Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-08-07

"Oh, mamma, I am so relieved that the
box has come at last I II II had not, do
believe l should have died ef disappoint-
ment," cried pretty Belle five years later,
on the morning before her eighteenth birth
day.
at would have been serious disappoint-
ment, darling, for 1 had set my heart on
your wearing NV gin tomorrow night, and
when the steamers kept coming in without
my trunk from Paris, was very an xious.
l hope you will like II, dear"
"Dear mamma, l know l shall like il;
your taste is so good and you know what
suits me so we'll. Make haste Marie; I'm
dying to see it," said Belle, dancing about
the great TRUNK, as the maid carefully un-
folded tissue papers and muslin wrappers.
A young girls first ball-dress is a grand
afair,-in her eyes, at least; and Belle
soon stopped dancing to stand with clasped
hands, eager eyes and parted lips before
the snowy pile Of allusion that was at last
daintily llled out upon the bed. Then, as
Marie displayed its loveliness, little shrieks
of delight were heard, and when the whole
delicate dress was arranged TO the best ef-
iect she threw herself upon her mothers
neck and actually cried with pleasure.
Mamma, 1t is too lovely I and you are
very kind to do 80 much for me. How
shall ever thank your"
"By putting it right on to see If 1t fits {;
and when you wear 1t look your happiest,
that may be proud of my pretty daugh-
ter"
Mamma got no further, for Marie uttered
French shrek, wrung her hands, and
then began to burrow wildly in the trunk
and among the papers, crying distracted
ly:
"Great heavens, madam the wreath has
been forgotten Ma fol! what an affiictionl
Mademoiselle's enchanting toilet is de-
stroyed without the wreath, and nowhere
do / find it,"
In vain they searched In vain Marie
walled and Belle declared it must be some
where's no wreath appeared. 1t was duly
set down in the bill, and a fine sum charg-
ed for hesd-dress to match the dainty for
get-me-nots that looped the heecy skirts
and ornamented the bosom of the dress.
1t had evidently been forgotten; and man.
ma despatched Marie mt once TO try and
match the flowers; for Belle would not hear
| of any other decoration for her beautiful
blonde hair.
The dress fitted TO a charm, and was pro.
nounced by all beholders the loveliesl
thing ever seen. Nothing was wanted but
the wreath TO make 1t quite perfect, and
when Marie returned amer a long search
with no for-get-me-nots, Belle was in des.
pair.
"Wear natural ones" suggested a sym.
pathiEing friend.
But another hunt among greenhouses
was fruitless as that among the milliner'i
rooms. No forgei-me-nots could be found
and Marie fell exhausted into a chair, des'
olated at what she felt TO be an awful ca
lamity.
LET me have the carriage aud I'll ran
sack the city till 1 find some," cried Belle
growing more resolute with each failure.
Mamma was deep in preparations for thu
ball andcould not help her afflicted daugh
ter, though she was much disappointed a
the mishap. So Belle drove of, resolved
to have her flowers whether there were am
or not.
Anyone who has ever tried to match
ribbon, find a certain fabric, or get any
thing done in hurry, knows what wea
risome task II sometimes is, and can imag
inc Bellies state of mind after repeate,
disappointments. She was about to Civ
up in despair when some: one suggeste'
that perhaps the Frenchwoman Estell
Valnor, might make the desired wreath,
there was time.
Away drove Belle, and, on entering tn
room gave a sigh OF satisfaction, for