The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1869-07-16

young!
TO be sure, said Mildred but she looked
a little uneasy nevertheless
I'm glad have cards to Miss Belle Ayr
toms grand reception, tonight" went on CO.
sy Aunt Verona, stirring more sugar in her
fresh cup of chocolate
Not that care much for parties myself
| but | do like to be remembered; and Walter
Leslie will be sure to be there, and it will be
sucn darling surprise for him to see you!
What shall you wear, my dear? That silver
green MORE ANTIQUE, with pearls, would be
| very becoming.s
i prefer to wear plain white tulle, with
out any ornaments, said Mildred, quietly.
We'll, just as you please. my love; and
now we must really ring for the carriage, or
| the day will be half gone before We tnowit
| Mildred Towers was right in her selection
of toilette; no pictured beauty of the days
| of Napoleon could have looked lovelier than
! she did that night, in floating white drape-
| ries, with crimson roses, gathered from her
Aunts conservatory, in her hair and cor
| sage.
Let us stand back in this bay window,
Aunt Verona, she whispered, with a throb-
| bing heart, until we see who is here, and
| whether
Aunt Verona obeyod the gentle impulse of
her nece's hand, and together they glanced
over the brilliant throng that ebbed and
flowed through Miss Belle Aytton's SUITE Of
rooms. The diamonds, the glitter Of lace
and sheen of satin, the heavy oder of foreign
perfums, and scent of freshly gathered hot
house flowers-they all struck Mildred's un-
accustomed senses, like the glittering unre-
alities of a dream. AT first she was almost
| bewildered, but in minute or two the illu-
| sion passed away, and she began to distin-
| guish the faces and forms of those in the
room.
MY dear child, how you start! said Aunt
Verona, as Mildred's clasp tightened on her
arm. 'Oh, / see-It's Mr.. Leslie
Ges-Mlldreds searching glances had at
| length caught glimpse of her lover tall,
handsome, and hero-like as ever, with his
| rich auburn curls, and deep blue eyes, and
silken-brown mustache Yelling the clear-cut
out lines of his mouth. lie was quite near
them, apparently absorbed in his companion,
over whom he bent with lover-like devotion.
Mildred moved little farther out, to see
this companion more distinctly.
Rita Manvers was an arch little brunette
with lips like ripe velvet peach, purple
black rings of hair, and large melting eyes,
which she managed with consumate art, now
glancing demurelyup, now hiding their lam
bert fire beneath the prettiest long flashes
that ever fringed blue-veined lids. And rs
Leslie bent over her. his hair touched her
own jetty ringlets, his breath famed her
cheek.
A pang darted through NIildreds heart.
Even so he had bent over her; even so he had
whispered in her ears the VOWS which turn
the whole current of q woman S life!
Aunt Verona, will go up to the dressing
room, moment she said; Il think the fow-
ers in my hair are coming loose
Aunt Verona looked after her niece with
n troubled face; Mildred's little story about
the 1oosened roses did not deceive her.
She is best alone thought the good old
lady. Dear, dear, | was young myself once
and had many q lovers quarrel with George
before married hmv
The large brilliantly lighted dressing room
was empty, but she had scarcely stood n
moment, gazing vacantly into the glittering
surface of the full length mirror, before Rita
Manvers herself came running up stairs with
another young beauty.
Quick, Alice, sew on the stringi she cried
to the attendant soUBRETTE, extending, as
she spoke, the daiutiest little fairy foot in the
world, from whose white satin shipper silk
string had become detached. Are you sure
the wreath is right on my head Leila? Mr..
Leslie has stolen one of the buds out; he de-
cares he means to keep it always
The young lady addressed as Leila, laugh
ed gaily.
Il never saw so devoted a lover in my lire
Ritai do believe you have captured him.
4 am sure of it,, said Rita, with nod of
her pretty head, 'and so would you be, if you
could have heard what he said to me tonight
| II + ,l,o11 H. .,lI
Leslie before the year is outn
Il thought Guy Deverell said he was en-
gagged
Engaged! Nonsense-no engaged man
ever talked and acted like Walter Leslie
There-the string is secure enough now, l
am sure. Come. Ielia-Walter is thinking
every moment an age until come back
And away flew the sparkling little fairy
like an exquisite butterfly darts through the
blue deep of air.
| Are you i'll, Miss? respectfully question
ed the attendant, close to Mildreds shoulder
She started at herself as she caught glimpse
of her own haggard face in the mirror.
No. not ill-only-' She hesitated an in
slant. DO you know Mrs. Someryille?
The nice old lady in the white curles?-
Yes Miss
| 30 down into the draWing-room ara ask
her to come to me. am tired-I want to
go home,
Thus ended the evening to which Mildred
Towers had looked forward with such bright
anticipation, and thus was rudely dispeled the
illusion to which she had so fondly clung.-
Walter Leslie was unworthy of her-and Mil
dred Towers knew that first chapter in her
life was ended.
Mr., Leslie was lounging on his sofa the
next morning in Turkish fez of crimson and
gold, and an elaborate dressing gown, when
a note was brought him.
Il told yon never to bring me letters while
l was at breakfast! said our hero, eyeing his
yet untouched broiled chicken and silver cof-
fee service, for Walter was an epicure of the
daintiest tastes and habits. However, hand
it over; it's from dun, it will be sure to
spoil my appetite