Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1861-03-21

After mature deliberation, May concluded
to attend the masquerade. She hoped to
meet Howard there she longsd to convince
him, by her altered conduct, that she de-
spised him not /; that she regretted the folly
of her past conduct; and TO win back the
love she had enee SO cruelty spurned from
her.
Never did May Winters look more be-
witching than on the evening of the mas
querade, as she stood before her mirror, at
tired in full evening costume.
A blush colored satin enveloped her
graceful figure, over which foated beautiful
white lace over-dress, looped up at the side
with punches of pale pink rose buds; clus-
ter of the same dropped from her bosom, and
few were tastefully arranged amid the
braids of her hair. She wore no jewels, save
diamond ring upon the middle finger OF
her right hand. Taking..her domino, which
vas thrown over the back of CHAIR, she en-
tirely concealed her dress beneath its ample
folds of rich white satin-a mask of the same
material she tied over ber face, concealing it
entirely from view, and when the hood at
tached to the domino was properly adjusted,
her most intimate friends would have failed
to recognize her,
When she arrived at the residence of Mrs.
Gray, the parlors were already well filled
During the early part of the evening, as she
moved with grace among the dancers, many
eyes followed her, wondering who she was,
but no one, save Bell Harris knew
After dancing until she became wearied
and heated, she sought the conservatory, and
seating herself upon a rustic bench, she
watched the dancers through the glass doors
that separated the two rooms. She leaned
forward for moment to catch glimpse Of
form she thought she recognized, and do
ing SO she dropped her kerchief, which was
Immediately picked up by gentleman in
red mask and black domino
LADY, pardon me, but you dropped your
kerchief," be said, handing it to her with a
low and graceful inclination of his head.
She started, and with trembling voice
murmured her thanks. She recognized the
voice of the speaker-it was Howard. He
seemed not inclined to leave the spot, and
continued
"In an assemblage of this kind, whore one
is unable to distinguish friend from stranger
| / believe it is customary to address whose
ever we please, independent of the fermality
of introduction"
II believe that is the privilege of the gen.
tlemen, but attend masquerades seldom,
and am but little versed in the rules. dis
like such gatherings very much"
$50 do l, and was induced to attend this
evening, by the earnest solicitations of a
friend, but few moments since | stoed
watching the dancers, and I thought you
seemed to enjoy the scene amazingly"
You should never judge by appearances
they often deceive. did not enjoy the
dance this evening. 1 dislike the frivolities
that are attendant upon fashionable life.
came to shis quiet village few months since
to escape from society; to seek that quiet
and rest, that could not obtain in the city !;
tonight is the first time for many months
that have mingled in a scene of this kind"
Indeed but pardon me, your voice re-
minds me of ene that soas once dear to NE,
may inquire your name p
g Howard" and she tore the mask from
4 lar Hllad a
tears pleadingly upon him, be comprehendsd
all-at glauce-and said, in gentle, al
most loving tone,
May, dear May, you seem now like the
May of long ago." and be folded her unresis-
ting form to his beating.heart. A long .ime
they remained together conyersirg Of the