Ishmael | Page 8

do more harm than good; it would make
her and everybody else think more seriously of these attentions than
they deserve. It is only for to-night, you know. After this, they will
scarcely ever meet to speak to each other again."

"As you please, Hannah, you are wiser than I am; but still, dear, I must
say that a great deal of harm may be done in a day. Remember, dear,
that (though I don't call it harm, but the greatest blessing of my life) it
was at a corn-shucking, where we met for the first time, that you and I
fell in love long of each other, and have we ever fell out of it yet? No,
Hannah, nor never will. But as you and I are both poor, and faithful,
and patient, and broken in like to bear things cheerful, no harm has
come of our falling in love at that corn-shucking. But now, s'pose them
there children fall in love long of each other by looking into each
other's pretty eyes--who's to hinder it? And that will be the end of it?
He can't marry her; that's impossible; a man of his rank and a girl of
hers! his mother and sisters would never let him! and if they would, his
own pride wouldn't! And so he'd go away and try to forget her, and
she'd stop home and break her heart. Hannah, love is like a fire, easy to
put out in the beginning, unpossible at the end. You just better let me
go and heave a bucket of water on to that there love while it is
a-kindling and before the blaze breaks out."
"Go then, good Reuben, and tell Nora that I am going home and wish
her to come to me at once."
Reuben arose to obey, but was interrupted by the appearance of a negro
footman from the house, who came up to him and said:
"Mr. Reuben, de mistess say will you say to de young marster how de
gemmen an' ladies is all arrive, an' de dinner will be sarve in ten
minutes, an' how she 'sires his presence at de house immediate."
"Certainly, John! This is better, Hannah, than my interference would
have been," said Reuben Gray, as he hurried off to execute his mission.
So completely absorbed in each other's conversation were the young
pair that they did not observe Reuben's approach until he stood before
them, and, touching his forehead, said respectfully:
"Sir, Madam Brudenell has sent word as the vis'ters be all arrived at the
house, and the dinner will be ready in ten minutes, so she wishes you, if
you please, to come directly."
"So late!" exclaimed the young man, looking at his watch, and starting
up, "how time flies in some society! Nora, I will conduct you to your
sister, and then go and welcome our guests at the house; although I had
a great deal rather stay where I am," he added, in a whisper.
"If you please, sir, I can take her to Hannah," suggested Reuben.

But without paying any attention to this friendly offer, the young man
gave his hand to the maiden and led her down the whole length of the
barn, followed by Reuben, and also by the envious eyes of all the
assembly.
"Here she is, Hannah. I have brought her back to you quite safe, not
even weary with dancing. I hope I have helped her to enjoy herself,"
said the young heir gayly, as he deposited the rustic beauty by the side
of her sister.
"You are very kind, sir," said Hannah coldly.
"Ah, you there, Reuben! Be sure you take good care of this little girl,
and see that she has plenty of pleasant partners," said the young
gentleman, on seeing Gray behind.
"Be sure I shall take care of her, sir, as if she was my sister, as I hope
some day she may be," replied the man.
"And be careful that she gets a good place at the supper-table--there
will be a rush, you know."
"I shall see to that, sir."
"Good evening, Hannah; good evening, Nora," said the young heir,
smiling and bowing as he withdrew from the sisters.
Nora sighed; it might have been from fatigue. Several country beaus
approached, eagerly contending, now that the coast was clear, for the
honor of the beauty's hand in the dance. But Nora refused one and all.
She should dance no more this evening, she said. Supper came on, and
Reuben, with one sister on each arm, led them out to the great tent
where it was spread. There was a rush. The room was full and the table
was crowded; but Reuben made good places for the sisters, and stood
behind their chairs to wait