Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1858-12-10


of the ludiorous that the young gentle
man could hardly forboar laughing.
All things have an end, and SO had the
|, cotilion; but upon looking about for his
partner, he discovered that she had most
unaccountably disappeared. A few more
dances, and the company adjourned to the
refreshment-room. where, for time,. we
will leave them.
Fanny Farley had taken advantage Of
an intricate change to leave the room with
out being observed, and fastened to her
own chamber. She spoke to her cousins
maid, vsho was within CALL
"Martin," said Fanny, as the former
entered the room, III wish you to dress my
hair as speedily as possible. 1t is neces
sary that I should go down before the
dancing recommenees. s +,
"How strange you look and talkl' ex
claimed Martin, as Fanny took from her
head the comb which lowered majestcally
upward.
"Never mind my words or looks re-
piled our herione, shut commence opera
tions at once"
The maid needed not second bidding;
and in short time the hair-dressing was
completed. Fanny now produced beau
tiful dress, laces and flowers in abundance,
and other paraphernalia of the dressing
room, to the astonisment and admiration
of Martin. With the assistance of the
latter, her toilet was soon finished. Her
dress was of becoming color, and fitted
beautifully her well.proportioned and sup
plo form. Martin was in raptures, and
declared she looked "better than any of
the proud ladies below, or even Sarah her.
SELF"
Fanny did not stop to contradict this
sweeping assertion, but hasteped to her
uncle, who was waiting to conduct her to
the parlor.
"Sarah has been sufficiently punished
he remarked, earnestly. "She has received
a lesson which, think, will ultimately
benefit her. Be yourself again; for I do
not wish to deprive you Of the good opin-
ion and admiration of all these people,
my dear to crafty freak Of mine
GAS long as I am favored with your
good opinion I am satisfied" replied his
niece, as they entered the apartment.
Fanny was now the observed Of all
observers" Many gentlemen gathered
about her, eager for an introduction /;
while the busy hum of conversation ceased
in their immediate vicinity. Ladies now
} turned their attention from the compli-
ments of their gallants to wonder who the
beautiful young lady, with such a fine fig
ure and self-posscssed air could be.
Fanny said Mr.. Lindsay, "allow me
to present to you young friend Of mine,
(. Mr.. Briggs. Alfred, let me make you ac-
quainted with my niece, Miss Farley"
~ think l have spoken with Miss Far
, ley before" replied the young gentleman,
gallautly, and bowling with much polite
ness.
81 was acting an assumed part at that
time, and beg you will not form an es-
innate of my character from the circum-
stance" observed Fanny, ~ think de-
a serve further trial "
t 'Be under no apprehension, Miss Far
s ley; your motives by me will not be ques-
toned, nor your words misconstrued, re-
|, piled Mr.. Briggs, glancing at Fanny with
9 a look that expressed admiration and re-
Q spect, and which suffused her face with
}. bushes.
a 'Speak to your cousin, Sarah" added
b Mr.. Lindsay, as his daughter came up
f "You know she is stranger here"
g "To my cousin ~ exclaimed the young
e lady, in evident amazement, looking from
n one to the other. "Why, Fanny, is tina
you'll"
+ II believe / must acknowledge the
: charge replied our heroine, gaily. "Bu
q forgive me, Sarah, for having, in carrying
il outa little plan Of my own, vexed ant
\ mortified you. will explain all anon
10 for you see VIC are attracting attention"
> "Ahl Iperceive you have been decc
wing us someN hat" added Sarah, with
d smile. "But will forgive you on condi
G, tion that you dance little more grace
a fully than before and refrain from men
= tiouing 'prongcd hat trees" W
ID Fanny having laughingly assented, dan
ID ding soon recommended. The formcrl
o. rapidly redeemed her reputation for awk
wardness, and proved an adept in the fas
Q. cinating art. With an air Of grace, cas-