The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-02-21
Gbs stprp Geuer.
LIFE AS 1T IS.
DY DAISY HOWARD.

marble front and general air bespoke the ar
istocracy of its inmates. One could tell 1t
was boarding.housc from the many faces
fair and plain-sitting at or near the win.
dows. 1t was fvo o'clock-the fashionable
dinner hour. Already the public drawing
rooms and handsome private parlors were fill
ed with youth and beauty. In one, o beyy
Of fair women were grouped together, talk
ing rapidly and cIcitedly. ..
4 tell you, It is mighty strange. Jane saw
him come out Of her room twice to-day and
last night after the southern train camo in,
at one o'clock, he went straight to her room.'
Are you sure you can rely on James word
Clara? am sure should not trust my
maid in similar case. They are oil fond OF
tho marvellous .........
you are really complimentary, Miss Brad
ley. If you keep servants whose words you
cannot trust, do not
The halls are dimly lighted at that hour
said another kindly voice; perhaps 1t was
Mr.. Leeds she saw
.No-Mr. Leeds has dark hair and eyes
This man had fair hair and blue eycs-real
aristocratic looking, Jane said.'
For PHYS sake, do let that poor Mrs.
Leeds alonc. OF course, 1t was some relative
or he would not DO going to wake her up at
that time of night. As for being in her
room in the daytime, that is nothing strange
If he had gone thirty times. Alta hotel,
ones room is onc's home; and who wants to
run to the drawing-room to see every one that
callsT ..,........l ........ ...-..
well I agree with Clara Wilbur said
another voice. Il do not think We should
notice Mrs. Leeds any more. / shan't for
one. She is too secrctivo and MYSTERIOUS
Il shan't notice her either
sNor I-nor L said one and another.
We'll, ladies, am very sorry for the course
you have taken-for my part / condemn it.
l cannot blame Mrs. Leeds, il she Is not dis
posed to be communicative regarding her
family affairs. believe that she has some
sorrow that we do not know Of. ! am inter
ested in her-hcr pale, sweet face touches
me. l. for one, shall treat her politely
having seen nothing to cause me to do other.
wise. We, none Of US, have more than
speaking acquaintance with her, at any rate.
It is not at all likely she would confde her
troubles, or the motive for her actions, to al-
most strangers, and the lady passed into an
adjoining room.
Dear me How independent we are 1t
seems to me, Mary Bradley plumes herself a
great deal upon her wealth.
%, Clara how can YOU say soT said the
kindly voice before mentioned. Mary has
less pride, and cares less for money, than
any one Of u.s.
well, she necdn' be so wonderful straight
laccd-but, girls, there comes General Lane.
Lot us get up our very pretticot smiles
A tall, noble form, in full regimentals-
chapcau, sash. epaulets, &c.-entcrcd the
room. He was handsome man OF fifty
dark eyed and olive skinned-tho beau Of the
house.
Though fifty years had passed over his
head. his lofty form was yet unbent, and his
heart as young as II was twenty years ago.
He was noble specimen Of manhood; and,
Notwithstanding his half century, not one
of the fair beauties around him would have
refused him her lily hand, for was he not
handsome and wealthy? And, although he
had seen many a bloody field, his deep voice
was almost gentle, and an almost womanly
tenderness brooded in his eyes. As he ap-
preached the ladies he said
'Good evening, fair danes. What ], the
news?'
General you have just missed rare dish
of scandal. Mrs. Leeds was done to turn.
am sorry you missed it,
NO need for sorrow, my dear young lady |;
as was setting out on the verandah, enjoy.
ing my cigar. heard 1t all. suppose |
should have moved, but I was too lazy, and
you were talking 90 loud did not suppose 1t
was secret
Clara Wilbur 'wilted' down considerably
for II was her custom to do tho soft and
gentle thing before the general.
What do you think Of Mrs. Leeds? said
gentle Maud Miller. .
well, Miss Maud, I think she is boauti-
full, graceful, and q perfect lady. II she
were widow tomorrow, would try to win
her.
As he finished speaking, two persons came
pacing slowly down the broad hall. The
woman was sligh. and graceful, with dark
hair and eyes. She wore robe Of black
velvet-her only ornaments being coral
brooch, cluping collar Of rich lace around
her white throat, and the coral comb that
confined her jctty curls. The gentleman was
tall and aristocrstic, with fair and blue eyes
being, doubtless, the identical man that
Jane had seen enter Mn. Leeds room the
night before. Whilst they watched the grace
fnl movements Of tho two the gong sounded
and the entire company passed into 'n' Va"
liantly lighted dinins-room. -a.-.5