The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-11-07


gave such connoisscur-like glance at your flowing
hair"
''Interpret"
"He contents himself with taking scalps-but you
you must have hearts"
She answered only by melancholy smile and
shake of her head and forthwith introduced Mr.
k 10 her.
Puzzled and chngrined, made my way tothe
supper-room, where was instantly assailed by
shower ofquestions from the ladies' and of complaints
from the gentlemen, whose opportunities had dis
regarded Murmurs low but deep uttered against
me- when it was found that I had elected nothing
from my late partner that could alay the general GU
riosity in regard to her. All that could commu-
nicate was, that she was Miss Smith-and every one
seemed to regard this piece of intelligence as invov-
ing the subject in still profounder obscurity. The
Iady's remark in regard to members Of Congress |
kept to myself.
series of brilliant entertainments, given by the
hosptabe and noble. spirited residents of Washing.
ton, succeeded the ball at the White House. At all
of them Miss Smith was present, and Mt all Of them
she was indisputably the belle of the evening Per-
haps the appellaton is wrong one, for apart from
her dazzling beauty there little OF the selrassur
ed and hatered belle in her appearance and demean
or. Her conversation always cheerful and ami
mated; but an interested observer (and acknowl-
edge soon became one) could detect beneath her
apparent gaety the pre- occupation of heart filed
with some secret This conviction soon
checked the tendency OF my feelings towards her;
and had not her throe times before the lover
was merged in the friend.
Still the mystery as to who she was and whence
he Kant A hat he
observer could discover that she resided in re-
spectacle private famiy at Georgetown, the mistress
of which Mrs Boutwell,. though she did not 60 into
society herself, yet held that position which would
entree to any young female under her pro-
tecton On being questioned the subject of Miss
Smith, Mrs. Boutwell, would reply, that she could
vouch for the young ladys responsibility, butbeyond
that she knew nothing in regard to her pnrentage
history. OF course this halfway intelligence contri-
butcd still farther to pque public curiosity and to
render the unknown belle still more an object of mar
vel and of interest. The fact that no one among the
throngs who daily visited Washington, from all parts
Of the Union and of the world had ever seen or
heard of her BEFORE also added the general perpex
ity. Several young men attempted TO lay direct
seige TO her heart; and nnumerabe the japoni-
cas- and the serenades with which they endeavored
to facilitate their approaches; but they ELECTED fiom
her of Encouragement. She received their
attentions with "sad civity," and, as soon as pos
sible, got rid them, and exerted her powers of
fascination upon some influential member of Con-
gress.
One morning called upon her at Mrs Bothwell's.
As assembled the stairs in advance of the servant
accidentally glanced at mirror through the open
door Of an apartment reflection Of two figures
rested my attention. One was the lady had
to visit, the other was young man, with features
wan but highly intellectually and somewhat attenua-
ted frame. The lad VS. hand was through the
thick hair that clustered about his pale forehead, and
she gazing in his face with expression Of deep
and tender soicitude. A sound very like kiss
ceeded this momentary attitude. Reluctant to dis
turb such interview, turned to retreat, but acct
dentally came in contact with the servant, who,
tumbling half way down stairs, efectionatey inter-
rupted the afectonate scene in the parlor. Without
odo, after preliminary shutting of my feet to
apprise the parties that one was coming, en-
tered the room.
An opposite door was closed as Miss Smith add
vanced to receive me, and heard dry ominous
cough proceed from the departing vister. 1t seemed
to fall heavily upon the lady's heart, for she stopped
short, pressed her hand TO her eyes, and heaved
sigh. Quickly ruIying, however, she summoned
sweet smile to her lips, and received with kind
ness. We conversed few minutes upon indifferent
Subjects and took an early leave.
AS drove home to Gadsby's, my mind more
lost than ever in conjecture to this exceedingly
beautiful but mysterious young lady. Who could
the gentleman be whom she had lavished such
kens Of endearmcnt Was he a lover a husband?
If either why did he not accompany her into society,"
Or, if his health did not permit such ulgencc, how
could she quit him to become cynosure Of ball
room. Perhaps he was brother. No, sister
could never have bestowed such look and such an
embrace. What could It all mean!
week after this interview called at the White
House with friend from England, who was DESTROYS
of an introduction to the remarkable man who then
occupied the Presidential chair. We were received
by Jenny Grant, the Irish door keeper, who, with
an absence Of ceremony which astonished my ansat
lantc companion, took us up stairs, and pointing to
the cabnet-chamber,, said, ''You will find the oud
man in hat