Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1851-04-11


pure affection of any undetermined man.
be'rays vanity, want Of self-rcspect, and al
utter disregard for the feelings Of others. 4
coquctie is a purely selfish being, who, by he
hollow smiles and heartless professions, wins
10 the shrine of her vanity many an homes
heart, and then casts it from her as idly as :
child The plaything oi which he has tired. She
is unworthy the name of woman
Hollow smiles--heartless professions
Why, what is all this TRADE about, Charlotte :?
interrupted Lucia. indignantly. ] do not un'
terstand YOU. You surely do not mean tt
class me with those frivolous beings you have
named
il will do for young coxcombs and 0ps,
continued Charlotte, 'whosc brains center in
an elegant moustache or the tie Of cravat
who swear pretty little oaths, and can handle
their quizzing glass with more skill than theii
pen--lt will do for them to initiate their vanity
by the sighs Of romalic school girls but for a
high-mnded noble woman. like you, Lucia, to
descend from the dignity of your position to
The contemplate artiices of a coqnette-he,
Lucia, be YOURSELF
From no other but you Charlotte she re-
piled, would bear the unjust impntaion you
cast upon me, and | should blush did ! think
myself deserving one half your censure. do
not feel that have descended at all from the
dignity of my positon,' as you are pleased to
term it. and consider a coguette quite as con.
tenp'ibe as yon do
'Ah, Lucia said Charlotte, archlv,
o wad some power the giftie gle us
To see oursel's as thers see u.s.
Nonsense ! know ! am not coqnette,
Charlotte retorted Lucia. Gay and thoughts
less may have been but ! have never, nor
would | ever, trle with the affections of one
whom thought any other feeling but his own
vanity had brought to my feet. But come,
Madam Mentor, will make truce with you.
must first vanquish this redoubtable Gadsbv,
in honorable warfare, and with his own
weapons. and then. promise YOU, no duenna
of old Spain ever wore a more vinegar aspect
than shal! Inca Laurence, spinster.'
But, Lucia
'No-no-no! sop. know what YOU are going
to say interrupted the gay girl, pavfully pla-
cling her little hand over the mouth of her
friend Positively must have my way this
zine. And now for the business of the toilet.
Let me see-blue and pearls no, whte-whlte,
like bride, Charote'
A brilliant company sweeps through the eie-
giant apartments of Mrs. De Rivers. 1t was
the opening soiree of the season, and there had
gathered, in the regal train OF Fashion and
Display, the wealth, wit, beauty, and grace, of
PENIS fair city. Music's enchanting strains
breathsd delight, fair forms moved in the
graceful dance, and through the thronged as-
sembly gay groups were gathered,
"Where the swift thought,
Wingng its way with laughter fingered not,
But flew from brain to BRAIN
'Who is that queenly young lady, dressed
al a., -,
De Rvcrs?' inquired Frank Gabsby of friend
at 8 elbow
Where ah, see. Why, Il it possible you
do not know Miss Laurence She is the
greatest coquette in Philadelphia. Beware
OF her bewitching eyes.
"A fair chaenge-I will dare the danger.
Will you introduce me ? was the reply.
with pleasure-but remember my warning
answered his friend. Miss Lawrence is full
of w.t. and will cut your fairest speeches TO
serve her rdcuIe: she is proud, and leads her
many captives after her with the air of Juno
she is sensible and will cary out an argument
with the skill ota lawyer. She Ia hand dsome-'
THAT is easily seem interrupted Gabsby.-
pray spare me further detail. and give me an
opportunity, If You please to Judge Of the rest
for myself
Al lne same moment when these remarks
were passing between the gentlemen, Lucia
said to Miss De Rivers:
Pray tell me, Fanny, who il that stylish
gent lounging so tarelesslv near the door 2
'Tall-talking with young Bright, do you
meqn?'
'rhe same
'Ah, bewarer was tho nswpr; that same
"A Il =.
other than the gay decevrr-'
Who-Mr. Gabsby = interrupted Lucia.
Yes, Frank Gabsby. whose vows of love are
as ndiscriminate as his smiles
i have heard of him, Fanny. Well, he s
certainly very handsome said Lucia.
And as facinating in his manners ms he is
handsome, replied her friend. WHY, he
makes every woman in love with him-mvselt
Xcep,ed, Lucia every fair lady ecits, in turn,
the same homage, the same tender speeches,
and in turn, finds herself the dupe OF his flat
terry and melting glances.'
Perfectly absurd" exclaimed Lucia, with
toss o; her head
tBut see, Lucia, he has already marked YOU
look he approaches. with Earnest Bright. Now
prepare for the introduction, which he has no
doubt, solicited
The presentation was gone through with in |
due form Lucia assumed an air OF the most
perfect indifference. scarcely deigning to notice
he elegant man of fashion, who, by his most
courtly smiles and winning compliments, en-
leavor to attract her favorable attention. Bat |
both smiles and fine speeches were thrown
away and, not a little chagrned at his recep-
ion from the teir Lucia. Gadsby at length turn
I'd coldIy away, and began chatting, in a CAV
cne, with Miss De Rivers, while, at the same
moment Miss Laurence, giving her hand to a
Young officer, joined the dancers.
We'll, how do you like Miss Laurence,
Frank p said Earnest Bright, later in the even.
ng tone hing the shoulder OF Gadsby, who
stood llstl ssly regarding the gay scene.
She has fine eyes, although | have seen
iner,' was the answer; a good figure, but
here are others as good; pom my soul, see
10 particular fascination about her-I could
,ick out dozen here more agreeable
Think so ? Well, don't be too secure, that's
ILL., replied his friend.
Never tear. have escaped hpari-frce too
Ong to be caught al last by one like NJ iss Lau-
ence. Less lmperirnsness, and more of wo-
mans gentlencss for me- said Gadsby. And
Iet, it were worth while 10 subdue the nhexi-
no haautv on,unulo hor -