The Andrew County Republican. [volume] (Savannah, Mo.) 1871-1876, 1873-03-14

Is it fair to Judge me by thal
"Perhsps not But see, they are 60
ing to waltz. You waltz, do you not ?"
mot often, and must beg to be ex-
cused tonight" -
He bowed and went to seek another
partner, and soon / saw him whirling
down the cabin with Miss Cheesebro', a
niece of Gov. Vests.
To say that I was pleased with the en-
tertainment and the attentions l re-
ceived, would but express very family
my delight. was charmed, intoxicated
with it, and, loyal as 1 was, l scarcely
gave one thought to my absent husband,
who, at the time I-sought my state-room,
was riding fearlessly through the storm
of midnight in obedience to orders.
The day on which my husband had
expected to return came and passed, and
the next also; still he came not and /,
though accustomed to disappointments
of this character, grew restless and I'M
easy. 80
To return the compliment to the Off
GERS, Gov West had issued invitations
to ball, to be given at his residence
just one week from the night of ours.
A number of the elite from the neigh
boring city had been invited, and the
affair promised to be a very brilliant
one.
This may be thought very short time
in which to prepare for ball, but it must
be remembered that the boats were daily
expected to leave the station, and there
was no time to spare.
'"Of course you win CO." said Mrs.
Stanhope to me.
81 am undecided" l replied. "If
my husband returns it shall be as he
says. If he does not return 1 hardly ex-
pect to GO
20 -" But you are-in my charge" said
Lieut.. Norris, "and l, as your guardian,
shall insist upon your'going. -
"Stop, Lieutenant! ASH understand
it, / was only put in your charge for that
evening, i answered playfully.
- "Oh, no, Mrs. b. There was no time
specified. You are still under the shadow
of my wing"
We bantered each other for time.
far from feeling the gay spirits l as
sumed; for secretly very much wished
to attend the ball, and l knew if my
husband returned my going was doubt
full. The day passed, and another, when
instead of my husband there came this
sdispatch: sT.s.
81 am unexpectedly detained. 1t will
be impossible for me to be with you for
at least ten days. Meantime enjoy your
self as best you Lieut.. Morris will
see that you are comfortable"
At anv other time 1 should have been
ready to cry at the prolonged absence Of
my husband, but 1 confess to secret
gratifeation upon receiving the dispatch.
d7s1could not be at home in time for the
ball, and had he not expressed desire
for me to enjoy myself?> showed the
dispatch to Mrs. Stanhope, who instant
" bed me to accept the escort of the
Lid tenant and iattend the ball.
think it was knowledge that she would
thus advise me that prompted me to
show her my letter. Still did not feel
at rest. had a sort of pride that re-
.belled against appearing in society with
out my husband; but Mrs. Stanhope's Is
arguments and the Lieutenant's entreat-
iesat length scattered my scruples, and
l resolved to go.
My early life-my girlhood days-had
been passed in strict seclusion, and my
husbands quiet tastes made my mar
ried life almost as solitary in regard to
society. Is it so much OF awonder, then,
that'I was almost carried away by its gay
scenes? -
The evening came, and in company
with DIR. Stanhope and wife and Lieut..
Norris 1 went to the ball. The Lieuten-
ant was exceedingly attentive, and re-
ceiveA1nany attentions from others Still
I was III at ease. Several times I caught
mysslf wondeing ~ people would think
me 'nhmarfied, Or, worse still, his wife
and once or twice / fancied that the
Lieutenant half smothered the Mrs. when
introducing me to his friends.
Have You enjoyed the evening, Mrs.
b.?