Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1852-12-30
ELISE DE vAUx.
BY FANNY FERN.

The blunt old doctor bit his lip i'm
patiently, and striking his gold headed
cane in no very gentle manner upon the
floor, said:
sThinkl | think II would be perfect
insanity for her to attempt il. | won't
be answerabIe for the consequences
'Pshawl my dear sir; she has had a
dozen attacks before quite as bad, and
-
sand that is the very reason why she
should be more cautious noio, Madam.
Good morning-good morningl Heav-
en- save me from these fashionable moth
ers,' he muttered as he banged the door
to behind him. She'll kill the girl, and
then her death will be laid to my door
ughl-it would be a comfort if one
could meet a sensible woman OCCASION
allyl'
Elise was sitting in bed, propped up
by pillows, when her mother entered
If youth, grace, and beauty could bribe
the destroyer, or turn aside his unerring
aim, then had she been spared. Her
cheek was marble pale, and rested wea-
rily on one little hand; the eyes were
closed as if sleeping, and from the other
hand few choice flowers had escaped,
and lay scattered upon the snowy coun-
terpane.
sOh! is that you mamma? hope that
YOU have made that stupid doctor give
you something that will set me up. |
feel such deadly sinking-from want
of nourishment. fancy. Do pray see
what you can get for me. hope DR..
Wyman didn't presume TO interfere a.
bout my going to the ball, because |
intend 10 go dead or alive; and. mamma,
while my lunch is getting ready, bring
me my dress, and let me see if Jeannet
has placed the trimmings where they
should be, and have a ruche placed a
round the wrist of my kid gloves; and.
mamma, don't forget to send TO Auster's
for that pearl spray | selected for my
hair; and, by the way, just hand that
mirror; I'm afraid I'm looking awfully
pale.'
Not now.' said the frightened mother,
you are too weary. Wait till you have
had some refreshments and the pale
beauty sank back on her pillow, crush
ing a wreath of dark ringlets, and closed
her eyes YEARLY, in spite of her deter
mination to be loeH.
A ring at the door! IA bright flush
came 10 her cheek. That's Vivian,
mamma. Tell him-tell him land a
sharp pain through her temples forced
her TO pause;) tell him Pm better, and
he may call for me at ten tomorrow
night; and, mamma, hand him this;' and
she drew little perfumed note from be-
meath her pillow, with rosebud crush-
ed in its folds.
Draw aside the curtain, Jeannetl Oh!
we shall have a nice evening for the
dance; now hand me my dressing gown.
Mamma, that medicine is perfectly mi
raculous-I never felt better-Heave1
knows where | should have been had
you not called in a better counsellor
than DR.. Wyman. He would like me
for a patient a year, | dare say; but |
knew better than to line his pocket that
ways and she skipped gaily across the
floor 10 large fauteuil, and called Je-
annet 10 arrange her hair.
'Sotly-soffly, Jeannetl My head
isn't quite right yet. There, that will
do said Elise, as the skillful French
woman bound tress after trcss in glossy
braids around her well formed head.
snow. place that pearl spray little TO
the left, just over my ear-pretty, is it
not, mammal
'Here. Jeannet!' and she extended the
dainty foot for Its silken hose and satin
slipper.
sRest awhile now, Elise said her
mother, as she looked apprehensively at
the bright crimson spot on her cheek,
that grew deeper every moment. and
contrasted so strikingly with the marble
paleness of her brow. 'l'm afraid you
are going beyond your strength
Mamma, what are you thinking a.
bout? Look ct me, and see how well ]
look. Besides, I'd go to this ball to-
night, if ii cost me my life. Mabel has
triumphed over me once; she shall not
do il second time Besides, there is
really no danger; | feel wild with spirits
tonight, and anticipate most brilliant
evening" and she clasped the pearl PEN
dants in her small ears, and the light,
feecy dress fell in soft folds about her
graceful person, and upon her fair arm
placed his gift, and taking in her hand
the rich boquet, every flower Of which
whispered hopes to her young heart, she
held up her cheek with a bewitching
smile, and said
'Now kiss me, mamma, and say that
you are proud Of Elise
And now Jeannet, with officious care,
draws the rich opera cloak about her
shoulders. and with thousand charges
from mamma 'to beware Of the draughts,
partake sparingly of ices, and not wea-
ry herself with dancing the carriage
wheels roll away from the door freight-
ed with their lovely burden.
elise de Vaux herel' said a tall,
queenly girl, attired in black velvet; and
she curled her pretty lip with iIl-con-
cealed vexation. Il thought her diving,
or near it, and as Elise glided graceful.
ly past in the dance, every eye follow.
ing her, and every tongue eloquent in