The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-07-13

band of diamonds. Her eyes were let
black, large and brilliant, and their dark
fire told of southern blood. But it is use
less to attempt to describe her; enough,
that she was most brilliantly beautiful :;
and fell in love with her at first sight.
"Half an hour passed; when, as was
standing by one of the large windows,
alone, gazing out upon the star-gemmed
heavens, a hand was laid lightly upon nv
arm, and turning, I beheld my friend,
Frank Wilson, standing beside me, with
the stranger beauty leaning upon his arm
My heart leapt to my throat-my brain
whirled-and 1 was just conscious that
Frank was introducing me to "Miss Aman-
da Sinclair, Of Charleston, S. c."
"By great effort, recovered my self.
possession, and drawing the arm of Miss
Sinclair within my own, led her to a seat,
and sitting down by her side, endeavored
to draw her into conversation. She was
brilliant converser. Her mind was well
cultivated, and she had read history, poe
try, and philosophy, to considerable ex-
tent, and conversed most fuently upon
them all. was charmed, fascinated
thoroughly in love. The dancing con-
menced, and secured her hand for tn.
cotillon. She was a faultless mover and,
as led the beautiful southern girl to a
seat after the dance was finished, felt
proud indeed Of my charming partner
The hours flew on like moments until mid
night, and, just rs the first stroke of the
midnight bell rang ont upon the air, ST.
lence as Of death, suddenly settled down
upon that brilliant assembly. The Old
Year was gone--the New Year was rising
in all its splendor! We scarcely brcathed
as We counted the strokes Of the belI.--
Clear and silvery they rang out upon the
silent air-nine, ten, eleven-Frre, fire,
fire +! rang startling voice from another
part of the great hall. and the next instant,
cloud OF smoke. followed by a flash of
brilliant flame, burst into the raom.
Everything was in the greatest confu-
| sion. Shrieks and screams were mingled
with shouts and curses; and every one,
intent upon securing his own safety, rush
ed promscuouslv to the crowded entrance
of the hall. Clasping the fainting Aman-
da tightly to my bosom, made my way,
as best | could, into the street, and was
soon safe from the burning building
Amanda soon regained her consciousness,
and, rs / parted with her at the door Of
her residence, I promised to call upon her
the following day.
"Days and weeks passed and it was
currently reported in the higher circles of
society, that Philip Varney and Amanda
Sinclair were engaged. Though this was
not a fact, still was determined that it
soon should be so; for knew that the
peerless Amada was as deeply in love
with me as was with her, though as vet,
the language of the eyes only had spoken
il.
at was bright, glorious, Spring morn
ing, and had curled my hair in most
beautiful style, and donned my best coat
with the intention Of taking walk with
my beautiful Amanda. l had made up
my mind to "pop the question" that morn
ing; and my hand trembled visibly as |
opened the door and entered, as was my
custom Of late, without ringing The par
lor door was jar, and / softly entered.
There was no one in the room, but the
folding doors were about half opened, and
could plainly hear voices from the inner
parior. | started back in surprise, but
something seemed to chain me to the spot,
and could not but listen.
"Stop your crying, you little braty
spoke up the voice OF Amanda, though in
far different key from what had ever
before heard it, as sho stamped her little
foot angrily upon the carpeted floor. The
little girl whom she bad addressed, st;!l
continued sobbing, though il was evident
that she restrained herself as much as
possible.
II 'ay, stop your noise !" again exclaim-
ed Miss Amanda, this time in higher
key than before. Whats the use Of your
making such fuss about broken doll
I don't care IL did break il, now you
make such rumpus about it."
"But, ma'am," sobbed the little girl,
''the doll was one mother gave me, Just
before she died, and can't help"
Stop screamed Miss Sinclair, in ter
rible voice, "If You don't shut up, and stop
your crying entirely, III knock your head
Of"
my eyes were opened TO the true char
acter Of Amanda Sinclair. Much as had
loved her, and often as / had pronounced
her faaltless, now shrank with horror
from one who could give way to temper
as she had done. But I had little time to
reflect much, for the folding doors were
thrown hastily open, and Amanda herself
appeared. Her flushed cheeks became
pale as marble, the expression Of anger
gave place TO one Of shame snd despair,
and endeavoring tc force smile, she said,
sExcuse me, Mr.. Varney--I was not
aware that you were present"
Bowing with cold politeaess, Ireplied--
IL know you was not aware Of Il, Miss
Sinclair, and Lam thankful you was not,
As the circumstances has shown me your
true character. Henceforth, We are as
strangers. Good morning. ~
Ard taking my hat, I lcA the house, .
niser, Il not = happier man. never saw
Amanda after that; she lsit for tho South
Immediately, and afterwards LEANED, be
came the wiis of . planter. ! dont envy