Godey's Lady's Book, Vol. 48, No. XVIII, April, 1854Various
General
Godey's Lady's Book, Vol. 48, No. XVIII, April, 1854
Various
Fashion -- 19th century -- Periodicals; United States -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Women's periodicals, American
"Although I never saw her, yet there is an expression in her face that
is familiar"--Milford went on to say--"very familiar; but it awakens, I
cannot tell why, a feeling of pain. This face is a happy face; and yet it
seems every moment as if it would change into a look of sadness--yea, of
deep sorrow and suffering."
"This may arise, and no doubt does, from the melancholy history connected
with her, that I have just related."
"Perhaps that is the reason," Milford returned, thoughtfully. "And yet I
know not how to account for the strangely familiar expression of her face."
"Did you ever see a picture in your life that had not in it some feature
that was familiar?" asked Perkins.
"Perhaps not," the friend replied, and then sat in mental abstraction
for some moments. He was not satisfied with this explanation, and was
searching his memory for the original of that peculiar expression which
had struck him so forcibly. He was sure that it did exist, and that he had
looked upon it no very long time before. But he tried in vain to fix it.
The impression floated still in his mind only as a vague idea.
"There! I have it!" he at length exclaimed, but with something of
disappointment in his tones. "I remember that the young seamstress we were
speaking of a few days ago, a single glimpse of whose face I obtained, had
that very look which strikes me as familiar in this picture. I thought I
had seen it somewhere else."
Perkins started, and looked surprised and agitated. But this was only
momentary.
"Now you speak of her," he said, calmly, "I remember that I always thought
of Eugenia when I saw her, which is no doubt the reason why I have felt
strongly interested for the young stranger, who has doubtless seen better
days. I related to you, I believe, the adventure I had near the bridge, in
which she was concerned?"
"You did. I wonder what in the world takes her over to Charleston so
often? She goes, I believe, almost every day, and usually late in the
afternoon. Several persons have spoken of her to me; but none seemed to
know her errand there, or to have any knowledge of her whatever."
"There is some mystery connected with her, certainly. This afternoon I
went in to make some inquiries in regard to her of Berlaps. I was just in
time to hear Michael, his salesman, give her some insulting language, for
which I rebuked the fellow sharply."
"Indeed! How did she take it?" said Milford.
"She did not seem to notice him, but glided quickly past, as he bent over
the counter towards her, and left the store."
"Did you see her face?"
"No. Her veil was closely drawn, as usual," answered Perkins.
"I don't know why it is, but there is something about this young female
that interests me very much. Have you yet learned her name?"
"It is Lizzy Glenn--so I was told at the clothing store for which she
works."
"Lizzy Glenn? An assumed name, in all probability."
"Very likely. It sounds as if it might be," said Perkins.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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