Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1824-09-09

pany assembled, and among them he
was surprised to see Virginia. Her dress
was of plain cambric muslin, and her
only ornament was a pink ribbon around
her waist, except pure white magnolia
which she wore in her dark hair; yet
she looked as lovely and as noble as any
there who were more richly dressed.
julius first sensation was pleasure;
and going up to her, he entered unto
spirited conversation with her, telling
her he was charmed to see her looking
SO well, and in such spirits; and poor
Virginia was the happiest creature the
room. But he was soon called TO sing a
duet with Miss yelling, and Virginia
saw but little more of him, that evening,
near her. lie was either singing with
Henrietta, or turning over the leaves
when she played cotiliions, or when she
net. re csst4M ses, several times, to
where Virginia sat; but finding her quiz
city and cheerfully engaged in CONVEX
satiou, he would smile and turn away,
as if he felt relieved of burden which
had long troubled him; finding she could
be happy, independent of him, he seem
| ed to feel at liberty to devote himself to
whom he pleased. And Virginia was
convinced that the pleasure he had shown
on seeing her, arose from his fearing
his neglect had had different effect on
her She could neither sing nor dance
cotilions, nor play, for piano was a
great rarity then, and there were but
few who played; and she sar quietly in
her chair all the evening, looking on the
gaiety of others.
The evening seemed devoted to the
display of Miss Welling's accomplish
ments. Richly dressed, gay, and bril-
liant, she sang and danced, smiled and
talked to the admiration Of all; but more
especially, il appeared, to- Jdlius, who
sang and danced, smiled and talked with
her. Yrginia's heart swelled as she
looked towards them; but, steady to her
purpose, she forced smile, and turn
ing TO her next companion, entered into
conversation. She found great assistance
ia afr Darford, to whom the moschettoes
were yer. Troublesome, asd he sat kick
ing and scratching himself all the even
ing.
"iTow under the sun you can all sit so
composedly when those vile insects are
so thick, is more than | can imagine"
he said to her.
"Why we are used to them, Mr.. Oar
ford; and in a few years you will be ac-
cussmed to them 100"
SIN sftw years! good heavens! | shall
be bitten to death long before then,' he
said, tbrashing himself with his hand
kerchief, ''but can it be-are you real
ly hardened to them?"
"Yes, l assure you very seldom feel
them"
ooh, don't despair" said Christiana,
who sat near them, 'the eel gets used to
skinning, you know-but why do you
beat Yourself sop she continued, as he
gave his head great th,cack, iii hopes
of killing moschette who was serenad-
ing him; ''ypu will beat yourself to
Jelly, guess, before long, if you do so;
LET me tell you the best way is to sit still
and keep quiet-at all events you will
be cooler for it"
$40. curse me if / do! I'll be hanged
if grin and bearit; Pll quit this cursed
country at shert metre"
And starting up, he went out on the
piazza, where he remained all the rest
OF the evening, groaning, and grumblng,
and scratching, much to Christiana's a
musement, who could see him from The
window.
When the fruit, sc. had been suf1ici-
entity handed about, the company rose
to depart Julius had always accompa-
MED Virginia home, and she now won
dered if he would this evening. While
they were all in the entry, putting on
their hats, sc. she looked around for
him, and saw him kneeling down, tying
on Henrietta's walking-shoes.
She turned away, and after putting on
her shawl, she looked again. He was
putting Miss Welling's shawl on, and
telling her to be careful ofthe night all.
Virginia pressed her hand Ger her eyes
moment, and again set about her pre-
parationS, bat she fingered and fingered,
until Christiana, who stood with her To-
vsr, Wander Dolen, impatiently waiting
for her, now asked her if she was not al
most ready; but still julius came not
near her. At last Henrietta was also
ready. Virginia saw him leave her, and
approach the spot where she stood. Now
her heart beat; she bent her head down,