Mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.) 1854-1860, 1858-08-07
The Game at Cards, or . Woman and VI
Never &C Fault

"He loves me, I'm sure he loves me. but
the consciousness Of his poverty prevents the
acknowledgement of his affection. Pride ev-
or was with love, and yet, that IL noble pride
that torbidS man wooing one that the world
considers above him. So must play the sui
ter, for nv heart has been RALPH HEADLEY's
since first met him three years ago. What
avails my wealth and station IL have not hap
piness, and happiness ! can only find with
him. TIN weary Of the hattery that would
be lovers ever greet me with, and long for a
cabin and quiet home. Ralph will never cou.
fess his love, and to secure ell that the world
holds dear to me, must plan and scheme
help me, my woman's wit "---------------------
Florence Lesher leaned her head upon her
hand after this communion with her own heart,
and remained for an hour buried in deep
thought.
Eyerything around the fair cir betOkened
wealth and luxury. A costly carpet Of rare
and beautiful pattern covered the floor of her
boudOir-splendid mirrors and magnificent
paintings graced the wallis rosewood piano
stood near the richly draPed window, on the
embroidered cover Of which were handsomely
bound volumes Of music. The air Of the
apartment was filed with the fragrance OF
freshly .culled flowers, and the melody Of
brightwinged song g-birds rose clear and shrill
above the low music Of fairy fountain, that
flung its sparkling drops in the miniature lake
from which it sprung, and in whose waters
CLEANED hundred tiny fish of gold and sill
yer hues.
Florence Lesher, the occupant of this little
paradise, was an orphan and an heireSs. The
Goddess of beauty had layished upon her cy-
cry gift she possessed. Eyes dark, soft and
brilliant, "brown in tie shade and gold in the
sun, lips rich, red, and pouting, form slight,
graceful, and well-developed.
What wonder. then, that Ralph Headly, the
poor student, shrank back from the crowd oi
wealthy and handsome men wOrshiping al
the shrine Of Z" the beautiful heiresS, "and hid
in his own heart the devoted love he scarcely
dare avow to himself.
Little did he imagine that Florence, the
flattered, the courted, not only knew Of his at
tachment but returned it-lOvc knows nc
station!
"Maidens sprung from Kings,
Have stopped from their high sphere;
And love, like death, levels all ranks,
Aud lays the shepherds crook beside the sceptrc.
AS the clock struck seven. Florence started
from her revery, and clasping her hands to-
gether exclaimed In a joyous tone, ~ have it
Il have ito night III win husband"
"What; not dancing, Miss LesherS I'm al
astOnishment--how can you withstand thu
witching strains of that beautiful waltzH-
Will you not be pesuaded to honor me!"
Excuse me, Mr.. Stearnes, but I'm not If
the humor for waltzing tonight, SO you mus
seek another partner; as for myself, for once
I'm going to join the card players"
- And who is to be the happy opponent o
SO fair lady" inquired dozen voices.
"Let me see who is best playing idler.-
All 3! Mr.. Headley, she continued, turning T.
the lounge where tho young man half reclined
carelessly regarding the gay scene before him
what do yO~ say to becoming my antagO
nist?"
shall be too happy, fair lady"
And now what shall be the stakes, " ask
cd the young man as soon a. they were seate'
at the cad tarble.
If you win, this ring is yours, holding
up her white hand, on which glittcred
sparkling diamond, "and If VIM clain
yourse!E" Ralph lost tho game and gains
YANKEE CoURrsHIP.- Get eOut. YOU mast