Democratic banner., 1850-12-23
sUN1rED We SrAND-DIv1DED We FALL

'Why, Benson to be sure. You know you are
going to be married to him-sverybody knows
that ....,
'Well--I don't. What do you think of that?'
'Ah! that's all nonsense. But here he comes
himself And now resign my charming charge.
Well, Benson, you are all euvia6le fellow, to be
sure.
And Duhbing whisked of, and was soon whirl-
ing roInd with new partner.
sYou enjoy yourself much, l hope, dear Julia?'
observed the youth.
sWell-why not? Of course we are all here
for that purpose
Surely. And yet, do you know, I rarely feel
more oppressed than at one OF these gay parties.
The more fool you!' she muttered. But he
seemed not to hear her remark.
4 always contrast the glare, the glitter, and
Though it be, as l confess--oF
such places, with the charming quiet, apd con-
verse of ones own freside-'
with dowdy wife, and pair Of dip candles
for companions
'Dowdy! Who would have ever dreamt of
such thing? You dowdy'
'Oh, excuse me, could not be the person you
were thinking Of
.Why?' Who else could grace my house, and
make my freside happy
oh, fear, with your serious tastes, you will
require for Grace, somr heavy person 10 make
you happy--.some such person as Miss Murdi-
son, for instance: see how the floor shakes un-
der her ponderous tread
And here she gave one Of her silverringing
aughs---not a very hearty or cheerful laugh il
is true---perhaps her laug h was little bit studi-
ed and she rather prided herself on it, since
'ome incognito poet had, in certain verses which
he had sent her, styled it Julia's silver music
augh,'
Benson was rather net:led at both the remark
and the mirth she expressed, at the exhibition Of
,ne less graciOusly dealt with by nature than
herself. He had before noticed this unfsvorable
feature in Julia's character.
1T is scarcely charitable, he observed quietly,
to make fun of the infrmi,ies OF others
Infirmity do you call il? Miss Murdison in
firm! why look at her! she has the strength OF 4
giant, and the dimensions of-'
Stop, Julia, stop--it is really too bad!'
sAnd who asked you for your wise opinion,
Mr.. Benson, as to whether it is good or bad?-
Who cares?' And here her blue eyes flashed
with fire.
4 ask your pardon. Miss Julia, for see
nave OUeIueu you dSdil.
sTo tell you the truth, you bore me-
.Ah, Julia!-or will still call You so once
nore-I fear your heart turns from me. have
lscerned it before, but shut my eyes TO the fact.
We'll, if they are open now TO the ac:, keep
Them so---Dubbing come here! you dance the
Scottish, don't you?'
sAh! charming Julia, with you anything.'---
And away they went.
Benson looks rather dumpish.'
sPshaw! the brute's got lis quietus, think
The rooms were full. A whist party
occupied one drawing-room, and gay music
from the other.
! hate whist at those crowded evening
parties; for there you cannot give yourself
up to 'the quiet rigor of the
game,' as Mrs. Battle termed it; and so
| soon found myself among the more brilli-
ant and Juvenile portion of the assembly
A young lady-young you might certainly
style her, though it was obvious from her
finished manner, that she had seen many
'easons-sat at the piano, and sung with
admirable execution Spohr's recherche song
of "A Bird sat on Alder bough.' The notes
thrilled through her beautiful throat, clear
and glitteIing as diamonds. There was no
reserve, no blushing insipidity in the singer;
,he sung in 'full- -throated ease, like the lark
as she springs exultingly from her nest into
The sky, and pours food of melody on the
listeners ravished ear. Murmurs of APP
olause followed the lady as she was led from
Ter seat at the instrument to make room
or another performer; and then it was that
noticed the exquisite grace, the full round
beauty, the fascinating manner ofthis beau
iful woman. Many admirers seemed to
lover around her, but there was one in es-
,ecial whom had no difficulty in setting
iown in my own mind as the favored one
He paid all those little attentions which are
10 charming in drawing-room, or indeed
anywhere, indicating polish and manners;
md though some French cynic has very
,ruelly styled these 'the hypocricy of go
,iety,' they are very charming, neverthe-
ess, in their place.
Taking advantage of avacant seat near
o the accomplished singer, soon became
Ia unconc ncious listener to q conversation
going on between her and beautiful fair
,irl who sat by her side.
q think could love him myself, said the
,o;y oirl