Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-04-07

NitSI lHc Qubutlitct az" - IL "" "'''
never attended our little select dances
bclore?"
"My husband does not enjoy them" |
answered.
"Is that a sufficient reason p he asked
in a half whisper.
u think so" replied a little haugh,ily.
Then you are no champion Tor wo
mans rights" he answered SaiIy.
'ls it fair to judge me by lhlt?'
perhaps not. But see. they are
going 10 waltz. You waltz, do you not? ?"
"Not often, and must beg TO be ex-
cuscd to night"
He bowed and went TO seek another
partner, and soon saw him whirlins
down the cabin with Miss Cheesebro' =
niece OF Governor Vests.
To say that | was pleased with the
entertainment and the attentions | re.
ceiyed. would express very family my
delight. | was charmed. intoxicated
with it, and loyal rs was. scarcely
gave one thought to my absent husband
who. at the time sough: my s;ate-room
was riding fearlessly through the storm
of midnight in obedience to orders.
The dty on which my husband had
expected to return came aud passed, aud
The next a'so. still he came not and |,
though accustomed to disappointments Of
this character. grew restless and uneasy.
To return the compliment TO the
officers, Governor West had issued invita-
tions to a ball TO be given al his residence
Just one week from the night Of ours. 4
number o: the clRc from The ncighboring
city had been iavitel, and the aT'ir
promised to be very brilliant one.
Tuis may be thought very short time
ia which to prepare for 4 ball, bat il
must be remembered hat the boats were
daily expected to leave the station and
there was no time 10 sptrc.
"Ol course you will So" sail Mrs.
S,anhopc to me.
Il am unlecjl.l,' replied. Il my
husband rct~rns, i, shall be as he says.
Ii he does MOI re,ayn l hardly expect 10
go"
But You are in my charge said
Lieutenant MorIis, "and as yonr guar.
Inl, shall insist upon your going
stop, Lieutenant As understand
it, was Only pat in your charge Tor that
evening, answered p'ayilIIy.
Goa, NJ, Ms B.! There WAS no time
spoc.f.l Yol are still, under the shadow
Of ny wing
We Jau,crcd each o,hcr Tor time, !,
far from feeling The gay spirits assumed,
Tor secretly | very much wished to attend
the ball, and knew if ny husband re
rlrncd my going WAS doubtful. That day
passed and another, when Instead of my
husband there came this dispatch:
81 am unexpectedly detained. 1t will
be impossible for ne to Toe with you for
At least ten days Mcan;imc enjoy your
sell rs best you ca1. Lieutenant Morris
will sec that You are comfortable"
Atany other time should haze been
ready to cry at the prolonged stay OF my
husband, but confess 70 secret gra!iii
cation upon receiving the dispatch. He
could no. be at home in lime for the ball,
and had he not expressed desire Tor me
to enjoy myself? | showed the dispatch
to Mrs S,anhope, who instantly advised
me 10 attend The bali. think i. was 4
knowledge that she wolld advise me that
prompted me 20 show her ny letter. Still
dill not feel ut rest. | had 4 sort oil
pride that rcJellcd against appearing Ia
society wilho,t my husband; but Mrs.
Siuuhope's arguments and the Lieuten-
aAi's cutrcalies at leugth scattered my
,cruplcs, aud resolved to 90.
My caIly life my girihool Gays-had
been passed in strict scc.usioa, and my
husbands quiet tastes had made my
married l;ic almos. rs solitary in regard
10 society. Is It 50 much of wonder
then that was almost carried away by
its gay scenes?
The evening cane, and in company
with D ,ctor S.anhopc and his wife and
Lieutenant Morris, | went to the ball
The Lieutenant was exceedingly attentive
and | received many attentions from
Others; sill was i'll NJ ease. Several
,imcs caught myself wondering if pco
pic would think me unmarried, or worse
s.il. his wife; and once ortSicc | fancicd
that The Lieutenant halt suothercd The
Ms. when Introducing me to his friends
"lIavc YOU enjoyed The evening, Mrs
Il ," he inquired as we Halhed home
wards.
ooh, very much replied win mnci
icryor.
Il hope nothing will keep you away
from such gatherings in fu!u.e.'
That is more than can promise my
self. You know Captain B. does no
enjoy balls"
But j; Is unfair to keep you from them
Perhaps il his younger days he was more
favorable toward them"
Perhaps So" | replied: "but he i
rot an old man yet"
That depends upon what comparisons
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