True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-03-26
STEUBENvILLE OHIO, WEDNESDAY, MARCn 2s, 1856

MeredlLn SHOOK MS Heau' "OhIy my
old complaint" he said; Ga touch of the
blue devils, and sol dropped in here to see
if yon couldn't exercise them as USUAL
You are always happy, Notwithstanding you
are SO busy"
notwithstanding !" interrupted Irving.
"Becausc I'm SO busy, you might say, and
come nearer the truth. Take my advice;
60 to work yourself, and I'll wager, you'll
be no more troubled with the blues than
am"
"The remedy is worse than the disease" :,
said Meredith. "Why should l care to
make money! You know very well that
my poor Therese left me more than know
what to do with. | ain much obliged for
your prescription, but must decline follow
ing it,"
"Well, l won't get offended, like most
friends, if you won't take my advice, but
III prescribe again. This is Mrs. Bige-
lows reception evening; 60 with me there
and I'll promise you release from the blue
tormentors for one evening at least"
"a party!" exclaimed Louis, Struggling
his shoulders. "That's worse and worse -
"It isn't like an ordinary party" per-
sisted his friend, "where you 60 to be st-
fed in crowd and cram yourself with DEL
cacies. 1t is an unceremonious assem-
blage of agreeable people drawn together
! by desire to meet each other in part, but
must confess the most powerful magnet is
Bigelow's niece-the lovelieSt creature YOU
ever beheld."
"a belle !" sneered Meredith; IL detest
the whole tribe ofempty- headed coquette's.
"Its plain you haven't seen the belle of
MontIord," rejoined Irving. "You'ye read
BIanca, haven't you!"
eyes. have, and it surely wac glorl.
Gus work."
"Well, our belle wrote that"
"Indeed!" sai d Meredith, with q start,
and look of animation that made his fine
but impassvo features doubly beautiful;
then relapsing into his old manner, he sa id.
from all ink-bedaubcd danes, good Heav
ems deliver U.s."
al see you are determined not to be
pleased with anything" said his companion.
"But III defy you to resist our belle and
blue, if you but see her. Will you go to
the party or not! Say yes or no. Louis,
for / must dismiss You rather unceremoni-
ously, as have business engagement at
four and it lacks only quarter of that
hour"
"Yes, them" yawncd Louis, as he slowly
sauntered off.
Mrs. Bigelow's spendid parlors were a
blaze of light as TIE two gentlemen entered
that evening, and paid their respects to
their hostess. Atalittle distance from her
stood young and queenly- looking girl
talking gully with knot of gentlemen;
she was richly atrrcd, and her robe of
rose -colored silk contrasted well with her
clear olive complexion. She did not OBJ
serve the new corners till they had joined
the group around her; then with easy cle-
gance she welcomed Mr.. Irving, and bowed
with much grace to Mr.. Meredith on his
introduction to Miss Lancaster.
For once Louis Meredith was startled
out of his usual apathy. "Beatrice." trem.
bled on his lips; for it was she, more lovely
if possible, than when he had seen her five
years before. Could it be that she was the
author of that wonderful book that
had thrilled the hearts of nationl lie
could hardly believe the evidence of his
senses. and bewildered by his emotions
he stood speechless for few moments
Then recovering himself, he was agair
the polished man of the world.
Beatrice neither by word or look betray
ed her recollection cf him, and he did no
venture to recall the past. She treatet
him with easy politeness, and he, hal
vexed at the power she had over him, ye
unable toresist her destinations, was as con
stant an attendant upon her as a shadow
during the whole evening.
His friends rallied him on his surrende
to the belle and the blue, and Louis sait
but little in reply; but from that time h,
was constant visitor at Mr.. Bigclow'
where Beatrice, since the death of he
mother, had resided. With Mrs. Bigelov
he soon becam favorite, but Beatrice
though studiously polite, was equally cold
yet, Notwithstanding all her coldness, Loui
was more madly in love with her than ever
Week after week he fingered in Mont
ford, and at every opportunity he was a
her side. She appeared utterly unconsciou
of his devotion, and by her manner offectu
ally prevented his uttering any expression
of affection. He longed to, yet dared no
learn his fate, and in alternati ons of hop
and fear passed his time.
At last he could bear i no longer he re
solved to know the worst, and went one Al