Connecticut western news., 1877-04-20

 could command. He squeezed her hand, and glanced tenderly into her eyes.
 "You are the sweetest little creature, he said, coming up close to her, as there was again pause for them in the dance. "You are so quiet; you interest me you are so different from the rest here. Pray tell me why you have chosen this somber costume? It really looks like balf mourning. Speak, pretty one?"
 In low, disguised voice, Miss Wood vile answered:
 'Don't you see, sir, that I'm wid- ow?"
 '"To be sure. Why, adore widows. 1 have several among my lady friends, but none so charming as yourself"
 He kept pouring out compliment after compliment, and then entreated her to unmask.
 cit is impossible. There is one man here that would not have see my face for worlds. must leave soon; it is now near midnight.
 "You, ,pique my curiosity, madam, to the utmost. Give me but one peep at that face, which know must be lovely. will defend you against that man, whomsomever he may be. Pity me humor the whim of man who in few days will be married to girl with a plain face, just because she has position and fortune.''
 ''I pity her more; but the time has come when I must go. It's twelve o'clock now"
 ''No no, you must stay will see who you are."
 'sSome other time," said Miss Wood vile hastily, trying to wrench her hand from his grasp. elf you detain me you lose me-"
 "Tell me where can see you, my s weet charmer "
 "Well, next Saturday afternoon, at half-past four, at any place you may ap- point, sir"
 'sThen let it be at the - Hotel. I shall send to engage a private parlor there for that day, and will order din- ner at half-past four. Pray do not fail"
 The widow in mauve, otherwise Miss Woodville, slipped away, and the old beau was left standing almost in the in the midst of the crowd.
 The next day at Mearsdale the guests were heartily welcomed, and all ap- peared quite happy except Miss Wood vile, and she seemed a little cross and unsympathetic with the lovers. Thus three days passed and Saturday morn ing arrived.
 My dearest Maria" said Mir. George, taking the hand of his betrothed in the most tender manner, Git is painful to part from you; but business of the most urgent character calls me to New Orleans. Console yourself, however, for shall be back by the earliest train on Monday morning.
 Maria's eyes opened wide in surprise, She demonstrated with him; begged him to wait till Monday, and pleaded that he would come home on Saturday night so as to pass Sunday with her.
 No, the business was too important so he left by the 10.30 A. M. train.
 There was another train at twelve On this two young ladies left the Mears dale station. One wore light purple or mauve silk, wholly concealed by 8 large linen duster; the other was dressed in a plain brown, and both were thickly yelled.
 The one with the duster said to he1 companion:
 "No, don't say another word, Maria What 1 am doing is all right. Obey me in everything to-day.
 When the train reached New Orleans the ladies took carriages and drove tc the - Hotel. On the way, Miss Woodville divested herself of the linen duster, and threw black Spanish veil over her face and head.
 They were shown to private parlor, where already the preliminary prepar- ations for a sumptuous feast were spread.
 Exactly at half-past four gentleman entered tlle room.
 "True to your word, my darling" he said, trying to give Miss Woodville an affectionate embrace. She checked him, and at the same time the lady in the brown dress and veil stepped for ward.
 "And who have we here?" he asked SST n+ %hof oh hox f6r pleasure of another lady's company"
 ''That is my companion, sir. Do you suppose would meet you alone? ?" said Miss Woodville still in her assumed voice.
 "Well, be that as it may," a frown gathering on his face, ''I have come tc see your face, as you promised. Unveil now, for dinner will be served in a few moments"
 Not so fast, gallant sir, if you please First you must repeat your professions of the other night"
 ooh, that is easy enough. my little one. You know love you, and intend visiting you very frequently, and sit. lnS dI your preIIy leeG llteIa1Ay auu He' taphorically."
 "After you are married?"
 s'To be sure I will. What is to pre- vent?"
 '"Then certainly you may see my face." and the veil dropped at her feet "Allow me to introduce you to my friend Miss Mears. MT. George"
 Mir. George turned ghastly pale; hi' hands trembled and he clutched tht back of chair for support.
 Maria now stepped forward. and witl great self-control, and composedly sait to Miss Woodvile:
 "Thank you for having opene 'my eyes to the fact that l was in danger O marrying hypocrite. We may as vel go now."