Delaware Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1843-1874, 1874-04-09

and magic powers formed The sopic OF the two I
girls conversation during their toilet; but they
the ball.
The day passed very slowly with them. They
thought 1t would never end, for they were all
Impotence for the advent Of the morrow.
At last, like all other days, 1t came to close,
and the long-looked-for aud all-important day
arrived.
All day long the two cousins we're busy max
ing pretty little bows ofvarious colored ribbons
fairy-like boquets, wonderful dice Of size fit
for giant to throw, and all sorts of other pref
~ things, the utility of which all those initiated
In the mysteries Of the dance Of the cotillion
would understand.
The pretty and tasteful arrangements did
credit TO the girls def fingers, and they had
only Just completed them when it was high
time to dress for the evening.
About nine o'clock the expected guests be-
gan to arrive, pouring in one otter another; aud
for SONS time there was nothing but success
son Of rat-tattats at the door, Gathering of feet
| and rushing of dresses.
The evening commenced with the usual
round OF quadrilles, waltzes, ETC., of which the
| young people showed their thorough enjoyment
In their bright, happy faces and merry laugh
| ter.
| Toward the middle of the evening the whis-
per went around that the. cotillion was about
to take place, and the dancers soon arranged
themselves for this eventful dance.
1t was scene worthy the pencil OF an artist.
The young beaux, on Bonded knee, presenting
| boquets to the fair ones whom they had chosen
for round in the dance; and each young mai
den blushingly and with trembling fingers pin.
ming gay bow on the young mans coat whom
she, in her turn, bad selected as partner. All
the pretty aud different devices for the dance
| were brought into requsition and exhausted,
with the exception OF the looking glass.
How Zoe's heart beat high now that the i'm
portant and long-.ooked-for moment had ar.
riveS. She began to quake at the ordeal she
had TO go through; but the thought of the mag
ic talisnan she had In her possession gave her
fresh strength and courage.
Many fair damsels preceded her to the con
spicuous seat; and merry was the laughter wher
the fair occupants, difficult to please, sent part
ners away with rueful looks
AT last 1t was Zoe's turn to take her place II
the chair, which she did, feeling that il was /
question Tor partner for lie, and not merel,
Tor dance.
The young men who asplred to her hand fel
Their hearts duttering, aud msgiviugs begin
ming to arise and each hung back, not to b.
the first to venture.
Atlast little Lord Tompkns stepped forwar
with self-satisfed air, and peeped over Zoe:
shoulder in the mirror He saw his face re
fectedi but, oh, horror on his forehead wer,
written In flaming letters, the words
"Ruin! Debt!n
de stood aghast, transhxed for it was onl
too true. Zoe's money was the last straw til
drowning man could catch at
Zoe saw the warning words, and, smiled cor
temptuously as she passed her handkerchie
over tue mirror.
BY degrees the suitors went to read thei
iate' and the condemnatory inscriptions whic
they bore met their Mortified gaze For all ha
sought The rich and beautiful girls hand for til
sake OF her wealth. The poor wretches wer
frantic at the thought that their mean motive:
IN this mysterious and terrible manner, shout,
be exposed to the whole world Till stolen glance
IN the mirror over the mantle piece reassui
eo tnein-the fearful inscription having van
lshed; and they comtorted themselves with III
idea that 1t was only will flncy of their ow
brain.
The game still went on, and, to Zoe's aston
lshinent, she presently saw Harry Lonsdale
lace reflected in her mirror, with his brig b
honest gaze, and the words: 81 love you,
standing out III bold truth upon his noble brow
de started to see the secret which be had
long kept close and sacred make itself know
III spite OF himself, and in so wonderful aud III
accountable manner but Zoe, with a littl
cry OF delight, jumped up, forgetful Of her fair
gut, which fell TO the ground and shiyered int
thousand pieces. With glance of deep r.
greet at the utter destruction Of her magic mi
ror, but with leok of trusting love at Harr
o she took his arm for the dance, and in so doin
proclaimed to all that he was the chosen on
~ And so, dear friends, you see the pet fair
IL saved Zoe Leslie from mercenary and hear
a. less husband, and revealed to her true all
:, loving heart by means of this fairy gift of Il
- magic mirror.