Litchfield enquirer., 1863-11-05
Alisfellanp.
The DiamOnd Cr9sss
BY AMY RANDOLPH.

l BY AMY RANDOLPH.
 Are you ready, Lizzie ?
 Mrs. Montague came to the door of her fail young guests boudoir, as she spoke. In one moment, Alice. Take care, Jus tine you have placed that spray of rosebud' too low-that will do' aat -.".
 And Miss We're turned from the Psyche mirror mentally conscious that she was looking exceeding lovely. The sole ornament ahe wore was Q slender chain of elaborately wrought gold about her throat, from which was suspen dad asupesb diamond cross, sa brilliant that as it caught the flash of the lights around, il seemed in white fire against her neck.
 l wonder how many hearts will be led cap tive in your train tonight. And by the way Lizzie she added, let ,pe caution you against getting toe much interested in that young Eg erton. He's talented and handsome, know but then he hasn't cent i'll the worldn
 Miss We're bent oyer the tassels of her ivory fan, apparently intent on disentangling the silk en cord. But Mir. Montagues watchful eye perceived tie rosy flush upon her forehead
 As Lizzes imperial young foot crossed Mrs. Lises threshold, her eye took in oaly on face and form, in all that rustling crowd. Charles Egerton Was leaning against pillar. close beside the door.
 He was tall and strongly made, with one of those faces which express great strength of will. He was a man. and he knew it, even though young Lsningten at hs side was worth hundreds of thousands, and he possessed noth- ing. Conscious of innate power and genius. he vailed his stately brow to none. Wa, it marvellous that Miss We're should luve felt the hidden magic of his look and smile ?
 Al. the evening he was at her side.
 was just looking for you Lizzie, suid Mrs. Montague. Who would have thought of your hiding away in this secluded lit;l. music room: Crawford declares it is time to ga home. He's getting cross and unG!anagenhle !
 Oh, meant t9 tell you, Alice,' said Lizzie. carelessly twisting ker glove, it is such beau tiful moonlight night. that Mr. Eg-rton and I have decided to walk home. Don't wait for us.'
 Mrs. Maatagae looked sharply from one to the other, hut there was no alternative hut to consent. So she s,p led grac ousIv. declared she had outlived the apc of moonlight and TO- nance, enj"ined Lizzie pot to be tate. and trip ped away. feeling extremely uneasy.
 She hnd scarcely exchanged her ball dress of ruby velvet for light cashmese dressing robe, and put away the eleaminy crals in their casksts. kowever. before the do.r bell sounded and Lizzic's light step caught her car. She ran down to the drawingr room to meet her young guest.
 Lizzie what is the matter 9
 For Lizzie had thrown herself snbLing on the sofa. her face buried in the cushions, and her hands claspcd like one in dire mental aganY.
 At Mrs Montague's question she sat up put aside the heavy braids of ir that hadsescaped from their fastening, and answered, pale and quiet
 Charles Eger,on has asked me to marry him.
 And what answer did you make, love ?
 What could say ! eiaculated the girl wild ly. knew that you would none of you listen to my marrying any but wealthy suitor God help me !! knew i, when first began to tri fe with that loyal heart. told him it never could be---but oh! Alice! if had never Seen him !
 My dearest, you have acted wisely said Mrs. Montague. bending down to smooth back the falling masses of hair. Forget this bit of girlish folly--hegln life again ?
 But cannut forgot it, she sohhed. Alice, love him
 Impossible, Lisxie-a mere fancy
 suppose l shall some day marry rich man., she went on with stony wde-open eyes. all fearless now, and hands that played idly with her fading boqee., but shall Isver loo: again.
 She sank once more among the velvet oush- ions in shuddering silence.
 Meanwhile Charles Egerton walked slowly back from the house which was Miss Vere's temporary hane, with the feeling of one who has receiveda great and sudden blow-au overpowering shock. He had been completely and utterly mistaken, then, from the beginning of their acquaintance. Lizzie had never loved him-never cared for him more than the rest of her gay young spitors,
 It was curious how his eye and mind noted the trivial external things that surrounded b i'm as he walked mechanically along-she very curb stones so sharply defined in the brilliant moonlight-the strange. weird shadows on the ground. Even while his heart was breaking he saw all these things.
 What was it that sparkled and glittsred 80 ii yonder door-atep3
 He paused, involqntarily ily-it was Miss vere' diamond cross.
 With bitter smile he took the costly trin ket up-a smile to think how he had seen i sparkle on her pearl white neck, all the even