THE BALL

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The carriage was announced, and she was actu-ally descending when the low wail of the babybroke on her ear, and she recollected that in theconfusion of her mind during the time devoted todress and anticipated triumph, she had forgottento send for the medical friend of the family.

Angry with herself, in the first moment of repent-ance she determined to remain at home, but un-fortunately reconsidered, and went before the ar-rival of the doctor;—'tis true she left messagesand various orders, and so far fulfilled a mother'sduties, but she yet closed her eyes to the evidentweakness of her boy, and contented herself withdetermining to return as soon as it was possible.

But who could return while they found them-selves the admired of all, and when at least theadoration of eyes saluted her from him whomshe well knew it was cruelty or sin to attract.The observation forced upon her of Miss Somer-ville's melancholy looks told her this, and com-pelled her to recollect that she was without herhusband, and therefore critically situated ; and as