Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1845-03-07
THE COQUETTE.
by HENRY p. CNEEVIR.
CHAPTER I.

What a charming figure | shall make to-
night at the ball--ihis splendid striag of p arls
and head dress-lhis MAGNIFICENT dress Of
rich brocade and above all, my splendid
present, this diamond broach-how it glis,-
ems. The Lanes nor the Fcltons, can have
nothing like it.-Ol,, | shall eclipse them all,
l shall be the belle of the evening how de-
ligh.ful.
All this was uttered in one breath bv FL
mira Warren, n charming young lady of
eighteen, as she viewed her whole length
figure, in "A splendid mirror before her.
Why, Eliza, are you not ready yet? Oh,
dear me, the carriage will be here in a few
mouhents, and then we shall have to wait for
you. .
You shall not wait for me, cousin Elmira,
l shall be ready in time.
But you are not going TO wear that simple
white dress to night, are you Eliza ? asked
the proud Elnira, as she looked from her own
splendid dress. to the neat and snow white
attire of her cousin, Eliza Morrill,.
Certainly, lear cousin, | shall wear tit
becomes ne very well, and YOU know, that
my father cannot afford me the splendid dress
es that you wear-and | am content with II
simple while gown. So saying, the beautiful
Eliza bounded out of the room, humming Il
lishisome air.
What a contcnted thing she is, exclaimed
Elmira, as her Cousin left the room. Why,
II should dress as she does, my boaux would
be few, and far bctween-now, heavens-I
have more than | can please.
This bodice, it sets beautifully, and these
shoes, are fit for a queen. And the d%asliing
mn l,Iu ,rn.,,a,nI, b,f... ~. t-.II.--.l.
lighted mirrors, in all her pride.
You see, dear cousin, that | am ready,
said Eliza, at that moment entering the room.
Elmira, you look charming tonight, Oh, if
George could only see you now.
Say no more TO me of George Aslburn,
said ElmIra somewhat angrily, as she turned
and looked from the window. But here is the
carriage, come Eliza-bring my shawl and
don't soil your white dress. This was utter
ed in a half laughing and halfmocking vioce,
as Elmira left the door in company with a
young gentleman who had entered. Taking
her seat IN the carriage, she was soon follow
ed by the beautiful, but unpretending Eliza
Mo rill.
In a few moments they arrived at the place
of pleasure-eav and enlrvening strains OF
music reached their ears from the brilliantly
lighted hall.
The door was opened, and the two young
ladies stepped forth. A crowd oflookers-on
had gathered round the entrance ofihe build
ing, and the young ladies were subjected tc
their rude gaze.
BY George, she beats them all, in way oil
dress, said one of the bye-sianders, as Elmira
passed by them, into the building. Those
pearls how they glisIened, and that bracelet
nothing but a diamond could have flashed
like that.
These words reached the quick ears of FL
mira who chuckeled with delight at the com.
pliments, not meant for her ears. She soor
reached the hall, and forgot all, in the Grove
of fashion and the scene of pleasure arount
her.
\ y
We shall go back two years. Georo,
Ashburn at this time was the favored suite
of Elmira Warren. He was a tall, well mad,
young man, offne expressive fealnres-anr
most amiable disposition. In his manner
he was polite and alabie, and well %calcula
ted to win the affections of all who kney
him.
The father of George had Joined himscl
with a large mercantile house, established il
the Yves, Indies, and with his wife, and son