The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1882-11-04
CHAPTER III,

TIE BIRTHDAY FETE-A PROPOSAL OF MAR
EIaGE-BRoUGnT TO BAY.
Night had thrown her sable mantle over
the earth. The moon Was rising behind
the hills, and the stars bean,ed brightly
overhead.
The Clayton residence and grounds were
gaily decorated, i'll honor of the young mis-
tress' birthday. Lanterns hung from the
balconies and trees; flags fioated from the
liberty pole and tine surrounding buildings,
and We're festooned up the broad staircases
Of the mansion.
Servants We're hurrying TO and fro, jostl-
ing each other in the excitement of the oc-
casion. aud everything implied the good
time coming Even old John Clayton i'm
blbed the joyful feeling when be saw Cecil,
happy as a bird, fitting about on her mis-
sion of inspection.
At length the hour of reception arrived.
The guests came iockng in, and after being
out into the illuminated gardens.
Many We're the admiring glances bestowed
ON Cecil by her gentleman friends, and
courteoHsly she received their compliments.
One of these, as hs entered presented her
with a massive bouquet of exotcs.
''Oh, how lovely" exclaimed the recipi-
ent. ''Are they not exquisite, fatherY'
Then, recollectmg that in her exuberance
she had failed to welcome OF thank the
donor, she extended her hand, with a bright
smile. Il am Obligated, Mr.. Eversleigh.
, How kind of you to go to SO much trouble!"
Philip Eversleigh bowed politely, and
| pressed the velvet fingers little harder,
| perhaps than strict etiquette would allow,
for Cecil blushed and looked confused.
''It cannot be accounted trouble, Miss
| Clayton" he said. "as the floral offerings
Tor such occasions as this should be the
choicest obtainable."
The young men looking on groaned
inwardly with jealousy. Mr. Eversleigh's
culture seemed to them to be of an over-bold
order.
Not long after, the audacious Philip asked
if he might have the pleasure OF Miss Clay
tons company for q stroll
Certainly, Mr. EyersieiCh; if snch a f1y-
away being can be pleasant society" laughed
the hostess.
Strains of music began to fiji the air as,
arm Ill arm, they crossed the lawn, and the
| v0uager guests betook themselves to the
| dance
Cecil Clayton vas passionately fond Of
the may waltz yet whether it would be
| quite right to ask Philip Eversleigh to Join
the gay party she WIS not sure Besides,
that frequently she felt puzzled to know the
cause.
why is he so reserved'" she thought as
they walked along. He hasn't spoken q
word for at least two minutes! l couldn't
keep still so long I'm sure,'
Mr. Eversleigh saw the sly look she gave
him from beneath her beautiful lashes.
You marvel al my silence, Miss Clay
ton?" he said, divil ing II thoughts. Fear
has placed q lock On .y tongue tonight"
! Cecil raised her eyebrows.
Pear, Mr.. Ever>leigh?"
yes; l am afraid you wish to join the
dancers, and I have been almost regretting
that those fellows with grating violins and
footing horns were not at the bottom of the
river"
Cecil laughed merrily.
''Oh. MIR. Everslelgh, what a cruel criti-
cism on our bandi You should feel ashamed
Of yourselt.'
Il do" replied Philip Eversleigh, with a
somewhat humiliated expression. ''But l
cannot help dishking many things which
average humanity enjoy
They were now ont Of sight Of the gay
party on the lawn. The music sounded in.
, distinct.
Had we not better turn back, Mr.
Eversleigh?" Cecil suddenly asked. ave
; are on the edge of the woodr'
TO be Continued