The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1871-09-06
Tragedy Of Crofton Woods,


y oehSo "Atit olstSh
hair, and great purple black eyes, was
standing with clasped hands in the
doorway of a pretty country house.
With head bent forward aud lips part
ed. she listened and peered through
the shrubbery, as if expecting some
one. A step sounded on the gravel
walk at last, and tail form came hur-
riedly forward in the twilight. The
lady in the doorway, Calista Langdon,
shrank back little in the hall, and the
eager, anxious look passed from her
face. Her white hands unclasped, and
she changed her position of inquiry
and watchfulness to an attitude of per-
feet ease and indifference. She pluck
ed at a blood rose that grew and drop
ped over the door.
"Good evening, .Hollinston," she
called out, in pleasant, musical voice
II have been looking and watching fol
Alice"
She dropped her eyes as she uttered
these words, which were false, but in
an instant after, flashed them upon
Herman Holliston in all their bewitch
ing splendor.
Careful and thoughtful, as usual,
Calista," said the young man, spring
ing to her side, and taking her hand
"Where has Alice gone p
"She went over to see Miss Pru-
dence, short time ago, and said she
would be home at sunset; she will be
here shortly l think. Come into the
parlor, Herman; | have bunch Of
water lilies there, your favorite flow.
ers.n
"Thank you, Callsta," said the young
man little uneasily ~ think I'll &C
across the field to meet Alice; then
shall be most happy to see the lilies
when we return"
A dark shadow fitted across the face
of Calista Langdon; her eyes flashed
with baleful light, but she said, very
calmly, as she plucked at the petals q
the hlood-fed rose in her hand, 81 pre-
sumo Alice will be glad to have com.
pany across the Lonesome field.'
Herman Holliston ran down the steps
and walked hurriedly along. He look,
ed behind him, and waved his hand to.
wards Calista, smiling pleasantly as he
passed under the great elm trees which
grew on each side of the gravel. walk
He had gone but few rods in the
green fields before he met Alice Gray
a delicate Blue eyed maiden, with long,
golden hair, and slender, graceful
form.
as: they were walking back to the
house, Herman drew the young girl
under the shadow of a great elm tree
and with the mooabeams struggling
through the leaves, and sitting down
upon them, he asked her to be his wife.
Obtaining her blushing consent, he
placed the betrothal ring on her. finger.
With hearts overlooking with happi-
ness, they returned to the house, and
fonnd Calista awaiting them at the
door.
"Give Us yonr blessing Calista,'
said Herman, as, clasping the hand OF
Alice, they, stood before the queenly
form of Miss Langdon. "Alice has
promised to be my wife, '''he continued;
"and to make our happiness complete,
we want your APPROVAL
Calista Langdon staggered back into
the hall, her face blanching as white as
death; but in an instant she was calm
and composed, and held out both hands
to them.
off that is all You need" she said,
''it shall not be denied you. My APP
proval is given most heartily" She
drew them into the house as she said
this. ssThe dew is heavy tonight .
she added "come into the parlor.n
They followed her; and entering the
prettily furnished room, sat down side
by side on a sofa near the open win