The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1869-12-15
Mrs. Stevens Last Filtration,

The morning sunlight steamed clfeer-
ily in through tho diningroom win
dows, its golden beams playing elfinl
games DER the delicate sevres and glis-i
tening silver composing the dainty
breakfast service.
Jewell, Mary, have yous decided r
inquired Mr.. Stevens, a fine-looking
man, some forty years old, sitting
down to his cup of untasted Mocha,
and glancing over to his wife, whose
dimpled, pouting face was almost hid
den by the massive coffee urn.
+ sIsdecided some time ago to attend
the soiree this evening with Major
Hunter. and assuredly shall not alter
my decision at this late momcpt." -
N"Bnt, Mary, he is no companion for
one like yOn, and"
-"Oh, spare me u interrupted pretty
little Mrs. Strvens, with martyred
expression.j "Major Hunters demean-
or to me has always been that of a
gentleman. Because my husband,
whom acknowledged my riglItful es-
c0rt, has become snFfeited with gayety,
l must needs settle down into the hum
drum existence only congenial to those
ment unbearable"
He waited until she had finished,
then, with a snd, stern smile, said
calmly, "Good morning, madame"
and left her presence.
"Oh, dear - sighed the wife, asy the
door closed softly. chow strangely
he looked-not angry exactly not as
l ever saw him before bnt hurt. 1t
was Wicked in me to speak so-wicked
wicked !" and her words were row ac-
companied by choking sobs. "When
1 knew his constituencies upon that one
subject, knew SO we'll of his many mis-
Igisings in regard to my love for him,
simply on account of the difference in
our ages, how could l have been so
cruel 7" LIZA ? CO 1's>t=e
Her reverie was interrupted by the
entrance of servant, bearing the card
of Major Hunters who was waiting in
the parlor. With an impatient gesture
she read the name, and entered his
presence after a short time; with eyes
around - which Notwithstanding .nu-
inerous applications Of 'rose-water-
traces of tears were still visible
4. The Major rose with a compliment
smile, and complimentary greeting, but
Mrs. Stevens was i'll no mood for fat
terry, as he had tact enough to perceive.
| Eat what time shall / call for you -
he inquired, as conversation began to
flag.
GOh fhow she longed to excuse her
self, and refuse to attend, but pride,
our omni- present enemy, rose up in
arms, and with apparent nonchalanco
she appointed the hour.
| "Mrs. Stevens" began the Major, in
low, earnest tones, "yOu appear sad
y ,r.:.ssrd. Excuse my seeming upper
| tincnce, TO, when one has but few
friends, he is apt to discover any signs,
however slight, serving to indicate
| their unhappiness." ~
His voice had assumed slight SEN
timcntal tone, which grated unpleas-
antly OIL Mrs. Stevens's ears, and she
looked up in amazement as he contin
ued 3 .,.,,s. ~ ,s-e.a ie5st SFTY
"Since my withdrawal from the ar
my, have met you often, and the en-
otion which compelled me to seek an
introduction at our fist meeting has
not grown, cool in tho many weeks Of
our acquaintance; and although | have
not been assured Of a reciprocity of
sentiment, your evident pleasure in
my, society, and acceptance of my pro-
lection upun different occasions, give
me courage to ask yOu-wllose inter-
ests are far dearer to me than my own
the cause of this sadness" 3.sR slH
Mary Stevens was thundcrstruck
| Could this insulting rascal be the man
over whom she and her husband had
but an hour ago 9uarreled9 But with
out waiting for any comment from his
auditor, indeed, giving her no time to
express her indignant contempt, ghe
went on: ep t2t-f0 y
| 81, in common with the rest of tile
world, have perceived the utter uncOn-
geniality existing between yourself and
the man you call husband-.father
would be a more appropriate term
and dcsisted from acquainting you with
my knowledge, hoping that you would
confide in me voluntarily; but now"
"But now, Major Hunter" interrupt
ed Mary, unable longer to reprcss her
scoin and loathing, "now, L will com
fide' to yOu the fact that if you do not
voluntarily leave this house immedi-
ately, a policeman will expedite your
movements. There is the door, sir
go!"
For a, moment her caller appeared
stupefed, but then his impudence-
never long absent-resuMed it s0ver-
eighty, and he burst into an insulting
laugh. -ri,7. asa- gm;t3a-as slf- B. .lga,
"My dear. let me advise you to keep
cool; one never gains by yielding to
anger. In the first place, do you real
ize that yOu are in my powerf Oh,
not in that way" lie sneered; as she
reiterated toward the bell-rope. 81 re-
fer to your reputation It is already
somewhat involved, and, if fellows at
the club ask me questions about that
little affair of mine with Mrs. Stevens
shall feel inclined to give them a YER
sion to your credit, after being igno-
miniouslya expelled from your house
Not tmuch!r And the Major ended
with a sardonic chuckle, intensely ter.
rifying to the poor little woman, striv.
ing so hard to assume brave de.
meanor and meet the villain with M
trace of fear. ~ htza '5 .@H3liiiq fal !
"Major Hunter, will you leave, o.
shall l call a seryantf" she inquired
ignoring entirely his insinuatins
threats. nc, at-,E
"Call servant, by all means, ani
after that ] will cali on Mr.. Steven.
with beautiful story about his loving