Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-12-01


replied in the affirmative.
"Ile is quite favorite with the old Ro-
man-is he not ~ asked the lady.
Undoubtedly, and in the lower House he
IS fas acquiring influence"
as ne marriedP'
"Y-e-e-s," replied COMPOUNDED al the
quiet, business-like manner in which the
question was put
Then introduce him." said Miss Smith.
Certainly. But why is it tina, you are
less merciful than that gaunt Indian chief,
who gave such conuisseur-lke glance at
your flowing hair p
'lnterpret."
lie contents himself with taking scoips
but yOa-you must have hcarts."
She answered only by melancholy smile
and shake of the head; and forthwith in
troduced MIR. k to her.
Puzzled aud chagrned, made my way
TO the supper-room, where was instantly
assailed by shower Of questions FROM the
ladies', and of complaints from the gentle
men, whose opportunities had disregarded.
Mnrmurs, low but deep, were uttered a.
gainst me, when il was found that had
elected nothing from my late partner that
could allay the general curiosity in regard
to her. All that | could communicate
was, that she was Miss Smith; and every
one seemed to regard this piece of intelli-
gence as involving the subject in prolounder
obscurity. The lady's remark in regard TO
members Of Congress, ] kept to myself.
A series of brilliant entertainments. given
by the hospitable aud noble spirited resi-
dents of Washington, succeeded the ball at
the White House. At all of them Miss
Smith was present, and at all of them she
was indisputably the belle of the evening
Perhaps the appelation is a wrong one; for
apart from her dazzling beauty there was
little of the self assured and 1attered belle
in her appearance and demeanor. Her con-
versation was always cheerful and animated +;
but an interested observer land acknowl-
edge that | soon became one, could detect
beneath her apparent gaity the pre-occupa-
ton of heart filled with some secret sor-
row. This conviction soon checked the
tendency of my feelings towards her and
| had not met her three times before the
lover was merged in the friend.
Still the mystery as 10 who she was and
whence she came was kept up. All that
the most inquisitive observer could discover
was, that she resided in respectable pri-
vate family al Georgetown, the mistress Of
which, MRS Boutwell,, though she did not
go into society herself, yet held that position
which would secure an entree to any young
female under her protection. On being
questioned on the subject of Miss Smith,
Mrs. Boutwell, would reply that she could
ayouch for her responsibility; but beyond
that, she knew nothing in regard to her pa
rentage or history OF course, this half
way intelligence contributed still farther to
pique public curiosity, and to render the I'M
known belle still more an object of marvel
and of interest. The fact that no one
among the throngs who daily visited Wash
ington. from all parts of the Union, aud of
the world. had ever seen or heard of her be-
fore, also added to the general perplexity-
Several young men attempted to lay direct
seige to her heart, and innumerable were
the laponicas and the serenades with which
they endeavored 10 facilitate their approach
es; but they elected from her no manner of
encouragement. She received their atten-
ton with sad civiity," and as soon as pos
sible, got rid of them, and exerted her pow
ers of fascination over some influential mem
Der of Congress
One morning | called upon her at Mrs,
Bothwels. As assembled the stairs, in adj
vance of the servant, accidentally glanced
at a mirror through the open door of an
apartment A reflection of two figures at
tracted my attention. One was the lady |
had come to visit; the other was young
man, with features wan but highly intellec-
tua, and a somewhat attenuated frame -
The Iady's hand was run through the hair
that clustered about his pale forehead, and
she was gazing in his face with an express
sion Of deep and tender solicitude. A
sound very much like kiss succeeded this
momentary attitude. Reluctant to disturb
such an interview, | turned to retreat, but
accidentally came in contact with the SER
want, who tumbled half way down stairs, el-
! fectually interrupted the afiectionaie scene
in the parlor Without more ado, after a
preliminary shutting of my feet to apprize
the parties that some one was coming, | en-
tered the room.
An opposite door closed as Miss Smith
advanced to receive me, and heard dry,
omnous cough proceed from the departing
visiter. 1t seemed to fall heavily on the la
| dy's ears, for she stopped short, pressed her
hands to her eyes, and heaved sigh
Quickly rallying, however, she summoned a
sweet smile to her lips, and received me
with kindness We conversed few min
utes on different subjects, and took an ear
ly leave.
As drove home to Gadsby's my mind
was more lost than ever in conjectures as to
this exceedingly beautiful but mysterious
young lady. Who could the gentleman be
on whom she had lavished such tokens OF
endearment Was he lover or hus-