The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-04-26
THE MIsTLETOE BOUGH

w udb u OuuCH VI HllSUleLOc
Do you not think it is the finest you have
seen this Christmas, mamma 2" exclaimed
ELISE Efhngham, as she turned over
heap of evergreens which the gardener
had brought in for the purpose of deco
rating the dining room, which, in the
evening, was to be the scene of ball, to
which all the young people in the neigh
borhood were invited to celebrate Ellise's
nineteenth birthday, and the eve of a new
year. a
/" 1t is certainly handsome piece, my
DEAR" replied Mrs. bingham. Where
did John get it, l wonder p
| g don't care a straw where it came
FROM" replied ELISE; 'sbut now I have
| it, am determined it shall make some
fun" And SO saying, she laughingly
held it over her sisters head, and kissed
her.
"Ah, Elise" said the younger girl,
with mischievous look, e what will Mr..
Manley say to a mistletoe bough? I am
afraid he will be too shocked to stay in
the ROOM
A flush spread itself over Ellise's
cheek, and she turned angrily away.
Chow foolishly you talk, Emily !"
said Elise. One would think Mr..
Manley could not enjoy laugh as well
as any one else"
"Anyhow," interrupted Mrs. Efing-
ham. g strictly forbid its being placed
in this room. 1t is only suited to the
servants hall. The rude romps and
jokes it gives rise to are qnite unfit for
young ladies'" @
But, mamma, may not have it put
over the supper table?' pleaded ELISE.
. 1t cannot do any harm there, and may
lead to some fun"
Mrs. bingham had no objection to
such an arrangement, and accordingly the
branch of mietletee was suspended just
over the middle of the we'll filled supper
table.
The Efinghams were people of some
importance in their neighborhood, MIR.
EfiDgham being man of wealth, and d
partner in highly respected firm of So
licitors. They had only two children,
ELISE and Emily, the latter of whom was
just fourteen years of age.
| Mr. Manley was an articled clerk in
| Mr.. Efhngham's Office, and as he wrs
well connected, and of most unexcep-
tionable character, he had been pretty
constant visitor to Efingh ham lodge. He
was very handsome, and quiet in his man
ners indeed, many thought he was toe
sedate. He never hirted with any of the
numerous young ladies who beset him
with attentions, and had seemed almost
Indifferent to Elise herself, the prettiest
and the richest girl in the neighborhood
There were very few who could &C
away heart-whole after coming in con
tact with the fascinating Miss Efingham
and she had done her utmost to be agree
able to Louis Manley; but up to th'
present evening he had paid her none bu
the most commonplace attentions.
| The dining-room, being the larges
room in the house, was set apart TO
dancing exclusively. An adjoining apart
meut was to be used as a promenade ant
retreat for those who were tired or pre-
ferred sitting. Blise was delighted wit
the arrangement, and had scarcely finish
ed the decorations in time to make be
toilette. e
She was standing before the glass de
batting what ornament she should wear i
her hair, when the door opened. and EN-
lily entered, carrying fine white camel
liza, set off to the best advantage by tw
or three of those glossy green leave
which so much enhance the beauty of tn
plant.
"Oh, Emily" exclaimed ELISE, " tn;
is the very thing wanted, but John ha
only scarlet ones in the greenhouse an
l could not use any of them with tn
pink silk. 1t never occurred to me th'
he might get one elsewhere. He has b.
come unusually thoughtful, has he not
Emily made no reply, but SCENE
much amused as she handed the flower
her sister. A flush more rosy than tt
hue of her dress spread itself over b
face and neck as she read on the slip
paper twined about the camellia, Il
words" With l.. Ms compliments al
e congratulations
"What do you think of that for yo
quiet, matter -of-fact Mr.. Manley ?" sa
Emily, bursting into merry laugh. 9
did not think he had SO much sentime
in him.
"My dear child how very foolish y
are getting!" said ELISE; " do be sen
BILE and tell me who gave this to you"
g shall keep you waiting long tin
Mistress ELISE, although it is your birt
day, if you speak to me in that way"
turned Emily. g You are dying to kn
all the particulars-now, are you not
Do confess You will not? All We
is l will not be too cruel" laughed I
u saucy child; "you shall hear all l kne
cd The redoubtable Mr.. MaHley was star
w. ing in the conservatory when JohE v
locking for a white camellia, and WI
ge not finding one,. Mr.. Manley said, I
A Miss bingham viii get one for her
,m possible,' and suppose he has found
it possible, as here it is. Let me put it
h your hair for yeu."
or The flower was fastened in Ellise's 8
ast dark hair, and if the glass received
see rather satisfied glance from the you
he lady we need not be surprised, for it c
IN tainly reflected a very fair image.
nd Emily ran off when she had accc
mo plished her task, and ELISE stood fo
yer few moments at the toilet table, her he
ng beating high with pleasure and antici
'eo tion. She cared not who thought