The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-11-09

w hIIe they were Standing toSetbor III
an alcove full Of blossoming myrties and
creamy roses, reposing from the fatgnos
Of brilliant waltz, Dame Gossip, in the
refreshment saloons, WIS busy about
their affairs.
"Where s that devoted couple, Eff
fineham and Miss Brooke?" inquired Bell
Stanley, a dash ne young coquette, wh''
rumor whispered. had been intensely DIS
appointed at losing the brilliant Etfng-
ham for herself.
ooh, talking sentiment somewhere
replied Mr.. Atamont, who was helping
her to Chariot Russo. "By the way |
must tell you something glorious. about
St. James. Would you believe that his
inamorata has sxacted q solemn promise
from him, never again TO touch wines"
"You don't tell me sol" said Bel, in
surprise.
tits a fact--I had it from St. james,
himself"
what fool y said Bell, curving her
scarlet lip, contemptuously. 9TH wager
that make him break his promise be-
ore an hour has elapsed"
"Hush-here he comes" said Alta
mont, as Effingham entered the room,on
some mission from Lilly. Bells large
Eastern eyes were bent full on his face,
an / he couldn't avoid pausing to exchange
a cav word or two with her, as be pass
ed.
She iustantaneously assailed him with
lively reproaches for bis neglect of her
during the whole evening.
'Don't you think | ought to inffict
some very severe pensnce upon your
she concluded archly.
~ trust you viii not be too severe" ha
gsly replied. '1'm fully sensible of the
magnitude Of ny errors"
"Then," she murmured, with soften
ed luster IN her splendid eyes, and mag
zeal music in her voice, eve will sea
your pardon in glass of champagne
lie hestatel as she smilingly held on
a foaming winc-s;sss.
"Anytbing but that, Mss Stanly," h
stammered.
Then it is trucr' said Bell, contempt
uously. "Your betrothed cannot trus
you without PROMISES fine sample 0
the petticoat government you are hero
after to be favored WITH
Mr.. Effinglan1 made no reply. He fel
himself in rather an embarrassing situa
ton, and he heartily execrated that an
noying promise.
''j;ust one glass; PLEADED the Lowell,
temptrcss as lie still hesitated
"You are an absolute savage. St
james" said Altamont, 'to refuse j
from sucha handn' 70
Alas how easy it Is to Weld. In tia
single moment ofuncertainty St. james
was lost. He took tho one sparkling
glass from the dark eyed Gree, and in al
| instant the small invisible barrier erected
to stemthe tides of his fatal proclivity
was swept away .''-t"..s .'T@s's
AS he placed the empty champagne
| glass on the table, his startled vision me
the grieved, reproaehfuf gaze of -Lilliar
Brooke's deep blue eyes. She had enter
ed moment since, and now stood at hi.
side, ike guardian angel. But lie fell
that Bells scorehing glance was OF hi:
every action, and rscklessly exclaimed:
"You will pledge me also, Lillye Nay,
do not look SO grave, surely a hasty
promise is better. in the breach than the
observance" .iso
| But she lad turned from him and
glided silently from tie room, ere he
could follow, .9 "a
Sad and bitter was her reflections, as
she sat in her own luxurious chamber at
home. The red glow Of the low, clear
fire in the CRATE, and the moonlight radi-
anee. Of a single perfumed taper, burning
through the transparent urn Of an alabas-
ter lamp, fellon a troubled brow and
fearful eyes, Poor Lilly! the wreath of
scarlet rose,buds in her hair were hot yet
swithered the diamonds were yet flashing
on her breast;yc the sweet lessons Of
hope were dead forever.
Her sorrowful resolution was soon tax
en-, She felt that she could never place
all wife's confidence in one whose re.
solves were SO feeble-so easily broken.
She knew that wine was her rival; and
that when solemn promise was thus I'M
needed, all the restraints Of prudence
would be Of little avail. Of
And 50, although it was ike the tear
ing ssunder ofsoul and body, shs laid