The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1871-02-26

| was lady of superior education, brilliant &C
complishments, and refined tastes She was
tall and dignifed in appearance, with large,
| bright, black eyes, an abundance OF glossy
| hair, black as the ravens wing, and face that
was full of intelligence and radiant with rare
beauty.
They were devotedly attached to each other,
| and were loved and respected by a large circle
of friends. During the morning meal Nlr; Ma
| courty was persuading his wife to attend the
| Mardi Gras ball, to which she half consented.
! After breakfast she accompanied her nus,
| band as usual to the front gallery, to say good
bye to him when he was leaving for the days
| business. AS they stood there he said
We'll Cecilia, think you un had better tier G Gi:
wife, MacVaiIi, even old Mr.. Cummings will
be there, and know you will enjoy it,"
"But the baby, George' think you forget
her"
mo indeed, do not" he replied smiling,
Just you Like my taas so nS ~ sare of
herr her,
The patter of little feet was heard behind
them, and bright little child of two years
ran from the side gallery and with q cry OF Joy
Papa got Papa stores Ceely got" said
the child. , l., o.;, ,,ona;,a
over her, and putting back the long, shining
curls that half hid her bright, animated face,
while the child, with merry laugh, turned
Kiss mamma-kiss Ceely," said the child
and lie play fully ooeped.
You win 60 to-night, ceoela'"
| al will not come home until six" he said
"and then 1 will not 60 back in the evening"
but we will get ready for the ball"
| AS he turned to go, a gentleman passing by,
with a p6fTte bow and friendly smile, said
Good morning" He was tall man, with
broad shoulders, full, well deveioped c neSs
him an observed and admired figure. His HAIR,
| closely trimmed, was of so dark red that IN
these days of polite description 1T WGuia ,l DC
| cheek bones, while q smile that fingered
| around his closed mouth was mixture OF
in doubt whether to encourage or avoid tho
| acquaintance. Such was Percy MacVain, a
man of wealth and education, native of Ire
land who since his business had called him to
G New Orleans, had been one of the leaders IN
8 social as well commercial affairs. -
: "Why, Mac, what are You doing up here y
e said Macourty, "come i'll, come in, I'm glad TO
g see you"
J., walked up to tho gallery. "How are You,
!, Mrs Macourty. and hows my sweetheart %
f he said. STOPPING to kiss the baby :" How do
# "Ceely's WE'LL" the child replied.
: az was Just looking around this morning,
:, said MacVain, when tho other had answered
>. his salutations. az think it would be n good
o idea to buy property in this neighbor,
is hood mean it would be a good investment:
v mot only that" replied Macourty, " but ii
will he n rood place for future residence"
10 can old bachelor" said MacVan, the smile
d deepening on his face, mas no use lor any
re | such provision"
A. "You are claiming to be an old bachelor too
" soon" Mrs. Macourty said good naturedly, III
n the old country man of thirty ike you, II
&c | only right smart lad"
V. "Well if am not old bachelor now,
eer soon will be-" he replied, especially in thi
although as this is Mard Gras day, I suppos
at there will be little business doing. Do you g
s. to the ball to-night"
st al think we will CO." replied Macourty, a
e. he repeated his good byes to his wife and baby
ne and prepared to accompany his friend to til
IN business part of the city.
n, During the day there were Il large number G
Ie people walking the street in mask, but til
he greater portion of them mere young men
", Boys. These generally carried bags of tiou
er from which they sprinkled the passers b.
without much respect for persons.
he In the afternoon Mrs Macourty. took a sc;
ny on the front gallery, watching the few masi
he of the city and passed her residence. Her lit
as child played on the gravel walks near he
ed sometimes running to her with little shells
OIL claim her admiration, and again shouting
ia plee at the characters in costume that wei
ed along An Indian chief, in war paint, wit
err an immense plume of eagle feathers, pass'
in along but his war whoop was not as good
,ly his disguise, and failed to create terror IN u
mt hearts of the hearers. Two or three cavalier
wi booted and spurred, with gay colored mant !.
on and plumed hats, came next. With these 7
baby was greatly pleased, calling to y
er- mother 81 see, mamma, oh-pretty." Aft
GRE these came q courtier of some olden court, WI
an a cloak loosely thrown over his shoulders, a
3r a long sword carried at his side. There we
He numerous other characters, some on hor'
ont back, some in carriages, but most Of them
ON foot. To give directions IN some housenolu .
ties Mrs. Macourty went into the house, leavi
nm her little daughter busy playing amongst t
ma flowers. Scarcely had she closed tue door
ion. hind her when the courtier, with cloak u
,ate long sword appeared at the gate, opened
al and quickly advanced to the child.
ent "Ohi see, see the man !" cried the child,
ella in thu least 1rlGhteheu. ,y L =,