The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-02-16


Never mind the dless; it isa presen
from Mrs Summer Now don't look proud
we must not be too independent in tbi
world, but do as we would bq done bv
and accept tavors from others, when sin
cercIy gwen, as We would give them
lovingly and i'll the spirit of trust. Oh
there Is SO little of that spirit in this wicked
"My dear Claricc, where did vou learn
so much of that true spirit of Christi But
need look no further than your own
trutil-lnsprcd, genuine little heart for an
answer to my question. You have pre-
vailed, darling. | could not refuse Won
much more important request, whatever
pain it might cost me-"
pam, dear Ruth. But this will cost
you nothing but pleasure"
And now your dress, my darlinn
Claricc."
"les, yes, here it is, and here is the
pattern to guide you in MAXIM; it. You
will ga
"4cs, dear CIarice"
Mrs. Summer, recollect, is to send n
coach for you; but you will not come home
alone, unless am greatly mistaken"
The night of the masquerade had ar.
rived; and Ruth had to acknowledge that
She could not have worn more becom-
ing dress. Her mother could not suffici-
emily express her admiration of the beau
ty OF her darling. Everything that could
make her toilet complet, even to the en-
broidcred handkerchief was sent with
the dress. 1t was like some fairy tale TO
Ruth. And when, punctual to the mo-
ilcht The Garage came, the tumult of
her thoughts grew more strange and con-
filctlng. She was once more going into
the very midst Of the circle of which she
had once formed part, and no insis
n'hcant part; but it was still like IA fairy
tale, for she was going to wear the invis
lbIe cap, and not one OF the gay company
conld know who she was.
The scene was brilliant beyond her en-
pc'tatlons and she was charmed out of
herself and all her old sad thoughts in
watching the numerous beautiful and
strange CONSUMES, and in trying to make
cut this one and that. Her cousin Bertha
She was sure she had discovered, dressed
rs Mary, Queen of Scots, and a most queen
~ queen she made. a tall, graceful form,
m the picturesque, cIose-ftiug guise of the
who hovered continually; near the Scottish
queen, was, her heart told her, Lincoln
! Raymond.
Presently, tamborin in hand, came up
to Ruth the merry little fortune teller.
Come with me, dear Ruth" whispered
she very mysteriously; Il have something
to show you."
Ruth followed her cousin through rooms
and long cutrics all thronged with the
way maSkers, until, coming to a door,
Claricc drew a key from her pocket. and
opcnin" it, said to Ruth
$50 i'll, dear and stay till | return. 1t
is a perfect love of n little ROOM"
Ruth could not well do anything else
than remain till her cousins return, for sh.
had locked the door and taken the key
with her.
However, she soon returned, but not
alone, for she brought with her the grace
ful Greek
Now" said the tamborin girl, "do me
the favor, "both of you, of unmasking
and tell me, when | return, if the sur
prise is not mutual and well conceived
You need not fear interruptions"
Before Ruth had time to reply, the
dancer was off with her tamborin, with
the door locked after her, and the key
i'll her possession.
This is cool proceeding, to say the
least of it," said the Greek. "But |
will do my part Of the Obligation" con,
tinucd he, unmasking; "and my fair friend
will do hers
"But the "fair friend" instead Of ur
masking, chose to faint. The Greel
gently mntide her mask to give her the air
and as her feathers were revealed to him
he could scarcely rcprcss scream. III
caught her to his heart, and held he
there so long and fervcntly that his owI
strong life infused vitality into the pal
face resting on his bosom.
Where amIl Oh, have had such
strange dream!" exclaimed Ruth.
"Iou are safe, and will soon, | hop,
be well. But, dearest Ruth--my dea
Miss Lee, when did you return from Il
wap
"Oh, have never been to Iowa in a
my life" And Ruth looked as thoug
she would faint again.
"Ncver been to Iowa! This is strang,
!, Your cousi Bcrtha"-
} "Oh, do not say anything i'll Of her
She is my cousin. Never mind me. IL
me leave the room. l had rather CO."
; "But, my dearest-but Miss Lee, I'll
, door is fastened upon the outside, and v
) are both prisoners. Let us make the be
, Of it, and talk over the. past. | earn
tell you how ] have longed to see you.
: had decided soon to 60 to Iowa in scar,
D Of YOU"
"They told me you were soon to
e united to my cousin Bertha"
t I'VE will not talk Of that; though
!. will confess that yosr false cousin SON
!, what bewildercd me but she never cot
1 succeed in effacing you form my hea
y dearest, dearest Ruth. When left {
country year and half ago, it was me
,, suddenly than expected, and without q
formal engagement or declaration Of 10
a, l.n4....o.. -. n.sk -. ...I~1c Lrn.k :.