St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1882-02-25


Fright you are!' said George. "Il
send an invite to the old duffer; he's
not half bad fellow, after all. VI
course, he won't put in an appearance
But it is the impossible which happens.
For some occult reason, Mr.. Thornton
chose to join this wild expedition, and
presented himself at the appointed time
at the rendezvous. With the exception
of himself and poor Mrs. Wellington
who looked already victimized, it was
as gay party as Boston could furnish
As usual, it was Maud who was lead
er and prime favorite. But she was ad-
mirably seconded by three OF her
friends, only little less brilliant ana
daring than she. Then there were two
or three society men, who would nave
gone anywhere that Maud and her set
proposed. Little did they care for the
grandeur of mountain scenery in its
severe winter dress, but the trip prom
ised much fun and unlooked-for oppor-
tunities for carrying out certain lnten-
tons. Last and noisiest of all came
George wellington, Harvard Sopho-
more, with an equally reckless and lalr-
Drained classmate, whom the young
ladies alternately petted, snubbed ana
used as foils in their more serious
schemes.
Mr.. Thornton felt out Of his element,
as he had done so many times during
the summer He was not keyed to the
same pitch OF high spirits and unceaslng
gayety. He was grave, quiet-a man
who was terribly in earnest about every
thing that he did. From the first mo-
ment that he saw her he became fascln-
ated with Maud, against his will and
better judgment. Her beauty, wit,
caprices, would not let themselves be
forgotten. He was angry with her, ne
heartily disapproved of her, dozen
times day; and then, when he was
most indignant with her, he discovered
that he loved her with a love which he
could not reason away nor live down.
He was more bitterly enraged with her
than ever to-day, as the cars rapidly
| bore them toward the mountains. lie
cursed himself and his folly in having
| Joined them. No one seemed to want
him. Maud, with her usual perverse-
ness, had given him careless greeting,
and turned away to lavish her brightest
smiles and merriest speeches on Gilbert
Livingston, man whom he cordially
hated and despised. Mrs. Wellington
alone seemed to need him. She was
nervous, weak and timid, dreading the
Journey, and unable to control her chill
dren's madness, so she chung to Thorn
ton with instructive trust in his sober
strength. He never dreamed, being
blind as men are, that Maud saw every
motion that he made, that she had so
placed herself as to hear every word he
spoke. He only saw, with wrath and
shame, that she was flirting openly,
desperately, with that soulless, brainless
Livingston.
But even Thornton shook off his gloom
when they came among the hills. The
highest peaks were white with snow, re-
flecting the setting sun with dazzling
brilliancy against the marvellous blue OF
the sky. It was very cold, but clear and
still, when they left the cars for their
drive of a few miles. Mr.. Little met
them with his six-horse stage; the wind
had not left enough snow on the rising
ground for sleighing, to Maud's regret.
It was an exhilarating drive. The air
was like wine, and made each inhalation
an increasing JOY. The laughter and
the sweet, ringing voices of the girls no
longer Jared upon him; he was boy
again himself, and startled them by his
wit and gayety. Maud was delighted.
She warmed toward him, and left poor
Livingston shivering out Of the sunlight
of her favor. 1t was all going to be a
perfect success, she thought, and blessed
herself for the inspiration.
The hotel, when they reached it, after
the stars had come out superbly in the
clear air, looked as if prepared for g
Iasiege. It was closed, except a few rooms
on the ground-foor of the west anc
south sides. On the north and east ev
cry blind was securely fastened.
| ssHave you had an east blow yet??'
asked Maud, as they dashed UP to the
/ door.
] "No, miss, not yet" said the land
lord. Il guess we will hev, pretty
!. quick. though. The maountings hey
: kinder looked like it all day.
, 81 hope it will come. l should con
E slider our whole trip a failure if i
|, DOESN'T
Mr.. Little shook his head and smiled
t doubtfully. Il guess when you We seel
D one, you won't be likely to want to SCI
e another very quick"
e The next day was gloriously clear
. There was no wind stirring as yet.
? was this stiffness that reused the fore
e holdings of the landlord. His guest
e had magnificent walk, they said: the
climbed part way up Starr King, AM
l,l - 1,;au, b,,ndrad timec mora Gil
: peru than they had ever imagined
y could be. It had been hard work climb
s ing over the slippery rocks, and the
n came back to the house delightful
tired and in undiminished spirits. TIL
: general hilarity tagged not during tn
coy evening round the huge open fire