New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-03-19
FROM EVIL.

The twilight of mid July was full of ten
der, opal brightness: the scent OF new mown
hay, coming down from far of breezy
slopes. tioated in the air. and just beyond
the elMs in the hollow the full moon was
rising up-a great globe OF pearl-and from
her low seat beneath the overhanging
honeysuckles. Bertha Wyman saw and felt
all this summer beauty with the faint bliss
full languOr of a tropic dream.
Bertha"
Paul FOrdham crossed the broad ribbon
OF moonlight that tluttered over the piazza,
and came to sit down at his tiancee's feet.
You are like picture tonight, Bertha;
do you know it T.
"AmI!"
Miss Wyman was accustomed to adult-
ton and took it very coOlly. with only a
royal smile flung down to her adlnrer.
She was like a picture-tair and gracious.
with blue eyes, and great coils Of golden
hair bound round her head. while even in
the uncertain twilight you could see that
the color on her cheeks was softer and more
tenderly tinted than the blossoms of the
great oleandcr at her side.
Flush. Who is that ;" she said, with a
little start, as the light tootstep sounded on
the matted hall beyond.
"Only your aunt's companion. Mrs. Ray
mond BY the way. Bertha. what "a very
interesting little thing she iS-such child
widow, with those big black eyes. and the
heavy lashes that seem actually to weigh
down her eyelids She makes me think of
one of those exquisite little South American
birds. all grace and sparkle
II never could account for the taste of
YOU men," said Bertha, half contemptu-
Ously.
"No, but she is a beauty, by JOve! | can
tell YOU what. my fair Saxon empress. if |
hnA m he. llrnI In
long before l saw Mrs. Raymond, there S
no telling what might have happened"
He spoke jestingly, but Bertha drew away
the hand he had taken rather cooly.
1T is not vet too late Paul, if Won really
admire Zaidee Raymond so enthusiastic
ally
bertha
Miss Wyman laughed a strange, unnatural
sort of laugh. Up to this moment her lips
had never tasted the bitter cup of jealousy;
now it seemed as if the draught was mad
dening. How dared Paul Fordham. her be-
trothed lover. to speak i'll terms of com
mendation of any woman save herself!
Bertha was one of those unfortunate
creatures who have what is termed IA higl
temper and all her life it had been un
bridled She had never learned the lessor
of self-control. and it was too late to begiI
now.
Miss Wyman went up to her own apart
ment earlier than usual that evening, no
because she was particularly weary, bu
because she wanted to punish Paul Ford
ham, who was fond of moonlight and senti
ment and delicious july evenings. for Iii
understandable notice of her aunt's dark
eyed companion.
As she sat at the window, brushing out thu
wavy. teathery gold OF her magnficen
hair. the sound of voices OH the piazz;
halow arrested her attention She listened
moment. holding the golden masses ava,
anart. 1t was Paul Fordham and Zaide,
Raymond.
II thought so." she murmured under he
breath. at would be no bad Speculation
for the poverty stricken widow to vile Par
Fordham aud his wealth into her nets.
knew she was artful. despite her innocen
childish ways; but if she comes IN cOllisio
with Inc she shall be crushed-crushed as
would strike u nosome insect to tn
ground
She sat there, silent and motionlcss. to
Well-nigh half an hour; then there came
soft tap at her chamber door.
''Come in" said Bertha Wyman.
And Mrs. Raymond entered.
~ beg your pardon for disturbing yo
Miss Wyman, but were you aware that yo
had left your bracelet Oh the piazza foo
Here it is."
at takes you and Mr.. Fordham son
time to discover the loss of a bracelet" sal
Bertha, tauntingly. l am really sorry
have given you the trouble Of SO lengthene
2 search
Zaidee Raymonds cheek flushed pail
fully.
.if YOU would but allow me to eOnfide
you, Miss Wyman," she faltered, drawing