Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1877-01-30

S3SC 1t was my old friend, Vivian Wins
cent, whom l SO accosted, after two years of
absence.
"You look like ghost" I added.
And feel like one" he answered, "and
not very jolly ghost at that
Alas ! poor ghost y
Badinago apart, more doleful looking OBJ
iect than Vivian, it would be difficult to
imagine. In place of the merry, rollicking
companion whom 1 had parted with couple
of years before, l found but a dismal shadow,
a residuum of woe, man reduced to his own
drees.
"What can have happened 2" asked. 81
expected to find you the most blissful of benz
edicts instead of looking like n founder on
dry land. Why it seemed only question of
tmo between you aud Constance We're two
years ago"
That is past now" said Vivian discOuso
lately.
What?-have you quarrcled?" ?"
Sho loves another"
Arc you sure z"
81 have taxed her with it, and she docs
not deny it."
What girl of spirit would 2"
But Vivian was in no mood to be comforted.
He had made up his mind TO be miserable,
and miserable he accordingly was.
His rival, or the man he accounted such,
was Mortimer Grandson, n wealthy widower,
as he claimed TO be, ard a new conner in the
place, whose stylish appearance aud fau'tless
manners speedily placed him on the best of
social footing, and led to a general setting of
caps u his direction.
Mr.. Grandson behaved NTH courtesy to
all, but to Constance We're his attentions were
particular-so so much so that others noticed
them, aud his name and hels began to be
coupled in a way that would have reused the
passions OF far less jealous lover than Vivian
Vincent.
lie expostulatcd with Constance, who in
turn asserted her independence. The result
was a quarrel which neither would be the
first to offer to accommodate. Meanwhile
Mr.. Grandson became more attentive than
over, and Miss We're received his attentions
with a show of unminglcd pleasure. 1t
would be match, everybody said and like
ly enough everybody spoke the truth, for
unlkclier things lave happened than wo-
mans choosing one lover just to punish the
presumption of another.
Such was the state Of the case which l
was able to patch out from the long and tan
gled story which Vivian told me Of his trou-
bles. l tried to cheer him up, to convince
him that his suspicious were exaggerated,
but all in vain. lie smiled sadly, as one
who would say, ~ thank you for your friend
ly offers; they're we'll intended, but have
no power to console blighted heart"
At any rate, 60 with me to the ball to-
night" l urged. u have grown almost a
stranger here, and shall need friend to in
trojuce me-"
"IwiIl go to obIige you" Vivian replied !;
but it was with the air of one who, having
ha h.r nf
afford to take her gentlcr buffets with iu-
difference.
a dazzling scene Of gaycty and fashion
met our sight as Vivian and [ entered tho
brilliantly lighted rooms the following even,
ing. The contrast between that glitteri1g
throng and the poor wTetches under my pro-
fessional care for the past two years at the
- lunstic asylum, where had been as
signed to duty on taking my degree. was in
deed striking. But l had no time for re.
fection. The dancers were taking their
places.
Most beautiful among the beautiful was
Constance We're that night. Her charms had
heightened in the interval since last saw
her. But who was that at her side, with
form and carriage so perfect? Where had
I seen that cold, uDsyDpatheic face Like
fash the memory came.
II mere, that IS Granolson leading her
down now" said Vivian in hoarse whisper.
See how admiringly she looks at him "
Hes man any woman might ADMIRE" I
replied, not needing the effect on Vivian, who
turned away to conceal his rage.
ga word with you, Mr.. Grandson" 1
said, approaching aud touching that gentle
mans arm, when he had conducted her to her
scat.
He turned upon me abruptly.
Il have not the pleasure of your acquain-
tnnce, sir" he said: "neverthcless, what is it
ycu desire to say?"
''Our lack of previous acquaintance" l
replied, must be accounted mutual depriva-
ton"
at is scarcely that which you have sought
me out to say"
''No."
proceed, then"
''Thoueh we have not had the pleasure of
being acquainted before, it is not the first
time we have met"
81 do not recall the time or place"
s'The time was yesT ago"
"And the place z"
ssThe Iuuatic asylum"
a startled look came over the cold, i'm
passive face. The keen eyes were bent search
iugly upon me.
"weI, sir" said Grandson, with an effort
IN rnnover his cornoaure Hprantiup your