The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-10-13

Z. = x
honor was concerned, 10 detect the lovers,
and raise the veil. Papas and mamas,
and masters and misses, came trooping in;
old ladies', and middle-aged-until the
number amounted to about thirty, and
CONS drawing rooms were comfortably
filed We closely scrutinized all the young
folks, and so intently but covertly watched
their proceedings, that we could have re-
vealed several innocent flirtatons, but no.
thing appeared that could lead us to the
turle.doves and their engagement. 3f8
At length we really had hopes, and en-.
sconced ourselves ina corner, 10 observe
the more cautiously tall beautiful girl.
whose eyes necessarily turned towards the
door of the apartment; while each time it
opened to admit sny one, she sighed and
looked disappointed, as il that one was not
the one she yearned 10 see. We were
deep in a revery, conjuring up romance
OF which she was the heroine, when little
lady, habited in grey, whose age might be
three score, unceremonionsly seated her.
self beside Us, and Immediately commen-
ced conversation by asking if we were
admiring pretty Anne Mortimer-following
the direction OF our looks. On receiving
reply in the affirmative, she continued:
"Ah, she's good, affectionate girl; a
great favorite of mine is sweet Annie Nor
timer" f'H
Nv atching for her lover, no doubt?" we
to say, hoping to gain the desir-
jAtion, and thinking Of our white
.'She is an engaged young
sa! engaged" cried the little
lady: 'no indeed. The fate for
Snie Mortimeris not engaged"
|Ss Expression Of the little lady's coun.
tenance at our bare supposition Of so nat.
ural fact, amounted almost to the ludic.
| 70 us, and we with some difficulty articula.
ted serious rejoinder, disavowing all
previous knowledge and thereby erring
through ignorance. We had now time to
examine our new acquaintance more criti'
cally. As we have already stated, she was
habited in grey; but not only was her at
tire grey, but she was literally grey all over
grey hair, braided in peculiar, obsolete
fashion, and quite uncovered; grey gloves
gray shoes; and above all. grey eyes, soft
large, and peculiarly sad in expression
yet beautiful eyes, redeeming the grey
monotonous countenance from absolute
plainess. Mary, Queen Of Scots, we are
told had grey eyes; and even she, poo
lady, owned not more speaking history
than did this unknown gossip in grey. Blu
our attention was diverted from the con.
temptation by the entrance of another act
or on the stage, 10 whom Annie Mortimer
darted forward with an exclamation Of de.
| light and welcome The new conner was
a slender, elderly gentleman. whose white
hairs, pale face. and benignant expression
presented nothing remarkable in their as.
pect beyond certain air Of elegance and
refinement, which characterized the whole
outward man.
"That is acharming looking old gentle
man." said we to the grey lady; "is he
Annie's fasher2"
"Her father! Oh, dear no. That gen
tleman is bachelor; but he is Annie's
guardian, and has supplied the place Of. q
father to her, for poor Annie is an orphan
"Oh!" we exclaimed and there was Q
great deal Of meaning in our oh! for w
had read and heard Of youthful wards fall
ing in love with their guardians! and Nigh
not the fair Annie's taste incline that way
The little grey gossip understood ou
thoughts, for she smiled and said nothing
and while we were absorbed with Anni
and her supposed antiquated lover. sh
glided into the circle, and presently W
beheld Annie's guardian, with Annie lean
ing on his arm, exchange few words wit
her in an undertone as she passed them t
an inner room.
"Who is that pleasing looking old gen
; tleman?" said we to our hostess; ian
: what is the name Of the lady in grey, wh
!, wen, away just as you come up? That
Annie Mortimer, we know, and we kno'
: also that she isn't engaged" ~" jisl s@
Cousin Con laughed heartily as she re
piled: 40 b. ~ ha. ..1
"That nice old gentleman isMr Worth
: ington, our poor curate; a poor cnrate h
: is likely ever TO continue, so far as we ca
! see. The lady in grey we call our "littl
! grey gossip" and darling she is! As
: Annie, you seemto know all about her.
. Isuppose little Bessie has been lauding HI
10 10 the very skies" s7an8Yii Is taasa
i "Who is little Bessie?' we inquired.
Little Bessie is our little grey gossiI
z we never call her anything but Bessie
il her face; she is a harmless little old mai
," come this way; Bessie isgoingto sing. &
!. they won't let her rest until she compile
|, and Bessie singing and Bessie talking, al
:. widely different creatures % y
! Widely different indeed. Could this |
Z The little grey lady seated at the piano, an
!, making il speak? While her thrilling tone
y as she sang Of ''days gone by" We
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