The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1861-01-05
WORKING FOR A LlyIy1

The soft resonance of bugle and violin,
and dulcet harp, that for the last half hour
had foated above the sound of tripping
feet and gay young voices, like the silver
wings Of some triumphant bird, hud ceased
the dizzy waltz was over, and the belle of
the evening, surrounded by dazzling con.
stellation Of masculine admirers, walked
lnngu;dly toward the conservatory.
She Uas beautiful-very beautiful, not
withstanding the carpins whispers and sharp
edged criticisms leveied at her by her own
sex, who "never could see anything won
dcrful in Julia Mellen.'
The cluster Of diamonds Mt her bosom was
scarcely more brilliant than the sparkle of
her deep, violet eyes; her lips, scarlet as the
heart Of the pomegranite blossom, wore
slight curl Of pride, that added to her
beauty and the brown ringlets, just looped
back from her fair forehead by spray of
cleaning pearls, had somehow contrived to
entangle more hearts in their shining ten
drills than their lovely owner could well
cnumerate. .,.s
And did not Julia Mellen know how
beautiful she was-how admiripgly men
looked upon her-how enviously women
turned away? Oh, woman, woman! thy
reign is despotic, but sooner or later the
bloom and fire must fade, the sceptre be
laid aside, and hen-s.s. g.. ...... ss n -s.s.
The beauty paused suddenly, as frank
and noble looking gentleman made bis way
through the crowd that enciroled her.
ooh, Henry, was just looking for you.
! want you to know my friend, MIR. De-
Torre."
The be.whiskered and foreign faced cav
alier, upon whose arm she leaned. bowed
low in return to the perfectly polite, but
somewhat cold salutation Of Julia Mellen's
cousin.
''AIay detain you one moment, Julia ?"
said the latter in low voice. 81 have
promised to introduce you to friend of
mine, who is very anxious to become ac-
quainted with the belle of the evening.
"Who is itf" asked Julia playing care
lessly with the geraniums and rosebuds Of
her bouquet. a
"Mr. Harley-you have heard Of him be-
fore. He does not often frequent scenes
like this, but your eyes have tempted him to
break through his usual custom. Have !
your permission to present him ~
The puzzled expression which had at FIRST
arched Julia's delicately -penciled eye
brows, changed to look of scorn which
flashed from the dark eve and curved the
rose -brigh: lips in a very becoming manner.
"Oh-the self-taught genius whom you
have taken ups" she said, contemptususly.
AMY dear cousin, you must really excuse
me. Idon't think it is particularly desirable
to be acquainted with . man who works for
living?"
The pretty hauteur which she contrived
to throw into the last words was inimitablc.
She moved on smiling and lovely as ever,
needless Of the grave look Of displessurs
that oyerspread her cousins face NJ be drew
back without word-hesdless Of the Grim.
son flush that mangled Stsnwood Harlsy'e
forehead, ~ be stood in the deep cmbrasurs
Of the window bsy ond, and heard the light
words and the cruel musical laugh that fol-
| lowed them!
eShe scsrns me because I wsrk with ths
hands and brain God has given me,' b.
muttered between his teeth, "and because
am not sshamed Of honest labor, am les.
to her than the dust beneath her beautiful
feet. Heaven be the Judge between ne and
tbss, proud womsu!" $685.
The next momen. he turDsd calmly 70 Mr.
J AshbJ, vhs came 70 apologize tbss BIZ