The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1881-05-28
AFTER MANY DAYS.

1t is the evening of a military ball
at Trowchester, and the assembly
rooms are brilliantly illuminated and
decorated.
Outside there is the throng of car
riages usual to such occasions, and
the orthodox crowd of spectators
cole cted to criticise the appearance
of arriving guests.
Inside, in the large ballroom, the
gay uniforms, the bright dresses, the
spark ling smiles, the tiny, swiftly
moving feet, the glittering spurs the
profusion of light and color, and the
sweet, rich order of the flowers which
line and conceal the many tete-a-tete
corners and ecesses. combine to form
a scene not easily forgotten, and two
present will remember it to their
lives end.
The centre of gpodly group,
mainly composed of gallant sons of
Mars, is a slender, graceful girl, with
dark hair and eyes, and cheeks as red
as a ponegranate blossom.
Glistening, dew-tipped water-lilies
nestle in her bosom, and fasten back
her sea a-green skirts.
She is Edith Wyndham, the only
daughter of the richest mill-ownei in
the town, and the acknowledged belle
of the evening.
With ready repaTtee and merry
laugh she bears her part in the lively
, conversation geingo adroitIy parry
ing all entreaties to join the dancers,
or retire to The cooler atmosphere of
the temporary conservatory with
some favored cavalier.
Every now and then, however, a
weary. inaudibIe sigh escapes her,
and she watches the door with furtive
I anxiety. Suddenly the delicate bloom
on her cheeks deep, ms, and the eyes,
over which the lids s0 shyly droop,
are shining like stars.
A gentleman who has just entered
made his way toward her. He is at
tired in civilians evening dress, and
she quietly greets him as "Mr. Grant
ley"
You have remembered your prom
i,e, | hope" he says in low tone.
YES she answers, without look
ing up; L have reserved two dances.' ,
He stoops down 10 whisper his
thanks, which are apparently very
eloquent and expressive.
This is our galop.' she says, hun
riedly rising from her seat.
In another moment they are float
idg away to the mad music of the
Royal Mail and many an admiring
glance fellows them.
No wonder either, FOR their dancing
is perfection, and their good looks are
undeniable. They are well-con.
trasted couple. She is of the pure
dark tyne of beauty, and he is fair
and Saxon in Style. His figure is
tall and stalwart his face is frank
and faithful, with a firm mouth, a
rather blunt nose, and keen blue eyes,
His hair is closely cropped. but it AS
serts its independence nevertheless in
many w:lful twist and curl.
prQSAnfIu kuh A., fhn .l.,,,no &, ,,.,o.
he asks.-
Shall you be at home tomorrow
afterhoon?'
yes, think so,' she rejoins, nerv-
ously playing with her boquet.
That is well for l want to see
you. ] can never get you by yourself
for even scanty ten minutes. and
am growing quite desperate. You
will be alone?' he adds. bending
nearer.
Perhaps; but may haye other call
lers, you know, she makes reply with
just SoupcOn of mischief.
But for once you can deny Yourself
to any one else. must see you
alone / can't say what have to say
in all this Babel and confusion.
Promise ME now that there shall I've
no one else there p
She hesitates; but catching sight
ofanother partner bearing down upon
them with the evident intention of