The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1878-10-24

as Mrs. Mcdonald, the Scotch lady of
Norfolk, says"
Certainly" said Mary Ann, ''but which
Of my old admirers is itl'
''Have you got the list in your pockets
Not at all; | have left it at my grand
mothers at Richmond; what pity!'
The two wild creatures, bounding like
a couple OF fawns over the forest glade,
for they We're reckless of the public opin-
ion among the Old dowagers and staid
maidens OF Williamsburg, entered the
store and asked for sight Of gloves, mus
inns and ribbons. Mary Ann tnd not seem
10 pay much attention to the 1ine articles
shown her. She ever and anon cast her
eyes by stealth round and round the store,
ndeavoring to discover if she recognized
any of the faces as that of an old acquaint-
Ance. She could see nothing 70 repay the
effort. Not face had she ever seen be-
fore. She summoned up to her recollec-
ton all her former admirers. They passed
through her mind like the ghosts in Mac
Oeth;" for, Notwithstanding her rejection
of SO many lovers, she ever retained a GER
tain portion of regard for every poor fel-
low WHO had fallen a victim to her whim,
beauty, witchery and caprice.
TINS Is an Arabian desert said Mary
Ann, signing, to Louisa, as she split a
pair Of kid gloves in endeavoring to get
lnem on.
oh! no" said gay young shopman;
indeed, miss, tLey are the best French
lidr
''Pray@ said Louisa, in a low tone,
don't you see anything in the back room
Of the stores'
In remote corner of the store there
stood at the desk plainly dressed gen
t'cman, leaning over the corner of a wood
en- railing, with his eyes firmly fixed upon
the two ladies now so actively engaged in
tossing over the counter all sorts of mer-
chnndise and light French goods.
"As | live said Mary Ann, "there is
my old Blue Ridge beau. Oh. how wet
was" whispered she, "drenched with a
summer shower, when first l was thrown
into his society. l believe the poor fellow
loved me sincerely. Come, let us spend
upon him at least $40 in jaconet; he spent
500 upon me in balls, dancing, colds,
cough-drops and drives, and got nothing
for his pains but a neat JU!et-dour declin-
ing his poor heart and soft hand. Poor
ellOWr'
With this sally the ladies bought sew
cral articles, scarcely caring whether they
suited them or not. When they left the
store Mary Ann fell into a reverie, was
quite silent, which for her was unusual
and singular. Louisa's spirits, on the
contrary, gathered life and energy as
Of ha
talked, she laughed, she ridiculcd her
oeaus, she rallied Mary Ann, and looking
.nto her Tor once melancholy face, said:
$50, my love, you are caught at last
''Caught," said Mary Ann; indeed you
are much mistaken. | do not think-that
is to say, fancy I should not like To
marry my Blue Ridge beau. Oh! Lou
isa," said she, after a pause, with tear in
her eye, "what foolish creature l have
been. Mr.. Collingwood, for that is his
name, | am sure, quite sure, does not
think Of me; out | cannot remember the
attentions he once paid me without feel
ing Of regret"
"Why. now what's the matter with you2
After refusing so many, are you going to
throw yourself away on shopkeeper! A
descendant of one Of tls most ancient
families in Virginia to marry shop
keeper!n
ALAS alas. Louisa, what is descent?
what is fashion9 what is all the life | have
led2 Do YOU see that little white house
with green Venetian blinds across the
street, | was one evening in that house,
and saw enough to satisfy me that L have
been pursuing pleasure, not happiness.
Oh, if l could only feel as that young wife
doesw
''You laugh. am sure do not think
of Mr. Collingwood; but there was time
when his soft, quiet, affectionate manner
did touch me most sensitively."
"Have you got the gloves you bought
asked Louisa.
Mary Ann looked She had forgotten
them on the counter or lost them.
1--WE must return then," said Louisa.
"Never," said Mary Ann. Il never dare
look at him. l am sure he despises me
Oh, if he only knew what l feel-what
pangs pass through this heart-I am sure
he would not"
"Come, come" said Louisa; 1--WE must
return and get the gloves" :"
"Never"
ooh! the Jaconet or a husband, most
assredly. You remember your resolution
when we set out!"
Mary Ann smiled, while her eye glis-
tened with tear. They returned home,
however, and sent Cato, the colored ser
want, for tie articles they had forgotten.
After this adventure, it was observed
that visible change came over the man
ners and spirits of Mary Ann. Her gay,
brilliant sallies of wit aud ridicule were
moderated amazingly. She became quite
pensive; singularly thoughtful for a girl
Of her unusual flow of spirits When Lou
isa rallied her on the shopping excursion
she replied: Indeed, Louisa, do not
think l could marry Mr.. Collingwood;
besides he has forgotten every feeling he
may have entertained towards me- In q
few days after this eyenta party was given
one evening at neighboring house. The
family in which Mary Ann resided were
all invited. The moment OF reunion ap-
preached, and Mary Ann, dressed with
great elegance but far less sp1endor than
usual, found herself at tie head OF a cotl-
lion, surrounded by several young gentl'-
men, students of William and Mary, pro-
iCooSiS1 tii~t-iAtio e4tO fllClNlliiItS. iucN
were pressing forward in every direction,
talking and catching word or a look
from so celebrated a belle Mary Ann,
however, did not appear to enjoy the
group that surrounded her.
She was shooting her dark blue eyes
easily and negligently towards the en-
trance, as every new face came forward.
to see all the party. The music struck up.
and, rallying her. attention, she immedi-
ately stepped off on d0s-a-dos with that
elegance and grace for which she was so
particularly remarkable. At the close, as
sine stood up beside her partner, throwing
beautiful auburn ringlet back upon her
white, round neck, her eye caught with
sudden emotion quiet, genteel-looking
person at the other end of the room. 1t
was Mr.. Collingwood. She Immediately
dropped her eyes to the floor and looked
very narrowly at her left foot as she moved