The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1871-07-02
IFor the Morning Star and Catholic Messenger
MARDI GRAS;
A Tale of Ante Bellum Times.
BY TIM. L1NKIswATER.
(Continued1
CHAPTER XIV.


CHAPTER XIV.
The absence of Mr.. Browsee, who was look
ing for health in foreign countries, brought
PHilip prominently forward, and he soon be-
cane wen known amongst the merchants and
business men of the city. The coddence re-
posed in him by one so well known and highly
standing and weight in the community. He
WA soon fayorite with the young men who
approximated his own age, and amongst them
they formed o circle. where plans for mutual
amusement were brought up and carried out.
His especial favorites were William Malureath,
the favorite clerk of one OF the private bank
ing houses of the city; Louis Fontane, the son
of wealthy broker, and Carl Amber, whose
father was prominent cotton-factor, and with
these there were some ten OF fifteen others, all
regarded as the most promising young men of
most insepersble; they broke tho chrysalis of
youth and took the airs and manners of men
at about the same time. At first the pleasure
of q good havana cigar, stroll through Jack
son Square on Sunday evening, o game of
billiards or ten-pins, with an occasional visit
to the lake, made up the sum of their indul-
xences but as one ventured little further on
in the road of pleasure and dissipation, the
others soon came up to and passed his standard,
until they were known as "fast crowd, J" at all
the saloons, livery stables and public places of
the city. Philip became lukewarm in attend
ance at church, lodged in and heard low mass
or heard mono at all, called less frequently at
Sdrs. Macourty's and made shorter visits, and
avoided speaking about the manner in which
spent his time. Mr. Maccurty mentioned
to his wife his fear that Philip was going
astray, but she looked upon Philip as son,
and, with the confidence and love of q mother,
would credit no report of the kind. In May
the family went as usual to Biloxi, and Philip
was left to himself, not only as to the occupa-
agemeut of the business, Mr.. Macourty return
ing to the city for q day or two, now and then,
lust to see that everything went right. Du-
Crescent Dramatic Club with rooms on Ca
Iondelet street, and here games of cards and
chess, with a varied assortment of reading
matter, were provided. 1t was q copy on o
small scale and in modest style of the Pelican,
Commercial and Delta Clubs, established by
their seniors. Philip had correspondedr regularly
with Mary, but in the fall, just after Mr.. Ma
eourty's family returned to the city, he was
surprised to receive letter from her request
ing him not to write any more until he heard
from her again. What could this meant Had
the news of his dissipation reached herf He
half feared that it had. but resolved to wait
and see when she would break the silence.
About q month afterwards he went to Mrs.
Maco1Tty's to spend the evening e' aud was re;
friendly manner, as had always been her Gus,
tom. No allusion was made to tho change in
his conduct, because she believed that If he
was really going astray, he would be reclaimed
sooner by Kindness than by having his faults
continually spoken of. The children were out
visiting at Mrs. Cheerfups when he arrived
"Weli, how is Mrs Cheerful ~. said Mrs. Ma
courty. after the saIutations of meeting hat
passed.
too" replied Aunie, in @ joyous manner, 81 AM
Mrs. McDonald's home, we stopped there as W
were coming back"
mother. How is she 7" 80
''she is very WE'LL" said Annie, s'and yo
ought to sec her daughterv
Her daughter7" exclaimed Mrs. MacourtN
eyes, ma, her daughter,"' replied Ami,
" Mary Mcdonald. Obi she is the sweetes
girl you ever saw, so winning in her manne
nN1 ~, I larl lara lawn Iarx l
moment saw her" . '.5 ..-.'t . g
"Well, Annie, You arc an enthusiast an.
how" replied her mother. ..
Z" Ask them if am not right" said Ami
pointing to the other children.
"She is really q beautiful young lady," r
piled George, "and worthy of all Annie
IA young lady," said Philip, Il did n
"shs has long been talking Of adopting
sumo this is some one she has taken in tb
Hsho has made a splendid choice,' ga
Indeed, she has, said Annie, her ey
sparkling with delight, "she is worthy
beipg anybody's daughser-you ought to he
81 thall certainly go down and sec IL
prodigy" replied her mother.
''who is that r. asked Cecilia, just til
INNS. McDonald's aap ghter," answered 4
Didn't know she had daughter" rcpl
Cecilia, carelessly
'She has probably adopted her sue
said Mrs. Macourty.
81 don't see what she wanted to do that fo
replied Cecilia. "It's strange what luck
geiSihg nomes some gutter rats have"
F,s, he, Cecelia, you should not speak &
Como down with ns to see her to-morr
evening" said Annie " and you will think
." don't want to go. These folks that
ptckeu up FROM nothing and suddenly get il
goo4 POSITIONS put ON 100 many airs fuS ME.
H"u nave not seen her; wait till yuu b.
before you judge harshly," said Mrs
81 don't want to seo her" and Gee
seated hersrh at the piano ard began to t
over some n4usic