Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-10-22

riod just before the dining hour, and gayly attired bellies and nonchalant beaux were | passing slowly up and down to the music of Gungrs "En Avant-marche!n which was being cIashed and prayed in stentorian ac- cents by noisy band. Under cover of the loud voiced melody soft whispers could be exchanged or sharp criticisms uttered; and lively old Mrs. Westervliet, sitting back in the shadows of her private parlor, did not hesitate to avail herself of the privilege as she leaned forward over the shoulder of her nephew, young Danvers, who occupied a more conspicuous position near the door. He had arrived from Philadelphia only this morning, fact which probably accounted for the anxiety evinced by his New York aunt to render him au courant of all persons and things at once She chattered on in a cheerful and unrestrained manner, for there was music to fill up the pauses and nobody very near--a state of things which is quite as convenient for scandal as for Irritation.
 ''This is your first season here, Harry, I believe. I hope you like dancing, for there is hop somewhere nearly every night. I think there is one tonight at the Fillmore and know there is one tomorrow evening at the Bellevue. Now for goodness sake don't get up filtration with any of the mar ried ladies'"
 "Who is that lovely creature2" here in- quired MT. Danvers, ,.as a tall graceful girl, elegantly attired in blue silk grenadine, swept past.
 "That is Miss Selfridge of Cincinnati, and she is called the belle of the house. She is engaged, Harry so do not waste your glances in that direction. Here comes one of the married beauties-NIrs. Beresford of Balti- more. Has she not sweet voice and smilea The correspondent of The New York Sumner called her the Baltimore oriole in his last let ter. That pair just behind her, the Traf- lords, of Savannah, look very loving just now, but he is accused of a weakness for Mrs. Jim Stone Gndeed he gave her a supper in one of the private parlors last week. but don't say told you), and she is furiously jealous. How pretty Alice Boudinot looks in that gray dress! saw her wear it in the Life of an Actress at Niblo's last winter She is to appear as Jennie Deans at the Win ter garden next season. There comes Tom Greene, of Philadelphia. Who is he with to- day? Oh, see-that dowdy little Mrs. May. What can men sec to admire in that woman? Apropos of Tom Greene, I can tell you such funny story about him! One evening last weel"-
 'How charmingl Dear aunt, who is she2 Do you know herl Can you introduce me?' exclaimed and queried Harry Danvers in 0 breath, entirely ignoring ''the funny story" thus suspended in mid career upon Mrs. Westervliet's lips
 The old lady had half a mind to get angry at the uncermonious Interruption, but a glance at the object of her nephew's enthu- sfasm calmed her rising ire at once. She was very fond of Harry, who was her favorite nephew; both of her own two sons had mar ried well, and she had strong desire that her favorite, Harry, should do as we'll as his cousins; so, as the object of his admiring outburst was an heiress we'll as 0 beauty, she graciously pardoned him for his impo- hteness, in consideration of his fortunate choice
 It was a decidedly striking looking pair on one of whom Harry Danvers was gazing with delighted eyes, The tall, massive form of the gentleman lowered above the lower forms of his neighbors, while the broad, full brow, crowned with masses Of iron gray hair, which were pushed back so as to show the fine forehead in full relief, the dark, piercing eyes, stern, thin Tipped, close shut mouth, and the jaw, heavy, square, and rigid as though wrought in ron made up countenance which once seen could not easily be forgotten. Leaning upon his arm, and looking like a wild rose clinglng to rock, was a young girl, fair and Sweet and frail looking as the flower to which I have compared her. She
 
 every movement of her slight form; and her large, dark eyes had the soft, shy beauty of the full orbs of a gazelle. The faint rose flush on her transparent cheek varied with each breath and movement, from the paly pink of Q roses outside petals to the richer hue of it's inmost heart. Above her broad, low brow the dark masses of her silky hair showed against the transparent skin like a setting of dusky enamel around pearl. She was very young, evidently just "out," and sweet and shy and unartificial as girls at that period should ever be, but which, alas, in our days, they very seldom are Her dress, an aerial silken tissue of delicate rose pink hue, floated about her slender form like a sun flushed cloud, It was cut square in the neck, and around the long graceful throat was clasped a slender Venetian chain, sup porting an antique looking cross of gold fili- gree work. It was her only ornament, and she needed no other. Age and plainness must have recourse to jewels; youth, beauty and grace can afford to scorn their glitter. The gentleman caught Mrs. Westervliet's eye, half paused and hesitated. She rose and came forward with impressement.
 "Mr. Hurst, was sure you had not for gotten Mrs. Westervhet. How sorry anu that the judge is not here at present. Harry dear, do get out of the way. MT. Hurst, yoh will find a seat in my parlor much more com fortable than one of those hard chairs In the hall, and you mast be nearly tired of prom enading by this time And is this little Flor ence3 Surelyr'
 :!Allow mo to present my daughter to you," said Mir. Hurst with smiling courtesy. "Florence, this Is Mrs, Westervliet,"
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