The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1876-02-22

said Susy, consulting a wee watch at
her belt; eve open at seven." as
''The tables are all ready.' asiif
sTrue, but it is after five now, and
everybody wants time for at least ONE.
extra touch to their finery, when they
must face all Claireville," 'ta
'SScatter, them" said Amy, laugh
ing. '.Run home, all Of you! Leave
the letters here; I will take care of
them. | am to be postmistress, you
know" -ss'.--
''Not bit of it" said Leonora.
"You are only to sit in the back
ground and direct the envelopes
which | will deliver to anxious in
quirers." " t.r ff e1.l ip-
"Whew! how important we are!'
was the merry answer. And the laugh
ing group dispersed. sifa ia sna
The large hall of Claireville' was
brilliantly illuminated when, two hours
later, the young girls announced all in
readiness for opening the doors.
The pretty tables, tasteful decora-
tions, and groups Of lovely girls made
no mean picture, and Claireville walked
about, admired, and, above all, pur-
chased to the full content of the fair
originators Of the entertainment.
Hidden away from sight by the full
folds of a curtain, Amy sat shrined in
the postoffice, answering Leonora's call
for letters Busy excitement had flush
ed her fair cheeks, and, as her pen
traced familiar names, one after anoth-
er, smiles chased each other over lips
and eyes. Suddenly call from Nora
made her turn pale; her fingers trem--
bled as she drew from her bosom the
letter she had written with PRAYER.
1t was fully directed, yet she hesitated,
holding it as if reluctant to let it GO.
"Come, Amy. Is there nothing for
Mr.. Leonard Watsons" cried Leonora.
The letter was slipped through the
appointed place in the curtain, and
Amy drew quick breath Of appre-
hension as she heard the manly voice
that said, 'Thank you, Miss Darcy"
eff he is angry!' she whispered.
'If he should be angry a''a 5.
But Leonard Watson had slipped the
letter carelessly into the breast pocket
of his coat, and was sauntering in his
usual lazy manner down the hall. He
was a tail, handsome man, with broad
forehead and large eyes. which spoke
well for his heart and intellect; but
with the blaze air and debonnaire
manner Of one for whom the world had
offered its pleasures to safety, and who
had not learned to look for life's pur-
pose in duty. The little world OF
Claireville spoke well Of Leonard Wat
son. The girls admired his courtly
gallantry, his polished manner, and
honeyed, words; the young. men ap-
plauded his generosity, his horses, and
his good temper; the older heads we're
ready to worship his wealth, his birth,
and position; only here and there a word
was whispered Of late revels at Fair
bank, Of an occasional lapse into inc
briefly, or dropping a hint that { young
Watson was living too fast"
There We're many bright bellies who
cherished a secret belief of. Leonards
marked preference, yet the gay. heart
was untouched, the travelled, taste un,
satisfied and he was free man, in
word or thought, as he, s,untered4 NJ
the. fair, at .Claireville with Amys
letter upon his breast. s.e s;a
| It was night, and he was alone in
the library Of his spacious house before
he recollected the missive; then, with
Ian indolent curiosity, he drew it forth