The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1867-08-15

pure EWOmanly neaTL, nlOQenT unueF ueF
gay manner, he sighed to think how
great was the treasure he Coveted
Sometimes he wished poverty would
come to his employer. that he might
gather his treasure close to his heart,
shield her from every sorrow, and prove
in adversely his great love. Under the
grave reserve &C his manner, none sus.
pected this burning passion. None ?
Madge did!
1t was the evening of the ball. Mer
rier laughter was never heard, brighter
bushes never seen than these in Mr..
Cartons parlor oa the evening Of the
leap year ball. A gay group of young
people had collected near the hostess,
who was the brightest revelers there
Lawrence watched her from his corner,
where he stood toying with some orna-
ment upon the mantle piece Harry
was, as usual in such scenes, close be-
side her.
Miss Carlton" said Mr.. Harding,
one Of the group around Madge, s'there
is one condition in your invitation not
complied with" -
Indeed Rebellion in this camp
must be put down! What is it -
ssThe ladies do not make love to u.s.
"No, they do not!'' echoed several
of the gentlemen.
"Shocking. Do they want an exam
pie? Mr.. Harding. will you take my
arm for promenade
&c Mr.. Harding looked down from his
x-foot hight to the tiny little witch be-
side him, and then offered her his arm.
"No-take mine! Mr.. Harding =
"a sigh,
ssNiss Carlton are you ill p
"No!' another sigh mot i'll when
you smile upon me-
Everybody laughed at Madge's pre-
tended love making.
Ladies' " said Madge, s'take your
partners for the fest quadrille.
There was plenty OF blushing and
some pouting, as one or two of the
most fascinating beaux pleaded prior
engagements on a third or fourth invi
tation from some fair ones. Who would
Madge choose? Harry of course! -
Lawrence was Watching her little figure
fitting from guest to guest, finding pla-
ces for dancers, and with merry grace
putting bashful folks at ease, introduc-
ing couples, prompting tinid girls, car
rying smiles everywhere, leaving a
streak of sunshine wherever she went.
She stood before him The smile died
out, and she blushed crimson
Mr.. Hayes, shall have the pleas
ure of dancing the first quadrille with
you?' 5asss
Lawrence bowed, offered his arm, and
lead her to place. He thought:
"This is her duty dance. She knows
I am grave, and would not win the adj
of the gay beauties here, so
her kind heart prompts her to dance
once with me-" aa
Harry was Madge's next partner.
then Lawrence again; then again three
times, but others came between, and
Lawrence sighed as he noticed how gay
md chatty she was with others, how
quiet and reserved with him.
The evening passed on; it was quite
ate, and part of the guests had taken
heir departure Some, however, yet
fingered, dancing in the large parlor.
In q little library on the same floor as
,he ball room, Lawrence was sitting all
alone, when a fairy-like figure appeared
before him.
Truant," said Madge, "what are
1ou doing here? $50
Have you missed me?' There was |
deep thrill in Lis heart. tremor in his I
roice
"Oh !" said Madge, gaily, ''you
wish to remind me of my omission. I
ave danced with you, handed you ices,
ent you bouquet, but have not made
owe to you. Shall begin y
There was deep silence. The merry
rords she had used to many OF her guests I
allied her now. Her eyes were fixed up |
n him sorrowfuly, lovingly. She softly !
rept up close to him, saying in low /
one: 4.
Lawrence
He started back. r h aea
4" No, no! do not trifie with me do I
OF make a jest of my lovet My love.
)h, Madge, do not tempt me To-
! strong man was Lawrence, but a great,
hooking sob interrupted him. go
Madge's low, soft voice stole in on
is heart. f4
ssDo you love me, Lawrence ?''
''Love you. Madge! Madge have