The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1877-04-21

"And to a miserable tutor, interrupt
ed the equity selfish Zoe.
81 should be very glad to take charge
of the poor young man, alone among
strangers and SICK" said Blanche; "and
if aunt is willing, I will devote my time
to him."
"And neglect the sewing? There is
my wrapper not finished yet"
"Do not fear, aunt" returned the
same sweet voice 81 will finish that
also. l can take my sewing 10 his room
and attend to both if not able to sew
when he is awake, 1 will do it at night
when he sleeps.
every well, do as you please; but,
remember, that wrapper must be I'm
ished." 9
"Come, mother, don't bother about
him any longer. The carriage waits to
take us to the concert. Come on"
So saying, thea unfeeling Zoe swept
down stairs, followed by her mother,
while a soft voice murmured by the in
valid's side:
"You are not sleeping, I see. What
shall I do for yoG6 relief?"
81 feel quite comfortable, thank you,
except a headache, caused by the sudden
jar"
"Let me battle it, then"
How soft her fingers were how gentle
her touch, and what a depth Of womanly
pity beamed from those large brown
eyes.
About two weeks after the accident,
Blanche wandered once more to her ia
vorite resort, and seating herself at the
foot of the descent. she was soon lost in
a deep reverie.
"Thisis a charming spot, Miss Blanche"
said a we'll known voice behind her, "andI
see a favorite of yours. Now that | know
how to to avoid its dangers. | also am
charmed with its deep repose and pictur'
esque beauty"
81 am glad you like it," was the reply
of the young lady, as she blushed
slightly when he seated himself by
her side. "But yours is the only
face I have ever seen when here, and
[ cannot but wonder how you discovered
the spot"
Gone of my little pupils told me of it,
and that day when [ fell was my first
visit. Thankful I'm | that you was in
the habit of coming here, else l might
have died alone and unmissed."
"Alone, l grant, but not unmissed,
for your pupils love you"
81 would hike to tell you, dear Miss
Blanche, how strongly attached I have
become to my tender nurse, and how
much l long for her to return my devot-
ed affection. Dearest, can you love a
person occupying SO humble aposition as
tutor to your uncle's children? If you
can, and if you will allow me to present
my deep love, and consent to become my
wife, it will be the delight of my life
to strive to make you happy" Then he
drew her toward him, and their lips met.
No opposition was offered when Mr..
Hamilton asked the hand of Blanche
Gilmore from her uncle, all thinking that
their poor relative did we'll, even in mar
rying a tutor. e
In the meantime the news came that
the Belmont owner was soon to take
possession OF his property. One of his
oddities wa that on the evening of his
return a large party of friends and the
select neighbors were to assemble to bid
him welcome. This party, as it happen
ed, was to take place the evening before
the marriage of Blanche. Cards of in.
vitation had been left at MI. C~orsair's,
and, much to the surprise and ehagrin
of Miss Zoe, Blanche was also remem-
bered.
"Just as if we wanted to introduce
Il poor relations" she said, scornfully.
81 wonder that the tutor also was not
included"
The evening came, the rooms were
thronged, but singular to remark, the
young owner had not as yet made his
appearance. The guestsLRere received
by his most intimate friends, Mr.. and
Mrs. Metcalf, and the latter. as o as
Blanche had been introduced, managed
to draw her on n side, and in another
moment Zoe wondered, as she saw them
leave the. son together.
About half an hour later, after all the
guests had assembled, Mr.. Metcalf said
ladies and gentlemen, Mr.. Bell
mont has just arrived, and in a few min
utes will be pleased to meet you and in
troduce to all assembled the beautiful
young lady who tomorrow morning will
become his BRIDE"
scarcely a ne Gone speaking when
the young man entered the room with
Blanche hanging upon. his arm, her face
radiant with happiness.
Our late tutor!" cried Mr.. Corsair.
impossible cried Zoe sinking into
chair.
It is quite true, madam" said the
young man; and now let me hope to
see you all at our wedding tomorrow"
All were present except Zoe, whose
disappointment was too great to permit