Every individual
had now her own party anxious for her success, and amidst this hour of
interest how many hearts beat with all hopes and fears that are incident
even to the most circumscribed contest of human life. Opposite Dora
stood the youth whom we have already noticed, James Cavanagh, whose
salvation seemed but a very trifling thing when compared or put into
opposition with her success. Be this as it may, the moment was a most
exciting one even to those who felt no other interest than that which
naturally arises from human competition. And it was unquestionably
a beautiful thing to witness this particular contest between, four
youthful and industrious young women. Dora's otherwise pale and placid
features were now mantling, and her beautiful dark eyes flashing,
under the proud and ardent spirit of ambition, for such in fact was the
principle which now urged and animated the contest. When nearly half an
hour had passed, Kathleen came behind her, and stooping down, whispered,
"Dora, don't turn your wheel so quickly: you move the, foot-board too
fast--don't twist the thread too much, and you'll let down more."
Dora smiled and looked up to her with a grateful and flashing eye.
"Thank you, Kathleen," she replied, nodding, "I'll take your advice."
The state of the contest was then proclaimed:--Betty Aikins--three dozen
and ten cuts; Dora M'Mahon--three dozen and ten cuts; Hanna Cavanagh
--three dozen, six cuts and a half; Peggy Bailly--three dozen, five and
a half.
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