The Iowa transcript. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1858-1866, 1866-05-23
UNDER A SHADOW
OR,
How Dark Eyes Didn't Win.


How Dark Eyes Didn't win.
Mrs. Kole Oyrs party had progressed on
ward to its eliminating point, which was
supper. When the splcndor Of this was
somewhat on the wane, curious circum-
stance occurred, causing a novel sensation
amid the brilliant atoms forming the lumi-
nous ring about the main center of attrac-
ton, the table. It was whispered about
that Miss Marshall had taken too much
wine-,hat she was, in fact, tipsy. II any
one Of the twenty young gentlemen stand
ing about with champagne-glassee in their
hands, had been observed in state of semi
intoxication, IL would have excited little at
tention. People in Mrs. Kole Oyl's set were
accustomed excuse the frail.ies of the
scarcer sex il il would only furnish the
requisite amount of whisker and silk waist
COAT, and partners for the Lsncers, little
softeniDg Of the brain and little indiscre-
tion in the use Of stimulants could be very
graciously overlooked. 1t was not q thing
entirely unknown for the cheeks and eyes,
II not the manners, of some of the dashing
married bellies, to betray flush which the
heat OF the rooms would not account for
there are always ili-regulated meteors aud
comets in the most heavenly best society
but, it was something new for young lady
to be guilty Of actual intoxica,ion at party.
Aud of all things. that it should be Miss
Marshall that she who never even polksed,
nor wore decoliete dresses; who was almost
Is much wondered at for high moral cour-
age, aud for seeming to have some purpose
besides pleasure, as she was admired for
her beauty. The first feeling. ~ the whisper
went round. was tne Of profound astonish
n:sI> 49, krA a
her, was that of mirth and triumph Indeed,
those who were the most panied by the sight
could not he inseusible 10 its righteousness
Mis- Marshall bad left of the heroic, and
was playing high comedy All those ia her
vicinity, who could hear what she said or see
what che did. were convulsed with laughter.
It WAS as good as if Mrs. Kole Olyl had ad-
ded thea,ricals to her entertainment She
had taken a hollow pyramid of macaroons,
decorated with spun sugar which streamed
abroad like golden hair. from the table,
placed il jauntily on her head, and, crowned
with this fool soap. and with wine glass
for scepter, mounted chair, where she
"Ptayed such fant etic tricks befo, high heaven
As made the angels weep"
OF CO.. rse, nothing naughty which would
not have been tolerated. She always had a
reputation for wit. aud had sped, rarely, a
shaft Of eatire, when the folly or sin which
drew her aim was too annoying to be
allowed to remain unmolested. Now, this
gift Of satire suddenly developed into .
CULVER full Of the most singing arrows,
which she shot at this and that of her
friends with the most pitiless skin.
Peoples faults and peculiarities, which
their acquaintances had only discussed be-
hind their backs, were the subjects of her
ridicule. She even descended to mimicry,
50 perfect and so droll, that. while the VIC
Tins were cnraged, all the rest OF the throng
could mot help being vastly amused Some
minds were divided between wish to steal
away, lest their own failings should be the
next under consideration, and q wish to
remain and enjoy the discontinue of their
neighbors.
Miss Wilkes. rich old maid, whose ut
GRANGE was slightly affected by new set
Of artificial teeth, retired, in high dudgcon,
to the dressing room. Mrs. Squashington,
who talked bad grammar, and wore red
velvet, was MORALLY offended. Mr.. Diddier
went to take sly look in mirror to see ii
he really had such . fascinating smirk
The personalities were of the most unfof-
Rivable character, but uttered with such
inimitable epirit, as ii in the very reckless
ness Of fun, and with such girlish archness,
that the laughter continued undated. One
might have persuaded himself that it was
only mirth gone mad-only wild excess of
youthful levity-were IL not for an occa-
sional thickness Of utterance, or incongru-
GUS Stiffness, with now and then that stupid
droop Of the eye betokening intoxication.
Yes, Miss Marshall was deeply under the
influence Of wine!
ITO behave in such . manner, and in my
housc!" said Mrs. Kole Oyl. "But then.
you know, Mr.. Thornton. 1t won't hurt me. :"
"Of course not" said MIR. Thornton, who
was leaning against the easement Of win
dow and gazing 6xedly at the remarkable
display which had disturbed the smooth
sweep Of the current Of commonplace. His
reply was satisfactory, and his hostess did
not observe the pallor of his face. She had
no idea that the young gentleman to whom
she had expressed herself, was engaged TO
the young lady who was thus disgracing
herself and friends. OF all her guests there
had been mono whom the hostess was more
anxious to secure than Nj. Thornton; he
Was rather unattainable, and enough dis
tinguished BY fortune and family to make
his presence In her parlors something Of a
triumph. In her heart Mrs. Kole Oyl did
not care who was tempted into excess BY
the profueion Of her table; that part Of her
entertainments she made it feature to have
seductive, in lieu Of her power Of excelling
Ii any other loftier sphere; but, she did not
wish 10 have Mr.. Thorntons good taste Of
Tended.
That gentleman remained pale and quiet.
gazing at the strange exhibition. He was
o proud % Lucifer, and his pride had been
the 6rst means in fixing his affections upon
Miss Marshall. She was 80 beautiful and
yet 90 reserved. highly accomplished yet
averse to display, 90 digni6. for SO young
8 girl, that bis 6rst admiration led to rever-
snoe, and then to love. A young lady who
never allowed men to put their arms around
her waist in the waits, and who dared, in
the face Of fashion, to vail the exquisite
beauty OF her shoulders and arms-reticent
Of her Wit and charms, yet precisely grace
full and self possessed, WAS the maiden Of
oil whom it would suit him to WOO for his
wife.
He had wooed her, and won her promise,
not = fortnight since. The head which
never had stopped to any other shoulder.
had stopped to his; the hand which had
never fingered In any Others had fingered
IL his. His love had exulted, gloried in The
thought Of the goodness and sacrsdnsss d
h object.