The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1872-09-11

sTouhu-lOr, Wnether she acknOWl-
: edged to herself the fact or not, the i'm
preston was with her that in such at.
fractions as spring from the heart and
mind the step=dahgltef was superior
And of all the young men Of. her ac-
quaintance DR.. Edmtind Cooper was the
one whom she would secure if she
could. He was not only a picture Of
manly beauty, based upon perfect
health and vigor; but he was an intel
lectual man, rising rapidly in his pro
fession, and already possessed of mate
rial wealth.
AS we have said, Natalie laid aside
her book, and tried in vain to smile.
js'You see,H continued Mrs, Daven-
port, ''that Julia is, busy. s. trust you
will go cheerfully.' IA
Tears started to Natalie's eyes at this !:
but she turned quickly to hide them.-
Busy! Had not she been busy all tile
} day long with house-work,, while 5ul:a
had been at the piano.. and upon the
street? And now, for the first time
since early morning, she' had sat down
to rest. But she, did not speak of this.
She went away to the kitchen, where
Jane was glad enough Of her. blessed
companionship.
"My dear child" said Mrs. Daven-
port, after Natalie had gone, II expect
Dir: Cooper here this evening, / saw
him this afternoon, and he told me he
should drop in with the hope Of sccu-
ring partner for, the picnic.''
did nc say he. would take me ?''
asked Julia, in a tlutter of pleasurable
excitement. - i 3&"
."No-he mentioned no names but if
he finds yoa here alone he cannot very
we'll choose another ri. 50 g..
G .! | am so glad yon sent Natalie
away: l know she would like to catch
the young doctor.''
"'I ain governed BY d desire FOR for ! your
good, my child," said the mother, SEN
timentally; stand thrust you will not
let an opportunity pass unimprovcd.
Or. Cooper, is fine. young man." .,3,:n
q think him perfectly Splendid"
cried Julia.
"Then look to him, and make the
most Of your chance. There is ne need
that iSre should conceal our strategy
from each other. For more than
month ! have managed to keep Natalie
out of his way; and I know, that he be-
gins to feel that she Sights him. This
evenings events may seal the con
quess. Look your very sweetest, my
child, and be very, very careful to seem
modest and retiring 9t u 0aGad
and shortly,afteg this Edmund Coop
er arrived. and was ushered into the
comfortable little drawing-goom with
many smiles Of welcome from the moth
err, and witt, d sery shy and modest
Situation from Julia. He was certain:
ly man whom any maiden might have
been proud to win; One of the chief
elements Of his success as a physician
lay in s!e genial, happy, encouraging
smile, made warm and infectious BY The
impulse osja' great and good heart,
which so often illumined his handsome
face, H. ..g, o,isa,- .,:+ doras-F
D.. Cooper sat down, and after q time
he inquired for Natalie; and Mrs. DAY.
export detected that his voice was a
shade softer as he pro II 0 unced the
name. JGAd149u Sli 10 Tgiis'Hf1
"Natalie," she, said, without tile least
catching of brea,l, In the faisehood she
was about to utter, s'is not feeling very
well, and has retired."' m - qTsar,
"She is NOT i'll, ] trust.T ,4 ..o =. !.
! 20, no!' And thestep-m mother mold
ed significantly as she added think
she did not wish to see company" :,
''Tlien she was expecting callers T.
I Iyrles 9. 70. az 7
suggested the doctor, with d flutter in
| his voice. q s2ai4e a .5 LE9tif3p y
81 had remarked chat sou would
call,H answered Mrs Davenport, with
| strong mnhasis.l j5ola99T 9.g5sI ad
| Dr..Coopor was left to draw his own
conclusions from this; and wien lie re-
membered that for q month past Nata
lie had seemed to avoid liiH ia the
same cutting manner, the enforced cor
clusion isas by no means a pleasant
one, His visit was not prolonged; and
yet, before lie lett, lie offered to, escort
julia TO the coming picnic: Ho had
told Mrs. Davenport that he vas com
ing for e partner, and 10 60 away now
without such an offer would seem a
slight Upon her daughter, especially as
they had given him distinctly to an.
derstand that Natalie would NOT co.
Julia accepted the proposal very glad
~; and shortly. afte1wafd Or. Cooper.
took his leave.
Meanwhile ! Natalie was in the kitch.
en- basily engaged at the spriakling
and folding table, wi lie Jane the ser
want, was at work upon tire pastry for
the coming picnic. While they work.
ed old Peter came in. He was tie
gardner. His cot stood only a few
rods away and lie cared for the gar
dens Of half a dozen families. He was
| old and lame; but be was intelligent
and faithful, and flowers were his be-
loved children which he M. tured with