Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1855-06-14
Mlistelloneols
REA RICE STAN ON I;
Or,
Three hours In the life of a Woman.
PARTI.

Light streamed through the crimson cur
tanned windows Of stately mansion; music,
in sweet and muffed strains, stole out upon
the "listening air." while, ever and anon, at
the arrival OF some late coming guest, the
heavy door swung back upon lis hinges, and
gave momentary glimpse Of the lighted hall,
the servants hurrying up and down, or the
CLEAN OF jeweled hand and flowing robe of
some graceful and beautiful woman.
The beauty and fashion Of her native city
had assembled at her fathers house, 10 cele-
btate the ealrance of Beatrice Stanton in the
gay world. Ard it seemed not uniting that
splendOr and gaie!y should greet her debut
into the charmed circles Of fashionable life,
for Beatrice was beautiful, and the light Of
genius .sleptin the depths Of her dark eyes,
Nor was the setting Of such gem overlooked
in the circle Of aspirants TO her favor; for
wealth added its lustre 10 youth and grace.
In small apartment, commanding view
of the suite Of magnificently adorned rooms,
stood q single couple, contemplating, appar-
emily, the gay assembly b., fore them. The
gentleman, a tall, commanding looking man
of perhaps,five and thirty years of age, was
watching with evident interest the beautiful
Beatrice. Suddenly he turned 10 his COM
panion. pretty, but rather silly looking girl
with the abrupt question:
"Do you imagine, Miss Emma, that your
friend Beatrice can possibly be-" but some
hidden impulse seemed to check him, for he
stopped as abruptly as he begun.
The lady whose attention had been divided
between the groups of dancers and the tall
figure of young man, who, leaned careleSsly
against pillar short distance from them,
and seemed plunged into reyerie so deep as
10 have lost all consciousness of surrounding
objects, turned a comical look Of surprise
upon Col. Delamare, as she exclaimed -
"Why, Col. lelamere, is il possible you
can be interested in the fate of q young lady!
thought you were the most inSensible o
men; how many times have heard of you
cruel attacks upon reigning beauties J"
The handsome Colonel smiled, sarcostically
as he replied: " | think it is not surprising
that should be interested in the daughter.o o
one OF my oldest friends. But do you think
Miss Emma, that Miss Stanton's manners art
very charming %
Greatly, Colonel" said the young lad
laughing merrily, "lhere are some hopes o
you yet; yon deign to stamp with the seal o
your approval, the predicted belle Of the sea
son Now TO my taste, Bearice's name
has n little loo much embarrassment.
like better the langud ease Of Gertrue
H."
"What you consider defect, is 10 me he
greatest charm" said the Colonel carelesSy
."The delight she evidently feels in neN
pleasure is natural to her youth, and is cbtrnl
ing 10 one hachneyed in The ways Of tn
world as | am. Beatrice's animated fac
shows such thorough enjoyments of what
to me common place ball, that it makes on
lal; hraa bae ba ,hna
of the dawn"
The lady looked as if she did not half con
.prehend her companion. However, that ap
speared 10 him quite matter Of Indifference.
"May wait upon you TO supper Miss En-
ma see the company are going down."
This was something quite comprehenSib
ITO a young lady with decided partlality 4
oysters and ices.
The last carriage had loled away with
pleasure. tired occupants, and Beatrice al
her father were lefi alone in the brilliant al
deserted rooms.
al hope nay child has enjoyed her eig
.teenth birthday :" said Mr.. Stanton, fondl
"oh yes, papa so much. like a lar
party great deal better than though
should. | could dance another hour yet
said the gay girl woltzing round her fond q
proud parent.
Mr.. Stanton smiled. "Well, Beatrice
am not so young as you are, and shall Ii
very we'll to 90 to bed; so call up Mrs. Maj
to see TO the house," and thus saying
kissed the fair brow Of his daughter, and
tired.
The door had scarcely closed behind hi
when Beatrice darted forward, and raising
heavy curtain, gazed intenily out into
darkness. Very soon she discovered The
nre of man on The opposite side of the sire
AS she became aware OF the fact she, dropI
Ahe curtain as hastily as she had raised il.
With heightened color and quickened
spiralion, Beatrice returned into the apt
ment, unconSci0usly, perhaps, placing h
self beneath The full blaze Of the lighted CHI
delier. There she stoud /; her whole face
figure instinct with expectation.
She did not wait long. The door open