The Louisiana cotton-boll. [volume] (Vermilionville [i.e. Lafayette], Attakapas, La.) 1872-1883, 1874-09-30
A NEW DELILAH.

D
was Che one thing that puzzled half the
young people in the society. It was
whispered that they would soon be
married. Some of the old ladies who
sat in the gallery, where they had fiue
chance to see all that passed in the
choir, thought differently. Some of
the young altos thought they knew
all about it. She was playinga desper-
ate game, and would break or win. The
people at Sd. Marks watched the fight
with becoming interest, and looked over
Tie top ak heir prayer books to whore
II would end.
The benediction had been pronounced,
and the congregation were slowly
filtering out of the church, with q low
murmur OF talk and gossip, which
seemed like the soft gurgle of escaping
water. From the organ-loft little heed
did he pay TO 1t. He took up the theme
Of the last hymn, and began to inn
provise upon it. 1t was a large, lofty
church, and noble organ. Under his
fingers il seemed to sing q heartfelt
song of praise and prayer. The deep,
tremulous thunder of the diapasons
seemed to breathe of awesome rever
ence, and the liquid tones of the flutes
lifted the soul to serener heights of
holy meditation and peace. The idle
chatter of the people was subdued in
the atmosphere of ant and beauty he
spread about them. The saints in the
glowing windows seemed to look down
upon the dim aisles as if they, too,
heard the music and felt its uplifting
charm.
The murmur of voices in the church
died away. A few fingered in silence TO
hear the music, and deep calm seemed
to fall on the place. Through it all
ran the golden thread of the music,
soft, delicious, prayerful, beautiful.
He sat absorbed In his work. His
face was lifted, that he might behold
the golden pipes above him. His fingers
wandered on over the.yellow keys, and
his whole being seemed to be absorbed
in his work. Ho knaw nob THAT siIr
stood near him, silent, admiring him,
and with petulant frown on her fair
face. Young, more than pretty, finely
formed, with large blfie eyes and light
golden hair. It hung in tangled masses
round her low forehead, and fell in neg
lected clouds about her shoulders. 1t
was her great charm. She knew it and
treated it accordingly. Her dress was
Of the best material, and in the latest
fashion. What itmay have been matters
not. It was becoming, and she knew it.
She had dressed with special care that
day.
Ii was not surprising that he loved
her. She was winsome, intelligent, and
inordinately selfish. This last he did
not know. Her beauty had won him,
and they were engaged to be married.
She loved him O little, and herself
much. He was talented and cookbook
ing. He was the organist of the fash
ionable Episcopal church Of the city,
and as such was much admired and
sought after. She enjoyed the sunshine
Of his popularity, but hated his work.
Ut seemed to draw him from herself,
and interfered with her plans and hopes
forathe future.
Even now it took his whole attention.
He did not heed her, though she stood
by his side. There was no need to stay
longer. The people, save fcw stupid
old ladies. had all gone. Why did he
not stop and speak 10 her She touched
his arm with her parasol. With 2
smile, he brought the strain to proper
close, and stopped. sge
e You are very slow to-day. Why
didn't you stop when / touched you.
FIndeed I did rs quickly rs l could
finish the phrase. You wouldn't have
me stop in the middle of a sentence.
"I've been waiting. And it's time to
go home"
Her speech and manner seemed to
crate harshly upon him. Had she no
love for the music?
Why did you play SO long to-day 7!
It was dreadfully tiresome.
He made no reply, but closed the in
strument in silence, while she impa-
tientlv tapped on the back of a seat
with parasol.
"Yon knew I was in hurry to go
home.
"My dear How could T."
She saw in e moment that she was
going too far, and with gentle, sinu-
9us motion took his arm in hers. and
,7rew him 10 her with q soft caress. He
smiled. and yielded himself to the
charm of her beauty and apparent af-
lection. Thus together they passed out
a me orraa loft, and prepared to GO
down stairs into the dim and quiet
church. The stairway led directly into
the main aisle, and gave them clear
view Of the springing srches, the great
windows glorious in living color, and
the dark roof sprinRing slott IN the
shadowy vault above their heads.
uWhat a beautiful place to spend
ones life il. do not wonder that the
old monks were content to spend their
time in such scenes. I almost wish we
had service every day.
ttTt would be- dreadfully stupid.
ssoh. no. Think what life such
man Is cid Bach spent in his Thomas
Kirche Nothing to do but to play up-
m his organ every day. almost wish
/ was a cathedral organiss in some an
@rm sure doag. It's bad sencugh
as it is.
ssHow 80 ?"
Nv love. are yoa so stupid What
ia the position Of organist9 I'm sure !
hope you don't think OF being one all
ycur life,
4 WHY NOT n
"Oh IT'S aiI very well. now-for q
little while but--ny dear, you must
He paused Oh the LAST step, and
looked aA Ter AZ IL be dad NOS qNite I'M
- 'ssss 4 vl Surely yoa do nos ob
isot to i r