The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1861-01-26

accept my protectlon-1Or that evening
only-as the play-bills say.
The next evening | received specia
card of invitation to attend Mrs. John
sons soiree in 18th street.
At the proper hour l handed Miss
Bella Il from the carriage il
front Of the house, and led her into the
grand reception room.
| had got myself up in tremendous
style. | was supposed to be determined
to make hit-whether | did it or not
will appear in time. am afraid that,
if asked, l could not have told the use
of the jewelry wore. Certain it was
that had plenty of it-rings in abund-
ance-not exactly in taste-but like my
watch chain, belted across my vest, and
large seal dangling from NY fob-all
spurious-they were my bats, which l
had thrown out as an angler throws out
a single line, with dozen hooks at the
end Of it. That was my cash capital,
upon which | would win my fortune Of
success. If there was a pickpocket
there, was determined that he should
have a fair chance at it, though like the
angler referred to, if he bit at the bait,
he would find hook in it, for every
article was FASTENED with secret steel
chain.
The pleasures of the evening proceed
ed. | was introduced to several inter
estng ladies and gentlemen of congenial
temperament, and, as l conversed, APP
parently unconscious of any purpose,
scanned carefully the face Of each in
dividual of the company.
Belle 2" in whisper.
"What, Mr.. lie Clare"
"Who is that singular looking lady
in the centre of the group by the win
dow :"
"Why do you call her singular look
ing" asked Belle h, in a tone of
curious surprise.
" Because she is so,'' replied &C Her
face is pale almost to ghastliness> ex-
cept the one little spot where she paints,
while her black eyes dance about like
meteors, and her raven hair seems like
an ebony coffin revealing dead face
She is dressed in mourning, and yet she
is the most gay and fascinating woman
in the room"
Belle almost held her breath as I gave
this description, and with her hand on
my arm, and blank expression ON her
face, she said:
-" You don't think-''
" Who is she ?" | repeated quickly.
6, Madame Delaney, of Paris.'
"Madame Delauney,' | murmured to
myself. "The friend of Hon. Mr.. f.,
the widow of the Assistant lntendant of
the French Police. Umph ~
"Don't you think her very hand
some - asked Belle.
Yes, as yulcauised de Nedecis.-
Introduce me-"
Something in my manner must have
impressed my fair chaperone with the
idea of an adventure, for the introduce
ton was made with evident embarrass-
ment on her part, and she fingered close
by, gazing in the face Of Madame and
myself with an air of puzzled embarrass-
ment.
AS my inquiring glance met that of
Madame Delaney, | thought detected
something like a start-it was not per-
ceptible--a mere shrinking of the pupil
of the eye, a double palpitation of the
hcart-as she seemed to read my voca-
ton at glance, and felt flash of fear.
This may, however, have been only the
result ofmy own conviction. She was
dressed in what is termed second mourn
ing, consisting of black satin skirt, with
founces fringed and embroidered with
green leaflets, a pink bodice cut low in
the neck, and embroidered with dark
velvet. The sleeves were exceedingly
wide, with loose white underslevcs. A
blue scarf encircled her waist. She
wore no ornaments, save plain breast
pin, and solitary diamond ring upon
her middle finger.
Having made this scrutiny at a glance
during which she seemed to have done
the same with me- summoned up all
my resources, and at once began an at
tack in French. She seemed pleased at
me addressing her in that language, and,
whether the rest were ignorant Of that
tongue, or from what cause | know not,
we soon found ourselves alone. The
fair widow seemed quite lively, and, had
it not been for her white, CHASTITY ex-
preston of face, would have been
quite handsome indeed. But, added to
this, there was wild, fcverish fire evel
burning in her black, dazzling eyes,
which, at every varying emotion, seemed
to throw off sparks like those from hard
ened steel, when smitten.
We soon became quite intimate, and
l was on the point of inviting her for a
promenade in the garden, and had just
turned my head to look at Mrs. R
when heard a slight click and felt q
gentle pull about my waist. did moi
start, for l had almost expected it; but
looking round carelessly, | met the colo
features and fiery eyes of Madame
Delaney turned upon me, and !
thought l could perceive purple hue
ripping beneath the surface of her pale
skin, like the waves of Il lake. did moi
look down; fortunately it was not neces-
sary, for Madame Delauney's back wa'
towards large pier mirror, and, as
glanced into it, l beheld-my watcl
chain hanging from my vest pocket; one
side of it had been cut