Indiana American., 1857-01-02
dn Sntsrtstins Storp.
From the London Leisure Hour.
CHARLES STANLEY.


On clear frosty morning in the begin
ming of January, few years ago, young
couple might have been seen walking at
brisk pace through the long, narrow sub
urban town Of B. There was an ali
of neatness and good taste about Their
dress; they convened with animation,
tones of mirth often mingling with words
Of kindly affection; they were on the way
to the house Of friend to join dinner
party.
"Dear Charles said the young wife
| for such she was-'do not be angry if ]
ask favor-a great favor-do, for my
sake, be careful what you take to-day
Imean, Of any thing intoxicating. Re-
member, dear, what took place the last
time we dined out, and pray forgive my
reminding you. lido 50, not in reproach,
but in purest love-"
"Say nor more" replied Charles, II
shall drink chiefly water with my dinner,
and only so much wine after it as you
shall not be able to disapprove."
Charles meant what he said; he felt
that at their last visit he had taken stcr
or two beyond tho line Of moderation,
which had grieved his wife and made him
ashamed of himself; and now he deter
mined that he would show Elizabeth
that IL was only slip, not link in the
chain Of habit. Charles wished to do
we'll; but hc had no decision Of character
mo irmness Of purpose. Fond Of intel
Iligent companions, and well able to con-
contribute his full share to any kind oi
conversation which was on the tapis, he
was general favorite. With warm
feelings, he possessed easy and agreeable
manners; and when among associates tc
his taste, he soon became excited, and
would talk and sip his wine much faster
than he was aware Of. The young couple
smiled affectionatcly on each other as they
arrived at their friends house, ant
Charles's kind pressure of her hand ant
his look, conveying an assurance of good
Intentions, set the wife's mind at ease.
Awaiting-maid conducted the visitors
up stairs, Elizabeth joining the ladies, whc
were putting finishing thouches to theiI
dress. while Mr.. Charles Stanley was an
nounced and introduced to circle Of gen
tlemen in the drawing-room--a groupt
displaying varied taste in costume, ant
equal variety Of countenance and deport-
ment. All, however manifested grea
suavity Of manner, and smiles and small
talk prevailed around. The ladies sooI
joined them, to be speedily conducted tc
the dining apartment, which was well ar
ranged, the table being also set out will
every elegant convenience. Lamps shet
a soft luster over every part Of the well
warmed room; fairy-like lights and shad
ows rainbow-tinted, glanced from chandc
liers upon the snowy damask Of the cloth
and glass and silver, Of beautiful work
manship, We'd with ice and frost in min
ic forms upon classically-shaped vcssel
| for various uses. Substantially Wand
sent forth "epicurcan frankinccnse," accel
Grating tho arrangement of 'that great dis
pute Of courts and cabinonts, the choic
Of placcs"-warm, snug quarters for cid
erly and delicate ladies, suitable compan
ions for tho young. and an accomplishc
carver to assist the hostess in her oneror
task at the head Of the table.
"As iron sharpcneth iron, so doth tn
face Of aman that Of his friend" A SC
cial party doubles the enjoyment Of OF
meal, and II digestion waits on appetite
the effect is complete. On the prcscI
occasion cheerfulness and good hum,
reigned; light, cxhilerating wine passe
round, and did its duty; tongues were III
locked; the reserve Of the ladies ca,
way; topic after topic was introduces
and discussed with more or less wit on
varied skill by the gentlemen. Charl
became interested; his remarks display,
shrewedncss; hc argued with force al
perspicuity, drawing to himself tho noti
Of q few congcnial spirits. A debate W
commenced and sustained with abilit
the, glass taking its round rapidly.
The mild eye of Elizabeth every no
and then met that Of her husband; b
with smile ho gave little shake Of Il
head, SO light as tobe unobserved by a
other, but plainly indicating to Elzabc
thus much, mo, you need not fear; for
am on my guard" Alas Charles decci
cd himsclf-hc was not SO fully on
guard as no thought he was. Animat
In his friendly dispute, he met his antag
mist with convincing proofs, and, fceli
his advantage, thrust home, ono argume
after another till his victory was acknov
edged. Glowing with conquest tho he
Of the hour, ho laughed aui chattcd I
umphantly over his wine till tho ladl
rose TO leave tho room. Already his Q
& had become fiery in expressions; his wor
were louder and moro volublethan the
casion required. Fear awoke In the hel
Of Elizabeth. Ono imploring look,
which an almost agonized entreaty.. mig
bc read, passed to him from her glsts
ing eyes as she, with tho other ladies', |
for tho drawing-room
Glad was sho 10 change tho dir Of I
now heated apartment for cool and quI
Ladies ..focked to the toilet-glass TO
:. adjust their curls and arrange their orr
. rnents; specifies were extolod for oxpt
gIng the stains Of port wine, and econo
10 crccipes for the revival Of superannuat
silks and sasins. Tho young wife had
ear for all this; she bathed her throbb
temples, and the air revived her sink