The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-11-20

al hear Miss Lewis is to be Of age
shortly n .U-
ain few days. .ytsl.rr.-5
" Has she many admirers ~ .,'
Her reputed inheritance has, F
This was said with sarcasm.
as she likely to marry ~ -t
MAY ask / you have any reason for
these questions Z" ...
The young lady looked the captain in
tliehcc. llGrexprcssion wasrlmOst severe
her checks as red Us sunset. Meeting
her inquiring honest eyes, Captain Stanton
felt that he must answer honestly.
"You must not misunderstood me, Miss
Pryse.n he stammcrcd. "But | have heard
Of gentlcmau-a Captain Stanton" !"
81 have also heard Of him." interrupted
the young lady, "and if you know him
you may tell him on my authority, that
Eigcn Lewis ,detests fortune hunters, and
would rather die than marry him, or any
ono else who wants her for her money!
AS she moved off, Captain Stanton felt
that he was really in love with the wears
daughter, a4E ts a.f
. It was several days before they met
again, she evidently avoiding him. When
they didmcot, he asked if she were likely
to he at the ball given on the coming Of
age Of Miss Lewis. She answered in the
affirmative.
''If I should be there, will you do me
the favor Of dancing with nc ~
She besitated, but there was something
in his handsome face and pleasant voice
and manner, that oycrcamc her scruples,
and she said, Yes" probably blaming
herself Immediately alter. So did he, for
he knew that he ought to be anxious to
dance with Eigen. --t ~
The day arrived on which Miss Lewis
came Of age. A bright twentieth Of May,
and general fcstiyity prevailed,
Z The music was sounding, and dancing
was about TO begin, when Edward entered
the ballroom. He feared that he might
be expected to open the ball with the
heircss, so he glanced cautiously through
the doorway round the room. lie saw
his father and Mr.. Lewis at one end,
apparently looking for him, and directed
his course to the opposite side. He saw n
vision Of his Swcete May IN the distance.
It must be she, for he knew the peculiar
wave Of her auburn hair. As he drew
near her, he saw, also, that she was Gle
gantly dressed. She was in white, and
her dress was simply lOopcd up with
punches Of pink and white hawthorn Rnd
she wore that emblcmatical flower in her
hair. May was altogether her month.
She glanced round, saw him, smiled, and
bowed. She was surrounded by men and
women, to whom she appeared to be talk
ing. Captain Stanton forgot his duty and
Eigen Lewis. He went up to her, and
reminded her oi her promise 70 dance with
hlm. lie was a stranger, so everybody
stared at him; but he was more affected
by the quick blush Of his lady-loye than
the stare,
~ believe l am engaged for the first
dance,p she said, tat least my father tells
me so. lie expects afriend, with whom
be wishes me to dance and we are all
awaiting his arrival.n 2 's' 3l-.2 Alla's1
Further conversation was interrupted
by the quick approach Of Lord Mortmain
and Mr.. Lewis. 10. ....., '-.' - ,F
"Well done! youhayc introduced your
selves said Lord Mortmain. lJsyNH
"Every one Is waiting; will you take
your places n said Mr.. Lewis, hastily,
pointing to half.formel Quadrilles, and his
guests ! - Ht1Ni -.-'
"0ifer her your arm ~ whispered Lord
Mortmain to the bewildered. l-..H.
lie held out his arm to Miss Prysc, see
ing no Miss Lewis. She glanced at Mr.
Lewis, received very imperative nod in
return, and took it. lie was about to lead
her to n side quadrille, but she said-"G
suppose We must come here and herself
led the way to the principle place, at the
head Of the principlesct. ..-..ss
The music struck up, and they were
dancing before they were sufficiently col.
lcCtcd to speak again. Truly, the quad
rifle was maze to Edward Stanton. lie
who was the best soldier and the best
dancer in his regiment, forgot himself and
the figures. The lady, as usual, was more
sell-posscssed, and put him right. At the
first pause, he said, looking at his partner:
f" don't understand it." .
"Nor do I,p she replied, coldly. 81
have not been introduced to you. May |
ask yonr name" W. ".
"Edwarl Stanton. You must not be
deceived by appearances, Miss Pryse. You
only sec the surface Of things. | have
never bestowed thought on your friend,
Eigrn, since have had the pleasure Of
knowing you. Duty alone brings me here
to.night-duty to my father alone has
brought me here at all. Now that have
seen you, duty and inclination are sadly at
yariance.n Hfy.f
The second figure of the quadflle had
to be got through. During its progress,
Edward saw nothing but the burning face
Of his sweet May. After II was over, Lord
Mortnain came behind him, and whispered
-"For PHYS sake, Edward, be yourself.
You arc 50 awkward that everybody is
asking who you are. Pray conduct your
self lecently for this one night"
lie slipped away, and his son reused
himself Ills partner was engaged with
her bouquet. 5a.s.
"I hope I have not offended you, Miss
Prysc," he remarked, after long pause.
"You arc mistaken. ] am not Miss
Pryse.n And the third figure began.
t'Not Miss Pryse!1 The words rang in
Edwards ears while he stumbled through
figure three, and gave tho wrong hand to
his yis-a.vis. Es sa
"NOt Miss Prysem he repeated aloud,
as he mechanically danced his partner into
her place. n
"No,n she said. T-I-am-Eigen.
May Prysc is-at school," Il
How figures four and five were managed,
they did not know. Probably well, for
they neither spoke nor looked at one an
other during their course When their
purgatory was over, Captain Stanton led
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