But although I was thus debarred from receiving any new impressions, the old ones still continued in full force; and at last came the long desired opportunity to signalize myself.  I was then almost sixteen, and the treaty of peace with England had just been celebrated.  I remember well the illuminations and festivities on the first night of the proclamation, which we spent in the city at a friend’s house; the balconies were wreathed with flowers, lights blazed from every window, crowds of beautifully-dressed women filled the rooms, and the sounds of music and dancing were heard in every street.  It was my first evening in company—­my first experience of admiration; and completely carried away by the music, the lights, and the occasion, the old desire for some signalizing deed came thronging back in full force, till I grew almost bewildered.  No opportunity offered that night; I could only join in the festivities, and listen to the feats and praises of others; but towards the latter part of the evening my eye was attracted by the brilliant uniform and handsome appearance of a young officer who passed through the rooms, and lingered a moment in a distant corner among a knot of friends who crowded eagerly about him.  His commanding figure, beautiful features, and intellectual, yet sweet, expression, completely realized all my ideas of a novel-hero; I saw my father speaking to him, and immediately made signs to introduce him, but before I could catch his eye, the officer had disappeared.  Papa told me that Major Arlington’s father had been an old friend of his, and he would have introduced him to me, but business called him in another direction, and he could not stay a moment longer, but promised us a visit at an early day.

You need not smile, Miss Ella, and look so knowing at the mention of the name; how do you know that there were not two Arlingtons in the world?  How do you know but that it was his brother I married?  How do you know—­but never mind, I will go on with my story.  It was several days after that eventful evening, which still left a vivid impression upon my mind; the desire to perform some wonderful deed remained in full force, mingled with visions of the young officer, and I wandered about, without paying much attention to my ordinary duties.  Papa and mamma were both from home, and Grandmother Chesbury had locked herself up with a new novel; while I was roaming about the grounds not far from the front entrance.

A sound of wheels suddenly struck upon my ear; I supposed it was some visitor and paid not much attention to it; but before long there was a confused noise of voices—­a sound of plunging and rearing—­and a distinct crashing of some heavy vehicle.  My evil genius led me to the spot; I beheld a handsome carriage, which the horses seemed striving to dash in pieces—­caught a glimpse of a glittering uniform inside—­and following a wild impulse, sprang forward and endeavored to seize the bridle.  I heard some one say, “Take care of the young lady!” and then the officer jumped from the carriage, while I was thrown down close to the horses’ feet.  A confused hum sounded in my ears—­and then followed a long blank.