The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1864-01-27

| 1IiANh . hdHu was ny Gult yOuGI
in an irreproachable toilet, and she wa
soon whirling in the giddy throng. l ha,
been seated quietly enjoying myself look
ing on, for some time, when 1 observed
gentleman whose eyes had been steadiI,
liked on me, but who Immediately with
drew them as they encountered mine
He was surrounded by knot o
young men and one or two selder-
ly ladies, and they seemed atttentivel,
criticising the bellies Of the evening.
turned to speak to a friend, when hear,
the voice of Mrs. Saxto our hostess, ad
dressing me with Miss Mary, esuyI in
troduce to you my particular friend, Mr.
Sutherland p l bowed, and uttered th
usual assent, and Immediately afterward
Mrs. Saxton approached, accompanied b,
,he gentleman l had observed before
"Miss May field, let me introduce Mr.
Sunderland" and She vanished in th
throng, leaving the gentleman standin.
before me.
MAY [ have the pleasure of dancins
this Lanciers with you, Miss Mayfeld p
said the gentleman.
L bowed and accepted we'll pleased, ant
as the music struck up, at this moment VIZ
took our places. "Quite brilliant even
ing, said my partner everybody seem:
to be here; do you not find it very agree
able, Miss Mayfcld?"
Yes, indeed, [ replied, ''more agree
able than l usually find these Assem-.
blages."
Then yen are not partial to them,
infer ~ said Mr. Sunderland.
NO, L very much prefer quiet, my
tastes and my health are both at variance
with these amusements; but, to please my
father, go out. He is not pleased if 1
NOPE at home, as he calls it,"
We'll, agree with you in not liking
balls as general thing," said my part
ner; land | admire your taste far more
than that Of the frivolous bellies OF the
season. Do you know, Miss Mayfeld,
L have heard great deal about you from
a warm friend OF yours, and-may l con
fess It?-lt was III the hope Of being pre-
sented to you that l came here tonight. +"
Indeed, | replied, not knowing what
to say, as the quick color mounted to my
cheek. All, reader, Was so unaceustom.
ed to compliments
The Dance concluded, but my partner
led me to my seat, and at this moment
Lucy passed US, on the arm of one Of her
ardent admirers-a young captain.
.Who is that lovely girl?' eagerly in
qulred my partner.
She is my half sister-Miss Lucy
Seymour" [ replied.
Can you not introduce me?' he asked,
quite eagerly; and, as Lucy came towards
Inc at this moment, | performed the re-
quired ceremony. He engaged her for
the next dance, and they soon took their
places. How lovely Lucy looked that
night Her golden hair hung in soft
curls about her face, the flowing cloud
of white tarletane of which her dress was
composed, half envelcped her slight fig
ure, while her eyes were lit up with
excitement, and the flush Of pleasure
was on her cheek. And Mr. Sunder-
land-l confessed to myself that | had
never seen handsomer man-and, as
they stood side by side, l could not
help thinking what charming pair
they would make. Bat [ must not lin
ger any longer over this evening. for
have yet tale to tell. Contrary to ray
Mr.. Sunderland again re-
quested ME to dance, took me down to
supper, and finally conducted me to the
carriage, and before closing the door,
requested permission to call upon US
the following day. My mothef cheer
fully assented, and he bowed and with
drew
On reaching home, retired immedi-
ately; but tatigued as [ was, it was long
before my eyes closed, and when they did,
the image of Mr.. Sunderland still reign
cd in my dreams. The next day he
called, but his visit was shor:, and Lucy
kept him engaged in an almost exclu-
sive conversation. Day after day it was
very much the same, yet I at tunes
imagined his eyes rested on me, with
an expression | dared not interpret,
though l treasured it up in my heart.
Soon my mother gave triumphan: glance $
at Lucy when Mr.. Sutherland made his
appearance, aud even my father began
to rally her upon her conquest And,
must | confess it.all this made me very
unhappy, day after day my manner be-
came. more cold. and more distant to Mr.
an& heavier and hea, icr
grew my heart.
Dear Miss Mary" one day inquired
my faithful Jane, ''dear Miss Mary, what
is the matter? You are as pale as a
ghost; you are not yourself; you must be
sick. Indeed, and forgive NE, Miss, but
you ought to see old DR.. Maxwell. You
ought, indeed, and its sad and worried l
am this minute about you %
Such EXPLANATIONS greeted my cars al
most daily as Jane helped me to dress,
and even my father inquired anxiously if
| were well, and where my appetite had
flown.
''She mnst have change of air " he said
one day to my mother, who coolly re-
pied =
Really, Mr.. Mayfeld; you are entire
ly too anxious about Mary; there is moth
ing the matter, and she had better at any
rate, stay at homo until after the we'd
ding
''But when is that to be?' asked my
father HAS he proposed yet? He has
not asked my consent; they are not even
engaged" !"
~ I