Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1877-09-04
NEW SERIES. VOL. XII, NO. SO. !.

Just half an hour from the time she awoke,
hidden under the disguise just described, Miss
Woodvile entered the ballroom. --.
The revelry was at its height. The music
was fascinating. the dancing most animated,
and the throng full of merriment.
The little mnuve domino seemed shy and,
if the truth had been known, was half in
clined to fy from the scene she entered so
rashly. f@-
To what end her wavering doubt would
have carried her cannot be known, for she
had not stood in tho doorway two seconds.
before a gentleman, unmarked like most of
the men in the room, sustched her under his
arm, and led her off to place at the head of
the quadrille. .' ~ ,.IIsa-it ~
A slight scream escaped her as she looked
up into his face, and her partner was obliged
to lead her through the first Few steps of the
dance, for she had lost the power of volun--
tary motion. But when the time arrived for
the side couple to dance, she had recovered
enough sel-possession to listen calmly to the
remarks of her captor. -f- g. 7s--
"You seem to be sly little puss. Why
did l not find you before L have had the
luck of getting all The fat, puffy women in.
the rooms for partners. Thank goodness, the
last one pleaded fatigue and left me just as
saw you" ...s ~
And away he started, leading his partner
through all the figures with all the abandon
his rather elderly form could command. he
squeezed her hand, and glanced tendcrly into
her eyes.
'.Y ou are the sweetest little creature" he
said, coming close TO her, as there was again
pause for them in the dance. 'You arc so
quiet you interest me; you are SO different
from the rest here. Pray tell me why you
have chosen this soubre costume? II really
looks like half mourning. Speak, pretty one"
In low, disguised voice, Miss Woodville
answered
"Don't you see sir that ON q widow? 2"
".ro be sure. Why, | adore widows. l
have several among my lady friends, but none
so charming as yourself" F-a
He kept pouring out compliment after COM
plimeut, and then entreated her to unmask.
ut 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. I will de-
tend you against that man, whomsoover he
may be. Pity me, humor the whim of
man who in a few days will be married to
girl with plain face, just because she has
position and fortune"
II pity her more but the timo has como
When | must go. It's twelve O'Clock now"
"No, no, you may stay I will see who you
are"
"Some other time" said Miss Woodville
hastily, trying to wrench her hand from his
grasp. ''If you detain me you will lose me-"
Tell me where | can sec you my sweetest
charmer."
"Well, next Sunday afternoon, at half past
four O'Clock, at any place you may appoint,
SIR"
''Thcn let it be at the - HOTEL l
shall send to engage a private parlor there
for that day, and l will order dinner at half
past four. Pray do not fall
The widow in mauve, otherwise Miss
Woodville, slipped away, and tho old beau
was left standing almost in the midst OF the
crowd.
Thenext day at Mearsdoi, the guests were
heartily welcomed and ali appeared quito
happy except Miss Wood7il!e, and she seemed
little cross and unsymPathetio with the
lovers. Thus three days passed and Satur-
day morning arrived.
'My dearest Maria" said Mr.. George,
taking the hand of his betrothed in the most
tender manner, "it's painful to part from you;
but business of the most urgent character
Calls ne 10 new OIieduS. NOuSoIS
however, for | shall be back by the earliest
train on Monday morning"
Maria's eyes opened wide with 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 is too important; so he
left by the 1880 a. m. train.
ok
this the two young ladies left the MearsdaIe
station. One wore a light purple or nauve
silk, wholly concealed by large linen duster;
the other was dressed in plain brown and
both were thickly veiled.
The one with the dustes said to her COM
panion:
"No, don't say another word, Maria, what
am doing is right. Obey me in every
thing TO day"
When the train reached New Orleans the
/ ladies took carriages aud drove to the -
hotel On the way Miss Woodvile dives
| ted herself of the linen duster and threw a
! black Spanish veil over head and face.
They were shown to private parlor, where
already the preliminary preparations for a
! sump,uous feast were spread.
Exactly at halfpast four gentleman ems
| tered the room.
'True to your word. my darling" he said,
trying to give Miss WoodvilIe an aFectiona.e
embrace She checked him, at the same
time the lady in the brown dress and veil
step forward.
"And who have we here ~ he asked.
.'I was not aware that 1 should have the
pleasure of another lady's company"
"That is my companion. sir. Do you sup
pose would meet you alone % said Mis-
WoodsiIIe still in hef assumed voice.
-"Well, be that as it may" frown gath
cring on his face 81 have come to see you
/ face a. -or, nrnmised- Irnreil NOW for din