Lexington union. (Lexington, Miss.) 1838-18??, 1840-02-01
az MRS. u. u. DODGE.

BY MRS. II. II. DODGE.
Efary Ann Hlntley was celebrated for
her personal beauty. She was the eldest
daughter Of wealthy New England far.
mer, and although her pateroal dwelling
was far retired from the hustle and parade
ofpublic life, yet she was sought out, ard
received the homage Of many proud and
high born heart,
II is the talent of beauty TO win admira-
ton, and sensible and noble indeed must
be the female, who POSSESSES THIS pecuIiar
gift, without that vain haughtinoss and
pride, which are its usual attendants.
Mary Ann when she made her first ap-
pearance in society, was an nmable and
gentle creature; but the praise which was
poured into her ears and The admiration
with which she was every where received,
ilIIod her young heart with new emotions.
and q new ambition, this ambition was
still 10 be more admired, aud to win hearts
bnt TO deceive them. Hers was a career
OF iickleucss aud faithlessness, and yet all
seemed equally eagear TO admire aud to
trust her, end all alike shared her attention
and her bitter scorn.
She usually passed considerable time
with young female Intimate in Boston,
and it was during one Of these visits that
Miss johnson presented her intended hus-
band TO her friend Mary Ann, Milford
was an interesting youth, full Of high life
and high feelings, and was The heir not
only Of respectability but Of wealth. He
tenderly loved Miss johnson, who was am
ply worthy Other choicest affections, and in
one short month their bliss was to be con-
summated. Mary Ann looked on the
amiabe pair, the noble feelings of her
heart for moment triumphed, and she
felt happy in the good fortune other friend
but suddenly her Unsuitable thirst for adu-
lation awoke, and she felt her pride wound
ed that any female bat herself should re-
ceiYe homage from the other sex. Her
rich blue eyes were bent long and thought.
fully upon the floor, aud then she lifted
them up and smiled, and in that smile were
centered all her powers of fascination.
Those who had drank the fatal drauaht
would have known its meaning, but Mil
ford read only there, the depth Of unutler-
able tenderness, and that was ak spring
ing up for him.
The hours passed 1eetly aong-the
evening with brilliant moon came, and a
little ramble was proposed. A brother of
Mary Ann was present, who very politely
offered Miss Johnson his arm, while Mary
Ann, overioy ed at SO favorable an oppor-
tunity, gladly accepted that of Milford.
Now all the powers of her flatterng, de-
ceivlng tongue were exerted, to win his
heart from its first object and attach it 10
herself. That evening she was unsuccess-
full, but after several different interviews,
the eloquence Of her beauty prevailed and
she had the triumph of beholding Milford
following madly in her train, and her dear
friend Miss johnson mourning in secret
over her hopes. This was a rich morsel
for the proud coquett's greedy vanity. and
long did she keep up the delusion in Mill
ford's mind; but at length she threw OFF the
mask, and told him without blush. that
she desired not his love, and could no
longer receive his attentions.
This unexpected blow fell on his soul
like thunder bolt from heaven, and he
wandered alone in the madness of his heart.
regardless of every object, and forgetful Of
every thing but the depths of Mary AIMS
perfdy. This was his ceaseless theme.
until calm reason at last resumed her
throne, and he looked back with horror on
the scenes through which he had passed.
He mourned deeply over his follies, and
determined TO return, if possible, to the
path of duty, the first step of which was to
make an humble acknowledgment to his
abused betrothed, seek her forgiveness,
and fulfil bis former VOWS; but alas! how