Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-09-23
AN EVENING AT NOME.

aNut going to the ball !" said Mrs. Lind
lev, with q look and tone of surprise. " What
has come over the girl?"
"I don't know. but she says she's not
going"
doesn't her ball dress fit ?"
4" Yes, beautifully"
I. What is the natter. then 2"
"Indeed, ma, cannot tell. You had bet
ter 90 MP aud see her. 1t is the sstrangest
notion in the world. Why, you couldn't hire
me to stay at home"
Mrs. Lndley went up stairs, and entering
her daughters room, found her sitting on the
side of the bed. with beautiful ball dress in
her hand.
sit isn't possible, Helen, that you are not
going to this ball 2" she said.
Helen looked up with half.serious, half
smiling expression on her face. .
"l've been trying, for the last half hour," "
she replied, "to decide whether fought to 60
or stay at home. think, perhaps, ought
to remain at home"
"But what earthly reason can you have for
doing so? Don't You like your dress?"
80 yes! very much. / think it beautiful" :"
"Doesn't it fit you 2"
"As we'll as any dress l ever had"
Are you not well q
sVery WELL"
Then why not 60 to the ball? 1t will be
the largest and most fashionable of the season.
You know that your father and my self are
both going. We shall want TO see you there,
of course. Your father will require some
very good reason for your absence.
Helen looked perplexed at her mothers
last remark.
"Do you think father will be dspleascd il
| remain at home 2" she asked. --.s
81 think he will, unless you can satisfy him
that your reason for doing so is very good
one. Nor shall feel that you are doing
right. wish all my children to act under
the government of q s'und judgment. In
pulse, or reasons not to be spoken Of freely
10 their parents, should ia no case influence
their actions
II wish to stay at home for Edwards sake. y
"And why f1r his, my dear ?"
"He doesn't go to the ball, you know"
"Because he is too young, and too back
ward. You couldn't hire him to 60 there
| But that is no reason why you should remain
at holne. You would rcver partake of any
social amuscmont. we're this always to inhu'
ence you. Let him spend the evening in
reading. He must not expect Lis sisters tc
deny themselves all recreation in which he
cannot or will not participate"
"He does not. know he would not hear
to such thing as my staying at home on bis
account"
"Then why stny?a
"Because feel that ought to do So
This is tue way ] have felt all day whenever
have thought of going. If were to go,
know that | would not have moments en-.
joymcnt. He need noe know why remain
at home. 70 tell him that I did not wish tc
60 will satisfy his mind"
I" l shall not urge the matter, Helen," Mrs
Lndley said, after silence of some moments
You are old enough to judge in matter o
this kind for yourself. But, L must say,
think you rather foolish. You will not fint
Edward disposed to sacrifice so much for you
"Of that / do not think, mother. Of tia
I ought not TO think"
"Perhaps not Well, you may do as .yo,
like. But don't know what your father vii
say"
Mrs. Lindley then left the room.
Edward Lndley was at the critical age O
eighteen THAT period when many young men
: especially those who have been blessed Will
sisters, would have highly enjoyed ball
Bui Edward was shy, tmid and bashful il
company, and could hardly ever be induce,
: to 90 out to parties with his sisters Still
} he = was intelligent Tor bis years, aud compan
, ionab!e. His many good Qualities endeare'
him to his family, and drew forth from hi
sisters towards him very tender regard.
Among his male friends were several abou
his own are, members Of families with whom