New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1883-03-28
SCATTERED HOPES,

SCATTERED HOPES.
Mamma, Maude Verney has written
for me to come out and see her this win
ter, and be present at her marriage.
Mayn't / go?' exclaimed, bursting in
to her room with Maude's open letter
in my hand.
Il would like you to do so, my DEAR"
said my dear good mother; ''and we
must manage it somehow
"Who knows? l may come across
the Fairy Prince while I am gone;
only fairy princes ride through the
world in search of heiresses NOWADAYS"
/ ratified on.
Il fancy human nature is much the
same as ever said mamma with 8
glance of maternal pride at my mischiev-
Gus self, whom she was pleased to think
attractive.
started on my dreamed-of visit with
a heart made glad by visions of future
triumphs at ball and soirce, long chats
with Maude, who is my dearest friend
and contidante, and last, though by no
means least, the knowledge that as
pretty and stylish an outfit as any girl
need desire was packed in the trunks
awaiting the train.
AS left my beautiful mountain-home,
| little thought | should return woman
who had slipped from the Intoxicating
cup of Joy, only to find it's draught
more bitter than the waters of Marah.
But am anticipating.
Maude was overjoyed to see me, and
we were soon installed in the pretty
room prepared for my reception, deep
in the condolences so dear to girlish
hearts.
We were interrupted by the dressing
bell, and as Maudc rose to leave she
said:
'Look your prettiest tonight, Lena,
for there will be several persons to dim
ner; and then Bert has heard me speak
of you SO often that / want you to make
good impression on him.
.'And who is this BERT for whose
benefit am to don my war-gear?' /
asked.
"He is sister's br0ther-in-law, on a
visit, and just now is the lion of society.
He is handsome, but rather tickle; and
besides, some people have coupled his
name with May Atkins, who is also On
visit to me. However, know you
can capture him; but guard your heart. y
''Trust me for that l laughed. 'l'll
vanquish him with his own weapons,
though I'm no tlirt
"Oh, of course not! laughed Maude.
l donned lovely dress Of pale pink,
with a soft creamy overdress. and gold
bands On my arms, while great creamy
roses nestled in the dark hair that
would curl and break loose from every
restraint Dame Fashion sought to inn
pose upon it. | knew was looking
well as / entered the room where most
of the guests were assembled.
was conycrsinG With an lnanc-look-
ing young man when Maude pinched
my arm and whispcred:
'Behold, the conqucrng hero comes
l raised my eyes and saw-but how
shall l describe Bert Montrose?
Not above the medium height. his
physique was perfect. His well-poised
head was covered with clustering rings
of auburn hair: dark-blue eyes that
sparkled with mirth and mischief one
moment, and the next would grow soft
ly luminous as the waves Of old ocean
when the moonbeams rest upon them;
beautiful, sensitive lips, almost con-
ccaled by the dropping moustache.
He was standing by lovely girl,
whose dark torpical loyeliness served as
an admirable foil to his light beauty.
She reminded me of rich pomegran-
ate, with her dark peachy skin and
bright color.
i ''Who is the girl?' / asked Maude.
"Why, May Atkins, of course. Sec,
they are coming over here, and I'll in
troduce you; then he shall take you to
dinner, so you can begin your attack at
once.''
After the forms of introduction were
over, dinner was announced. and Mr..
Montrose offered me his arm.
We were seated directly opposite Miss
Atkins, and as eNerted myself to en-
terrain my companion, l caught her
dark eyes fixed on me with a glance
that seemed to declare me her enemy.
After dinner l was called on to sing,
and sang, ''Pretty Birds
AS l turned, Bert was standing at my
side, his blue eyes shining.
"Sing something else he command
ed, and l obeyed, and sang again and
again.
When finally arose he said:
''Come out on the yerandah and tell
me of yourself. Where did you learn
to sing like the pretty birds them
selves?''
''From those same Birds answer.
ed. ''You must know Mr.. Montrose,
am but country lassie, or a second
Rasselas, out on an expedition to see
something of the world
''Let me be Your good angel, and
point out the most interesting objects. +"
agreed l answered.
So next morning he took me out, and
shall never forget the look in May At
kins' eyes when came down dressed
for walking, and Bert met me, with only
courteous .'good morning. to her.
So it was. At ball and soiree he wa,
ever at my side, and knew had given
him my heart, but not unasked, fol
eyes, tones, actions can speak, though
no word Of love had passed between US,
< u
This generally marks an cllipsis 81
time. but in this case it is intended tc
indicate a momentous period of my
life.
was out on shopping expedition,
and being tired, went into a restauran,