The Press., 1892-03-17

tDg.
 l can never forget that winter, ''the winter of my discontent," and of my great happinessl
 We young people had been going from house to house in parties, and at last my time came around to entertain. l invited to Carter Hall, my home in Clarke coun- ty, Va, my cousins, Susan Randolph and Jane Page, Cornelia Caben Ia friend from Winehester) and Miss Ogden, of New York, who was guest of lanes The gentlemen were Will Lewis, Frank Washington, Tom McC Cormick-al three neighborhood beaux-and a Mr. Ernest McAlhster, who had just arrived from New York, and was staying with his old college friend, Will Lewis.
 Mir. sMcAllister had visited Clarke the summer before, and having heard of the delightful winter we had was not slow in accepting an invitation to come and see for himself if it were true. Being very wealthy he could do as he pleased, but his ideasrof enjoyment were rather peculiar.
 For five or six years he had travelled, and on his return to New York he de-. clined all invitations, shutting himself up in an old country house about three miles from the city, where he collected rare old books,cehina and pictures. On his occasional visits to New York he was pointed out as most desirable "parti, rich, of an old family, and genius in his way.
 To my great surprise-for I have al- ways had very humble opinion of my self-in the summer he had seemed to enjoy my society more than that of the other girls. Consequently, was much leased by them. Indeed, i'll naturedf speeches were made, such as:
 'sAnnie, do pray, try not to show him how pleased you are with his atten- tions" Another said, .'He is engaged to a cousin who is abroad" and again was told it was only 'spour passer le temps' he had been a desperate fiirt.
 l knew they were spiteful, envious sspeeches-but they left their sting, and began to be conscious" when in his presence, and so stiff in my manner he remarked upon it.
 My ssdearest friend" took me aside one day and said, For your good, dear An nie, let me say, beware of his fascina- tions," and yet that very friend received his attentions most eagerly. In spite of my. coldness he~-sought me on every oc- casion, and caught myself listening for his step, and brightening at his coming. At the last summer gathering he told me he would look forward with so much pleasure to thA winter, and to seeing me again. On that last sentence had pom dered, many day. It might mean so much-or nothing at all.
 The winter came-at last. And from house to house we had gone without MT. McAllister. It had been one round of gayety, and yet he did not come until the very last-after we had almost given ated quite: q sensation. Then Miss Og- den came. A regal looking brunette and immensely wealthy. rJane asked me to invite her, saying she could not come without her.; She told us she was engaged to her cousin, MT. Livingstone, of New York, and the marriage would take place. in the early spring., "So, girls" she added, "she cannot spoil our fun,. or. mar any plans on hand, the last remark being addressed to me.
 My company arrived February eighth and were to remain until after the four teenth, when promised to give ball. How well remember my sensations on first beholding Miss Ogden in full even ing dress. i've had agreed always to appear Zen grande toilette" for dinner. ) She wore crimson velvet, trimmed with ermine. Her beauty fairly dazzled me- watched her as she talked to MT. Nc AHister. When sle raised her. glorious eyes to his fny heart sank within me- and a faint, sick feeling overcame me. How could man resist such beautyl She turned from all others to talk to him, compelling him to remain by her side. l glanced down at my modest looking pink ,nerino gown that hereto fore had thought so handsome and becoming. Now it seemed positively dowdy.
 At night we had a dance, and to hide my uneasiness appeared the merriest of the merry Poor Frank Washington,