Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1858-08-13
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV
The ballroom was lighted up immedia
tely after supper, and soon filed with the
gay and Fashiosable Helen, at the solicita-
ton of her father, backed by Mrs. Whit
man and Miss Lee appeared for the first
time, in a festive scene so at variance with
her feelings. Not on his own account did
Mr. Berue urge his daughter to mingle
with the gay, but because he hoped it
might be the means of restoring that cheer
ful tone TO her feelings so much more con
sonant with her natural disposition than
the gloomy despondence that hung like a
pail over her once joyous spirit. But he
knew not the depth of the wound he was
attempting to heal by an application so
simple; nor did he reflect that the glad
sounds of mirth so exhilirating to the
joyous and lght-hearted, often serve to
deepen sadness into gloom, and gloom into
despair
Appearing, as she now did, under the
protection of Mrs Whitman, who was
known to many of the visitors as a lady of
high intelligence and unquestioned pru-
dence, Helen began to be viewed in very
different light from that which had been
thrown upon her character by the vile
misrepresentation of Mrs. Meddler and
Joseph EstelIe. Many, therefore, of both
nf ha
introduced to her at their own request, and
thus made her far more conspicuous than
was agreeable, But her gracefully modest
department, unrivaled beauty and pleasant
remarks won upon popular favor, until
few believed that thought of evil could
harbor in the bosom of one who seemed
the impersonation Of purity as well as
beauty. Mr.. Berne, in bis delight at see
ing his daughter once more smiling bright
ly laughed and ested with those about
him, until he seemed suddenly, to become
aware that he was attracting greater
share Of attention than was his due and,
by way of retreat, turned, to Mr. Motley
and said
What is the matter with you, tonight
sir? Are you going to make me do all
the talking? Ifso, you must do my share
of the dancing
Talking Of dancing, sir, said Motley
reminds me that have etwith serious
disappointment this evening. The partner
had engaged for the dance, has failed tc
make her appearance, and | am apprehen
.siye that shall not be able to enjoy my
fayorits amusement, in her absence"
II had supposed, Ned, said Mr., Esk
ridge, with the same mock gravity, ''that
man of your taste would not grieve Owe
the loss of such partner as Mrs Meddler
and that, too, in the midst of so muct
beauty"
"You may make light OF her, George
ir you choose but assure you she vii
weigh down some two or three of tn,
ladies that grace this occasion and as fo
beauty, you know there is no fixed standarC
except in China, where they estimate it, a
we do pork, by the pound; and if that b.
the correct mode, she is by far the mos
beautiful woman at the Springs
There is yet another standard of beauty
Mr.. Motley said Mr.. Ice you remem
bcr the old saying-handsome is, tina
handsome does How will her beaut
stand ;his test?'
"l fear sir, it would as rapidly depreci
ate, by this standard, as it would be en-
hauced by the other. But we are loosin
time while discussing the merits--or rathe
dImerits, OF this hostis humani gcncris; 5
if | can end a partner among these ladies
Ewill join in the dance. What do yo
say, Miss Lee? Has my first choice opera
rd so much to my prejudice as to max
You unwilling to appear with me on tn
0oor?"
"Oh, no /" she answered, with a smil,
as she took his arm, "I do not look upo
4 as an evidence of your taste, but as
mark OF your respect for old age
At the same time, Jane gave her han,
as partner to Mr. Eskridge, and by
revolution, common TO such assemblage
Helen, Mrs, Whitman and Henry Lee wer
al that remained of the crowd that S
recently filed that portion of the room.
Il am surprised, Henry" said Mr.
Whitman, chat you are not provided wit
partner, for if am not mistaken yo
are very fond Of dancing"
Il was once, very fond of itD and sti
like To 500 II going ON, aunt Il is an il