The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-01-31

MESSENGER SUNDAY. JANU.
to Helen's. 70 sesif she knew anything abon
1t; but she didn't. Then felt sure the Who'll
thing was Q joke. You and she were suo
friends that could not think you'd have gon
on in that way, without saying good-by. Tha
solitary letter of yours was worse than NON
ct all; provoking in you to relapse into silenc
again, when fellow thought he had 20
on your track. How soon do you intend to b
of again -
| mot for while yet" answered. 81 thinl
shall remain at home now. By the way, hov
| is Miss Foster FOR is she Miss Foster yet =
| and her grandmother ~
'The old lady died the winter after you lef
New York; but Helen is living at the Home
stead yet. A married sister of mine is domi
oiled there too, ct present-Laura; you've
heard me speak of her. She was living in
Baltimore when you were one of MS. Helen il
not married; not for the want of suitors
though; she has refused between ten and fifty
splendid offers, to my certain knowledge.r
"Of course she makes you her confident ~ ]
said quizzingly.
"Pas du tout "a fine one I'd be but suess
all these things. She Is an odd girl Not too
Plus, although devout Catholic, but hard to
please. By the way, am due at Helens to-
night; won't You comet You can't expect her
to call on you"
made some excuse, and Fred went off with
out me, promising, however, to report me "safe
and sound" Although knew that, sooner
or later, I should meet her, 1 could not face the
ordeal as yet, and preferred that, whom it did
take place, the meeting should be accidental.
The next week I attended concert at the
Academy of Music. Directly in front of me
two seats remained unoccupied until the pr;ma
aonnS had made her first bow to the audience.
and was preluding her song with a few pre-
fatory trills.
1 turned my eyes from the stage to meet
those of lady who passed to one of the vacant
chairs; and the next moment Fred Aruaitaee
was saying, "You here, Moray I am glad we
IRE near you. He has changed, Nellie, don't
you think" as his companion extended her
land in silence. Then, as I greeted her, q
Jingle welcome home +" fell from her lips, and |
hat was all.
No change in her. The same pure, truthful |
yes; the old-time sweetness in her voice and |
mile; the old-time charm about her still. As
*,
ow vain had been the delusion that promnted
le to seek peace and disenchantment within
ne sphere Of her influence. Once, during a
ause in the music, she asked my opinion of
,e singer. must have appeared constrained
nd awkward for have half recollection of
some indistinct answer. left be-
IRE the performance was over. did not care
} court misery-my present condition was
eplorable enough-and was anxious to get
way from Fred's pertinacity, which 1 knew
ould assert itself if we went in company
ON the music-hall.
Afterward steadily resisted all solicitations
ON Armitage to call at his sisters; although
, often expressed desire to introduce me.
owever, having met him one day in company
18th his brother in-law, promised the latter
,ntleman to call at his residence. Not to
i've done 30 would have made my conduct
,pear eccentric and ridiculous. About dusk
10 next evening Fred came in.
" Come to Auvergne's with me tonight" he
id. walter has gone to Baltimore on bust
'ss, and Helen with him. She intends spend
g the winter with some relatives there.
}. am sorry Walter and Nellie are absent;
oman in the world"
There was NO help for it. The present, too,
forded the best opportunity. 1 went, and
ceived cordial welcome from Mrs. Auvergue,
ho was all that her brother had described
,r, and MORE
" SO this is Mr.. Moray" she said, as Fred in
oduced me. 81 have heard of you SO fire..
lently that know you already. And Helen
IS sometimes mentioned you"
The evening passed pleasantly. As we were
bout leaving, our hostess warmly invited me
renew the visit. Come soon, and as often
you like" she said; eve shall be always
eased to see you."
Tnconsistently enough, departed from my
opposed line of conduct in SO far as to accept
IT invitation. 1t was lonely sitting in my
Ichelor abode those long winter evenings;
Id, after fvo or six weeks acquaintance, 1 |
I'd called 30 frequently at Mrs. Auvergne's as
feel more at home there than anywhere else
New York. 1 did not think much of the