The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1866-06-09
MARRIED FLIRTATIONS.

vi lJIIt iO-''Os
TIE last dying cadences of a deli
cious dreamy waltz, across whose weird
notes the soul of BeethovA had poured
out its magic sadness, were floating over
the crowd that filled the ballroom of the
fashionable Washington hotel; there
was the stir and murmur of separating
couples, and the Unsurpassed yawn of
weary " wall flowers" that followed in
the wake of every brilliant waltz. Kate
Elwyn stood in the recess of the Win
dow, playing carelessly with the faded
icssamincs and tuberoSes of her bOquet,
while her lovely blue eyes wandered
from one place to another, evidently in
quest of some familiar countenancc,
which they could not discover.
There were few more beautiful faces
than her own, even in that festive crowd
where half of the bellies of the Union
had brought their diamonds and bright
eyes to dazzle the grave politicians and
lawmakers of the land. Rather be-
meath the medium size, with the fragile
delicacy of fairy, her complexion had
the transparent waXen bloom that you
look for only in children, while her
heavy bands of golden hair lay over her
somewhat low forehead in ripping
waves of amber. Very dark blue eyes,
translucent rs sapphire of the first
water, and little crimson mouth,
carved like Cupid's bow, gave addition
al piquancy to her face; and altogether
she was as perfect a specimen of the radi-
ant Blonde as one sees out of picture
gallery ora novel.
Suddenly her cheeks blOssomed into
roses, her whole countenance brighten
ed, as q tall and rather elegant-looking
gentleman languidly sauntered toward
her.
"Charley, l thought surely you never
were comingw
"T've only been down to the supper
room for a few moments, my dear; Pm
sorry you have missed me-. Anything
L can do for you just now?"
"Yes-do get my fan and shawl, and
well go up stairs. It's after one O'Clock
and Pm completely tired out"
"Couldn't, my DEAR" said Mr.. Elwyn
breaking a moss-rosc from his wife'5 bo'
quet, and fastening it jauntily into hi
coat; "I'm engaged for three waltzes
and auadrille. Miss Raymond woult
never forgive me am afraid for desert
ing her."
Katc's lips curled haughtily, and ;
deeper shade of crimson stole into hcl
cheek.
"Jealous, ell ." laughed her husband
patting her bright hair lightly. "Now
Kate, that's q little too silly in you
Don't you know that at a place like thi
man is expected to make himself gen
orally agreeable to the ladies? Pray, m
dear, don't become 50 absurd and ridi
culous as to--n
"Ard so," interrupted Mrs. Elwyn
bitterly, "your wife's wishes and con
yeniences are secondary to Miss Ray
mond's will"
"The grcen-eycd monster has certain
ly invaded your peace and love! sal
Mr.. Elwyn. Upon my word, | have a
ways given you credit for little MOI
common sense.
Charles" said Kate quietly, an
without needing the careless sarcasm
his tone, 81 am weary of this round
senseless gayety; am sick of the t
multi and vanities of Washington. WI
YOU take me home?"
"Why, Kate! after all your anXiet
to pass Winter in this great centre
social and political life! You have bee
teasing me ever since we were ma
ried, to indulge you with season
Washington"
81 know it, Charles" she meekly a
swered, trying to suppress the tears tn
were filling her eyes; "but | have
last learned the folly of seeking re
pleasure anywhere but in the precinC
of ones home. My taste for gayety
satisfied, and you can't imagine no
homcsick l feel how anxious | am
see the dear little ones again! VIII
will you take me back home, Charles
"NeXt week, perhaps, my love
the week after, if you positively ins
upon it,"
"Oh, Charles, why not go to-m'
row?'
Impossible, Kate. am positive
engaged for every day this week,