Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1843-10-30
THE COQUETTE AND THE CoQUETTE-TA-
MER

Mabel Gray most beautiiu but her beauty was Of
that which gaze upon admnngly and disiustuv
She tall slender and perfectly proportional Her eyes
large black and sparkling. Her hair OF the same CO.
Jour- fell in luxurant he shoulders. Her eve
brows strongly marked and arched Her lips were TO-
sy and mischevous. Her Roman and imperous
Her complexion was dark but clear and mantling with
delicate bloom. To these personal peeuliares her char
correspondent She was clever, caprcou and tender
Fond of exciting admiration she despsed any feeling short
Of absolute love; and seemingly DESTROYS of dominion over
all she really wished only for the undivided homage of one
Bu she knew herself capable u deep and lasting pcs
sion, she demanded nothing less from the one on whom
she should bestow her heart and, in order prove him.
she resolved 10 give the least token of encouragement
until his entre love and constancy beyond doubt If
hc could remain while she lavised smiles and atten
ons his rivals, then she would, after time eent and
make 10y warmth and sincerity Tor previous GOODNESS and
deceit Mabel Gray was n coquette-but likely TO become
something better.
1t was not possible for such girl to live unwooed; and
when that she orphan with large fortune at
her disposal it may be supposed that her lovers
rather numerous.
Amongst those who prolessed themselves enamoured Of
her charms Oliver Pearson, young of property
educaton and prep0ssessng Manners His person was com
manding and his features handsome. lie gifted with
n particular readiness and pancy OF intellect which ena.
BLEED him adapt himself 60 any occasion and
advantage. He could he grave gay, sentimental sat
Tica and all with apparently equal Oliver Pearson
Just the Ia cope with coqueue, and, OF all co.
quetes, with Mabel GRAY.
She treated him with less favour than others because she
suspected she behold him with Indeed, she feared
examine herself strictly this subject lest she should
discover plainly how feigned her indifference
And what her for playing this poor hvpocrt
cal par She yet convinced that Pearson was n
devoted her she considered her merits deserved TN
had not humbled himself sufficiently low and sufficiently
long Before she could doCn ovince the least sign of
love- she that she loved deeply as human
creature loved ~ the world before She commit.
ted great but common error nordngte womanly yani-
" she considered proper maidcny pride.
One morning she working, whilst Oliver Pearson sat
by her side looking The work which Mabel Cray
employed was very characteristic Of her. She was
working silkcn chain for lover whom she dcspsed i'm
order to vex a lover whom she admired. Never did she
touch that chain unless Oliver Pearson present His
well known knock the signal for her taking Nd and
s departure for her putting u down. Its ostensibn pur
pose present, quite secondary 70 it real purpose
~ an engine Of coqucy. Probably she had no intention
Uf finishing IL; but, II satisfied that Pearson believed
she had would have been coIt,uod with the ingenious
triumph Of piquing lover and committing herself
with another. Pearson, however, wns proyukiugy COOL
lie seldom alluded 70 H. and, whom be- did it usually
with smile rs he were rather amused than otherwise.
Could he have the upudencc think that she preferred
him 60 his yalsl or 10 suppose that the chain
tended for the person she said wAs' lie might find him.
ref mistaken after oil!
On the present occasion he had for full half an hour
talking about love n the old Style and had not once men.
toned the chain, though che had shown wonderful indus.
Try and had a the abr Of being absorbed in an inter.
c.ng task. tlast, taking hold Of 10 carccssy he sad.-
$50 tho chain cJmos ON slowly, fad. Ny friend Nor.
daunt must not hc inpatient
"YOur friend Modauut may be- impatient 81 hc please,
sir," said Mabel patient or inpatient be must wal, I'M
u choose 90 give IT,"
(Which will not be long," said Oliver smiling, "whon
consider how gcata fayourtc he is 10 Miss Gray. But
confess that this matter puzzles mc for, II he be- worthy
al making chain for. he r certainly worthy Of having II
made Tor him little quicker IL docs altogether
a i1hour Of love. declare" said ho taking hold Of h,
chain again and looking m-coyousy Mabel 81 decar,
u seems exactly il you only worked this when an
here"
Indeed, sir" said mabel, colourng 81 should rsihc
say you always happen 10 be here when working
ON IT, What has your presence ab encc to do with my
working"
"Oh nothing q course =" said Poar,on; yet struck m,
a5 odd hai I always find the happy Mordaunrs chain o.
he precise length that ] left %: doubtless co
ncidfnco But, my dear Hiss Gray" continued be-, "th
resting convcrsuton must preliminary moro
serious communication which have "a mike Arc yot
willing 20 listen z"
quite willing Let ne have your ferrous communieo
ton BY a means" said Mabel, astonishod az this abp
Pearson drew bic chair nearer. Miss Gay" said he
could poor Mordaunt know how many rivals he contend
with aud how many smiles and iavours lavished or
others would be- this chain love tken hougl
presented by the for hands Of MobcI Gray hcfs"lf"