Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1865-11-07

I
| 1 propose Ella Jones will favor us will
one, no matter what it is about, whether
ghosts, fairies, hobgoblins, OF sensible people
like myself for instance" said Minnie.
| The girls smiled good humcredly and drew
their chairs closer as Elias sweet voice said
"Girls, what. do you say if I tell you about
my first ball ?"
"Oh, yes, yes, Ella, do p cried all.
And merry, roguish Ella, assuming an all
of mock gravity, told the following:
"Well, girls, about two years ago, it was
decided that my worthy self should be pres.
eht at grand ball, in honor of some great
event q declare I forget what it was.) AS
matter of course was highly delighted,
and eagerly looked forward to that eventful
| night. Oh, dear, what time there was pre-
pairing me- One would decide I looked
charmingly in pink-another declared it
would make me look like perfect fright,
and proposed blue -whereupon my sister
vowed she would not accompany me if I wore
color which would be such shocking taste
on person Of my complexion. At last, ma
ma settled the dispute by determining |
should wear white. Well, the night of the
ball came, and I, arrayed in all my 6nery,
was not little fattered to hear that looked
beautiful !; and often would take sly peep
| in the mirror to arrange my curls and admire
myself in my pretty costume-as if | was ta-
king lasting survey and practicing the
graces thought necessary a merry
laugh startled me, and heard my brother
calling for Aunt Mary to come and see me.
81 declare, sis, as I, mortified and hum
bled, sought to retreat as quickly as possible,
"you look fine; and: if you only succeed in
displaying your charms and graces as well at
the ball as you have done before the mirror,
you will create sensation!
Il don't want to create sensation, or
even 60 to the ball, said I, peevishly. ooh !!
dear, what will | do ?-you will be forever
making fun of me % and commenced to cry
bitterly.
"Pooh sis, nonsense; you are not sure
ly offended at my thoughtless words? Why,
gave you credit for more good sense
Come, now" be said, smoothing my hair and
arranging my dlsordered dress, "dry your
eyes and let us be off, for the carriage is at
the door,"
"Ncver was poor mortal so dazzled as
|
held the founces and feathers, flowers and
laces, bright flashing eyes and bewitching
ringlets, beauteous madens and stately la
dies fitting and flirting with the elegant gen.
tlcmcn whose brilliant wit was enough to daz-
gle wiser heads than mine-aU contributing
to render perfect the fairy-like magni6ceuce
Of the scene.
"Oh !! if you had only seen one Of my
partners-full six feet tall and slender his
head was covered with profusion of short
curls- altogether, he reminded me of cocoa
nut tree which is very high, while its
branches and leaves are all on top. How
ever, he danced well, and that was all [ cared
for.
''There was one lady among the throng
who engaged my particular attention, and
| who, in my opilion, was the belle of the ball.
She was charming looking creature her
selfwilcd little ringlets had most bewitch-
ing way of falling gracefully over her pol
ishcd brow, and, when she smiled and dis
played her pearly teeth, she was irresistible.
'Everything went on finely for some time,
when, by an unlucky accident, gentleman
tripped on my dress. and tore it most unmer-
|
it mended. : was not long engaged in this
occupation, when heard voices in the ad-
joining room. Situated as was, it was i'm
possible for me not to hear what was said.
"How could you be SO careless, Hannah,
as to arrange my dress in such manner p
Surely, you mus; have foreseen it would be
disarranged. Really, it is too bad to think
that because of your carelessness my ring
lets were near falling in the ball room !'
"Rinelets fllling." thought | Gracious
What does the woman mean p but before
had time to consider, the voice continued
sWhat would have done if such thing
had happened? l would be the laugh of the
city 4; aud all because you did not perform
| your work right. If ever such thing hap
pens again, you will be instantly dismissed
from my service. Come, arrange my curls
carefully, and put a little rouge on my cheeks
the fright has taken all my color, unles:
what little put on previous to leaving home
And, while am here, it would be well tt
fix my teeth, they feel loose
"Gracious ! what beauty you must be "
said /, scarcely able to restrain my mirth.
'sThe door of her room opened, and sht
returned to the bail. In few moments I
heard some person saying, in an angry tone
'She'll dismiss me, will she =? Ha she
knows too well know her deceit and hypoc
risy, and she finds it her interest to be very
civil to me. How nice it would sound ii
the ears of her numerous admirers that Miss
l., the beauty, the belle, wears false
teeth and cufls; paints and powders has al
artificial eye, and worst Of all, only pre-
tended right to the wealth she is supposed t.
possess Yes, just let her send me away, i
she dares, and she will suffer the consequent
ces. l know my power, and mean to use it. ,
"Ha, ha, my fair dame of the artificial
charms" thought l, ''yours is not an envia
BILE situation-in servants power, who may
speak of you when she thinks fit. Better b.
satisfied with the features God gave you, thar
be in perpetual fear of being found deckec
in borrowed plumes."
GAS was returning to the ball room,
saw the beautys waiting maid, whose solil
oquy | had just listened to-.
"Nirth and music Whiled away the feet