True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-05-30
no other than Bel Ashton, and her pa.


"a fancy ball How provokingw said
she, as Charles announced to her what was
in contemplation, as he rejoined her in one
of the parlors, where they were waiting for
their rooms to be prepared. eyes, tits
too annoying to have arrived 50 late, for !
cannot possibly now dress in character,
and l have no wish to enter the ballroom,
save in costume"
"l'ut, my dear BEL" cxpostulated Mrs.
Ashton, "you have SO many beautiful
evening dresses: you must go indeed.
After resting, l shall certainly peep in my
sell during the evening, And you, of
course, Will 60, Mr.. Lcnnard?"
"Yes, madam: would not, if possible,
miss seeing such an assemblage of my fair
country-women, 50 soon after my return.
I hope that my comparisons may not be
deemed at all critical by you ladies, when
| shall make them. But, Miss Bel, let
me add my entrcaties to those of your
mother, and beg for the honor of becom-
ing your escort for the evening"
II will not promise you yet" said she,
smiling; "but will let you know ere tits
timcss.,to go. And, now, Mr.. Lennard,
hurry them with cur rooms, if you have
any compassion for me-"
Lcnnard again left them to execute her
commands, and soon returning gave them
the welcome intelligence that they we're
ready; and having escorted them to the
door, left to betakc himself to his, in Or
der to recruit from the fatigue Of three
days travel.
He had not the smallest idea of Edith S
being an inmate of the hotel !; or, indeed,
of her being any where except in the quiet
little village of A. I really question
if thought had turned toward her, so alb
sorbed had he been in his attentions to
Bel Ashton, who, by the bye, though ever
graceful and lady-likc, was sometimes ex-
acting in her demands.
Well, he went to sleep, and when he
awokc from his refreshing nap, the room
was shrouded in the dimness of twilight,
and a tap at his door made him spring
from his bed, and throwing on his coat,
gave entrance to a servant, who brought
lights, water, ETC., as he had given orders,
at that hour, and also a little pcrfumed
billet, with "NIiss Ashton's compliments,
and would be happy to accept of Mr.. Len
nard's escort to the ball."
At nine, he was at Mrs, Ashton's door,
where he was joined by the party, ready
TO enter the saloon.
Have you ever been at Old Point Com
fort? If you have, It's needless for me to
attempt to describe that spacious saloon,
with its corridors Oh each side-large
enough to contain with ease at least five
hundred, without incommoding each other,
by jutting elbows, or pinched feet, or by
making the belle concerned about the ap-
pearance Of her costume, as she mingles
in the melee, or what would appear crowd
in any common sized room. What coup
Pal struck our party as they entered the
west door from the piazza No garden
ever cleaned more brightly with cluster
ing flowers than did that gas-lit, lofty sa-
loon, with its pillars, flowers and mirrors
rejecting its extensive range and gay
groups, making it look still larger and bet
ter filled. The splendid band from the
garrison was in full play, waiting strains
of delicious music over the illuminated
and perfumcd scene There were groups
of fair forms and lovely faces, that would
task the most skillful artist to depict, and
match in their rich compilations and bril-
liant robes even Titian's exquisite coloring
Fragments of conversations, and jets of
sparkling--now murmuring--- laughter
would fall from their ruby lips, like snatch
cs of delicious music. And there, in other
groups, could be seen distinguished states
men and orators--hero the merchant, for
getful for the once Of his schemes Of prof
it, as he looked on his supcrbly bedccked
wife or fascinating daughter; there the
author, whose honeyed elodpence linked
his readers hearts to his name with chains
of gold, and caused many pulseto throb
as wildly as now beat the hearts of those
young houries who grace this glad scene.
Dancing had not as yet commenced.
A buzz Of general admiration now fol-
lows a group who have just entered. 1t
consisted of four persons, two ladies and