Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 186?-1872, 1872-04-06
From the New Orleans Sunday Times
AMUTE MESSENGER;
OR
story of n IIandk erchief
BY siAUDE.

Among the many transient guests
that crowded one of the popular hotels
of the Crescent City during the past
fall, were two ladies who attracted uni
versal attention. One was elderly, and
evidently an aunt or other near rela-
tive of the other, fair, frail girl with
curling brown hair, and dark sad gray
eyes.
One evening, just before nightfall,
they were sitting on the wide verandah,
in low tones, on a subject
of great interest to the younger one at
least, who was leaning her cheek
against the iron railing, with her hand
kerchef folded between
How long has it been since you and
Melville Graham had your little quar-
rel, asked the elder iaily.
1t was not title quarrel Aunt, but
one big enough to continue all our
lives, judging by his actions
How long since you saw him?' in
ierrogated the other.
Two years, was the brief response.
Two years Why the man is a
cold hearted firt, and you are an idiot
to care anything for him now Take
care my dear you will drop your
handkerchief into the street. What
did you quarrel about in the first
place?'
The young girl picked up her hand
kerchief from the floor, and folding il
into a tiny soft pillow, placed it again
under her cheek and answered
1T began about just nothing at all
or something equally as foolish-a
mistake. He called one day when
was out, and when ! came in shortly
afterwards, | found him lying OH the
sofa, and when | ran upto kiss him
his breath was strong with the smell
of brandy. ! thought, of course, thai
he had been drinking liquor, and wa.
already too drunk to sit up, and witt
such conviction said some very ugly
words, which he seemed not to com
prehend. At last | began to cry, anC
jerked myself out of the room
slamming the door in his face, for h,
got up and followed me.
If he was drinking man, | thinl
you did well to rid yourself of the en-
gagement," said Aunty, complacentl,
whirling a string Of watch charms
around her finger, NM
Susie, my love- there goes tina
handkerchief again 1t surely will g
into the street next time. Do put i
into your pocket"
mo danger, Auntie. Twill be yer!
careful" said Susie, this time crumb
ling it up and placing it under hel
cheek, as che continued to speak o
her sorrow.
But was mistaken and acted lil,
an idiot, as | really was. He was no
feeling well that day, and when h,
came in looking so pale and wan
mother insisted on his drinking som,
brandy, and made him lie down Their,
on the sofa to wait for me.
Goodness gracious what girl
Why didn't you send for and explain
cverything?' said Aunty, jumping nj
from her chair and pacing up an,
down.
Mother did, but he had gone away
and we have never heard from orofhin
since" said Susie, also rising, forget
ting all about the handkerchief, whicl
huttercd downward and fell plum
into the suddenly up-turned face Of /
gentleman who was passing along OF
| the banquette. Susie peeped over jus
in time to see him turn toward the doc
of the hotel and mount the stairs t,
the parlor, evidently with the inten
/ ton of restoring the handkerchief t.
! its owner.
| Dreading lecture for her careless
ness from prudish Aunt Hannah, Susi
darted swiftly through the parlor ant
ran up to her room, leaving her aun
Ito receive the handkerchief and thanl
the stranger for restoring it, Oh, it'll
| girl with the mournful eyes could yol
have known into whose face your NUT
little messenger fell, | wonder woult
you have run away 50 swiftly?
Holding the dainty fabric lightly il
his hand, the gentleman passed through
| the parlur, out on the yerandah, AM
approached portly Aunt Hannah, VIII
was the only lady there,
Permit me tn restore you you
handkerchief, madam. he said, prot
fcring it to her.
/ Aunt Hannah drew her hands ant
herself back.
you are mistaken, sir | have IN
handkerchief" aud as he still hcsita
ted, her maidcnly reserve took tn
alarm.
oh! | understand the tricks ofyol
city fellows! You know very we
that is not my handkerchief Catel
me dropping handkerchief over tn
railing to gentlemen in the stree
Thank goodness, my niece has gone I
her room, or YOU would have been in
Ipudeut enough 10 have brought it I
her, and She, like little goose, woul
have been ready to make eyes at yo
for your gallautry. Go your way youn
man, you have failed this tune.
/ Slow " returning the way ho CAM
.iill holding the handkerchief in h