Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1892-01-15
THE FORGOTTEN LETTER

1t was a lovely night in October. The
air was soft and warm, and the moon
was shining brightly on the little village,
which was alive with expectation and
pleasure-for large party was to be
given by Judge Ingalls,, who was the
leading man of the village.
The house VS. brilliantly lighted, and
the party was to be in honor of the
birthday of his beautiful daughter,
Stella, who was idolized by both parents
and brother, who thought nothing too
good or too costly for her. It was the
large party ever known to have been
given there. All the elite of the vicinity
had been invited, besides a great many
from the neighboring city Of New York.
Carriages were in waiting at the depot
to convey the guests to the house, and
everything was ready.
Stella, in her own room, was dress
ing, while little fairy in white futtered
in and out, exclaiming, 80, cousin Stella,
how beautiful you look!" She looked
beautiful indeed, dressed in soft white
tulle, which hung gracefully around her
slender form. She was tall and fair,
with dark, flashing eyes, and luxuriant
hair. Every movement was natural and
easy. Around her beautiful neck was
clasped diamond necklace, and brace
lets of the same adorned her arms; this
brilliant set she had received that morn
ing from her father, as his birthday gift
She was giving thefnishing touches to her
toilette, as her mother entered the room
to see If she was ready.
"Mamma, how do I look?"
''Like my darling daughter" said her
mother, fondly kissing her. care you
ready now? It is late, and we had bet
ter go down"
They descended to the parlor, where
Mr.. ingalls, and his son were awaiting
them.
The guests now began to arrive. Still,
Stella continued to look, from time to
time, an1iously toward the door. Pres
emily her face lighted up, as a tall, fine
looking gentleman was ushered in, who,
after paying his respects to the hostess,
eagerly sought out Stella.
"Good evening, Mr.. Stanton; I am
happy to see you," said Stella.
''I hank you," said he. s'Allow me
to wish YOU many happy returns of the
day"
A few more compliments were inter
changed among the smiling group, and
then the music began, and Stella and her
lover were whirling around in the may
waltz.
After dancing for few moments How
ard led her to bay window.
"Dear Stella, how lovely you look to-
night"
''Do you think so, Howard? I am
glad you are pleased"
''Stella, " said he, 81 wish you would
oblige me by not waltzing with any other
gentleman this evening""
"What an absurd request, Howard
You never objected to my dancing with
others before, and certainly cannot re-
fuse to do SO in my own house-besides,
I am engaged for several other dances
already"
go, Stella, you know I requested you
the other evening not to do so. Here
comes that presumptuous Cifford-I
positively forbid you WALKING with him.
/ detest the fellow. He is mean and un-
principled.'
''You forget yourself, Howard" she
answered, haughtily; ''you cannot yet
forbid me doing as I like-time enough
for that in the future. shall please my
self for once"
"You will repent this, Stella" said
he.
"I'll take the risk" said she, her lovely
face flushed with anger.
Mr.. Clifford coming up, claimed her
for the promised dance, and she left
Howard standing at the window alone.
eyes, my young lady," muttered he,
''you will repent this. But she cares for
nothing but admiration and pleasure!
What a fool I have been to think she
loves me, when she is not willing to
make the little sacrifice 1 ask"
After Stella had waltzed and promen-
AIDED with Mr.. Clifford, he escorted her
back to the window, where Howard was
still standing gloomily. AS she came
up, he said:
"WeH, Stella, I hope you enjoyed
yourself with your fascinating partner"
"Oh, Howard, do not be angry; you
Know 1 had already promised him, and
how could | avoid it,"
~ have nothing more to say about it,
SAID he "do as you please in the future.