The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1877-03-29
ODETTE.

In the drawing-room of Fifth avenue
mansion two girls were sitting-the one
n blonde, the other a brunette: and
both beautiful according to their respec-
tive pes. Florence Gardner had called
to impart to her old school friend, Miss
Falkland, the delicate fact of her en-
gagement, and both We're indulging in a
confidential chat.
"And now I have only one wish
more" Florence was saying-"to see
you engaged, too. Have you no fancy
Odette ?''
Odette shook her head slowly.
"What not for CASTOR Sandford p"
"What shall l say, you tease? Shall
1 tell you ] enjoy Mr.. Sandford's So
ciety more than any other mans for
do; and shall I tell you don't know
whether I love him or not? for I don't. I"
He is worthy of sweet woman's
love; and L think he likes you very, very
much, Odette"
"There, there, Flory; talk of some
thing else, won't you? I do not care
for anybody, never shall care for any
body, but yourself.
"And | am 80 happy myself in Rogers
love, that | cannot but feel sorry for you,
Odette. But must go )" and Florence
Gardner rose. After seeing her friend
to the door, Odette returned to the
drawing-roOm, and to divert her
thoughts picked up "Moore's POEMS"
which were lying ON the table Opening
at random, her eyes fell on these lines
Oh, there's nothing half so sweet in life
As loves young dream.
Odette closed the book with almost a
sigh. Perhaps Florence is right"
she said; land there is no perfect hap
piness without love-" She expected
Sandford that evening, for he was a
steady visitor; and went to the piano to
pass the time.
cat last p she exclaimed, joyfully,
when at length he entered the room.
"That welcome will make me happy
for month, " he said, kissing her hand.
"Do not fiatter yourself too much"
rejoined Odette. "There are hours in
the life of women in which any caller,
whosoever he be, is received as relief.
CASTOR Sandford shrank in again.
Odette understood his feeling, and, with
a twinge of compunction, said
Crest assured, however, that 1 am
glad to see you and that now you are
hspe, shall do my best to keep you as
long as possible. But why do you come
so late"
"Ah ! will tell you. I had seen at
Goupil's portrait wished to buy, and
went for it but, unluckily, it was sold
to a party who is forming collection of
historical paintings, and only after great
trouble have 1 succeeded in getting my
Princess of Cont"
"Ah it is the portrait of princess,
is it ?"
Yes and I prize it because it is like
you-would pass for you"
"Aud | suppose, being like me, it is
already hung over the mantel piece of
your room, between a japanese mandarin
and Turkish pipe?"
"You are cruel, Odette."
But are you aware, CASTOR Sandford,
what such freak implies ?"
4" 1t implies that love you. There
| have spoken. Shut your door to me
hereafter, but let me speak now. Yes,
| love you, Odette, l love you ! Ny
happiness is here here, and nowhere
else. Oh Odette -
" Go on, said Odette, calmly.
$50 you laugh at me %
son the contrary. Is not an invitation |
to proceed an acknowledgment that am |
interested in the avowal?"
He sprang forward to take her hand,
Miss Falkland stopped him, saying:
''Now, Castor, do not lose yourself in |
the clouds-do not mistake a single |
violet for bouquet. 1 shall be sincere |
with you. L really do not know whether
L love you or not. l like your society
more than that of any other man / have
ever met"
A tear was growing large in Customs
eyes. Odette was moved, and took his |
hand
81 only ask to be convinced, she said.
softly. "Try Oh do try to warm the