The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-06-29
LOST AND WON.
OR TIE THIRD SEASON.

Csj iiC StUHt pIoposC lHIo oS"ooHi hhN
then shall have the qualification, the de-
light, the exquisite triumph of refusing him
1t will only serve him right
Such was the language of Florence Ne
yille's eyes, as she contemplated, with no
little satisfaction, the graceful reflection OF
her figure in the glass, before which she was
attiring for the first ball of the season.
OF whom was she speaking Of whom
thinking Why did that short, rosy lip
curl with such beautiful scorn, as the last
look was given at the snowy dress which
hung in its lace folds, like summer clouds,
round the fairy form of It's young mistress ?
Florence was mt that moment pcturing to
herself the subjugation of one high heart
which had obslinately refused doing hom-
age ut her shrne-of one being in the wide
world who had denied her power calmly
gazcd at her undoubtedly lovely counte-
nance, and TRANQUILITY disapprovcd the style.
Itwas lnsuflerahle; so Florence determined
that her third season should be marked by
the conquest of the naughty, high, and
handsome Earl Of St. Clyde; not that she
cared for him-oh no, she was only deter
mined to make him propose; indeed there
was a sort of playful wager between her
cousin Emma Neville and herself on the
subject, and Florence felt her credit at stake
if she failed.
Have you thought of our wager, Flor
ence 2 said Emma Neville, as they dcscen-
ded to the drawing-room together.
To be sure You think shall lose it.
/ can read your thoughts"
If he is the ST. Clyde Of last season, you
certainly WILL" laughed Emma. That is
inyulnerabIe, Florence.'
Nous UcrrOns nous rerroRs,' said the
beauty; aud taking her fathers arm, she
sprung lightly into the Garage.
1t was n brilliant ball The rich and no
bic, the young and the beautful--all were
there and in the centre Of an admiring cir
Gle, dazzllngly conspicuous, stood Florence.
She was preparing to waltz with tall, dark,
unbendng looking parsonage, who was
quite Indifferent as to whether he supported
her light figure or that of any one else :;
this was Lord St. Clyde. Florence, on the
contrary, was all sparkling gaiety she was
dancing with him for the third time anoth-
er moment, and they were flying round the
circle with rapid grace.
Things weut on exceedingly well. Flor
once knew her ground aud the game she
was playing, and as she passed Emma tho
cousins exchanged glnnccs That of Flor
ence said, lie is won = that of Emma
Not yet =
am afraid you are fatigued, said LORD
St. Clyde, as he led his partner to seat
oh, no, not much,' replied Florence
but the rooms are very warm. 1t is i'm,
n
breatlie-particularly here.
She was in one corner Of the room-tht
most crowded, and removed from eithe
door or window.
The conservatorics are cool snd tn,
Earl, but he did not offer to lead her there
Florence was perfectly aware that the con
seryatores were cool, but she knew also tha
they had another advantagc-they were per
feet groves of the choicest flowers an,
orange trees; consequently no spot wa
ever better suited for flirtation-pcrhap
for proposal. With experienced polio
however, she only leaned gracefully bac
and gently famed himself Lord 1t. Clyd
stood by her side. lie was any thing but
ballroom man for tho his figure was fault
less, and his dancing just enough to sho,
1t off, he had none of that charming llucnc
of conversation which dancing partne
should have; he could not pay compli
ment if he did not feel it--he would not
he thought 1t was expected therefore, ha
he been Mr. St. Clyde, Jr. he would hav
been great bore in society rs it was, h
was most delightful young man--so muc
proper reserve.
The gallonnp in Cuetoyo rousoJ tho To-,
from reyerie. Are you too much fatigue
To join in the galloppe, Miss Neville p
Oh, yes! | never galope-it fatigue
me so Is it possible you like that romT
Lord St. Clydel'
The earl persisted, hut Florence woul
not dance; he persuaded, but she woul
not listen; he condescended to repeat III
request, and almost allowed a complimeu
TO escape him; no Florence was firm, th
Earl said no more, but drew himself M
Suddenly Florence rose with her brirhte.
smile,
; am too selfish, my lord that gallon
pc Is so inspiring that cannot resis, IT,
change came DER the spirit of s
Niyde, he was another creature. and Floi
eicc was herself again, all trirmphan
The next moment the dancers were throw
INTO confusion, there was a rush townr,
the windows, and Lord St. Clydc was see
= darling through the crowd townrds tho 20,
fervntorIes with a fainting figure in h
arms: 1t was Florence Nevilel
The cousin bent aflectiona,elv over II
inscnsiblc girl, and tho Earl knclt bv i,