Beaufort Republican. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1871-1873, 1872-08-29
PoLLY's VICTORY.

An extemporized stage, princess love-
ly as the light, French count, brilliant
costumes, and acting that is not to be
spoken of, made up the the toat ensemble
that delighted the good people of Pittston,
for one night at least. The proceeds were
to be devoted to charitable purposes.
Thump went the canes and umbrellas,
and with every looming on" of Kitty
BeSsom, the beauty Of Pittston, such a
vigorous clapping of hands ensued that
one was fain to hold his ears, or be deaf
ened with the applause.
The National Hall was decorated with
banners. Deacons and doctors and law
yerS had spent week on its embellish-
ments. The Pittston band had been prac-
ticing for months, and wound up by play
ing Hail, Columbia" in their grandest
style.
Very reluctantly the people left the
scene of entertainment, all walked to-
gether.
The wide green in front was frightened
all over by the illuminated windows, save
where the posts and primitive chains made
long shadows in the grass.
1T beats all holler," said Deacon Simp-
son; "but feel sort O. guilty"
"Well, dunno responded Aunt
Methuin; Its got up for charitable
purpos; but reckon faint gret many
removes from theater arter ALL What
an awful smart young man that French
count was! They say he's a clerk to the
new store. And declare fort if didn't
feel kinder bad for Bob Langton when he
was a-makin' love to Kitty, all in gold and
scarlet, with his bObbin, white feathers" :"
Wasn't Kitty just little wtch2" in
quired Libby, the deacon's daughter: ''she
looked SO sort O. real pleased If I'd
bin Bob Langton, I'd ruther took the
count myselfthan the clod- hopper. What
q country lad he was, to be sure. new
er could a b'lieved that was Bob, never :;
and the count was so handsome
The crowd begin to thin. Sundry
vehicles, being filled with winmin
folks drove of at a Jog trot pace.
Pretty little Polly Lee, who had taken
the part of country lasSie, stood at the
foot of the steps. revealing under her
carelessly arranged shawl pair of snowy
shoulders and the knots of crimson ribbon
that adorned her white dress.
POlly's little heart was aching, despite
the red lips and the bright color of her
cheeks For that one night. at least, Bob
LangtOn had been her lover Had she
lived century in those few ecststic
hours? How she gloated over the thought
that Bob had been at her very feet! had
talked all the romantic nonseDce in which
lovers generally indulge as if he meant IL,
little thinking what the light OF Polly's eva,
the trembling of her hand and voice, al
indicated dreaming, while he
thought IL very good acting, and looked
jealouSlv on at the back of the stage at
the French count on his pink and silver
knees at the feet of his own betrOthed,
that little Polly had loved him long be-
fore she exchanged her pinatores for the
msiden's dresses-had loved him with an
overwhelming passion that but few natures
experience.
Well. it's all over" sighed Polly, ty-
ing the strings Of her chip hat under her
dimpled chin, angry with herself that she
said it-that she could not crush this un-
hidden passion that seemed in her sweet
eyes unmaidenly.
Suddenly the lights were extinguished,
and Bob stepped ont of the vestibule.
"Polly, have You seen Kitty" he asked.
She promised to wait for me-
II saw her." said somebody under the
lamp-post-probably one of Kitty's re-
jected suitors "She was a-going home
along of that French count"
Bob's face grew white rs he stood there,
and he shut his teeth, once, witt. click.
Polly, you've good ways to CO." he
! said, in voice as calm as before, "and
there's no moon"
Caleb promised to come" said Polly,
peeling out in the road.
"Oaleb is old and torgettul," responded
Bob; so we'll play out the role few
moments longer. I 60 right by the gate
you know"
Poly took Bob's right arm, qnite fright
ened q feel the heavy, rapid beating un-
-. E.&nnoS e. III. IL