The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1871-03-26
For the Morning Star and Catholic Messenger
NJ ARDI GRAS;
A Tale of Ante Bellum Times.
By TIM. LINKINwATER.
fContinued.l
CHAPTER VII.

Mr. Edward Grape was the junior partner o.
the house of Barge, Muslin Il Co. He was
slender man, of three or four and twenty,
dressed in the latest style and the best ma
terial. He had 4 very light moustache, the
only show for q beard that had yet blessed his
hopes and repaid his assiduous attention to
hair was always parted in the CENTRE a fact
which did not detract from the disaGreeable
appearance of a low forehead, and a short,
well turnednp nose ed A arsd cry e0a Was ne
nephew of Mr.. Barege, q fact that accounted
for his interest in the house, where he had
been for many years he Went from one ue-
partment to another introducing customers to
the statesmen, and making suggestions to them
about the arrangement of their stocks, hints
that were generally thrown away, as the men I.'i
He was not shop walker, but acted as an as
sistant to that important individual. HIS es-
pecial delight was to order and direct the boys
of the establishment, who, While they despised
him. dared not disregard his orders. 10 show
his authority and domineer over those around
him. was consistent with his small nature, and
these younger employees were the only ones
who would listen to him without rebelling.
"Mr. Droll, you had better display n common
point this dusty weather. he said one day,
"the fine ones will get dima egHr rsasonabe
said Peter, adding. in an under tone, Wonder
if the fool thinks he can learn me anything"
They had been busy, and MT. Droli had not
had an idle moment since the morning. lie
was great favorte with the ladies, especially
such of them as liked to y-dally over their
purchases, admire this, and compare with that,
talk about the fashions and discuss that ever
= ready subject-the weather.
cit is q very pretty lace" said Mrs. Cable,
an occasional customer of the store VINO was
swell to do in the world " and delighted In
shoPPing. 80, .:o,o u
fresh and new" replied Peter, while, in an
I nnder tone he added, been in the house
U even years, and I'd like to get rid of it-if 1T
6%ould only hold together until she seWed IL
Z D., that's all I'd care for"
e 4" Which do You think would be most SUIT
Able, Mr.. Droll 7" inquired the lady, holding
il d two pieces of the lace.
YsThat in your right hand" he said, with q
ii Hnile and deciding nod of his head, continu-
u, soto voce, chow should 1 know, she
u An't tell me what she was going to do with
81 believe Tll not mind it to-day" said Mrs.
~ 0bble " / want it to match, and haven't
81 a sample with me-"
Every we'll, Madam, any time, we always
hive good assortment" replied Peter, in his
noet bland and gentlemanly manner, saying
. t, himself, al thought so! She don't want to
by lace, more'n q calf wants buttermllk :,
ooh! Mr.. Droll, almost forgot to ask II
,yM had bobbinet for shawls 7" and Mrs Cab
lie took her seat again.
eyes, ma'am, we have they just come from
the custom house yesterday"
Let me them, Mr.. Droll, if you please.
with pleasure, Mrs. Gabble and Pm sure
you haven't seen such goods before this sea
SON." and Peter turned to select the box, say
ing privately, Eh, CAD, what bore, pity
poor Gabble."
"Oh, isn't that fine, such an elegant texture
Just like o cloud" said the lady, admirinG
first one piece and then another, what is the
price of this !"