Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-04-01

had none of the appliances of wealth and fash
ion to decorate her person, or gild her home. A
very modest competency WAS all her portion,and
she wished for nothing more. have seen her,
in simple white Dress without single orna-
ment. unless 1t was natural rose, transcend all
the gaudy bellies who sought, by the attraction
of dress, to win the admiration of the multitude
But, alas for poor human nature. One OF these
dashing bellies so fascinated my attention, that
the gentle Mary was for while forgotten.-
Theresa Vane was indeed, rare piece of NOR
tai mechanism. Her figure was the perfection
of beauty, and she moved as fstrung upon wires,
so elastic and springing were her gestures. i
never saw such lustrous hair-lt was per1ectly
black. and shone like FURNISHED stee-and then
such rnglets how they waved and rlppled down
her beautiful neck She dressed with the most
exquisite taste, delicacy, and neatness, and what
ever she wore assumed peculiar grace and MT
ness. as if Art loved to adorn what Nature had
made 50 fair. But what charmed me most was
the sunshiny smile that was always waiting to
light upon her countenance. 10 be sure, she
sometimes laughed little too loud; but then
her laugh was so musical, ,and her teeth so white,
it was impossible to believe her guilty OF rude
ness or want of grace. Often, when saw per
ia the social circle, so briant and siiStlng, Nle
life and charm of everything around her,
thought how happy the constant companion
ship of such O being would make me-what
brightness she would impart to the tlreslde OF
home-what light, what joyto the darkest scenes
of existence!"
"Oh uncle" interrupted George, laughing,
'if were Aunt Mary,l would not letyou praise
any other lady so warmly You are so taken
up with her beauty,you have forgotten all about
the rainy evening"
Aunt Mary smiled, but it is more than prooa-
ble that George had really touched one OF the
hidden springs of her woman's heart, Tor she
looked down, and said nothing.
"Don't be impatient" said Uncle Ned, "and
YOU shall not be cheated out of your story. l
began it for Elizabeth's sake rather than yours,
and | see she is wide awake. She thinks was,
by this time, more than halt in love with Theresa
Vane, and she thinks more than half right
There had been great many parties OF pleasure
riding parties, sailing parties, and talking par
ties-and summer slipped by almost uncon'
sciously. At length the autumnal equinox ap'
preached and gathering clouds, northeastern
gales, and drizzling rains, succeeded to the soit
breezes mellow skies, and glowing sunsets, Pc
culiar to that beautiful season. For two or three
days was confined within doors by the con-
tinuous rains, and, am sorry to confess 1t, out
the blue-devils got complete possession OF me-
One strided upon my nose, another danced on
the top of my head one pinched my ear, ana
another turned so!nersets on my chm. lou
laugh, little Nanny, but they are terrible crea-
lures, these blue gentlemen; aud could not
eudure them any longer. so the tara RAINY
evening put on my overcoat, 6uttoned II up 10
INV chin, and, taking my umbrella in my hand,
set out in the direction Of Mrs. Nane's. Here,
thought |, as my fingers pressed the latch
shall find the moonlight smile that will lllumlne
the darkness of my night-the dull vapors VIII
disperse before her radiant glance, and TINS III
terminabe equinoctial storm be transformed IN
to mere vernal shower, melting away In sun
beams in her presence My gentle knock not
being apparently heard, | stepped into the ante
room, set down my umbrella.took OH my dreneii-
ed overcoat, arranged my hair in the most grace
full manner, and, claiming privilege to which,
perhaps had no Legitimate right, opened the
| door of the family sitting-room, and found my
self in the presence of the beautiful Theresa
Here Uncle Ned made provoking pause.
s.pray. 90 on :" "How was she dressed ~
"And was she glad to see you:" assaied him or
every side.
"How was she dressed 2" repeated he. ~ an
not very well skilled in the technicalities OF 6
lady's wardrobe but can give you the general
impression OF her personal appearance. In the
first place, there was jumping up, and an OIL
hand sliding step towards an opposite door, as
entered but disobliging chair was in the way
and was making my lowest bow before she
found an opportunity of disappearing. Confas
ed and mortified, she scarcely turned my saluta
ton. while Mrs. Vane offered me q chair, ant
EXPRESSED, in somewhat dubious terms, thell
qualification at such an unexpected pleasure.
| have no doubt Theresa wished me ut the bot
tom of the Frozen Ocean, if might judge by
| the freezing glances she shot at me through hel
long ashes She sat uneaSily in her chair, try
inc to conceal her slipshod shoes, and furtively
arranging her dress about the shoulders ant
waist. 1t was most rebeous subject, for the
body and skirt were at open warfare, refusing II
have any communion with each other. Where
was the graceful shape had SO much admired
In vain sought its exquisite outlines in the folds
of that loose, sloyenly robe. Where were those
rlistening rnglets and FURNISHED locks that hat
so lately rivalled the tresses of Medusas He
hair was put up in tangled lunches behind heI
ears. and tucked up behind in kind of Gordiar
knot, which would have required the sword o
an Alexander to unite. Her frock was q sollet
and dingy silk, with trimmings of saow blonde
and faded fancy handkerchief was thrown Owe
one shoulder.
"sYou have caught me completely en- desha
bile said she, recovering partially from her em
barrassment but the evening was so rainy, an'
no one but mother and myself never dreamed
of such an exhibition of gallantry as this
"She could not disguise her vexatlon, witt
MI her efforts to conceal it; and Mrs. Vane evi
IDENTITY shared her daughters chagrin. wa
wicked enough to enjoy their confusion, ant
never appeared more at my ease, or played th'
agreeable with more signal success. was dis
enchanted at once, and my mind reveled in 1T
recovered freedom. My goddess had fallen from
the pedestal OH which my Imagination had en-
throned her, deSpoilec Of the beautiful drapery
which had impaired to her such ideal loveliness
| knew that was favorite in the family, for
was wealthy and independent, and, perhaps, o
MI Theresa's admirers what the world woult
call the best match. l nalicously asked her tt
play on the piano, but she made thousand ex
cuses, assiduonsly keeping back the true reason
her disordered attire. | asked her to play
game of chess, but she had headache; she wa
too stupid she never could do anything on
rainy ecenlng.
''At length | took my leave, inwardly blessing
the moving spirit that had led me abroad thai
night, that the spell which had so long enthrall
ed my senses might be broken. Theresa called
up one of her lambent smiles as l bade hel
adieu.
"'Never call again on a rainy evening" said
she, sportively; 4 am always 50 wretched dull
believe was born to live among the sunbeams
the moonlight and the stars. Clouds will never
do for me-
"'Amen = l silently responded, as closed the
door While | was putting on my coat, over.
heard, without the smallest intention of listening
passionate exclamation from Theresa.
"'Good {" gracious! mothcr,was there ever any
| l,f rr