Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1855-01-11

Alas for the gay. VINO, IN gorgeous array,
And chariots of pride, to Gods atars rolled
They would from d love-breathing seraph away,
Ifhe came not apparelled in purple and gold.
FANNY 0sGooD.
Many years ago, long before the broad roll
ing Ohio could boast that upon its banks stood
the Queen city of the West-when Cincinnati
scarcely merited the name of town--refine-
ment had made it's way to those western vii
lagos, which ere long were destined to be-
come the emporiums of western trade and
commerce. In The youthful city of Cincinnati,
though the laboring class kept the ascendancy,
yet there were aristocrats enough to render
the city respectable, as Mrs. Greyson expressed
it.
. Among the best families-if wealth consti-
tuted excellence-the Greyson family was
pre-eminent. Mr.. Greyson was the richest
man in the city, his wife was the proudest
woman, and his daughters were the 'bonniest
iasses.' One of them was a perfect Hebe in
loveliness, the other one Mrs. Greyson con-
temptuously called her plain daughter and
yet there were some who disputed her beauty
with that of her sister.
The evening on which this tale opens,
fGreyson Palace, the name given by the mis-
tress of the establishment, to Mr.. Greyson's S
elegant dwelling, was brilliantly lighted up
MIR. Brighton, Mrs. Greyson's only brother,
was expected to arrive from New York. Mr.
Brighton was immensely rich, and his only
heir was his step-son, his late wife's child.
Now the brother and sister had concluded to
unite the family estates, by a marriage be-
tween Fairfax Sherbrooke, the step-son, and
one of Mrs. Greyson's daughters And it was
understood by the family that Mr.. Brighton
was on visit to select the bride.
Mother, how does this diamond-leaf look
in this position!' asked the brilliant Miss
Greyson. Would it not look better little
farther backl Ann says it shows to the best
advantage here; but l want your opinion,
dear mamma, you have such sweet taste
Thank you, Almira, for your flattering
opinion of my taste, think, my darling child,
that the leaf IS most too far in 'front.'
Thanks thanks, mamma, cried the
spoiled pet, Fastening back to her toilet.
whittier she was followed By her mother
i wonder what Miss Emelie will wearl'
said Almira's maid, as she placed gem after
gem upon the lovely person OF her young mis-
tress.
Mrs. Greyson shrugged her shoulders AL
mira laughed. 4 expect she exclaimed, 'to
meet Emile in the parlor, dressed in horrible
calico, or drab, or black, or some other stuff
Fie! Miss Almra, you know Miss Emil
lie always dresses tastefully, though too plain
to suit your fancy, replied the maid
Be careful, AImira,' said her mother,
when the servant left the ROOM 'be careful
to please your uncle, he is rather eccentric
and Fairfax is a brilliant chance
La mamma, cried the proud beauty, she
is obliged to take one of US; and who would
prefer Emile to your Almira q
1t is true, my child, don't think there is
any choice. But there is no accounting for
taste your uncle may admire Emilie'
81 know Mr.. Sherbrooke won't, if my un-
Gle does: and have little care to please the
old man, anyhow
Hush, Almira Mr.. Sherbrooke s fortune
is at your uncle's disposal
Indeed Well, I'll please old Plutus.
But let US go, the company is arriving
'Almira, never caff my brother ''Old Plu-
tus" again
'Oh! mamma, | assure you Plutus is re-
spectacle personage-god of riches, if l have
not forgotten mythology
l wish my daughter to have more respect
for her family than to liken any of them to
heather gods!
Oh pardon, thousand pardons, mamma /"
and kiss settled the contested point.
Yonder is brother Louis now. Let US go
and greet him, Almira,' whispered Mrs
Greyson, as she, accompanied by her daugh-
ter, entered the parlor. See, he has already
obtained an introduction to Emile that's one
point lost
I'll soon redeem it, mamma ~
Mr.. Brighton, who was warm-hearted,
generous man of the old school, was received
by his sister and the beautiful Almira with the
most studied courtesy. Not one word of well
come was left unsaid. My daughter said
Mrs. Greyson, 'has been looking forward to
this day. when she might behold dear uncle,
with the utmost anxiety
Humph ? said the brother, and then added
after pause, your daughter is beautiful
She is good girl, brother Louis
'All young ladies are good, suppose, il
we are to take their mothers testimony re-
turned the blunt old merchant.
sOh mamma, who is that conversing with
Col. Riedt Isn't he handsome . asked AL
mira But never mind, I'll find out. Fare
well, mamma there are more conquests
awaiting me this evening than were awarded
to the sword of Alexander
Be mindful and make the conquest, my
love-
Never fear me, and away glided the belle
of the evening.
Mr.. Clarendon, said Col. Reid to thu
handsome young stranger, with whom he wa.
conversing, 'our hostess has two lovely aaugh
tiers; shall introduce you to them! Mis-