Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-09-03


engaged in writing He looked up as the
boy approached him, and seeing the stranger,
exclaimed
"Ah, Meredith, how are you? Take n scat,
and will be at your service in a few mo-
ments.'
lie turned to his desk and rapidly sealing
tho letter he had been writing, gave that,
with several others, to the boy in waiting
and then turned to the new conner. He look
ed at him scarchingly, then bursting into a
fit Of laughter, exclaimed, whats the mat
ter now, Have you lost your last friend, or
have you got heavy note falling due, and
nothing to meet it, hey"
Meredith shook his head "Only my old
complaint" he said ga touch of the blue
devils and so dropped in here to see if you
couldn't exercise them as usual. You are
always so happy, notwithstanding you are so
busy"
"Noi,cihdapdipg " interrupted Irving.
Because ] IN so busy; you might say and come
nearer the truth Take my advice; go to
work yourself and I'll wager you'll be no
more troubled with these blues than am
THE remedy is worse than the disease,
said Meredith "Why should care to make
money; You know well that my poor Their
! am much obliged for your prescription, but
must decline following it,
"Well, l won't get offended, Ike most
friends, if you won't take my advice but I'll
prescribe again This is Mrs. Bigclow's re-
cepton evening; go with me there, and l
promise you a release from your blue tor
mentors for one evening at least"
"a party" exclaimed Louis, Struggling his
50 =
at isn't like an ordinary party" persisted
his friend. "wherc you go to be stiaod in a
crowd, and cram yourself with delicaces. 1t
is an unceremonious assemblagc of agreeable
people, drawn together by a desire to meet
each other in part but ! must confess the
most powerful magnet is Bigelow's niece
the lovoiest creature you ever beheld.'
"a belle e. snecred Meredith II dctest
the whole tribe of cmpty-heoded coquettes." "
ITS plain you haven't seen the belle Of
Montford' rcioined Irving. you've read
Blanca, haven you
"Yes, have, and it surely was a glorious
work"
"Well, our belle wrote that
"Indeed - said Meredith, with a start, and
"a look Of animation that made his fine but
impassive features doubly beautiful then re-
lapsng into his old manner, he said, "a
belle From all ink bodaubed danes, good
Lord, deliver US -
Il see you are determined not to be pleas
cd with anything said his companion. "But
I'll defy you to resist our bell and blue, if
you but see her. Will you go to the party
or not; Say yes or no, Louis, for must
dismiss YOU rather unceremoniously, as have
a business engagement at four, and it lacks
only quarter Of that hour"
Yes thea" yawned Louis, as he slowly
sauntered off.
Mrs Bigelow's splendid parlors were a
blaze of light as the two gentlemen entered
that evening, and paid their respects to their
hostess. At little distance from her stood
a young and queenly looking girl, talking
gaily with a knot Of gentlemen; she was
richly attred, and her robe Of rose colored
silk contrastcd well with her clear olive com
plexion. She did not observe the new COM
ers till they joined the group aronnd her ;
then, with easy elegance, she welcomed Mr.
Irving and bowed with much grace to Mr.
Meredith on his introduction to Miss Lancas
ter
For once Louis Meredith was startled ont
Of his usual apathy Beatrice" trembled
on his lips for it was She more lovely, if
possible, than when he had seen her five years
before Could it be that she was the author
of that wonderful book that had thrilled the
hearts of a nation; lie could hardly believe
the evidence of his own senses, and bewilder-
ed by his emotions. he stood speeehleas for a
few moments. Then recovering himself. he
was again the polished man Of the world
Beatrice. neither by word nor look betray-
ed her recollection of him and he did not
venture to recall the past. She treated him
with easy politeness. and he half vexed at the
power she had over him. vet unable to resist
her destinations, was as constant upon her as
her shadow during the whole evening.
His friends rallied him on his surrender to
the belle and the blue, and Louis said but
little in reply; but from that time he was a
constant visitor at Mrs. Bigelow's where
Beatrice since the death of her mother, had
resided. With Mrs. Bigelow he soon become
a favorite, but Beatrice, though studiously
polite. was equally cold yet Notwithstanding
all her coldness Louis was more madly in
love with her than ever.
Week after week he fingered in Nlontford,
and at every opportunity he was at her side
She appeared utterly unconscious of his deyo-
ton, and by her manner edectually prevented
his uttering any expression of affection. He
l,neroI 10 got dnrod not learn his fata and in