Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1861-03-08
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND FRIDAY MORNING MARCH 1851


her arching neck and polished arms,
were not more brilliant than the light of
those large melting eyes.
Leaning against the elegantly carved
Italian marble mantle, is a sylph like
form her brow shaded by her little
hand. The low, silvery chimes of
French clock awoke her from rcvorie.
She lifts her head.
We have seen that sunny face before,
on bright autumn day, in the old woods
OF Avondale. She is arrayed in no cost
ly velvets, or sparkling jewels; but
garment of gossamer floats about her
form, and wreaths of bright leaves and
snow-buds is twined amid her golden
curls.
Sho is as beautiful, as child-like as
ever; but softer, more subdued light
beams inher eye, while her manners are
more gentle, and perhaps somewhat more
pcnsivc than before. Dear Carrie Ar
mand
" How beautiful you arc, sweet cous-
in y said she, as she gazel upon the
dazzling loveliness of Ida Macauey.
The young creature turned from the
gilded mirror, and twining her arms
about the speaker pressed kiss upon
her stainless brow.
Darling Carrie" she mnrmured
"thy -witching loveliness will win all
hearts tonight; for even Clifton Macau-
ley, my naughty, fastidious brother has
owned its power--and he too, dear Car
rie, my sweet, wild flower loves thee,
with devotion of which | thought his
cold nature incapable"
!" Oh say not so. dear Ida gaspod
Carrie Armand I" can never be aught
to him"
Ida Macauley marked not the blanch-
ed check of the trembling girl to whom
she was so gaily speaking, but throwing
her rich furs around, they descended to
the drawing-room, where Clifton was
awaiting them.
They entered the carriage. The blinds
were closely drawn to exclude the frost
air, and they rolled away, to scene of
niirth aud rcvelry.
The magnificent saloons of Mr.. Graf
ton presented an appearance of upusual
gayety and elegance. Every part of the
vast apartments was bathed as it were,
in food Of roscate splendon \ band
ofhmusic poured forth continued strains
fthe most enchanting harmony and the
air was laden with the incense of thou
sand flowers of every hue
The dancing had ceased for moment,
as Clifton with his sister and Carrie Ar
mand entered the saloon
Every eye was turned upon them, but
the reigning belle Of the last two seasons
passed unnoticed, as her cousin moved
gracefully along.
" Beautiful divine :" whispered the
gentlemen.
The flush upon the young girls cheek
deepencd as these praises fell upon her
ear, and with downcast eyes passed on to
the upper saloon The music again
sounded, and the floor was rapidly filed
with dancers.
Suddenly familiar voice attracted her
attention. She turned and beheld Ida
led away to join the dancers. The band
struck up one of Struss' most inspiring
waltzes.
Round and round hoaied tho charmed
circle and Carrie behcld the quecn-like
form Of Ida encircled by the arm of Ear
nest Fairfax Her breath famed his
check, and bis dark eyes werebcnt upon
that face radiant in its own bcauty Door
Carrie faintness came over hcr a. she
gazcd.
Yet what was Earnest Fairfax to her?
May be she was entirely forgotten. She
raised her head proudly, and smiling on
Clifton Macauly, she suffered him to draw
her gently among the walters.
Many were the eyes that followed that
form, for the soft enchanting grace with
which she moved, fascinated the beholder.
Faster played the music. Faster trippcd
the fairy feet. The dancers almost flew.
Carrie saw that Ida and her partner had |
withdrawn from the floor and we're stand
ing in the recess Of deep window She
felt that his eyes were upon her and
thrill Of Joy peryaded her frame.
Like a Peri she moved-she scarcely
touched the floor. At last the music |
ceased, Clifton led her to a diyan, and
seating himself beside her, famed her
flushed brow.
:" Carrie" said sweet voice She
lootHd up. There stood Ida, and by her
side was Earnest Fairfax, his beautiful
dark eyes fell upon her face
3" Miss Armand, Mr.. Fairfax" said I
Ida, in her easy careless manner.
Carrie, said that well remembered
voice, and the half extended hand was
grasped and retained
:" Earnest" murmured the sweet girl.
She replied not, and he continued.
+" Once more do behold the little valley
of Ayondale, and the leafy boughs Of
that old sycamore. Oh Carrie, have
you forgotten that bright autumn -
Clifton and his sister exchanged glances.
He arose, and drawing her arm within
his own they turned away. But their
departure was not noticed either by Ear
nest Euirfax, or Carrie Armand The
hours wore on--midnight came Those
brilliant strains Of inspiring music were
at their height
" viii you dance. Carrie p said Ear
nest Fairfax and they glidcd in among
the walters.
Clifton Macaulcy stood apart from the
gay revelers. 10 moody silence, watching