Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1843-04-06

Alton turned his eyes towards the door,
and sure enough there was Ellen, plainly
dressed, though neat, and her face wearing
an expression of WEAKNESS. 1t was a mo-
ment or two before he spoke, and then he
said, in tone of disappointment,
AS you say, never saw her look $" m
different in my life. Still She Isl sweet girl,
even though ec]ipsed tonight, in every way,
by Martha Green
sThey certainly will not bear a compar-
ison,' responded the friend.
Martha Green, who was sitting beside the
friend and confidant mentioned rs having
called on her the day before, had been
gancing uneasily towards the door. every
time it opened to admit some new conner,
and was among the first to perceive Ellen.
20 dear If that's all, no one here need
fear being thrown into the shade Tonight
was her exuting remark. why | thought
YOU told me- that she was at work on dress
even more beautiful than mine :?
so she was,' replied her friend. and
cannot for INV lite tell why she has not worn
| it,
sShc could not get il done. I suppose.
! Perhaps not. There was good deal to
do on it when saw her. Indeed, she has
| lust commenced working on it,
Do you know that am right down glad
ofit?' 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 almost
exclusive attention TO YOU
so I have flattered myself until within
| the last week or two, when he has seemed to
grow Il little more attentive TO Ellen, than is
agreeable to me-
You have nothing 10 frar tonight, Mar
tha, 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 en-
preston. What on earth can be the mat
ter? Something has happened, no doubt. 10
prevent her getting that dress done, which
has worried her so much rs to spoil her very
face. And see, with what look Mr.. Alton
is now regarding her y ...ae. VIZ. ....
Yes. see and what is more, see that
I am Safe .......
In II few minutes after. Alton took sea,
beside Martha, cured, MS he thought, of the
evident preference which had recently OK
listed in his mind for Ellen Willard, over
her anxious rival. This preference had not
been so distinct as 10 have been founded up
on any serious comparist n made in his
mind between the instrinsic claims to csti-
nation, which the two young ladies present
ed. 1t was rather n leaning towards Ellen.
without reflection upon the reason why she
seemed more interesting 10 him than Mar
thu. Ofcoursc, it required but trille TO
change that state Of mind. He now renew
ed his attentions to Martha Green. with even
more than his Former asiluity. to the en-
tire neglect of Ellen Willard, who retired at
a very early hour.
Towards the close Of the evening he sat
near Mrs Hinton. who was present. and two
or three ladies who were converting. The
name of Ellen, mentioned by one of them,
attracted his attention. ..... ......,
Ellen did not look like herself, tonight,
was remarked 5v one. .... ...,.....
No, said another, I never saw her make
more indifferent appearance. And she
was besides very dull, while she remained,
aud has left the room Mt an unusually carly
bonr. What can be the mntter with her Z
she is not very WE'LL Mrs Hinton said.
| But even that does not account for the
wan, OF taste and effect in her dress. two
things that are always regarded by her. .
think that can explain il all replied
Mrs. Hinton. smiling. .,.- E....
Alton listened attentiyelv 10 what follow
cd. although it was not intended for his ears
He sat near enough 10 hear all that was said
without making any effort SO to do--and he
was zoo much interested to get up, and move
to another part ofthe room. ........ p ..
b Well, what is the reason = asked two or
three ofthe ladies. ,..an..+ ,...,... "A
It is a very plain case resumed Mrs.
Hinton. Most Of you know old Mrs Bender
On calling in to see her a few days ago. |
found her very i'll, and in need of nourish-
mcnt and attention. She is very old, and
lives entirely by herself In the condition
that found her. it would have been cruel to
have left her alone for any length of time
For two nights remained with her myself
not wishing TO trouble any body else. and
being in the hope every day that she would
get much better. Yesterday I found myself
so much fatgucd from loss of rest, that I was
compelled to seek for some one who would
relieve me accordingly called upon sew
eral young ladies, and asked their assistance.
But some like Martha Green. had their
hands so full in making up dresses for this
evening, that they could not possibly sit up
while others were afraid that the loss of n
nights rest would entirely unfit them TO en-
| Joy this pleasant company, ANY other time,
one and all would have come forward cheer
| fully for the sake of old Mrs. Bender
| With a feeling of discouragement. called
in 10 see Ellen, and found her busily enga-
ged on one Of the sweetest dresses have
| ever seen. II was to be worn this evening.
| Busy, too remarked as sat down by
her side. with feeling that my search for a
sitter up would prove frrli,IeSs. .-.. l,-. .te
n am huev Nfrc Hinton wac hnr replxy