Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-09-19

Il am so glad you admire my pretty cousin,
said Isabel Gray to gentleman seated near
her. She deserves all her good fortune, which
is the highest possible compliment when you
see how devoted her husband is and what a
palace-ike home he has given her.
: 1t does, indeed, seem the very abode of taste
and elegance, and the speaker looked around
the luxurious apartment with undisguised ad-
miration.
The room, with its occupants, seemed, in the
mellow light which came from lotus shaped
vases, like a fine old picture set in gorgeous
frame. The curtains falling in fued folds,
shut out the dreariness of a cold November
night--a glowing carpet, on whose velvet sur
face seemed thrown the richest flowers, and the
most luscious fruits in wild but graceful confu-
sion, muf1led the tread of the wel-traincd SER
wants. A few rare pictures hung upon the
walls, and group Of beautiful women were
conspicuous among the guests who this eve
ming shared the hospitality of the master of the
mansion. The dessert had just been placed on
the table--rare fruits were heaped in baskets
of delicate Serres, that looked ,roren rather thar
moulded into their graceful shapes; cones and
pyramids of delicately tinted ices, and spark
ling bon-bons-in fine, all that could tempt the
most f;istidious appetite, had been gathered to-
gether for this bridal feast
Very happy was William Rushton that night.
and how fondly they glanced, in the pauscs OF
conversation, toward his lovely wife, who, for
the first time, had assumed her place as mis-
tress of all This elegance. But hers was sub
dued and quiet loveliness,
.-Not radieut a gers eve"
and many wondered that his choice had fallen
upon her, when Isabel Gray seemed 50 much
better suited to his well known flstidiousncss.
Isabel had passed the season of early girlhood,
vet her clear brow was as smooth, and her COM
plexion as glowing as when she had first en-
tered society the belle of the season. Four
years had passed, and, to the astonshment OF
many an acquaintance, she was still unmarried !;
and now, as the bridesmaid of the wealthy Mrs.
Rushton, she was once more the centre of fash
ion-the observed of all.
Glittering glasses, of fanciful shapes and
transparent as if they had been the crystal
goblets of Chiraz, We're sparkling among the
fruits and flowers. Already they foam
ing to the brim with wines, that might have
warmed the heart of the convival Clarence
himself whose age was the topic of discourse
among the gentlemen and of comment 10 their
IL. i
ded years would be no great advantage 10 than
in the eyes of those boasting connoisseurs.
No one can refuse that, came to the ears of
Isabel GRAY, in the midst of an animated con-
yersaton.
The health of our fair hostess said her
companion, by way of explanation. I'VE are
all good friends, YOU know. Your glass, Miss
Grav.' and he motioned for the attendant to
fill it.
Excuse me- said she, in quick, earnest
voice, which drew the attention of all. Il will
drink to Lucy with all my heart, but in water,
if you please, and she playfully filled the tall
glass from water goblet near her.
May be permitted to follow Miss Gray S
example, She must not claim all the honor OF
man with fine though somewhat sad face,
suited the action to the word
Courtesy subdued the astonishment and re-
monstrances of the host and his fashionable
friends, and this strange freak of Mrs. Gray S
formed the topic of conversation after the ladies
withdrew.
Il do not think it fancy-lsabel Gray al
ways acts from principle said one of the party
with whom she had been conversing for Rob
ert Lewis, for so they called her supporter in
this unparalleled refusal, gayly declared him
self bound for that night at least, to drink moth
ing but water, for her sake.
oh, Isabel, how could you do sol said her
cousin, as they re-entered the drawing room,
and the ladies' had dispersed in various groups
10 examine and admire the decorations
Do what, dear Lucyr
WHY, act in such strange way | never
knew you to refuse wine before. You might
at least have touched the glass to your lips, as
you always have DONE Mr.. Rushton was too
polite to demonstrate, but | saw he looked ter
rlbly annoyed. He is so proud of his wines,
too and wished him to like you so much.
would not had it happen-oh, for anything,
and the little lady clasped her hand with a most
tragical look of distress.
How very terrible! Is it such MIGHTY Of
fence1 But, seriously, it was not freak I
shall never take wine again
And all my parties to attendl You will he
talked about all winter. Why, nothing is ex-
pected of a lady nowadays but to sip the leas,
possible quantity, and, besides, champagne
YOU know, Isabel-champagn never hurts any
one.'
Il have seen too much of its i'll effects to agree
with you there, Lizzy. 1t hasled to lntemper
ance again and again. My heart has long con
demned the practice of convivial drinking, an'
cannot countenance ii even by seeming to JOIN
Think ofpoor Talfourd-what made him beg
gar and maniac. He was your husband
college friend
'Oh, that is but one in thousand: and. be
sides, what influence can you possibly have =
Who, think you, will be the better man fo
seeing you so rude-I must say it. as to refus,
to take wine with him =