Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1847-06-30
THE FANCY BALL.
"Him he we'll knew, and guessed that it was she,
But being masked, he was not sure"
SHAKESPEARE" -.

outpeing masked, he was not sure.
SHAKESPEARE.
"Why, Marion. what can be the matter with
you this evening; you are more than usually
awkwardr'
"Why, my lady"
ssStuff and nonsense; you have dressed my
hair most abomina bly,; it locks as If had jack
DAVIS nest placed upon my head; these flowers
are heavy and ungraceful looking; take them
away; put this rose at the side; raise these
buds little; ah! that looks better. You may
60 now, but come in half an hour to lace me- y
Marion curtised and withdrew: The Lady
Blanche re-arranged few rebelious ringlets
of her jet black hair, then looked at herself at
tentively in the glass, and smile of delighted
vanity spread itself over her beautiful lips.
"This evening he shall find me more than
usually beautiful" she murmured, as she seated
herself opposite her mirror.
She soon fell into dreamy reverie.
The Lady Blanche was one of those misled
votaries of fashion, who imagined that a1mira-
ton was the only thing worth living for in this
world, and that when coqueiry ceased, and
beauty was on the wane, then it would be time
enough to begin to think seriously of heavenly
truths.
She had at the opening of our tale, scarcely
attained her twentieth natal day, and she was
of surpassing beauty, elegant and distinguish
ed in mien, and the very beau ideal of person.
al perfection in woman.
At seventeen Blanche had been married to
Lord Greenland his title. his fortune, and his
high position in the world, had seduced the
young girls mind. That she was beautiful,
she was perfectly aware; indeed, she could
scarce be otherwise, for a thousand voices re-
peated her praises, all looks, all thoughts, ap-
peared to be turned towards her whenever she
appeared in public: homage and fattery sur
: rounded her on all sides with their powerful Sc
auctions, and almost turned the girls brain.
Lord Greenland loved Blanche as a man on
ly loves once in his whole life. His heart sad
dened when he saw how light her mind was,
and how vain and coquettish was her heart
When he perceived her thus weak and frivo-
lous, he hid his deep and devoted love under an
aspect of careless indifference, lest by showing
her the power she possessed over him, it might
add to her inordinate vanity, so that instead of
the incense she received in the world, instead
of the eulogiums which greeted her wherever
she went, at home she heard nought but wise
counsels, moral max;ms, and solid truths: in a
word, although Lord Greenland was but five
and-twenty years of age, he had actually grown
old in mind from anxiety for his young and
giddy wife.
Blanche could not understand his moral max
inns and reproving looks, and accused him of
GOODNESS and indifference; he who loved her SO
fondIy; she therefore received his advice with
disdain, and his attention with scornful indif-
ference.
Amongst those who surrounded her with
their pointed attentions, Blanche particularly
remarked Lord Charles Goodlove. When she
entered into fascinating haunts of the gay and
worldly, the first looks she encountered fixed
upon her were his; the sweetest words, and
most intoxicating fattery that sounded in her
ear, proceeded from his lips. At the opera, in
the ballroom, or riding in the parks, Lord
Charles was everywhere to be seen: he appear
ed to know her intentions, and read her secret
thoughts.
Lady Blanche was proud of the devotion she
inspired in Lord Charles. He was a man of
fashion, distinguished, sought after, and it was
deemed peculiar favour to receive nod or
smile from. She thought herself more beauti-
full than ever when she saw him amongst the
list Of admirers; but this was not enough for
the vain Lady Blanche; she wished so to in
yeigIe the affections of Lord Charles, that it
should be perfectly manifest to all those proud
beauties who sighed for his notice; she would
destroy their hopes and embiter their hearts, and
finally reign unriyalled queen of beauty; and
although she cared not for the man, yet she
encouraged him merely to crafty her pride,and
to Aatter her vanity.
"Yesterday," thought she, show we'll he
looked when he was speaking ofhs love; what
acharmin his words; and grace and distinction
in his manners; and how deeply he loves me"
she added, and sigh escaped her.
My lord is looking for you," announced a
domestic.
The cheeks of Lady Blanche became sudden
ly as red as crimson. Lord Greenland entered
He was young man, with pale but express
i've face, with eyes full of fire and feeling.
l"Well Blanche, my love-" said he, looking at
her with tenderness, what project have you in
view for this EVENING"
"Youhave forgotten, then" replied the young
lady, in cod dry voice, 'the fancy ball which
the Duchess of B gives tonight"
'4s it to nightr' demand Lord Greenland.