Rapides gazette. (Alexandria, La.) 1869-187?, 1872-06-15
A COQUETTE's STORY.
BYLoTA IRVING.


Through all these years the momory
of Amy Lees pale face has haunted
me, and will to my dying day. Butto
my story.
Twenty years ago was a beauty
and belle; and as might be expect
ed. a heartless coquette. Suitors
did not lack, but to all gave the same
answer, after they had laid their hand
and fortune at my feet.
An orphan with plenty OF money,
and none to control, | led gay life.
usually spent my summers at one
of the numerous fashionable resorts;
but this summer, with which my story
has to do, received all invitation
from my cousin Amy to spend the
summer, with her at my uncle's farm.
Would to God | had never accepted
that invitation, but did.
To be sure the prospect was a little
null; but was beginning to tire of
fashionable society, and longed for
few monthsot quiet country lite; 50
went.
| found life at the farm very quiet
and pleasant, and enjoyed the walks
through the cool woods and green
fields, with my cousin Amy for com
panion.
Amy was sweet, gentle girl, with
brown curls, and dark violet eyes
quite beauty in her quiet way. My
beauty could well be compared to
come glowing topical flower, while
hers to the simple, unpretending
daisy.
4 few days passed quite pleasantly !;
but soon began to tire of the quiet
life, and ionged for some excitement.
| felt that must get up Irritation
with some one; for with. me, 10 tlirt
was natural as the breath drew.
An opportunity soon presented
itself.
One evening when l entered the
parl0r / found stranger there, who
was immediately. introduced as Mr..
Grey. He was handsome man, this
Mr.. Grey, and, as | soon ascertained,
not a stranger to elucation aad good
society. Another fact was not slow
in comprehending; he was Amy's lover.
played and sang that evening. Mr..
Grey had splendid tener voice, and
he joined me in singing.
Amy loved him, / knew by the
proud, happy glance that followed him.
A demon whispered. Why not bring
this man at your feet, as you
have many otherss What ii he is
your cousins lover, the conquest will
be the greater
| needed the tempter, and exerted
myself to please. Two or three times,
in the midst of an animated conversa-
ton, | glanced toward Mr.. Grey, his
eyes were fixed upon me, and in his
glance / read unmistakabie admira-
ton.
retired to nay room that night, FIJI
~ satisfied that before mauy weeks, |
might number Mr.. Grey among my
list of victims
Amy was unusually quiet, and there
was a sad lock in her dark eyes. as
) she kissed me and said goodnight, at
ter which l was alone with my
thoughts.
Did think of Amy and what she
might suffer yes; but having no
feeling myself, l had none for others.
After that night Mr., Grey's visits at
my uncle's hdise were frequent.
For while We three walked and
rode together. Soon Amy began to
make some trivial excuse, and we
ceased TO expect her company.
Each day she grew paler, and hel
, eyes were at times strangely brilliant
She worshipp,d that man, and, wretch
that was, gloried in my triumph.
One evening my aunt and Amy were
, sent for. A heighbor. who had beer
i'll for some tine was thought TO be dy
ing. Uncle, the hired girl, and my
self, were leifalone.
Uncle andI tried to vile away til,
/, time with CHESS, but somehow chess
seemed uncommon dull that evening
, and we gaveit up.
Presently fiere was knock at th'