The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1876-07-13

day that the dead body of George Rem
shaw was borne over the threshold. of
his brothers house. He had been killed
by the giving way of some scaffolding
on which he was at work. The shock
of his brothers. death told visibly on
Daniel Renshaw; his only consolation
was the little orphan girl, to whom he
transferred all his love.
"It is poor Georges legacy, and more
precious to me than if he had left thou
sands of pounds.''
Dan Renshaw largely inherited the
characteristics of his grandfather, the
old farmer, whose homely virtues had
built up the fortunes of his family. The
matchmaker had the same thorough
genuineness and primitive old-world
simplicity. He was like him also in
certain sturdy conservatism that
despised all kinds of sham. He never
married, which was always source of
surprise among his friends, fer they
knew he was the kind of man to make
any woman happy. But the watch
maker never revealed the secret of his
unwedded life, not even to his favorite
and dearly-loved Chrissie; but she un-
consciously probed the secret, when she
one day questioned her uncle about her
mother, and ended by asking him if he
had loved her. His answer was sim
ply, "Of course did, child.''
There was nothing in the tone of his
voice to reveal to her the pathetic story
that lay beneath his words-a story
which had changed and shadowed his
life. Handsome George Renshaw never
guessed that he had taken the sunshine
out of mis- brothers. life when he con-
fessed to him his love for Chrissie Bate
man. No wonder that Daniel Renshaw
loved her orphan daughter, for his
niece was strikingly like her
mother. Little Chrissie was q sort of
sweet idyl to the old mantle poetry of
his life. He could not tell any one how
entirely his love for her filed his world j;
it was something that he could
not have put into words. He only knew
that she was his compensation for all
other disappointments. He loved to
see her tripping about the shop like a
sunbeam, Frightening when shepassed.
It was SO pleasant to see Chrissie doing
the all-important work of tidying the
little parlor and shop; futtering about
with an extensive duster in her hand,
the sauciest of white aprons fastened
over her simple stuff dress, and her
sleeves tucked above her dimpled ell
bows-so pleasant for the old watch
maker, as her tidying operations were
almost certain to end with himself, in a
vigorous rubbing up of his gray hair, to
which he submitted like pleased child.
But he was not the only one who took
delight in this scene, and his were not
the only eyes that feasted upon the
sweet picture of Chrissie's youthful
grace and beauty. There was Thomas
Allison, a bright looking, good-temper-
ed young fellow, who might have been
set down as credit to the entire trade
of watchmakers. He had just served
out his term of apprenticeship to Daniel
Renshaw, by whom he was still employ
ed, for Tom clung to his old workshop
and his old master in spite of the tempt.
ing bait of higher wages which he could
secure for himself BY going to the
city. The old matchmaker was con.
stantly reminding Tom of this, and try.
ing to persuade him to better his for.
tunes, as his other apprentices had done.
But willful Tom was blind to his own in,
terest; he only shook his curly head by
way of negative, and glanced askance
at light, fitting figure, and certain
bright face which had deal to do with
his decision.
The daily sight of Chrissie, and the
chance of winning her love, more than
made up to him whatever loss he might
sustain in the matter of wages. There
was another powerful reason for TOMS
obstinacy. He had reflected that if he
changed his place OF work he would be
leaving the ground clear for Phil Har.
wood, who was constantly coming after
Chrissie, bringing her flowers and books
lin fact, doing all he could to win heI
for himself, and Tom began to fear he
would succeed. So the young watch.
maker made up his mind to remain.
Chrissie was his guiding star-the only
treasure belonging to Daniel Renshaw
j that he coveted. When he was first
iapprenticed she was curly haired Cir
in short frocks. It was then that hel
reign began, and Tom was enlisted hel
willing slave. He loved her from boy
hood to manhood, and the cherished
dream of his life was to win her in re-
turn. She accepted his devotion, but
she was tantalzing and wayward, after
the manner Of courted bellies in town OF
country, and often left poor Tom il
doubt and despair. for she smiled very
graciously upon his rival, Philip Har
wood, and seemed to take great pleas
ure in his visits. He had certainly tht
advantage over poor Tom in poin
OF worldly position, holding good sit
luatien in a bank, with the prospect o
future advancement. He was good