The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1879-12-18

strictly termed beautiful, in the almost
childish figure, but there was something
indescribably winning in the clear, gray
eyes, and in the rich chestnut curls that
clustered about the broad, low brow.
| Tom had little time for observation,
however, as Ida and Adele claimed all
his attention, while Harry monopolized
Violet in frank, brotherly way, quite
unlike his more formal and ceremoniouS
| manner with the elder sisters.
"Well, what do you think of my three
cousins?'' was Hasry's natural ques-
ton, when he and Tom were once more
in the street.
81 can only express my admiration
by saying that | wish it were possible to
divide myself into three separate and
distinct individuals, that l might Offer
each of the fair enslavers hand and
heart" replied Tom, with much sol,
emnity.
"What, without even waiting to dis.
cover whether their dish-towels are in
proper orderP" retorted his friend.
Tom laughed.
81 have presentiment that | shall
forget my revered grandmother's ad
vice until it is too late, when the i'm
portant event of meeting my fate shall
arrive
"And then remember it for the resi-
of your life, I SUPPOSE" observed Har
ry; "the principle of marryingin haste
and repenting at leisure Well, l hope
my fair cousins will not be the cause Of
such catastrophe; but | must leave
you here, as | have patient in this
house." And he hastily ran up the
steps.
Left to himself, Tom sauntered slowly
along, thinking of the young ladies
whom he had just seen. 1t must be
confessed that little Violet occupied but
a very small portion of his thoughts
which were filled with Ida and Adele.
"But | doubt if either of them ever
saw dish-towel," was his concluding
reflection, as he reached his boarding.
house.
Weeks passed on. Tom was devoted
in his attentions to the Misses Renshaw
Rumor had assigned him first to Ida
then to Adele, and waited with impa
thence for the time when the engagement
should be publicly announced.
Meanwhile, almost every day brought
some good and sufficient excuse for him
to call at Mrs Renshaw's pleasant
house; q new poem, the latest song, ar
invitation for drive, or plan for al
excursion. Of Violet he saw less than
of the other sisters, although they were
very friendly, and he treated her with
the same brotherly frankness as Harry
One lovely June morning he present
ed himself at Mrs. RenshaW's at quite
an early hour, intending to invite the
three sisters to pass the beautiful sum
mer day in a long country drive. He
noticed that there was some delay il
answering his ring, which was not usu
ally the case with Mrs. Renshaw's wei
trained servants; but at length he heard
light footstep, and in another moment
the door was opened by Violet. She
had broom in her hand, and dust
ing-cap covered her bright curls; bu
she babe him good morning with as
much cordially as usual, and invited
him to enter, adding:
"Please walk into the dining-room
for l am just sweeping the parlors."
Secretly wondering, Tom obeyed. Al
he turned the handle of the dining room
door, there was sudden rush, hasty
bang of door, and hurried exclama
ton of go Violet! how could you?'
and he found himself in the presence o.
the fair Adele, although for the moment
he scracely recognized her in the sloven
ly dressed girl, with disheveled hair
who stood by the breakfast table dab
1 bling the cups and saucers in some
greasy water, and wiping them on ;
towel which, to say the least, was very
far from being spotlessly clean. Sh'
colored, and with some confusion said
"Ah, good morning, Mr.. Meredith
So you have come to find us all at worl
this morning. 1t happens that we have
for our three servants brother and two
sisters. They received this n orning tn,
news of their mothers dangerous illness
and mamma at once gave them all per
mission to go home. We supposed W,
could get woman who sometimes doe!
extra work for us, but she was engaged
for the day, SO we are obliged to do tn,
! best we can ourselves. 1 assure you, }
she continued, with little laugh, which
Tom had often thought pretty and en-
gaging, but which now sounded false
| and affected, "that I am by no mean.
accustomed to such work, nor have
any desire to become 500
"Can not you allow me to assis
your" asked Tom, politely. 81 wa.
brought up on farm, and have Otter
washed dishes and made myself gener
ally useful in the Kitchen
"You!" exclaimed Adele, in such al
astonished tone, that Tom could not for
bear laughing.
Yes, certainly; why notP" asked
Tom.
"Oh, 1 don't know-only thought
you never did any thing" stammeret
Adele; then endeavoring to seem a
ease, she said, Yes, if you will help
please take this teakettle into the kitchen
and set it on the stove"
Tom seized the kettle, and throwing
open the door leading to the kitchen
was crossing the room toward the stove
when his progress was arrested by the
sudden appearance of Ida from a store.
room beyond. If Adele looked slovenly
and disheyeled, what shall be said Of