A Final Triumph; or, A Lady Bachelor — page 16: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

14 A LADY. BACHELOR. and, dropping all sentiment, derision, and comment, ié does seem that the truth of this comprehensive prediction concerning true love is confirmed. Previous to the opening of the ball on the evening alluded to in a former paragraph, Eloise was seated with a group of girls on the piazza. They were chatting in an innocent and unrestrained way, saying both sensible and foolish things, as the spirit moved them. Near them sat a young man in the shadow, and unseen. ‘The girls were not exchanging secrets nor personal confidences, and there was no need that he should glide away. He was smiling, and his eyes beamed with merriment; but suddenly the smile vanished, and a pallor succeeded. He rose and walked away; there was a wildness in his eyes. No ex- clamation betrayed: the cause of the sudden change in his appearance, but in that moment a bolt had fallen and riven two hearts, and only the blackness that attends the burning remained. As described, Eloise entered the ball-room. She was happy, and had everything to make her happy; the social world was at her feet; she walked on the upper battlement, in the possession of youth, beauty, and family posi#ion, and in the belief that a loyal heart beat for her alone. Soon she was surrounded by officers in uniform and equally gay and handsome men in civilian dress. ‘They enjoyed her momentary freedom. She could smile on all, for the magnet that usually held her had not appeared upon the scene. She was gay, and with spirited readiness maintained her part in the passing comedy. ‘The ball opened, and her eyes wandered toward the door. There Gomichbooks (E(0)