The southern enterprise. [volume] (Greenville, S.C.) 1854-1870, 1859-07-14

my very heart-strings by bic cruel ,desertioh -
But let him bewarei He knows me NOT, or he
would not treat me thusf Let him bewarer
But this terrible excitetnent soon passed away,
and She relieved her oser,burdened heart by a
hood Of tears Gradually her thoughts becatne
calm, ,hhd she resolved to 6bey the note. She
did mot hesitate--did not doubt that n. spoke
truth. One by one she laid aside the costly Jew.
els that decked erlovely person; and as she did
so, weary, sad smile, played around her mouth.
At the sound Of the tsabel, Ellen appeared in
robe Of pure white. Her face was flushed, her
eyes were bright, but there was,a q restless, unea
sy look about her, that contrasted very strangely
with her usual quiet gayety. Mr.. St Clare
noticed her manner, and joked heraboat being
go anxious TO get Off IN the bali =,
Why, Ellen. my child. .: exclaimed he, "iook
what you are doingi My cup and saucer are
both full Never mind, dear--never mind it,
AT the moment Ellsns was filing her uncie;s
second CUP, ufing was heard at the door, and,
anmindfnl Of whatshe was doing. she continued
to pour. until her uncles exclamation made her
aware OF the orersigii: she had committed. I'm
mediately a servant announced DIR. Wheaton.
Elen arise and attempted to utter word ufex.
SoeOs spas uSftouBue reiuseu It's ONCE ~ /.
~" Certainly, certainly" said her uncle. with
pleasant smile. Hannah can wait on me-"
Eoiselersly, but with a faltering step, she
glided to the parlor, and was In the room before
Wheaton perceived her presence.
Good evening, Dir Wheaton," came from FL
lens pale llps =, .,.
Good evening, Mis- Ellen, What not dress.
ed for the ball. Are you not goingi 1 called
TO escort you, thinking. perhaps, uncle might not
feel like going and he SMILED as he uttered the
word uncies -
."I am obliged for your kinduess iii calling for
me-, ard am sorry TO disappoint you. but have
decided that cannot go with you tonight" said
Ellen. a little coldly, for che could not wholly
hide her feeliugs
II am very sorry, indeed. that you cahnot 20,
as promised myself much pleasure from your
dear company tonight will not attempt TO.
persuade you, however. rs know should not
succeed" said the young Doctor with one Of his
most amiabls smiles which had go often sent
thrill Of delicious pleasure to the heart Of Ellen
Lee. He shortly departed; and Ellen hastened
to her own room, prey to the most intense ex-
element. She drew from her wardrobe dress
after dress until she at length selected a plain
black silk. Then taking from her bureau band
of jetty eurls, she eiasped Il around her head
a wreath of moss rose buds was next entwined
among the curls completely hiding her, own
hair, and Altering herwhole appearance 60 much
that her nrost Intimate friend would hardly have
known her. Proceeding 10 her nncle's cnrriage.
which was in waiting. she was soon In the ball
roonE The coaehmau gazed at her with a blank
look Of amazetaent as she entered the carriage,
but made no comment Ellen saw the surprised
look upon the servants facei and she felt more
secure in her masquerading attire. -
Itwas but few moments ere Ellen singled
out Miss Ghantte and DR. Wheaton They
were seated in the deep recess Of window and
seemed perfectly oblisious Of surrounding OBJ
jeets. The loving, passionate look with which
he ever and anon gazed upon the fair girl at his
side, sent thrill Of wild anguish to the heart of
Ellen Lee. She stood as if spell bound for
moment, and then moved noiseleesly toward the
door. She did not pause until beneath the very
window by which the lovers were seated; and,
bending on her knee, she listened. Blame her
not, kind reader, hut think. ere you condemn, II
you would not have done the same. If piaeed in
her situation.
Ellen Lee listened to those burning words Of
love. which fell like molten lead upon her own
heart, She heard the gentle avowal of love in
return; and she felt her whole frame tremble
and grow faint. But she did not faint--she did
not scream---she only arose from the recumbent
posture she had assumed. and said, in a broken,
hnsky voice, "All Is over now. Have mercy
Lord have mercyI" : sr
Reaching her carriage, she ordered the SER
want 10 drive home "Quicki quicki" she
said, as he started tie horsesi in slow canter;
"drive fast--I want to get home"
The carriage rolled onward to the mansion Of
Mr.. ST Glare, and when IL drew up at her un
eles door, Ellen had gaired control Of her exeit-
ed feelings and met her uncie with q gayety one
would not have imagined her capable of, assum.
Ing. She answered his many inquiries about the
ball'vith unusual yivacity and spirit. Never had
she sppeared loyelier, in the eyes Of her fond
uncle, than on this night. She, however, soon
bade him good night ~. $50
"Good night, my pet, and pleasant i..rsatns." I"
said he. fondly, as she gave him her accustomed
kiss, before retiring. Is q.
i All that night The poor girl tossed restlessly
to and fro, but no sof, balmy sleep visited her
eyeiida When morning dawned, che had q
burning fever. Her skin was parched and dry,
and the stricken girl, upconscious OF any.
thing, save that dark. dark shadow that had fal.
len upon her heart when the servant came
TO sommons her 70 breakfast che gave such in
coherent answers TO the negros questions that
she hastened In alarm to her master,
Massa," said che, as she reached the break.
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