The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1864-01-27
-A4 PARTX,
AND WHAT CAME OF 1T.
BY MARA MAYFIELD.

gone to her room long ago; but what ar
you are going to wear, may ask ?' add
ed she, in u curious tone.
81 don't know; my blue silk, guess,
replied dreamily, hardly realizing wha
said.
"Well, [ must say you seem very in
different on the subject" she rejoined il
a somewhat ironical tone, more indiffer
ent than young ladies of twenty five usu
ally are However, it is all the same t,
me; only goand dress now, for I have nj
notion Of being kept waiting" So say
ing, she left the room
[ rose wearily from my seat and wen
to my room. Such words were famllia
to my ears, so they produced nothing bu
dull aching pair at my heart, far differ
ent from the keen agony they would for
merly have inflicted, Tor my disposition
was very sensitive, and unkind word
caused me sometimes real agony. l felt
however, no remorse, for | knew that
had honestly eudeayored to do my duty
to my srep-mother. When my father
had brought her home, FIVE years before
it had been bitter grief to NE, but l fell
that it Was my duty to submit with pa
tlence and apparent chccrlulness to what
contributed to make him happy, and l
had, therefore, although with Il burstir Q
heart, welcomed to our home, with all
the chcerfuluess coxld, my step mother,
and the beautiful, but naughty daughter
VINO accompanied her 70 this daughter
she was devoted; everything that Lucy
wished must be done; 'eyerything that
Lucy desired must be procured. This in
dulgence naturally made naughty I'M
per,ous temper more naughty and impe-
rious still, and it was often with sigh
;hat | contemplated a face SO perfect, YET
with all its sweetness marreI my pride
and selt-will. Between G;y sister and
myself there was no sympathy; she was
mud o. society, sayety, anu dress. was
fond Of quiet, OF my books and work.
Truey / was not calculated to shine III
the brilliant assemblages OF the young
aud tie gay; the face which was reflected
in the mirror before me was pale and qui-
ct, only unwonted pleasure lit up my dark,
hazel eyes, and sent flush 70 my unusu-
ally pale cheek; my figure was slight and
we'll proportional, buC net remarkable in
any way. Just as | had finished dress
ing, aud was tnrning away with u half
sigh from the mirror, for | thought that
there WAS 40 one now as there once was,
when my own dear mother was alive, TO
take any interest III me, to care wheth-
er looked we'll or i'll, knock came at
the door, and on my saying ''Come in, >"
Jane, my old and faithful nurse enter
ed.
'Shure, Miss Mary dear, its sorry that
| am that could not come 10 you before,
but The mistress and Miss Lucy kept HE
busy until Eow; but can do nothing for
you, Miss"
"Nothing. thank you, Jane" l replied
81 knew that You would have come be =.
fore if you could, for [ believe you love
me aud want to please me-
indeed, and how could help loving
you. when / took you little child and
will never leave you. 1ndeed, Miss, and
it's only love for yourself that keeps
me here, since your dear good mother
died. But it's really Il shame on me for
bringing tears to your eyes, and you
going to party. Let me get your
shawl and hood, but first let me look at
you;" and after she had regarded me
silently for Il few moments, she said ::
"lndeed, Miss, an you look real nice with
your hair braided 50 handsome, and that
blue dress is certainly becoming. hope
you will have u pasant time, Miss Mary, -
added she respectfully and atfectionate-
ly as she wrapped me ia my shawl aud
hood and lighted me down stairs.
l found nay mother and sister in the
parlor, adjusting their drapcry before the
glass. AS l entered both looked up and
scrutanized me attentiyely. Veil, Mary,
considering all things, you'll Ii do, p was Lu-
cy's remarks as approached her.
Mary, said my mother, Il do hope
you will make yoGrseifagreeable Tonight
and not cause people to remark on your
worn and tired looks. l DO not fancy your
father telling me again that | ought to
have more regard for your health than
to keep you up SO very late because
your sister is enjoying herself
L was about to reply, when servant
announced the carriage. We drove off
rapidly, and seon arrived at our destina-
ton. The house was one blaze Of ight,
and the crash of the band showed as
children say, that the party had begun.
The dressing room was full of ladies,
and amongst them l soon recognized my
friend, Ellen Claymore.
"Good-evening, Mary DEAR" said she.
II am SO glad we have both come at the
same slime, for we can go down together.
But oh, l have something to tell you, u
whispered she, "only think, heard our
hostess say yesterday that she expected
the great Mr.. Sunderland tonight y
'Who is Mr.. Sunderland, may ask ?'
inquired l.
"Why. don't you know the great beau
ths pdrti OF the season! rich as Cresus
] accomplished, fascinating Why, all the
girls are crazy about him, and l tell you
Mary, | am going to set my cap for hin
in earnest. But come, Miss Mary, the
field is ready, let us 90 down. How love
Ely Lucy looks she'll Have the best
chauce of dh,'s laughed the merry girl Il.
We descended.