The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-03-29
NEW ORLEANS, SUNDAY MORNING, MARCH 90, 1868.

CHI go, 1868.
the room the room itself was radiant with
| light and beauty jewels were shining, feathers
waving, rich satins were cleaning; and the
wcarers, to my novices gaze, were like beings
Miss Clinton was soon surrounded will,
friends, and listened with establishment to her
! witty reparteee end animated conversation.
! was introduced to many Of her friends; our
the lnost select in the room. 1 sat by my mother.
! cndeavoring to give my attention to some officer
! who detailing striking adventure, when
ton; it was that Of noble looking man, with
| head remarkable for the extreme beauty of
its contour and the richness of it's dark curls.
The face, too, though not exactly handsome,
irresistibly attractive, from its aristocratic
mould of feature and melancholy expression.
His eyes were singularly dark sray, shaded
| with long eyolashes; they had . tired, listless
minutes, and then turning to my companion,
said: Can you tell me who is that distin-
guished looking man standing just beneath the
"tLord Montford. He is q clever man but
| a very reserved, naughty character; he is
known by the name of LIE Grand Seigneur. 1
know him we'll. intimately; but I never can
penetrate the veil of melancholy that hangs
over him.
".Perhaps he is unhappy said simply is
he marriedF
son. Some say an early disappointment is the
cause of his want of seeiability; others say he
has q dstatste for the society of your charming
SEX And my informant made low bow.
"a dozen more questions trenbled my
lips but not liking to continue the cOnversii-
tion, remained silent. Suddenly looking up,
saw Lord Montfords eyes fixed upon me. 1
h}ushed, feeling like u guilty cu1prit In a few
minutes Miss Clinton came to ME, and said:
"'Eva, you have made splendid conquest.
Here is Lord Montford asking to be introduced
So Indeed cannot replied, shrinking,
scarcely knowing why.
"' Mrs. Leason, make her come, said Bella,
smiling to my mother.
My first impulse WIS to run away when saw
that tall, stately form bending before me; but
he looked at me with kindly expression
of interest and admiration that l accepted the
invitation for the next quadrilfe with less of
fear and restraint than had hitherto felt
When the quadrille was over, Lord Montford
took me into the refreshment-roOm.
." 1t is no idle compliment to tell you, Miss
Leason, that enjoyed that dance more than
have done anything for years.
"tWhyf answered innocently, looking up
with astonishment. He smiled and answered
"s If wished to fatter you, should say be-
cause you are more beautiful and graceful than
any lady have seen for some time; but tho
real truth is, that can perceive this is your
first ball, and the freshness of your ideas is
something novel to me-
mtAEe not my ideas like other peoplssr
iIOW it
am very sorry began, half hesitating-
ly; indeed, wish to be like every one else.'
"' Never wish so again, Miss Leason; wish
always to be just as you are now
just at this moment my mother and Bella
joined us, and he relinquished my arm.
"Why, Eva,' said Miss Clinton, Surely you
have some charm. have known Lord Mont
ford for years, and never saw him so animated
or 30 happy before
"But need not dwell longer on this part of
my life; Day after day, evening after evening,
quietly were these meet ags conducted, that it
always seemed that chance directed them. As
Bella ceased jesting, my mother did not notice
his attentions Isoon began to look upon seeing
him as the only thing worth living for. had
no~thought save Tor him. AS yet 1rord of
love had passed his lips, though could not but
perceive that he regarded me with common
interest.
Zone day, we were ali in the drawing
room, my mother suddenly announced her in
tention of returning home-alnost directly. l
sion of pain upon his face. rose and went to
the window to hide the tears that We're starting
to my eyes. In an hour after this, servant
brought me a note from Lord Montford, filled
with expressions of love, aud asking for an in |
terview, and praying that would not mention
1T TO any one, even to my mother. knew
false step in my career. knew conceal
ment from my mother was in such case, |
wrong; but stronger than the voice of con-
science, stronger than tho whispers of my angel |
guardian, stronger than the pr0mptings of faith
and obedience was the passion that reigned in /
my heart. 1 wrote q few words. My mother
Mr.. Clinton, and Bella were going out to dine
pleaded indisposition and remained at home.
promised in the afternoon to grant Lord Mont
ford the interview he desired. / went when
three o'clock came, to the library, and left in
an hour the affianced bride of Lord Montford
One thing surprised me, and that was. that he |
used the most urgent entreaties that would
not mention our interview, its result to any
one. Imprudently promised.
The day came when we left London, and
yet no word would Lord MontfOrd suffer to be
spoken of our engagement. He stood in the
hall as we passed from the house, and he hastily
whispered to me:
You shall hear from me SOON. Eva and INV
e6ter shall explain all