Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-04-21

SJo VI 'Io young iIidH gldHCeu AROUND inc
brilliant lighted room, evidently in search of
some one, and then he seated himself alone,
as if disappointed, and again slowly survey
ed the company. OF course he did not fail
to notice Martha Green. In little while
others made their appearance, and soon he
found himself by the side of one of his most
intimate friends.
Did you ever see Martha Green look so
beautiful = he said to this young man.
Where is she ? Oh, yes-I see. Real
y, she is a superb looking woman
isn't she But there is one whom ex-
pect here tonight, that, if am not mista.
ken, will eclipse her.
who is she =
ELLEN Willard
There she is now. Look al her, and
then yield the palm at once to Miss Green.
Really, never saw Ellen look so Indifferent
in all my life.'
Alton turned his eyes towards the door
and sure enough there was Ellen, plainly
dressed, though neat, and face wearing an
expression of WEAKNESS. 1t was a moment
or two before he spoke, and then he said, in
a tone of disappointment.
AS you say, never saw her look so in
different in my life. Still, she is sweet
girl,even though eclipsed tonight in her way,
by Martha Green
They certainly will not bear COMPARE
son. responded the friend.
Martha Green, who was sitting beside the
friend and confdant mentioned as having CAL
led on her the evening before, had been
glancing uneasily toward the door, every
time it opened to admit some new conner and
was the first to perceive Ellen.
20 dear! Ifthat is all, no one here need
fear being thrown into the shade tonight,
was her exulling remark.
why thought you told me that she was
at work on dress even moro beautiful than
mine =
So she was,' replied her friend. And I
cannot for my life; tell why she has not worn
it,
She could not get it done, SUPPOSE
Perhaps not. There was a good deal to
do on it when | saw her. Indeed she had
Just commenced working on it,
{ Do you know that am right down glad
ofr?' Martha said.
'No-why =
Because if she had come out in her very
best style this evening, am very much
afraid Mr.. Alton would have been too much
pleased with her.
Indeed ! / thought he was paying al
most exclusive attention to you
so have flattered myself until within
the last week or two, when he has seemed to
grow little more attentive to Ellen, than is
agreeable to me-
You have nothing to fear tonight, Mar
tina, just see She has that old dress worn
by her at the last half dozen parties. And
instead of her usual brilliant complexion, her
skin looks sallow, and her cheeks pale and
her whole face has dull, lifeess expression.
What on earth can be the matter? Some
thing has happened, no doubt, to proven, her
getting that dress done, which has worried
her so much as to spoil her very face. And
see, with what look Mr.. Alton is now re-
gardIng her!
Yes, l see: and what is more. see that
l am safe.'
In few minutes after, Alton took seat
beside Martha, cured, as he thought, Of the
evident preference, which recently existed in
his mind for Ellen Willard, over her anxious
rival. This preference had not been found
ed upon any serious comparison made in his
mind between the intrinsic claims to estima-
ton, which the two young ladies presented.
1t was rather leaning towards Ellen, without
rejecting upon the reason why she seemed
more interesting to him than Martha. OF
course, it required but little to change that
state of mind. He now renewed his atten-
ton to Martha Green, with even more than
his former assiduity, 10 the entire neglect Of
Ellen Willard, who retired at very early
hour.
Towards the close of the evening, he sa,
near Mrs. Hinton, who was present, and Two
or three ladies who were conversing. The
name of Ellen, mentioned by one of them,
attracted his attention.
Ellen did not look like herself, tonight,
was remarked by one.
No. said another, : never saw her
make more Indifferent appearance. And
she was besides, very dull, while she remain
ed, and has left the room at an unusually
early hour. What can be the matter with
her 2
She is not very WE'LL Mrs. Hinton said
| But even that does not account for the
| want Of taste and effect in her dress, two
things that are always regarded by her.
l think that can explain it ALL replied
Mrs. Hinton, smiling.
Alton listened attentively to what follow.
ed, although it was not intended for his ears
He sat near enough to hear all that was said
with out making any effort so to do and he
was 700 much interested to get up, and move
to an, other part Of the room.
w ell, what is the reason = asked two o.
three OF the ladies.
1T is plain case,' resumed Mrs. Hinton
| Mos, Of you know old Mrs. Bender. d.
calling ilp to see her few days ago, foun'
her very Ill, and in need Of nourishment AM