The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-04-06
MR.. POTTS TELEGRAM.
ny FRANK LEE BENEDICT.

Mr.. and Mrs. POCt nhu always DeeD IN
affectlonate. happy couple with one child,
who possessed her handsome fathers smile
and her pretty mothers lovely eyes. and was
altogether bewitching little creature
Mr.. and Mrs. Pott had always been very
happy pair. do not pretend to assert that
no clouds ever rose upon their horizon; but
che clouds were never heavy enough COM
pletely to shut out the sun; and whom they
naased. the sky looked all the brighter from
the contrast. Or course, ut intervals, there
had been little differences little quarrels even.
but only just fierce enough to give zest to
the kissing and making up which had speed
fly followed.
shadows had arisen, that the pair scarcely
remembered them, except now and then. by
way OF Jest, or as warning to some ad-
venturous couple just setting up In partner
ship. Everything had conspired to make
their road an easy one To travel Mr.. Pott
had succeeded wonderfully In his profession
Mrs. Potts little dowry had consisted Of
lands, somewhere in California. which had
risen In value; SO that between her share and
his earnings they were. II not rich, very com
fortably or. Little Mamie grew prettier
every day, and was goodness itself.
Yes, people considered Gershom Pott and
his wife an envlable couple. What was more,
they considered themselves 30. He was thirty
now, and she some four years younger. and
still quite girlish In looks. Her name was
Clementina, and prlviledged friends used to
call her Tiney Pott, which was slightly i'm
pertinent, but very natural.
They had had two years. or almost two
years, without a break In this sunshine. Mrs.
pott could have recalled her last episode OF
suffering, II she had chosen; but when the
pair reviewed their little stormy passages
that particular one was never dwelt upon.
Ciementina had been jealous Of . fascinating
widow, who had loomed for O season upon
their horizon, and who had protested great
affection for her former schoOlmate and was
80 happy to meet her againi That was per-
fectly reasonable, and Tiney shared her old
comrades enthusiasm. But when bswitchiDg
Mrs. Johnson seemed inclined at times to act
as II 1t had been Tiney's husband and not
Tiney who had been her school friend, the face
Of matters changed.
But Mr.. Pott always declared that he had
not been for an instant dazzled by this wan
derine meteor; and Clementina satisfied her
self that, at least, Gershom's eyes were
opened to the designing creatures's real char
acter and rs. Johnson departure from the
citv where the pair lived ended tho matter
completely
o 4 very sI,. happy couple no more clouds ever
Il was early In the spring Of 1876, when Mrs.
Potts uncle came on from Texas to visit his
niece and her husband. He was rich bach
elor, and was charming besides, so he was re-
ceived with the enthusiasm due @ relative OF
that sort. He fell Ill OF rheumatic fever, and
Clementina uursed him. Soon after he was
attacked, important business called Mr.. Pott
to Indana--to the very town where an ancient
aunt of his resided.
It was decided that little Mamie should ac.-
for him. and convenient to Mrs. Pott, who was
SO constantly occupied with her uncle. Into
the bargain, the old aunt had, for a long time,
been begging that the child might make her a
visit. As she was rich, and Gershom was her
nearest living relation, 1t appeared to the pa.
rents that 1t would be unkind to thwart her
the poor sufferer must die soon, and they
should always reproach themselves then, fol
not letting her see her great niece, and-ant
she never had made her will, and heads o
charitable societies were always faWning npOr
her, and indeed II would be positively sinfu
to stand In the dear little girls light.
So 1t WAS settled. MIR. Pott, and Mamie
and Mamies nurse went TO Indiana and Gle
mentina remained at home, to guard tn,
household goods, and nurse her uncle back tt
convalescence.
Three weeks was the time set for their alb
sence But when six had passed they had no
yet returned. Clementina had received nu
merous letters saying that everything wa
going we'll that Mamie was wonderful ia
vorite with her aunt; that Mr.. Potts bushes
was succeeding beyond his widest hopes
However much she might miss her treasure
there had been no occasion Tor Iiney TO Zee
anxious No, not even when GershOm, In on
epistle, incidentally mentioned that the ma
rauding widow, Elyira Johnson, was residing
In the town where his aunt lived.
Clementina actually smiled to recall he
own past folly. She wondered how she coul
ever have been idiot enough to let that vap
creature disturb her peace for an instant! i
the plenitude OF her magnanimity, she wrot'
GershOm that she hoped he would now an
then call upon the lady, else she (Elviral Wh
had always been, and always would be,
goose, might think that she tClementina) ha
forbidden such visits, and so exult.
Meanwhile, Mr.. Groves, the uncle, had go
better. He and Clementina went to stop Il
the establishment of a physician who ha'
some wonderful process for curing rheuma
tism. Ihey were there ten days. Then MI
Groves found himself SO well that, as he ha'
business which required attention, they wen
back TO town-that is, Clementina. went oil
rectly BACK j. Put Mr. Groves stopped az tn
AAoA11 AVnb q lew IulleS from the CITY
proposing to continue his journey next da,
under the charge Of his man-servant.
Clementina was surprised not to find a let
ter awaiting her. She still felt no anxiety. n
truth, dhet srn which she had formed
might have reused any fears I'M her mjnC
She had L. decided to Join her wanderers. spen
She had communicated her intention ION ~ tnf ba
uncle. and he had approved. you You see az ii
VII RlSe Gershom such pleasant surprise.
said Clementina,. smiling at the nict,,r
I'VE instant, in her yiyi
Ill do you good. 70
uncle with an annrao,
100 sEhich rich relations do not aIwaps All
play. "'s ui'
"Not la the leastp' cried Clementina .R.
1t will be such pleasant surprise to Gs
shomi" oo
That was all she could think Of: the ia,
reused so many delightful fancies in n
mind, that she kissed her uncle. but it W.
% rather kind OF kissing Gershom by prox
than salute really intended for Mr.. Grov,