White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1857-10-22
WHITE CLOUD, KANSAS THURSDAY, OCTOBER o. 1857

ting, and in the centre of the room stood Small
Egyptian table bearing an urn, also Of antique
model, in which the rarest exotics united their
fragrance with the less brilliant flowers Of our
cline. Upon this table were choice prints-rare
Misunderstanding, and the walls were also
decorated with gems from the first masters
Silken hangings Of pale rose color dropped in
graceful folds over small recess, disclosing
within the couch of the fair mistress Of ~
apartment, around which fell curtains of snowy
muslin, looped here and there with the same
beautiful bands as confined those at the windows.
The dress Of Ms. BalIantyne was pale green
silk, ornamented with double rosettes Of pink
satin. The sleeves were of the finest lace, fall
ing just below the elbow, disclosing the beauti-
full contour Of her arm, clasped at the wrist by
rich bracelet Of emeralds and rubies. Her
glossy black hair was parted upon her forehead
and gathered in one heavy mass upon the top of
her head, where it was confined by a shell comb
of exquisite workmanship. In her hand she held
slpiniature Of her son, who had that morning
returned to college. Upon this her eyes were
fondly fixed, when gentle rap at the door arou-
sed her from her pleasing employment.
Bewildered at the beautiful scene before her,
so novel, so enchanting; confused, abashed at
the presence of the elegant woman who now
kindly greeted her, Violet stOo, trembling at the
entrance, her cheeks suffused with bushes RI
valling the tints of the roses around her. One
hand rested on the polished moulding, the other
was partly raised, as if 10 shield her eyes from
so much splendor, and one little foot just poised
upon the marble sill, hesitating to bear its lovely
young mistress into spot so strangely beauti-
full. Mrs. Ballantyne advanced, and-gently ia
king the timid girl by the hand, led her into the
apartment, and seated her upon the tabouret at
her side. She then removed the little gypsy hat
and the golden curls leaped gladly forth from
their unwonted thraldom, and nestled again
around their sweet resting-place.
At length Violet dared to raise her eyes; she
met the encouraging smile, and heard the gentle
voice Of that lovely lady, and her agitation sud-
denly Gained, her fears subsidized; she even
smiled in return, and in short time felt she
was no longer a stranger Thus affable and kind
were the manners of Mrs. Ballantyne.
In simple language, and with artless grace,
Violet related her little history.
1t was an evsntful one, nor had she tales Of
harshness to reveal, nor complaints of suffering;
her path had been lOWly one but without thorns.
The goodness of poor old Nelly was her theme,
and when told she was no more to see her, and
forbidden henceforth even TO speak to her, the
tears so lately repressed again burst forth until
even those of her listener mingled with them.
Suddenly her eye rested upon the miniature Of
Eugene. She started, blushed, and faltered
forth:
"'Tis himself! Oh, madam, tits the same who
tore me from the arms of that bad MANI
1t was now Mrs. Ballantyne's turn to be sur
prised.
"Are you surel Why, this is the miniature
of my son, of Eugene"
ayes, madam, am sure. Oh, never can
forget that face, never"'
Mrs. Ballantyne certainly eyinced more feel
ing than there was any necessity for, and at
length said:
"Well, Violet, It may be 50; but you must
never speak Of it again. Should you meet my
son, on no account betray your identity with the
ag-gatherer's child! True she Is an excellent
old person, but it is fitting now you shsuld for
get her: your station in life for the future must
preclude all allusiOn to the past; you are now
Miss Darling, my ward, my niece, or any other
title may claim for you"'
The next news in the fashionable world, was
that the eccentric widow had adopted young
girl, lovely as Juliet, artIess as Ophslia, but ere
more than one tantaIizing glance had been OBJ
tanned Of her fair young face, she was suddenly
removed to distance from the city and placed
at school for the next three years, during which
Mrs. Ballantyns partially withdrew from her gay
career and devoted herself more to literary pur-
suits, awaiting with great anxiety the return Of
her son from Europe. Atlength the fond moth.
er was made happy; she once more pressed her
darling child TO her bosom. He returned to her
in perfect health, and the 6eau-ideal Of manly
beauty. She was not now TO know for the first
time that his heart and disposition were right.
Violet also returned, and met the same kind
welcome.
CONCLUDED MKT wEEK)