The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1884-05-24

oSnl/cd by her intimate illcnQS. CSptC-
tally Harry Norton, who alfred as a
Spanish cavalier, was strikingly hand
some and quite devoted to his cousin.
Late in the evening there was new
arrival, lady, who was at once univer-
sally dubbed che lady in white" She
wore a trailing robe of snowy satin,
without 4 solitary ornament, even
flower, and her white satin mask WAS
SO ccntrived that it was impossible to
distinguish feature.
The entire costume in its severe sim
plicity suggested disguise, and not
withstanding the eXertions of half the
people present, no one discovered her
identity.
Mr.. Norton was immeditely present
ed and danced with the mysterious
unknown. After that, strive as he
might he could not keep away from
her side.
All others present were completely
ignored and forgotten. He found in
his new acquaintance such a charm,
such grace and wit, such fascination,
that Harry Norton began to feel be
wildered and not 4 little alarmed he
was evidently falling in love Norton
was really not half 4 bad fellow.
He was merely supremacy selfish and
self-indulgent, and | think that l may
safely affirm that these two attributes
are characteristics of his sex. He had
attended his cousins ball only TO kill
time" and without any decided inten-
ton to do ought bat the right thing,
bat alas there is certain place which
is said to be paved with good intentions.
But in reality he did not bestow a
serious thought upon a woman in The
world save his wife. Only ! gricyc to
admit it, he was one of those deplora-
bic specimens, a married llirt
Well, as | was saying, he found him
self growing deeply interested in the
fair unknown, who refused decidedly
to give any clew to her identity. He
was perpleNcd but the very mystery
rendered the affair delightfully."- cxcit-
ing, and he began to look forward with
Impotence to the hour when, at a given
signal, the maskers were to unmask.
But to his intense disappointment
and chagfin when the time arrived and
the signal was given the fair unknown
had disappeared. He found no more
pleasure in the gay assemblage, and
soon afterward took his departure.
Harry Norton's trip to New York,
that important business trip was over,
and he had reached his home again.
Ringing the bell, he was met by the
servant, who informed hin that Mrs.
Norton was in her own room.
Truth to tell, Harrys conscience
troubled him sorely in regard to his
late treatment Of his wife and he was
glad to be home once more where he
devoutly determined to turn over new
leaf and alter his frivolous conduct for
the better.
He fastened up stairs and pushed
open the door of his wifes chamber,
which stood ajar; then he pausedupon
the threshold, spell-bound with amaze
ment. There, n the center of the
room, with her face ayerted, stood the
lady in white, he,mysterious masker
She held in her hand a little satin
mask. 1t was the same lady, the dress,
the figure, and the gold-brown hair al
ranged in quaint old fashion he
could have sworn to them anywhere.
She turned and confronted him calmly.
His heart leaped into his throat. for it
was Clara, his own wife
1t was long time before Clara Nor
ton fully trusted her husband agar, or
believed in the depth and sincerity Of
his love for her. But he strove SO
earnestly to undo past offences, and
devoted himself thenceforth so assid-
uously to her, that it was not in the
heart of woman to remain adamant
and resist; SO peace and happiness
were restored once more.
Harry is nirt no longer, and his
wife thinks that he can date his reform
from the time Of that little trip to New
York.