Wilmington daily commercial., 1875-04-24
MISCELLANEOUS.
THE BELLE OF THE BRANCH"

eh my iiiehu5 are enjoying Tie beashore. feB
shall leave the city on Saturday. My mind il
made up and when resolve upon u plan
never yield"
| This spirited speech came from the lips of
poutng beauty, and was intended for the ears of
her husband who had been for the last hour alb
sorbed in his newspaper and cigar. He had not
heard the first of the speech, but was forciby
reminded Of the later clause by the energy with
which it was uttered.
ITO the seashore, Nettie l have plan in
my mind, that | sls to propose this evening,
which | think yun will like better
What is it, George y
''ro board in the country during the three
warmest months"
''ln the country For mercy's sake, George,
do not talk about the country place HI gloomy
and quiet as a graveyard, and swarming with
mosquitoes. / should die of loneliness, to be
banished from society three months"
but shall be out every evening, Nettie, we
shall have Sunday to enjoy together, while, II
you go to the seashore, shall not be able to be
with you at all; besides, the enormous expense
OF watering places, with the fashionable style
kept up there, would be serious obstacle in the
way"
- 1t need not be, am sure, George. l know
you can afford this little expense and then, too
| had rather spend fortnight at general
watering place, than three months in the
country. Live while we do live, 10 my maxim"
The next Sunday night found Nettie domiciled
at one of the most fashionable hotels at the
" Branch" George did not regret the effort he
had made to crafty his wife when he how
happy she was made by It, Before she had
been week at the hotel Nettle unanimously
voted the belle of the season."
This was very iiatering position to sustain,
and in the midst of this tide of admiration she
forgot what little good sense nature had spared
to her, and plunged headlong into fashion and
pleasure. crowd OF attendants were pressing
their services and attentions upon her Her
talent for music was brought into use, and no
songs were 30 much applauded as those OF
charming Nettie.
In the midst OF this homage, Nettie was
awakened from her dream by letter from
George. 1t breathed only kindness and love.
He was happy because she was enjoying herself
30 much. He wrote in 30 cheerful u tone that it
reassured Nettie and gave her courage to make
new demands upon his exertions. More money
was seriously needed to make the necessary
change Of clothing. The belle OF the season
must not appear two nights i'll the same adorn-
ngs. To excite the pride of her husband she
sent paper containing an account OF the late
fete, i'll which her name shone most conspicuous
OF all the bright stars in that galaxy OF beauty,
George received this letter in his counting
room, worn out with overwork, and it's contents
were anything but gratifying to him. He had
dismissed one of the clerks to lessen expenses,
and was performing the extra labor himself.
He had not even found time to leave the city
diligence, to sake up for the unusual demands
upon his purse. The money WAS sent with
gentle remonstance, and deep anxiety lest she
should be injuring her health by this excess OF
dissipation. He limited at the time OF her return,
and proposed to go for her Whenever she would
appoint the day OF her return.
Nettie had no desire to leave place where
she WAS winning such golden honors. 1t was
not slight thing to BIO the "belle Of the Branch.
and consequently the object OF Jealous envy to
more WEALTHY ladies than herself,
fortnight passed on, and tho gay belle
found no time to send amessage to her husband,
not even to assure him Of her health and safety.
Poor George he was now reaping small part
of the retribution that was following upon tho
heels of his own misguided love. Nettie was
not wholly to blame. She lived only on excite
ment and admiration.
Among the many admirers of the Long Branch
belle was Spanish Count, who had lost all but
his tile and ancestral blood through some I'M
looked for change in his native country, and,
therefore, came to America. He was accom-
plshed, and prepossesslng in appearance, and
excelled in music. With these external advan-
tages, he made himself very attractive to Nettie.
In fine, he was the favored attendant
The fortnight at the seashore extended to q
summer. 1t was not possible for Nettie to tear
herself away from the enchanting rounds OF
pleasure.
She became selishly unmindful Of the trouble
she was bringing ON her faithful husband, and
thought only OF herself and her new friend.
She was borne on by the great whirlpool OF ia h.
ion, far out into deep, dangerous places. But
she was as ignorant as child of her danger.
Count Leonardo was ilattered and gratfed by
his power over the beautiful woman. He became
greatly enamored, and, with the impetuousness
OF his national character, gave evidence of his
love by the most untiring devotion. Nettie WAS
blinded by her own life of excitement, and did
not understand nor believe the import of the
Counts attentions.
While these events were transporting at Long
Iou I,aIa
reflection. At first, he was quiet and submissive,
more for the love he bore towards his wife, and
| natural desire to gratify all her wishes, than
| from any weakness of character. Al the weeks
passed BY, he grew restless and miserable, and
at length out of his bitter experience his reso-
| luton was formed. He saw the danger to which
| his wife WAS exposed, AZ other person could
| and he resolved to save her from the Borrowing
| that might fall upon her transporting head.
| After mature reflection, George Cava lgh took
| upon himself a disguise that afforded HIM per-
feet security and made his way to Long Branch
Here he determined to mingle with the
crowd and watch his treasure from a
| distance, and yet be near to ward off
love colored with the brightest things every lit
tie act; the homage offered to his fair and beau
| tful wife seemed to him the foulest insult. He
| knew better than Nettie the real character that
| lay beneath the pleasing exterior of her many
admirers.
On arriving at Long Branch, George made but
little effort to gain acquaintances. Ills purpose
| would be better accomplished by retired secu-
sion. He feared Nettie might recognize him,
should he be brought into her immediate pres
ence He stood afar of listening to the remarks
of the bystanders, and endeavored to learn from
the people the current of conversation the es-
teen in which she was held. He had never seen
her in such blaze Of glory and splendor, and
was bewildered by the beauty Of her appearance.
George Cavanaugh was good man, and he
believed in his heart that Nellie was true to
him, although he knew full well her weakness
of character which, required, and even eXacted,
constant homage from others. But now he
saw as he never did before, his own
part in the fault. II danger fell upon her, he
was partly responsible What had he offered her
but this same doting, blind devotion? Never
| had he opened his mind, with its wealth of
knowledge and practical experience, to her, and
taught her to prize it above attery. For the first
time in his life he saw his mistake, and obeying
the impulse of his generous nature he resolved
to atone for it.
His quick, jealous eye soon fell upon Count
| leonardo, and, unnoticed, he watched his move
ments every moment when it WAS possible to
gain ACCESS to him. He heard, as if by some
Supernatural power the tender word of parting
and the delicate batteries addressed.to Nettie on
the balcony after the dance had ceased. He fol-
lowed his wife like guardian angel, and never
for moment lost sight of the purpose that ill.,
spred him. He fancied he had often noticed q
strange look In Netties face when She had been
| engaged in conversation with Count Lenardo