Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1862-12-05

II, Threw on 0ef DOnleI anu walked TapiOly tG
the Post Office. After mailing her letter, she
turned towards home again, but her step was
slower now, and her eyes were bent upon the
ground. A quick step sounded on the walk
behind her. and Virgle Wainsworth spoke her
name. She paused, and he was soon beside
her.
''Zellah,'' he said, there is to be a party Civ
en- tomorrow night, at Mrs. Wilson's, in hon
or of several officers just returned on furlough
for a short visit. 1t is a sudden move, and 1
was hurrying home TO tell you, and ask for the
pleasure of your company"
After assuring him she would be pleased to
go with him, she careIessly asked "DO you
know who the honored gentlemen are ?"
Il do not" he replied. Il only heard OF the
party and its object, and came Immediately to
secure you, lest some oHe should be before me
there"
The next evening came, and Zellah, elegant
ly dreFsed, was waiting in the parlor for Vir-
gle to come down from his room-( lie boarded
at Mr. McRaynolds' house, and was his part
ner in business.) Her mother came in, and
sitting down hesi e her. asked if she would
not give Virgle, this very evening, his final
answer.
"Mother," she replied, if you do not want
to make me unhappy, say nothing more TO me
upon this subject. 1t is not pleasant to refuse
one so worthy as know Virgle to be. yet
can not do otherwise; be is to me only as
friend or brother"
80 let it be then, my daughter, l shall
urge y0d more; but l am anxious to know
why you refuse the man that any of your lady
friends would only be too happy to accept"
a bitter smile fitted over her face, and lean
ing forward till her lips were close to her mo-
theirs ear. she whispered the name of Edward
Holmes.
Mrs. McReynolds slightly started at first,
then said, Il have sometimes suspected this;
and does he reciprocate your feelings?"
Zeilah did not reply, but placed the letter
she had received from him in her mothers
hand, with request that she would keep her
secret. just then Virgle came for her, and
she went out with him. An hour alter, she
stood with gay circle of friends in the brili-
antly lighted parlors of Mrs. Wilson. Her
eyes sparked with excitement, and her laugh
was as merry as though no trouble had touch
ed her young heart
"How brilliant and beautiful" thought
young Wainsworth, as q merry laugh went
round the circle at some Of her witty remarks.
MIR. Wilson, have the lions of the evening
yet arrived ?" asked one Of the group, as the
young host joined them.
"Oh yes" was the reply, "they are in the
other ROOM"
The party of friends had been so much en-
gagged, that they had not noticed that all the
other occupants of the room had crowded into
the adjoining one. Virgle offered his arm TO
Zellah, remarking ''rhis is no longer the center
of attraction" As they reached the door,
young Wilson touched his arm. and requested
to see him moment Asking Z-Iiah 10 ex-
| cuse him, he turned away with Wilson. As
he left her side young girl, a friend of hers,
came dancing up to her, and exclaimed
"Ilow handsome Captain Holmes is. He IS
very pale, but that only adds to his beauty
They say he has suffered very much. Have
you seen him yet ?"
"Captaia I1olmes!' gasped Z.Ilub; Where
is he?7
"Yonder, leaning against that mantle, with
one hand resting on Charley Mills shoulder,
the other supporting his heasb But what is
the mat ter, ZeIlah?"
She was gazing as if spell-bound, not daring
to believe her senses; but Helen Talbots last
remark brought her 10 herself
81 was little surprised not knowing he
was at home. 1 heard he was wounded"
$50 he was" replied Helen; but I am
thinking Mr.. WainSworth would hardly like
your manner Of gazing at the Captain" and
with merry laugh she fitted away
"Who speaks of Me ?' as ed Virgle, coming
back at that moment.
at was only some of Helens nonsense" was
the reply, though the lips that uttered the
words were white as death.
Why should he deceive her so, she thought
again and again, as she stood leaning on Wains
worth's arm. apparently listening to his re-
marks. Had he grown tired of her, and taken
this method so free himself from the unpeas-
ant engagement, trusting that her pride would
prevent her marrying a maimed and crippled
man If so why should he come so soon and
thus reveal the faIsehool? Thus in tortuous
thought she stood longing yet dreading to meet
him. Il cotillon was forming. and Virgle
wished to join it; she consented, and he lead
her to the floor. Again she grew pale, as she
saw Captain Holmes lead Helen Talbot TO the
place opposite them. Heroically she struggled
for composure, and ere the dance b gan she
was outwardly as calm as any other. As she
touched the Captains hand repeatedly while
passing through the figure, she made no sign of
recognition, but passed him as she would
stranger, and studously avoiding his eye. We
ry closely he watched her, as if trying to read
her thoughts. As they were leaving the floor
he stepped to her side and in q low voice ask
ed,
Miss McReynods, may I claim your hand
for the next set?"
She looked up in feigned surprise, and an
swering indff-rently Certainly" turned to her
companion with some gay remark.
The set was forming, and Holmes came for
Zellah. Wainsworth was beside her.
Come back again, Zellah, will you not ?"
he said as she rose.
Yes, Virgle, if you wish it,"
/ al do, and shall wait for you here"
The Captains brow clouded as he hurried
her away Such familiarity did not suit him;
for. though he would cast the treasure away,
still he could not bear to see another claim it.
| Not word was spoken during the dance, and
as he lead her from the floor he said
''Must you go back to him, Zellah p
'.You heard my promise, Captain Holmes"
"Oh Zellah, had hoped to see you alone a
few minutes tonight. 1 wished it so much,
but see you do not care for my company.
leave early on account of my delicate health,
and I start for home tomorrow, SO l must bid
you goodbye now"
For moment she stood undecided, then
said "Wait here a moment and | will return.
She glided away, but was soon again beside
him. With smile he drew her hand within