St. Landry democrat., 1878-03-30

IL fact, his "castle in Spain " was 81
ready built-everything perfect except
ing the perfect woman who was to be-
come the satin of the iuner shrine. She
was yet to be found, and he resolved to
no longer delay. Fad it not been for the
conversation with his friend, he would
have continued dreaming as before: for
be was naturally dilatory. But the only
alfhidden sneers of his friend had stung
deeper than he had at first been aware
and reused him to immediate action.
II will commence my search to-mor.
row." he said resolutely " and before
year has passed will show Mr.. Fred Tryan
and the rest OF mankind a model wife
one whose only love is her husband who
accepted poverty with him, and when
given riches and position and influence
was not unduly exalted. He quoted
Miles Standish. So can l, and to the
purpose; for shal! astenish his critical
eyes with
The skv was all bushes, the earth was all
bliss,
And the prayer of each heart: "Be the end
ing like this"
"Aha Mr.. Fred! I think / shall
have you upon the hip then.'
A few days enabled Marshall to finally
arrange all his matters to his satisfaction,
and he disappeared from the city, no one
but his friend knowing whittier he had
gone; even his own family little dream
ing that he had set out upon such
Quixotic mission - had indeed under
taken to find perfect woman.
Partially disguised, and under an as
sumed name, he journeyed hither and
thither, looking for the thornless rose,
the diamond without flaw, the pearl
without speck. But disappointment
met him at every turn. Girls OF all
kinds, golden, auburn and raven-haired,
arose before him like daisies in the
meadows perfect bouquet of loveliness.
But alas there was an indescribable
something lacking-the rare combination
of mind and physical proportion that was
to insure him happiness, make the humble
and wealthy home alike happy-to stand
the severe test Of both poverty and
! riches.
ANY ordinary mortal would have been
satisfied with the choice offered could
from out such bevy of beauty have
selected scores that would indeed have
been "a jewel in the crown of her hus-
band" But he was very hard to please
His ideal was altogether too high for
human nature to fill. At least he found
none that satisfied him, and, after long
search, was about to return home, rest,
and take new departure for foreign
lands, when accident caused him to be
delayed in the picturesque little village
of Ferndell.
The breaking down of the stage landed
him, in the midst of a violent storm, in
front of large farmhouse, the surround.
ings of which indicated unusual thrift.
"Who lives heIe2" he asked of the
driver, who had informed him that it
would be some hours before they could
proceed.
"Zenas Partridge, one of the richest
men in the county," was answered.
! II shall have to trespass upon hi
hospitality. Anything would be better
than remaining in this miserable ole
conveyance, through the roof of which
the water passes like sieve"
| eyes, it is better dry-weather STAGE
laughed the driver. But go right in
Squire Partridge will be glad to see you
He is one Of the most friendly kind o.
men. Besides," and the laugh grew
broader, "there's the prettiest kind of &
girl in there, and I guess the time won't
hang very heavy on yonr hands"
/ "a pretty grill" and Marshall looked
dianayed 1T his vet and mud-splashed
wardrobe.
"That ain't nothing" replied the
friendly Jehu, reading the expression O
his face. She amt one of the stuck
up kind, but just as good and clever a.
she is handsome.
Thinking what a foel he was to have
been standing even thus long in the rain
Marshall made his way through tn,
closely-mowed and elean-kept door-yard
along the path fringed with flowers, anf
knocked at the door. It was opened
with little delay, though his quick ca
caught the rustic of feminine skirts, ant
he was satisfied he had already been in
spected, and most probably by the
"pretty girl" herself.
walk in-walk right in,'' was tht
welcome he received, and the broad palm
of Zenas Partridge closed upon his own
and emphasized the hospitable reception
| "Thank you sir. I shall be gratefu
'or shelter for time-until the stage il
repaired" replied Marshall.
"And that went be tonight" sale
his host. "They are slower than mo
laeses in cold cellar on January morn
ing"
=" But I can not think of trespasins
upon your kindness for 50 long a time
sir"
/ UThera there DON'T mention IT,