Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1857-11-11

bred to have expressed any disappolnt
ment, had she not been so; while she
was of too healthy moral nature tC
imagine Sights where none existed.
The whirl, the gaiety. and the splen
dor of the city perfectly bewildered her
Magnificent furniture, superbly bound
books, gay silks, rich embroideries, jew,
elry piled in the windows in splendid
confusion, which she in her innocent lit
tie heart thought must be worth kings
ransom, made the store windows one
long line of enchantmeni, till she almost
fancied that the glories of the Arabian
Nights" were not fabulous; that alabss-
ter sofas overlaid with gold, and floors
inlaid with precious stones, must be com
mon things
Lillian had never been dissatisfied with
any thing in her life before, but it must
be confessed that now she was in danger
of thinking her little village home rather
a dull affair.
And so several weeks passed, but
Lilly Floyd was beginning to be just the
least bit in the world d;senchanted.-
She had been accustomed to all the hon
ors of Ie-ship in an humble way; the
fist to De invited to parties. pic-nics and
sleighing excursions; the first in the
dance, and the last at home after the
revel; but here, after the novelty OF
crowded rooms, innumerable lights, stir
ring music, gay dresses, and expensive
" set tables had worn off. Lillian discov-
cred that she had little share in the scene.
except as a locker on. She was too
quiet and unobtrusive among so many
strangers 10 be al all noticed, and though
some "fast'; young gentleman would
pronounce her, "a pretty specimen of
still life," or ga beautiful wall flower" 4"
They vowed she must be fool, for she
could not talk at all; in truth, the pure
hearted girl had no sympathies in com
mon with them, so they went off to fiat
er and flirt with her more brilliant cousin.
The plain or midde-aged gentlemen
TO be sure were most polite in asking
her to dance, when no more fashionable
partners were to be had; but Lilly some
times saw that she was dernier resort,
and often refused with quiet, ''ex
cuse me, sir, if you please" when her
feet were fairly twitching to be off,
keeping time to the gay music.
But Arthur Thornton, her cousins ad-
mirer, Or lover as she thought him. form
ed an exception, for he was neither plain
nor middle-aged, but young, eminently
handsome and very wealthy. He good
naturedly sent Lillian bouquets, danced
with her, and handed her out to supper,
because he saw how lonely she some
times seemed; and Harriet looked on,
rather well pleased. for she feared no
rivalry from her cousin, and it kept the
attentions from other quar-
tiers.
One morning as the girls were prepar-
ing for shopping excursion and prone
made. Mr.. Thornton came in.
''Just going out?" asked he, "well
I'll not detain you. 1 only called to see
if you would not go with me tomorrow
night to hear Parodi, in Lucrezia Bor
gia?"
Lilian's eyes fairly sparkled with de
light. Brindisi, and the other gems of
tho opera we're familiar to her; but to
see Parodi in the whole drama, was
what she had not dared TO hope for
She was psssionately fond of music, had
a correct ear. and exquisite taste, which
her mother, who was proficient herself
in the art, had most carefully cultivated.
1t was not only the music, but the
acting had enchanted her. Her uncle
had taken her to see several of the best
operas, and here was now chance for
"Lucrezia She almost held her breath
from excitement, till Harriet answered,
"To morrow night! Why you know
we are engaged TO Mrs. Lane. 1 hear
The party is to be most brilliant one"
Lilian's countenance fell in moment.
She was so disappointed, that tears al
most forced their way into her eyes
Mr.. Thornton noticed this and said,
care you going to Mrs. Lane too,
Miss Lilian?"
Eyes, 1 expect must" was the half
petulent reply.
"Well, if you do not care too much
about the party, suppose you accompany
me TO the opera, do so dislike going
alone; and you are so very fond of mu-
SIC, that L think you will enjoy it,"
Lilian's spirits rose again.
"Oh, thank you," said she, Il want
% hear Parodi so much, in Lucrezia,
md if l can convince myself that Mrs.
Lane will not be miserable at my ab-
;ence, l will send her regret, continu-
ID she, laughiugly.
Come, ladies'" said Thornton, when
hey had reached the hall door. edo let
ne accompany you on your shopping
l am somewhat curious to
now how expensive luxury a wife is
,oing to be-"
And as store after store was entered,