The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-10-17

stAh!' cried the stranger, and his
cold features lit up into sudden
interest. ''Then perhaps you know
the Beauclercs?"
Every we'll; indeed, they are old
friends of mine"
And Miss Beauclerc, you know
her?'
Certainly"
II hear she is very handsome
eyes; do you know her?''
''No, [ have merely heard OF her;
but [ expect to meet her in Washing
ton this winter. She is the oldest
daughter, is she not?'
ssYes."
"And is Senator Beauclerc a man
of wealth?"
Yes; that is, he has very fine
estate.
''Miss Sally is the daughter of the
the first marriage, is she not?'
Eyes, and a noble girl. Why she
is worth half a million in herself
alone" exclaimed the North Caro-
linian, enthusiastically.
His companion started little Mt
the word, but changed the conver-
sation to other subjects, and before
very long the two gentlemen parted
for the night, still in ignorance of
each others names. They did not
meet again, but in the morning ex-
changed merely distant bow as they
left the boat i'll opposite directions,
The week passed on, and Sally
Beauclerc was established with her
parents at Wizards Hotel, in Wash
ington. AS Middleton had predict
ed, her beauty and talents drew
around her circle of admirers,
and before long she was established
as one of the reigning bellies of
! Washington
This admiration and adulation
which she received Sally found more
Intoxicating and delightful than she
had imagined. It was very pleasant
to be the beauty of every ball room,
and to be constantly surrounded by
q circle of adorers. The idea of re-
turning to the humdrum life of home
was not always pleasant to her, and
she sometimes felt half inclined to
accept some Of the brilliant offers
that were made to her. She had been
a good deal put ont, too, with Tom,
for not speaking before she came
away. Sometimes she was half in
cllned to doubt his love for her, and
although his earnest eyes haunted
her with their wistful look Of affec-
ton, she had more than one serious
thought of trying to Danish his re-
membrance, and marry, rs so many
others around her did, for money
rather than love-
Most prominent among her sworn
admirers was Mr.. Charlton Murray,
of New York. Handsome, distin-
guished looking, and reputed to be
of great wealth, he seemed to be
match not to be despised. Since the
moment of his first introduction to
Sally he had devoted himself to her
most persistently. Every day u
boquet of fresh flowers came to her
room, with his compliments; every
morning he hung over her chair;
every evening he was ready to attend
her at balls and receptions
Sally, TO tell the truth, was very
well pleased with his admiration-he
understood so we'll how to play the
agreeable, he was so handsome and
thoroughbred! He had already made
his proposal in form, and Sally was
listening to his earnest pleading, as
they sat half hidden from observa-
ton in one of the deep windows of
the hotel parlor
''Pray, Miss Sally, think favorably
of my suit. My hopes of happiness,
my future life, depends on your
reply"
The words were earnest, the tone
impassioned. Sally's cheeks burned
as she hesitated for reply. 81 have
known You for Il short time" she
faltered
"What is that? You have known
me for five weeks, and during that
time have seen me more frequently
than yoN would, under different cir
cumstances, in a whole year have
known you long enough to love you
madly, distractedly love you And
you have known me long enough to
bid me at least hope" She did not
reply, and he bent towards her, tax
ing her hand in his eagerness.
"Sally, my dearest Sally"
His words and actions recalled her
to her position, and she drew back.
"You forget where you are, Mr..
Murray" At that moment she
caught sight of gentleman who was
talking with her father. "There is
oO old frian1 of yoioo r ,,,,,c4 no