The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-06-07
before her mirror, she surveyed herself


robe Of rose-colored Grape, displaying
neck and arms without fault indeed.
made her brilliantly beautiful. She
wore no ornament, save small chain
around her neck, to which was suspend
ed miniature likeness OF her parents,
and upon her finger single diamond
ring.
''Now, Oracle, let ME fix this camelia
in your hair" said Blanche. 'eYou
ought to have worn pink Tonight"
added she, as she smoothed down the
rich folds OF blue silk; "you look so
pale and spiritual"
''Oh, shall get along very WELL" re-
piled she. az never expect to create
much Of sensation in the world" and
taking her Cousins arm, they descended
to the parlor.
Carriage after carriage rolled up to
Mrs. Marsh's door, and yet the Hewitts
had not come. Blanche had begun to
think they were not coming, when at
last they were announced.
"Now," said Blanche to herself, az
must prepare my heart to act, for have
him will, or none other; and am sure
it is no worse for Sonora TO suffer than
it Is for mer' and forcing back her bet
ter feelings, she arose TO meet her
guests.
Harry was the first TO greet her and
wish her many a returning birthday as
fair and bright as this. Next came the
Colonel and his lady, the rustIing of
whose rich maize MORE was heard ere
the lady herself was seen; and following
behind came Sonora, leaning OH the
arm Of Clarence.
Blanche did the part Of hostess like
one well accustomed to it, and saluted
them cordially, thanking them for their
kind wishes and 30 on, as she led them
to seat.
As Sonora entered all eyes were
turned upon her. Her dress of Indian
muslin was looped off the shoulders
with a delicate moss-bud OF the same
hue as her dress. Another bud, min
gled with few leaves Of the rose gerah-
ium, loOped back her curls on one side,
while the other fell in graceful profu-
sion around her lovely face. a string
Of pearls, clasped round her throat and
arms, was all the jewelry she wore.
Her dress, though simple, was rich, and
called forth the admiration OF all pres
ent, and chow lovelyr' chow beauti-
fulp' might have been heard from more
than one as they gazed upon her.
Clarence, who never danced, not that
he thought it sin, but for the sake OF
example, handed Sonora to her brother
as the music struck up for the first
lquadrille.
Blanche, being obliged to wait upon
her guests, who were continually COM
ing, could not dance the first set. See
ing Clarence looking over some engrav-
ings upon side table, she walked over
and took seat beside him.
"Why are you not dancing, Miss Le-
vere7 Have you not sufficiently recov-
cred from the effects of your cold water
plunge ?" asked he as she seated herself
"Oh, never was In better spirits in
my life" gaily replied she. 1 want all
my guests to enjoy themselves. This
will afford me pleasure enough. Are
you fond OF the works of art?" asked
she, as she took few choice pictures
from portfolio and handed them tC
him. "You will find them interesting >
and turning, she left him, as she walked
toward the door to receive a gentleman
who stood leaning against it.
"GOod evening, Mr.. Mcintosh. / an
happy indeed TO see you. / was no
aware you was in Bridgeport" said she
as she extended her hand.
Good evening, Miss Levere. POI
my word, am delighted at seeing yoI
looking more charming than ever.
did not know until l arrived at the doc
that you were engaged with company
and stroking his elegant nustachc, h,
) added, az should have Immediately re
tired, but could not do so, rs your grand
, father insisted upon me remaining. So
am pardonable for, perhaps, my un
welcome intrusion ?" and he looked a
her with look as soft and melting as
he would have fallen at her feet an
, sued for mercy.
"Pardonable"' exclaimed Blanche
why, nothing gives me greater pleas
ure than to count you among the enter
tanned this evening, and besides, I hav
some good news to communicate pres
emily, when 1 have an opportunity"
"Ah, indeed! 'Pon my word, 1 an
very fortunate! But" raising his quiz
l zing glass to his eye, 'who is that youn
lady dressed in white, with curls, sittin
beside the one in blue?"
j ''That is Miss Hewitt, and the othe
is my cousin, Oracle Marsh. 1 will in
troduce you, for it is about the former
wish to speak," and leading the way
Blanche formally INTRODUCED Norma
. Mcintosh to Sonora and Oracle, tellin
ID him he must excuse her, as she sa,
other newcomers, and must wait upo
d them.
d 30, certainly, Miss Levere. I cannc
expect to monopolize you altogether,
l. and turning to the girls, was soon er
U gagged in conversation upon indifierer
II subjects.
e Mrs. Hewitt, WHO was hughing an
s talking with group of ladies and gel
tlemen, suddenly turned toward h,
u husband, saying: