffins, leaping, laughing, and shouting, Franklin said, "And now, my good fellow, I have submitted peaceably to this atrocious outrage, tell me by whose authority you act, and in what way this young lady has exposed herself to such an infamous insult?" willing to pay for it. My name is Mrs. Clifford. I live No. Grosvenor Street, Grosvenor Square. My dear, kind, good sir, turn the carriage and let us go home. My husband was Captain Clifford, of the American navy. Do you think we would be guilty of stealing? I will give you any money you desire. I will give you £50-only let us go." "If your husband was Admiral Nelson himself," replied the man, with dignity, "I could not let you go now-not if you were to give me £500. I have only to do my duty. It's a very painful one-but it must be done. I aint a judge. I'm a policeman; and my business is to deliver you safe into the hands of Blake, Blanchard & Co." "Well, in the first place," said the man, coolly, "I act by the authority of the Messieurs Blake, Blanchard & Co.; and in the second place, the young lady has exposed herself to such an infamous insult by stealing ten yards of Brussels' lace, at £12 a yard, value £120 sterling." "Scoundrel!" exclaimed Franklin, again grasp carelessness had been committed by Caroline; but ing his collar. "Hollo! hollo! hollo!" cried the man-hands off, my cove! and keep a civil tongue in your head, you'd best. It aint of no use, I give you my word of honor." "Miss Clifford-" But Miss Clifford had covered her face with her white hands, which did not conceal her still whiter complexion. 66 'Why, look ye, sir," said the man, "if you really aint a party to the offence, I'm very sorry for you. The business is just this here. The shop of Blake, Blanchard & Co., has been frequently robbed, and sometimes by ladies. I was called, not four months ago, to take a real lady to prison, who had stole to the amount of £10. And to prison she went, too, though some of the most respectable people in town came down and begged for her. Now this here young lady came yesterday to the shop of Blake, Blanchard & Co.-tumbled every thing upside down, and bought nothing-went away -to-day came again-asked to see the most valuable lace-bought ten shillings' worth of narrow edging, and left the premises. At her departure she was seen to take ten yards of lace-value, £120. I was called in, and followed her, with one of the clerks, to identify her person. We perceived her walking fast-very fast, indeed. It was as much as we could do to overtake her. The clerk can swear to her identity-and the lace was found in her hand. Both the young man and myself can swear to it, if she denies it-though I caution you, Miss, not to say any thing at present, because it can be used against you at your trial." "I do not deny it," said Caroline, with flashing eyes. "I took the lace, but did not know I took it." "Oh! ho-ho!" said the man. "I hope you can make 'em believe that. Perhaps you can." "My dear friend," cried Mrs. Clifford, now nearly beside herself, "I assure you, this is a frightful mistake. She carried the lace away from mere carelessness. Here is all the money I have about me. Take it for yourself, only let us go. My daughter, I assure you, is utterly incapable of stealing. You don't know her. As for the lace, I am To describe the whirl of thoughts which swept through the mind of Franklin during the interval would be impossible. He saw that a simple act of he was enough of a lawyer to perceive that the proof against her was singularly striking and unanswerable-and he knew the world too well, not to feel extraordinary alarm at the possible consequences. In London, alone, without friends or acquaintances, a glance into the future almost drove him to distraction. At moments he was half mastered by the impulse to bear Caroline away, by a sudden coup de main; but his hand was held by the reflection, that even were such a wild scheme possible, success would be no means of security, inasmuch as Mrs. Clifford had given her address; while the attempt would exasperate the other party, appear but a new evidence of guilt, and in every way enhance the danger of their position. As they approached the fatal shop, a large crowd had collected around the door. Franklin felt that he was in one of those crises on which hang human destiny and life, and that he had need of more prudence and wisdom than man can possess, except it be given him from above. Deep, therefore, and trusting, was his silent prayer to Him who hath said, "Be strong and of a good courage. I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Caroline appeared ready to sink into the earth when the carriage stopped. "My dearest Miss Clifford," said Franklin, "these men have fallen into a bungling error, and it will require some prudence on our part to make them see it. But compose yourself. Put down your veil; say nothing till I call you-and may God, in his mercy, grant that our ordeal be short!" These words were uttered with a composure and cheerful presence of mind which reassured in some degree the fainting girl. She had at her side a protector who would never desert her-a pilot with a strong arm, a steady eye, and a bold heart-who would steer her through the wild storm, if any human being could. Mrs. Clifford, speechless with terror, let down her daughter's veil as well as her shaking hands permitted, and was led by Franklin from the carriage into the house. He then handed, or rather lifted, out Caroline, who clung to him with helplessness and terror. The trembling party-a hundred unfeeling |