Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1877-05-29
MIscELLANE Gus.
BERKLBY's MASQUERADE.

".An ETTER go. Dick" said Ned Hattop,
"lot's' o iun the graudest thing Of the
season nuthing yit like it; the mssks and
gtt ups ull OF the latest and funniest Partisan
style"
Dick Berkley took the cigar from his
mouth, blew out spiral cloud of smoke and
reflected moment.
They were in Berkley's room. and the
door which opened into hall was slightly
sjar. Both men had their backs to the door
aud their faces toward the blazing crate.
II would go if was sure l could keep
my wife from knowing it," said Berkley.
"Why, to be sure you cau." replied his
friend Hatton, q gay bachelor OF thirty or
more. "What is the use OF being bound to
the iron bonds of petticoat government. tied
to a woman's apron string, and make both a
slave aud fool OF yourself all your life. !
tell you men like Us who are kept in courts
and among legal papers and documents need
q little recreation some time"
"My wife would raise thunder II she
knew of me going to a masquerade"
at this very moment Mrs. Berkley WAS
passing through the hall and paused at the
door, having heard the remark of her hus.
band.
She need never know it." replied >Hatson,
vehemently.
'sLet's see when is itl" asked Berkley.
Next Tuesday night"
"I'lT go"z "a . --f"
$50 will T." thought Mrs. Berkley, and
she disappeared unobserved, from the DOORS
way.
s.In my carriage 2" asked Hattou.
"Yes. expect me 10 front Of tho Lindcl i;
from there we can drive TO Kruth's or Madam
Purcelfs for our costumes and masks"
Tuesday night came, and our friends were
at the masquerade.
BerkIey was disguised a. Turk. and his
friend in the hideous gsrb of IN Indian.
There was one fauitless form, dressed in
the garb of page of the olden time. which
seemed to be the admiration of every one.
Our friends were rot long in finding this
strangely disguised and evidently fast young
lady, and she made herself especially pleas.
ing to Berkley. The latter promenaded and
danced with her, and they then retired to
another room for refreshments. The eyes
which gle,med from the holes in the mask,
our hero declared to be the most lovely he
had ever beheId. While chattering and
drinking sparkling champagne. with the art
I ful beauty, he chuckled to himself to think
what q nice trick he had played on his wife.
"Now, my chArmer," he ssid. pouring out
glass of sparkl wine. 81 drink to your
health alone, and VOW love no other; sfter
which shall ask-as we are by ourselves
that we unmask."
"Bah sir Turk, you do not pretend TO
say you love me 2"
More than tongue can tel"
"And that you never loved another !"
"Never, by the jumping Jehosophst."
Nonsense, I'll venture you have . wife
and half dozen children"
II swear by my beard have moi" said
the Turk.
HPshas! we women know you men too
well to believe what you say. Men must
have some recreations you know"
"But, know, dearest, adored unknown. +"
began our hero. pushing his chair just as
close to the unknown as he could get it, and
clasping one of her hands In his "tbat have
found my Unity in you; that never loved
till saw you, aud that adore only you
now have made full confession. and after
requesting the pleasure of seeing You home.
please allow me 10 remove that mask that
must cover face of exquisite loveliness."
Berkley had evidently drank too much
champagne, or he would not have been 90
vehement in his remarks.
I He threw one arm around the young lady,
raised the mask and bsheld-ths face Of his
wife
"Thunderstion s.llie. let's go home"
he cried. And in fifteen minutes they were
I in cab goirg towards their residence.
Mr.. BerkIey sss very qziet msD for ssv.