The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-05

parlOr ornament, nelSn no! wei, re-
ally believe could do something with this
Elliot and yet-how dread to tryp
Now, my good readers, if you are antici-
pating love story, we must hasten TO put
in our disclaimer you are quite mistaken
in the case. Our fair, heroine was, at this
time of speaking, as heart-whole as the dia-
mond on her bosom, which reflected the
light in too many sparkling rays ever to abb
sorb it. She had, to be sure, half in ear.
nest, half in Jest. maintained bantering
platonic sort of friendship with George FL
liot; she had danced, ridden, sung and
sketched with him; but so had she with
twenty other young men, and as to any
thing tender with such quick brilliant,rest.
less creature, Elliot would as soon have un-
dertaken to sentimentize over glass of
soda water. No, there was decidedly no
love in the case.
What curious ring that is y said e.
liot to her, day or two after, as they were
reading together.
It's a knights ring said she playfully,
as she drew it off, and pointed to coral
cross set in the gold-'a ring of the red
crossed knights. Come, now Pve good
mind to bind you to my service with it.
DO, lady fair said Elliot, stretching out
his hand for the ring.
Know, then,' said she, if you take this
pledge you must obey whatever commands
lay upon you in its name
II swear = said Elliot, in the mock hero>
ic, and she placed the ring on his finger.
An evening or two after, Elliot attended
Florence to party at Mrs. BIS. Ev-
cry thing was gay and brilliant, and there
was no lack either of wit or wine. Elliot
was standing in little alcove spread with
refreshment. with glass Of wine in his
hand. Il forbid it; the cup is poisoned
said voice in his ear. He turned quickly,
and Florence was at his side. Every one
was busy with laughing and talking, and
nobody saw the sudden start and flush that
these words produced, as Elliot looked ear
nestly in the lady's face. She smiled, and
pointed, playfully, TO the ring; but after all,
there was in her face an expression of agl-
tatiou and interest which she could not re-
press, and Elliot felt, however playful the
manner, that she was in earnest,-and as
she glided away in the crowd he stood with
his arms folded, and his eyes fixed on the
spot where she had disappeared.
Is 1t possible that am suspected-that
there are things said of me, as if 1 were in
danger 2 were the first thoughts that flash
ed through his mind. How strange that a
man may appear doomed, given up, and
lost, TO the eve Of every locker on, before
he begins TO suspect bimselfl This was
the first time that any defined apprehension
of loss of character had occurred to Elliot,
and he startled as if from dream.
What the deuce is the matter with you
Elliot you look as solemn hearse = said
young man near by.
Has Miss Gilmore cut you 2 said anoth.
or.
Come, man. have a glass; said a third.
Let him alone-he's bewitched.' said a
fourth; saw the spell he had on him.
None of us can say but our turn may come
next
An hour later that evening, Florence was
talking with her usual spirit to a group who
were collected around her, when, suddenly
looking up, she saw Elliot standing in an
abstract manner, at one ofthc windows that
looked out into the balcony.
'Heis offended, dare say she thought;
= but why should care 'For once in my
life have | tried to do right thing, good
thing; l have risked giving offence for less
than this, many time Still, Florence
could not but feel tremulous when few
moments after, Elliot approached her and
offered his arm for promenade. They
walked up and down the room, she talked
volubly, and he answering yes or no. or any,
thing else, at cross purposes, till at length,
as if by accident, he drew her into the ball
cony which overhung the garden. The
moon was shining brightly, and every thing
without, in its placed quietness. contrasted
strangely with the busy, hurrying scene
within.
Miss Elmore,' said Elliot, abruptly, may
| ask you sincerely, had you any design in
a remark you made to me in the early part
of the EVENING"
Florence paused, and though habitually
the most practised and self,possessed of wo-
men, the color actually receded from. her
cheek as she answered.
eS, WI. Elllct-l uluSt CODlcSS tudt L
had.'
'And is it possible, them that you have
heard anything? clio.
Il have heard, Mr.. Elliot, that which
makes me tremble for you, and for those |
whose life / know is bound up in you; and |
tell me, were it well or friendly in me to
know that such things were said, that such
danger existed, and not to warn you of it p
Elliot stood for a few moments in silence.
Have l offended Have taken too
great liberty 2 said Florence gently.
Hitherto Elliot had only seen in Flor
ence the self-possessed, assured, light.hear-
ted women of fashion; but there was a re.
atty and depth of feeling in the few words
she had spoken to him, in this interview.
that opened to him entirely new view in
her character.
No Miss Gilmore, said he earnestly, af-
ter some pause; I may be pained-offen.
1ed / cannot be. To tell the truth, have
been thoughtless, excited, dazzled my spir-
its, naturally buoyant, have carried me of.