The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-09-13

| suppose, as one grows older, they lose
their novelty. Kate came to ask me what
l should wear Tomorrow.
Whatever you like" l said; "I'n
wear what you do"
81 shall wear blue. Mr.. Vivian says
you are best in white, Ruby; but Lord
Montford likes blue"
"Does he ? then I'll wear white.'
What strange girl you arc You
should try to please him. One would think
you did not care, though half the girls in
Allandorph would give anything to be
you"
"You are one, Kate; would you?"
"Well, I don't know; but considering
how plain you are, it's wonderful catch"
els it9 Come now, Kate, I'll ask you
question. Would you rather have Lord
Montford in love with you than MIR.
Vivian ?"
The color mounted to my sisters face.
"Such nonsense, Ruby! Who ever
thought of such thingr'
"No one of course-for he is of another
clay, though he is dependent, and would
never dream of loving girls like you and
me.''
"Of course he knows better than to in
suit u.s. my sister said; and as we talked
the tones Of mans voice sounded in the
room below, and few minutes afterwards
knew Kate was with him.
25h Jauuary.-I don't suppose there
ever has been gayer ball in all the county
than Charley's. People focked in from
every quarter-country people and town
people, all holding their own in society;
young ladies from everywhere filled the
room, and did their share of wall flowers
or otherwise, as the case may be, Charley
was Respondent in his new cavalry uni
form, as he has commission in the Guards:
mamma, dressed in velvet and point-laco,
looked fitting partner for the handsome
squire; while Kate and l. in blue and white,
did the honors to the best of our ability
And now, as l sit in my room and write,
ing, wonder whether any other ball will
be like this. Early in the evening my sis
ter announced her intention not to dance.
l demonstrated, but it was no use. Owen
Nivian-why does he always seem so differ
ent from other men? What is there in
his face that makes one turn to look at it
again-what is there in his little figure
that distinguishes him from the crowd-a
fascination, charm, of which he himself
appears all unconscious? Kate is fond of
dancing, and l was surprised to hear her
say that she did not intend to dance; but
saw her seated, later on in the evening, by
our tutors side, and then l knew the reas-
on why. l danced all night. l led off
with Lord Montford, and danced with him
many times more, but was not happy.
was tired, and wished it all over.
"Why, Ruby, you look done. What
humbug it all is ~
eyes, is it not 90
"Vivian and Kate have the best of it,
Ruby; by the by, something has gone
wrong with Vivian of late-he is dreadful
ly down in the mouth, and can't for the
life of me tell why" l thought tonight
knew why, but am shaken, and indeed
| don't know what to think-sometm l
wish | was dead.
When it was all over | threw myself
down on the library sofa. There was fire
there. wanted to think, but fell asleep.
| don't think l slept long, but when
opened my eyes MI. Vivian was standing
by ME with folded arms. He did not start
but did, not so much at seeing him, but
at his face. 1t was white as l had never
seen it, and his eyes were fixed on me SO
intensely that it was painful to sit under
their gaze 81 have been asleep. Why
did you not awaken me, Mr.. Vivian?''
"You would have gone away, and l
wanted to look at you
"Did you? You might have remember
ed how late it is, and that am tired
81 might
"What are you smiling at?''
"Your little face
"Why, is there anything wrong in it p
Is my color more tlame-like than usual p
''No, but it is such strange face; so
wicked and yet so tender, just like child;
placid face too, Ruby, when you are
asleep. In fact, l was taking it in, so
that when am away from here, and you
are Lady Montford, l shall not forget it.
Good night ~ And he put my shawl over
my shoulders and led me to the door, and
I-of course l never spoke. l am always
such a fool when there's anything to be
don't think I'll 60 on with my journal any
more, but seal it up after this strange
night, the 25th January.
Goth March.-Since l wrote last death
has reached our home and taken our faith
er. He died month ago quite suddenly.
Though | am not good myself, sometimes
| wish he had been more like Owen Fivi-
an. I don't think-poer father he knew
much of heaven or any after life; and yet
he went away SO suddenly that my heart
feels sad to think of it. Charley was
away, and mamma and Kate quite broken
with the shock, so Owen Vivian and l did
everything. lie JTedlS Iuo Will SuCu TO-
serve since that strange, strange night
Charley has taken possession of the estate,
but insists that we are to live on with him,
Change has begun to come, and there will
never be an end of it now know.
21st March. - Walking in the garden
to-day l was joined by Mr.. Vivian, and
caught with both my hands full of early
Spring flowers.
You do not care for these ?" he asked,
touching one of the white blossoms.
"You know do not care for the things
of your world, Mr.. Vivian. My ideas of
happiness are real and substantially; yours,
ideal and shadowy."
$50 you don't care for flowers - and
he smiled upon me. Your sister does,
Miss Ruby"
eyes, but we are not alike; you have
nodded Kate more than you ever did me-
"It has been a pleasant task; | am sor-
ry it is over, but perhaps it is better so
,ctar oil ;,