The Russellville Democrat., 1880-10-07
A HANDKERCHIEF FILTRATION.
CHAPTER I.

A lovely evening in early autumn, un- der the thick trees which shades quiet street in the suburbs of one of our East ern cities, two persons were walking slowly, conversing in low tones. an ill., matched couple they were. One q school girl of sixteen, with dimpled rosy cheeks, and clear innocent brown eyes; the other, a man who might have been handsome but for the marks of dissipa- ton and that indiscribable mixture of boldness and knavery which stamps on every feature of this class of men the words ''gambler and roue." There is a ring of mocking insincerity in the very tones of his voice which contrasts play fully with the air of childish tlust and admiration with which his companion regards him.
 s.No, my angel, the time has not yet come in which we are at liberty to de- clare our love openly. For myself 1 do not fear. but your stern father, taking into consideration the way in which we met, might separate us forever"
 ''Yes, indeed" replied the angel, with true school girl slang, ''he'd just rave! he is down on handkerchief firtations; and there is John Riley; do you know, Alphonse, I more than half believe he suspects something"
 There was a start of genuine emotion of some kind from the ardent lover, and the carefully modulated voice muttered something that commenced with d., but which was modified to "darling."
 "Who is John Rilev?"
 "Only a cousin who lives with us, and that day when first met you he saw me flirting, and took me home and scolded every step of the way like savage. Of course I promised never to do so again; but he looks at me so queer, and tonight when I told mother l was going over to Al,ie's to study, he asked me if Allie and | did not do a good deal of studying Of evenings lately. I know I blushed furiously. He is always meddling. l hae him.
 Bele's heart smote her even as she ut tered these kind words against the good old bachelor cousin who had petted and spoiled her all her life, and had never scolded her but once. A fortnight pre- vioHs to this evening he had been horri- fled at seeing Belle on her way home from school in company with two other romantic young ladies, flirting her hand kerchief at some hashily-dressed young men on the street in way bat gave evidence ot long expenence To step out of the store, take Belle's arm, and walk her home to the unwelcome music of a severe scolding, was the work of moment. Since then Cousin John had rested calmly, concious of having done hls entire duty. Ii he had only known! For since that time Belle's companion oI to- night had thrown himelf in her way so persistently, had protested such love and admirrtion,and excited her magma ton with such glowing pictures of wealth and splendor that only wanted her ac ceptance, that the glrl's silly little head . was completely turned. She was envied and looked upon as heroine by her girl confdantes at school, and they lent Will ing aid to plan the meetings which took place daily. Meanwhile, the two are conversing soitly-in fact, the whole conversation has been so exceedingly soft that 1 will spare the reader repet- ton of ali except the closing sentences. He holds her dimpled hand tenderly as she turns to leave him: ,a
 Tomorrow at four o'clock, then, dear- est, you will come?"
 "Yes, Alphonse, but"-an uneasy look clouding her fair tace-"are you sure IL is quite right?"
 Right, my lovel What wrene can there be in cheering the loneliness of my AlANdiihNu iAilt ipf o sinie ANN' whom she has long wanted to know You will see no one else, and l will con duet you to your friends house before absence is noticed"
 Dear Alphonse" sighed the senti- mental miss, how hard 1t IS that you dare not speak to my father now!"
 "Cruelr' exclaimed the adorer, q spasm passing over his face, which to an experienced observer, closely resem bles a suppressed grin. Perhaps the thought fitted through his mind that 1t might pc decidedly hard for him if he did. But time. sweet one, will remove all obsta- eles."
 Footsteps were heard approaching, and they bade each other goodnight hastily. The man paused to whisper;
 Remember, tomorrow at foul"
 Belle walked home lost in delightful dream Sine saw herself the bride oi Mr. A. Sartoris. heir to his aged aunts immense iortune-the centre of an ad- mlring circle of friends, when even cousin John would be compelled to treat her with the respect due her mature wears and elevated positlom, ! am no' telling the story of an exceptionally foolish or reckless enl readefi t is only arepetltion of the experience Of thoas'