The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1844-05-30
THE SABLE MUFF;
OR THE WANG tjIsHED BELLE.

The first cold day that datkens the receding autumn,
is, for young fashionable, one of importance and So
lemnity. 1t announces winter and its agreeable and
smiling corege. What peaSbte does it not promise
them? Armed with all their inventive powers, they
ransack their brains Tor the invention Of new modes OF
adjoining themselves After having chosen novel and
fashionable dresses, they search amongst the ward
robes OF the past year, for the velvet cloaks cachmeire
pelisses, and warm furs.
This was the occupation Of lady Charlotte Rees, a
young widow and of the eignng beauties of the sea-
son. This day-it was the beginning of the month Of
November winter had all at once set in with perc
ing, sharp frost. Lady Charlotte was making active
preparations ID sustain the rgors OF the season. seri
Gus reflections, however, found their way even amidst
this frivolous occupaon she thought Of the rapid flight
of ime of the days that had passed quickly Of her
eight and twentieth yeat which was so near its ernna
tion.
Eight and twenty years was Certainly not despair
ing age for woman, and Lady Rees she looked at
herself in her mrrored boudoif, could certainly say in
the sincerity OF her heart that had she lnoked
beautiful. Until then each day seemed to call forth
new beauties and graces; to improve now was impossi
,ble this was why she trembed, knowing well that decay
quickly follows perfection.
Be not therefore surprised at the serious thoughts
which occupied her mind as she arranged her winter
apparel. There was remembrance attached 10 each
of those articles which had been long forgoteh Here
was the dress she had worn going to bas there the vio
let-colored velvet cloak trimmed with ermine, Which
had always been reserved for the midday promenade
In box of cedar wood lay sable muf, one of the
most beautiful that had ever been produced from the
plains of Siberia AS she looked at it, with melan-
choly countenance, she asked herself-"What events
have occurred since the last day carried that mu and
during the coming season what may be my lotl"
In the midst of these philosophical thoughts, you
have dare say, guessed that Lady Charlotte was a
widow, and that from this reason she must try and
make much Of the time that was left her to decide her
fate. 90"
Her late husband was both bad tempered and jealous
he was one Of those whose loss is but lightly felt. He
had not only made himself disagreeabe to his wife dur
ing his lifetime but continued her prosecutor after
DEATH The possessor of millions he had bequeathed
the whole of his fortune to distant relatives whom he
had never seen reservng to his wife but few thou
sands the interest Of which was not half enough sup
port her in the same Sly she had been used to- she was
therefore constantly drawing large sums from tile prin
cipal. '-' d." r. 'o a.
'This is good way to make me regret him" tho't
she persing his last will ~ suppose he thought that
having nurt6red his wife in luxury and expense, his
widow will mourn him when she finds herself bound 10
the most rigid ecdnomy; and that in losing him she has
lost ALL III leave her iny fortune thought he, she
will perhaps marry from inclination, and the compare
son will not be ID my advantage; on the contrary if
leave her nothing it will be marriage OF convenience,
and her second husband will most likely be neither
younger or more amiable than myself"
The victim of selflove and jealousy against her de-
parted husband, Lady Charlotte obliged to receive
her small fortune, with an the patience size could COM
mand. To renounce luxury would be to her imposs-
be her habits had taken too deep root shine there
FORE she must whatever might be the price, that she
had commenced resolute attack the capital Of her
money. She left the future to depend entirely on her
wit and charms; marriage was resource that never
could be wanting to her, surrounded as she was by
crowd Of adorers who were prodigal in their protesta
tons Of uhdying love. ..>-
In the meantime her fortune fled rapidly, her age in
creased as quickly her fortune decreased she st
not tay long for fear offnding between her
first wrinkle and her last crown Until that moment
the charming widow had never lavished single hot
on Her situation. The perfdous counses of her mir
ror her brilliant wit and incofigibe toquetry had sus-
tansd her. but now wisdom's hour had struck and La
dy Rees could notsmoher wish for the formulation of
her wido%hood, as she phlbsophically asked herself,
"What events have occurred sine the last day wore
that muff7" 5- ......,yr '..
A deep and searching look htothe past brought to
Her recollection two events with both of whiththe fu-
ture was enangied Two names escaped her lips, one
with smile, the other wtha slight frown These two
names, were Augustus and Sir John Quihlah.
Lady Charlotte had an excellent memory. She per
fcty remembered that the last time she wore the muf
was on beautiful day in the end of April. In the
evening before that after having been to her bankers
she went to aSball She had worn at this tete lace
+, lobe necklace of pearls, and natural flowers were
scattered profusely amidst her hair. Never had her
an been more numerous her coquetry more fatal and
attractive. But IN hemidst of this glorious triumph,
her heart had spoken. A handsome, retiring young
y, man, whom she had amused hetsellin tormenng dur
ing the winter had obtained favor in her eyes, and she
was obliged to acknowledge to herself that she loved
him. To tell him that she only waited favorable mo-
Inent. That moment did not arrive that night,
However, the next day-he last time she had worn
the muf she met Augustus asshe was paying visit
to one of her friends, the Marquisof E. There
were great many people in the saloon, and Augustus
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