Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-04-06

THE CoQUETTE's FAILURE.
By AULAv LONE.

H&&
The rooms of the fashionable Mrs. Adrian
were crowded with the elite of New York. The
air was heavy with the perfume of many fow-
ers, and beautiful forms arrayed in the most
tasteful and costly manner, were fitting to
and fro beneath the glare of numerous and
brilliant lights.
The gentle cadence of sweet, familiar air,
played by skillful performers, was waited
through the open window to the spot where
Isabel Van Dorm stood alone musing upon
the beauty, intelligence and reputed wealth of
Edward Harris. She was considered the
belle of the season, and known to be heart
less coquette. Although gentlemen might
have taken warning by the fate of those who
had been Tilted by her, they seemed so infat-
uated that like the silly fly they walked
straight into the net, only to share the fate of
their fellows.
Edward Harris had but lately arrived from
India. He was almost an entire stranger in
New York, but he brought with him letters
of introduction which gained him admission
to the first society. Soon 1t was rumored
that he was immensely rich, and none could
doubt it from his apparent abundance of
means. Immediately he became the target
for managing mammas, and many were the
grand balls. parties and fetes given in order
to secure his attention.
lSaDcl ' an Dorm Jau init LIN OIttI. anu
had exercised her greatest skill to win him to
her side, but he seemed impervious to her
charms. Sometimes she caught his eyes fixed
upon her with an expression which she could
not fatlom,. and she argued from this that he
was smitten with love, but dared not approach
her. On this particular evening she had
dressed with unusual care, and had exercised
her skill which had never before failed her !;
but all in vain, although his eyes often rested
upon her with that same peculiar expression,
he treated her with a cool politeness not far
removed from indifference.
As she stood there alone in Mrs. Adrian's
garden on the evening above referred to, she
could but acknowledge to herself that she
was at last in love. Never, since years ago
had she experienced such feelings as now
apitated her bosom. Her thoughts wandered
back to the time when she spurned from her
side fair youth who loved her with all his
soul, and she loved him in return; but he
was poor and she was ambitious, so she crush
2 ed the tender feelings which plead for the
youth whom she knew was in every way
worthy and laughed at his earnest pleadings.
She had never heard from him since. Now
she was suffering the same pangs which he
then endured and she whispered to herself,
Eat least he is avenged"
A footstep sounded behind her; in a mo-
moment Edward Harris was at her side.
'sPardon me Miss Van DORM" he said, 81
am man of few words. / have sought You
to plead the cause of one who is not insen-
sible to your charms"
A thrill of triumph passed through her
frame as she thought that Edward Harris was
at last captivated. -s
t'sIt is one whom you once discarded, and
he wishes me to ascertain if your decision is
final
SIT is" she answered freezingly. ~ never
say what do not mean"
IL beg pardon for troubling you'-and he
turned away"
..May, Il inquire the gentlemans name who
commissioned you to speak for himT
Certainly; Harry Edwards-or Edward
Harris. l bid you good evening'-and he
was gone.
.as'.Fool; fool;s she muttered. TO herself.
ssWby did not recognize him. This ac-
counts for the strange looks bestowed upon
me. Little thought that the wealthy and
handsome Edward Harris and Harry Ed
wards, my boy lover were the same"
few months later, she received the cards
of MIR. and Mrs. Harry Edwards, and shortly
after she married an old man, who had moth
ing but wealth to fecommend him to her IA
vor SO much for sacrificing principle to
ambition.