The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-12-27

NEW ORLEANS, SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 81, 1868.

Well, I won't say err he answered.
Btess her, wOuldn't say she erred.
She only made . little mistake. She said
she'd leave the coach, when n0thiagi in this
wossd-sot even her father-could prevent
~ Ne 1%SlaSE on. Papa is : pet Of Ksss's, but
Oh, pepa!" exclaimed Kate, the color
mounting to her brows, her lips quivering
with some sudden passion, you surely
don't mean. Now, rve fallen out with
you. There, no RECONCILIATION, no forgive
round his neck /" it is war to the knife.n
Considering the way in which the young
lady opened hostilities, I Thought. should
not hesitate to declare myself belligerent,
The old gentleman held her for some min
utes fonuly to his bosom, and then kissed
her beautiful forehead.
The time passed away merrily /; and, al
though seldom mingling in the conversation,
could not help admiring the gentle nature
of the old gentleman, and the tender at
tachment manifested by his lovely daughter.
The notinn of tho coach soon induced
drowsiness; aud III half wafsfnE Suite, Z
was vaguely impressed with the notion that
many years ago 1 had seen Kate and Fid
walking together in an orchard, between
the boughs of which came glintings of gold
en- furze and bronzed corn. 1 have since
attributed the fancy to that peculiar con-
dition of the brain in which one lobe is
active, and the other torpid. But 1 felt
convinced then, that sue must be Fid's
fascinating friend, and my heart warmed to
her insensibly.
The evening was far advanced when we
got near Southbank. / knew familiar
pathway through the fields which would
bring me to the house some minutes before
the coach could arrive at the entrance gate.
1t would be such a capital joke, l thought,
to take them by surprise-to brighten Lucy.
With this intention Jumped off the coach
when about quarter of a mile distant
from the gate, and finging my luggage
across my shoulder, strobe gaily across the
fields. In less than fifteen minutes had
arrived i'll front of Southbank cottage. The
grouped gables, shining in fanciful FROST
work, shot up clear and abrupt from the
level of the roofs; the chimney, plumed
with fantastic smoke -wFeaths, stood out
clear and distinct in their marvellous white
ness, from the black background of walnut
trees at the rear. To the right of the heavy
doorway, rich with antique pannelling and
grotesQue ornaments, was the Blue cham
Der to the right the Green. Lights were
shining in all the windows, the shadows of
those within being delicately etched on the
blinds. The hall door was ajar, and sim
Gle lamp diffused a flood of briiliancy around
the hall. With my heart beating bridal
marches, assembled the steps. AS l stood
upon the threshold, saw pale, melan-
choly- young man, of about twenty
five years of age, leaning with an air of
elegant incidence against the folding doors
which divided the hall from the house. He
was not to say well dressed but as refine
ment can impart grace to rags, SO his fine
hgure and noble cOuntenance, lighted up
with the darkest of dark eyes,. diverted
attention from his dress to himself. Seeing
me he started, became intensely pale, raised
himself to his full height, and gzcd ut me
with an air of blended pity and defiance.
As we stood facing each other in wondering
silence, the door of the Green chamber
opened, and Lucy stepped into the hall.
"Dear Mr." she said, with culver
in her voice, to my companion, you must
be miserable. Would that we could con-
trive to make your stay with us happier"
am very happy-very contented, Miss
Davis" said the pale gentleman, and he
stared at me.
'EYour kindness prompts you to say So"
replied lucy. 4" Oh, Ihave been so miserable
thinking of you"
thought. "Miss Davis" he said, with a
languid smile, is unjust. She must not
confine her attention to Que friend alOne,"
and waving his hand at me, he stepped into
the Blue chambe". Lucy turned round
the blood rushing into her face and tenn
pies.
" Richard l"
Miss Davis"
ooh, Richard!"
"No explanations, pray, Miss Davis.