The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1859-09-29


is to be, never again to drink glass o
wine, and must keep my word"
Ohio - said Altamont, laughing
e. So you begin to feel already the CALLING
yoke of Hymen. in spite Of the flowers
that's it What tyrants these women
are - .s.
St. James made some slight reply, but
in his secret heart he was angry and irri-
tated both with himself and Lilly. Per-
haps he thought she had been arbitrary
and unreasonable.
Beyond all question, the handsomest
couple at Mrs. Granger's grand soiree
that night were St. James Effingham and
Lillian Brooke, and many an envying and
admiring glance was cast on them as
they passed amid the crowd. Love,
youth, wealth and beauty--every circum-
stance was tinged with the brightest coul-
er de rose for their young eyes.
While they were standing together in
an alcove full of blossoming myrtles and
creamy roses, reposing from the fatigues
of brilliant waltz, Dame Gossip, in the
refreshment saloon, was busy about their
affairs.
Where is that devoted couple, Eff
fpgham and Miss Brooke ?" inquired
Bell Stanley. dashing young coquette,
who. rumor whispered, had been intense
ly disappointed at losing the brilliant Ef-
fingham for herself.
Oh, talking sentiment somewhere"
replied Mr.. Altamont, who was helping
her to Charlotte Russo. "By the way,
| must tell you something glorious about
St. James. Would you belieAe that his
inamorata has exacted the solemn prom
ise from him, never again to touch wine?"
You don't tell me SO ?" said Bell, in
surprise.
It's fact--I had it from St. James
himself"
What fool - said Bell, curving her
scarlet lip, contemptuously. "I'll wager
that make him break his promise before
an hour has elapsed"
Hush-here he comes" said Alta
mont, as Efiingham entered the room, on
some mission from Lilly. Bells large
Eastern eyes were bent full on his face,
and he could not avoid paasing to ex-
change gay word or two with her, as
he passed.
She instantaneously assailed him with
lively reproaches for his neglect of her
during the whole evening.
"Don't you think 1 ought to infiict
some very severe penance upon you %
she concluded archly.
II trust you will not be too severe"
he gaily replied. "I'm fully sensible
the magnitude of my errors"
"Then," she murmured, with sof-
tened luster in her splendid eyes, and
magic music in her voice, "we will seal
your pardon in glass of champagne"
He hesitated as she smilingly held out
foaming wine-glass.
Anything but that. Miss Stanley"
he stammered.
Then it is true r said Bell contempt
uously. "Your betrothed cannot trust
you without promises fine sample of
the petticoat government you are here
after to be favored with r.
Mr. Efingham made no reply. He felt
himself in rather an embarrassing situa-
tion, and he heartily execrated that an
noying promise.
"Just one glass;" pleaded the lovely
temptress as be still hesitated.
You are an absolute savage, St.
James," said Altamont, "to refuse it
from such hand"
Alas how easily it is to yield. In
that single moment of uncertainty St.
James was lost. He took the one spark
ling glass from the dark-eyed Circe, and
in an instant the small invisible barrier
erected to stem the tide Of his fatal pro-
clivity, was swept away.
As he placed the empty champagne
glass on the table, his startled vision met
the grieved, reproachful gaze of Lillian
Brooke's deep blue eyes. She had en-
tered moment since, and now stood by
his side, like a guardian angel. But he
felt that Bells scorching glance was on
his every action, and recklessly exclaim-
ed at edi 81 geA
You will pledge me also, Lilly p
Nay, do notlook SO grave surely has
ty promise is better in the breach than
in the observance"
But she had turned from him and
glided silently from the room, eie he
could follow.
Sad and bitter were her reflections, as
ehe cat in har own luy,riouc chamhar a