The Louisianian. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1870-1871, 1871-01-12

light of the chandelier brought out th
wood-rose tnting wonderfully, and ligh,
ed up the rich, sparkling ring on the fail
smooth hand which caressed Cupidor
Altogether, circumstances were making
picture of her, and John sat opposite
forgetting the book he held in his hand
and looking at her. But his sisters M
rival put an end to his vague enjoyment
for Cecil rose almost directly.
Il have some letters to write" sh
said $50 You must excuse me for to
night: Good-evening, Mrs. Manners.
And the supple, gray-robed figure passed
out OF the room in rs matter-of-fact man
ner as it had entered. enf
Miss Anne took the seat her CUES
had vacated with an air of grim resolu
ton.
"Wen, she said, as if she was prepar
ed for any amount d weakness which
could be displayed. "Wel, what do yot
think of her ?"
'She is very beautiful girl" said he,
brother slowly. "Quite a remarkably
beautiful girl"
''Of course she is, snapped Miss Anne
Il know that"
The handsome face in the seat opposite
to her colored slightly.
''She is very graceful and lady-ike,' ;
said the gentleman, gravely. -
"Very," was the curt reply. sNo
young lady more So" John, with sudden
energy, "are you going to follow Fred
Dare 2" fN
JOhn-opened his fine, dark eyes -
"My dear Anne" he said, "what very
extraordinary question"
'Not at ALL" proclaimed Miss Anne.
IF you knew Cecil Dare as well as do,
you would say it WAS very ordinary
question. Will you be kind enough to
answer it ?"
Certainly" was the reply, as the gen.
.lemnn shut his book and laid it on the
able. MY answer is. No |"
Very well, then, said Miss Anne, con-
'isely. Don't say she is beautiful and
raceful-tlon't even think it 1t will be
" far the safest plan" And taking up
Ter bonnet and shawl, she departed in
tate. .f--c-..
In default of having nothing else to do,
ohm Manners turned to his book again
ut Us he opened it, he glanced with
of interest at the chair on
Ihich the gray-robed figure had been
eated.
Il hope Anne does not show her pre-
ltlice." he. said 1T seems prejudice
} me-" And being on honorable, un-
gentleman, he believed what
e was saying.
He did not see much of the young
dy until the following evening. In the
lorning she made her appearance at
with late white rose in her
ronze puffs, and a little sleepy softness
her eyes, which was very becoming
ut the faint tOich of Indifference which
,hn Manners had noticed the night be-
re was more decided and, breakfast
'er, she went back to her room to finish
r. letters. .tf II
But in the evening, as John was laying
ide the book he had been reading,
ere came rustic of silk in the corridor.
me one tapped hghtlyat the door, and
nswer to his, Walk In" Cecil Dare
ened it, and stood upon the threshold,
th book in her hand Her dress
rs gray again, but 1t was gray silk, and +,
wonder of train rustled in its wake Il
Q wood-rose color was brighter than
er, anu there were some artistic putfs {
scarlet velvet in her hair. /,
"DO / disturb You ?" she asked, quiet i
Il will not come in if do. Ionly
shed to return o book I had borrowed a
I'M your shelves" "
Pray come in. I am only reading" e
She entered at once stopping a
'ment with perfect coolness to replace
, borrowed book, and then took the j
,ir be offered her. Il
His first sensation on seeing her had i
ep something of surprise, but certainly !,
sunk into insignifancc before his +
azement at her FIRST speech. !