Ellsworth American., 1869-07-15

woll decline the invitation. He know
it would give Ellen much pleasure to
go, and so he consented. As usual
she was most elegantly dressed. The
doctor liked to see her admired. and
she really was the belle of the season.
Every eye was fixed upon her as she
entered the door. and there was not
one who did not mentally exclaim,
Nv hat beautiful girl "
The dancing was about TO commence.
The elder folks Withdrew to the side
rooms 10 play a game of whist or pas $
the time IN conversation. But the
doctor preferred seeing the young peo-
pie dance, and took up his position at
one of the large folding-doors opening
into the hall Here h, stood motion
less. his eyes following Ellen's every
movement. But he seemed TO be the
prey Of some fearful internal struggle,
and perfectly unconscious OF aught else
but Ellen's magic influence lie ap-
pearcd to he jealous of every one who
spoke To her. Whenever he chanced to
look into her countenance he endcavor-
ei 10 read what her feelings were to-
ward the person she was conyersing
with
oung Burns as well as Fred Hill
were near her during the whole time.
but she did not appear to favor one
more than the other She met both of
them with the same degree Of amiable-
ness. This did not escape the close
observer. and -mie passed. over his
countcnance. But thus he always
smiled when he wished Ia conceal his
anxiety.
Ellen had not a moment OF reposc,
every boiy desired 10 dance with her /:
She was the queen Of the feast. Her
checks were glowing aud her eyes spar.
klei with delight Every Young girl
feels happy when she secs herself court
ed AMI tlattered by all around her I;
every NOR al - prone to feel vain in
higher or lesser degree
Doctor Ecaert thought hc hai never
seen her 80 handsome before. She
gave him one Of her brightest smiles as
she passed hy him, but he hail scarcely
the power ~ recognize Il. He WAS
pale a. death. One dance followed the
other, and the merry, triumphant music
became hateful 10 his cars His cN-
citcmcnt and morbid cxasperation in
crease, every moment. He felt as If
he could have rushed into the midst oi
the joyous party AMI have Killed every
one.
suddenly friendly hand touched
his shoulder 1t wa, one of his intimate
acqnaiutanccs, Mr.. Strong, the station
er. who addressed him ~ay ing
why, doctor, don't you get tire,l
looking at this merry whir, have
seen Hou standing here more than two
hours why don't YOU join the dancers
when you seem To find 80 much pleasure
looking ut them. When was man uf
your age, used To do so with heart ami
soul. But now only neci look nj
them for ten minutes 10 ,re every thing
swimming hcforc lny eyes.
The doctor looked liNclly al him.
lie felt rather nervous at being dis
turbci
Take >cidlitz powders, my dear sir
its the best thing 10 use in all diseases
Of the brain. But YOU better take care
trifing causes very often pro luce grand
effects :"
The old fellow did not know whether
to take these words in jest or in earn
c,t.
Well = hc said, laughing, ''you arc
in very good humor tonight, my
medical friend; this il not often the
ease"
IF YOU find me in good hnmor.
walk on, sir, and DO not spoil it,
Surprised, nay, amazed, Mr. Strong
looked at him. He felt that the doe
tor intended to offend him but not
wishing to mar other peoples pleasure,
he left him without making another re-
marx.
la his excited temper Eckert did not
care whether h,. had offended the man
Or not In fact, he wanted TO offend
him 10 keep him oil, as his whole at
tention wa, directed toward Ellen.
\ new dance began. and the gentle
man were looking about for their part
ncrS.