The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1871-06-09

ment. So the balls and parties, aud
gay assemblages drew towardsa close,
and Mrs. Chester remained the nc-
knowledged belle, even where u
score of beauties were striving for the
precedence.
"I shall certainly do it," quoth
Clarence Hooper, twirling his waxed
moustache in sort of smiling frenzy.
'.Do what ?" questioned Theodore
Armitage, who played the part of
faithful satellite to this brilliant lumi-
nary.
MARRY the pretty widow! / can't
help it. I'm perfectly bewitched
with ber splendid eyes, and her fas-
cinating little ways. Only twenty
one. they say; and she has a great
deal OF property, too. Stokes, the
lawyer, told me SOL"
"Fiddlestick" exclaimed the sat
elite. laughing. :Why, Clarence, [
thought you were going to remain a
gay bachelor to the end of the chap
ter"
II can't help it" reiterated Clar-
ence Hooper, ruefully. Don't l
tell you that cant live out of her
sight? I'm in hove, man--desper-
ately-head over heels-irredeema-
bly,"
"Whew-w-w!'' whistled Armitage,
raising his eyebrows.
Its fact. groaned Hooper.
"And suppose our little coquette
says no ?"
20, she WON'T I'm sure she likes
me. But what's the use of making
cold chills run over fellow with that
ind Of talk. i wish you'd hold your
tongue"
"Well, I WILL" said Theodore,
composedly.
Clarence Hooper was in the ball
room that night an hour before any
body else thought Of making their
appearance. gorgeously attired with
lemon corored kid gloves, and boots
SO tight that he could hardly step.
81 don't believe she's ecer coming"
sighed the tortured swain, shifting
from one agonizing foot to the other.
and trying to descry the figure of his
charmer through the moving crowds
that were growing more dense every
moment. II wonder If I hadn't bet
ter send mp my card, and request the
honor Of special interview. won
der if Halo! here she is.
Ada Chester looked as lovely as n
poets dream that evening. in a pink
SIX dress, that swept around her like
folds of carmine light, while her
beautiful neck and arms were circled
with the trembling file of costly ru-
bies. A fresh crimson rose, nesting
in the coal-black braids of her abund-
ant hair, was scarcely brighter in its
delicate tint than her checks: aud
her Dyes were full of that mystic.
melting brilliance that drove Mr.
Hooper distracted with one glance.
Mrs. Chester" sighed the inamo-
rata, 81 have watched for your COM
ing as the Eastern devotee awaits the
first beam of the sun, his idolr'
Have you?" said Ada.
"It's very bot here, isn't it?' said
Clarence. trying helplessly to remem-
Der the pretty speeches be had plan
ned in his brain; "and-and / had
something very important to say TO
you. Suppose We take turn on the
piazza" !"
The ideas seemed still more hope
lessly scattered when Clarence stood
on the piazza, his boots pinching
and his heart sinking simultaneously.
Ada turned to him, her cheeks flush.
ed with the feverish heat of the
crowded ballroom she had just left.
81 think. Mr.. Hooper," she said
"you remarked you had some tidings
Of importance to impart to me-
Pray lie as quick as possible-this
draught Of night air is so danger
ous."
What an unpropitious opening TO,
lovers impassioned declaration =
Clarance stammered and suffered
but at length remembering the
stereotyped manners and customs on
such occasions, he sank GRACEFUL,
on one knee.
Dearest, l love you! will you be
mine?"
"What nonsense said Ada
laughing. "Do get up, Mr.. Hooper
don't you see the servant coming
this way with tray of ice-cream?'
"Adap said Hooper, reproachful
ly, "do not thus jest with the tender
est, most sensitive emotions of m,
heart. / tell you that / Worship
adore you. Sweet one, will you no
be MY wife?"
Couldn't" said Ada, calmly. Tn
already engaged"
Engaged! and who is my rival?'
''That happens to be my business
not yours, Mr.. Hooper" said the fai
widow, with cruel composure.
Then" ejacnlated Clarence
"why have you lured me on to de
struction with those fatal smiles
those false yet winning words?
t'Let me answer you in your owl
phrases. Mr.. Clarence Hooper,
said Ada. with scornful gaze; "I wa
only amusing myself didn't sup
| pose you would for moment dream
that / was in earnest!'
"Ada," exclaimed Hooper, grow
ing scarlet, "you had no right t.
break my heart!''
/ "Had I not? As much right, I i'm
agine, as you had to break poor Eve
line Vane's. Are we quits at last?
| She turned away from him to
| gentleman who was saunterning u
the garden walk.
| rs that you, Colonel Brown :
| Do, pray, give me your arm back t
the ballroom. I'm tired of moor
i LIGHT nonsense"