The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1883-03-10
CHAPTER XVIII.
MISS VAN DUNE GROWS IN FAVOR.

! CHAPTER XVIII.
| MISS VAN DUNE GROWS IN FAVOR.
I! Clarice Suydam had changed her place of
residence. and she was now living in cosy
house on Patchen Place. The unfortunate
Clarence WIS not forgotten in the arrange
1nent of the sitting-roon of this new domi-
cile. although the artists materials were put
away by tender, reyerent hands. Over the
fireplace hung portrait of the dead man,
draped in mourning black.
A bright fire burned in the CRATE, and
gave to the room cheerful warmth.
Near window sat Clarice Suyt,am, sew
ing. Now and then tear glistened upon
her eyelils and fell upon her hand Beside
the grateful fire, her dainty feet resting on
low stool, and her head imbedded in tie
luxurious depths of large armchair re-
cllhed Miss Celeste Van Duyne, the hand.
some woman whom james Dalton had res.
cued from a life of misery.
FOR almost an hour, on the day of which
we write, these two women sat in Ciarce
otyotM slttlnS-room engrOssed in thought
and To the thoughts of one Imagination had
ient airy wings.
Miss Van Duyne's eyes were fixed upon
the portrait over the mantel.
1t last she broke the long silence.
''Miss Suydam,' she said, '.nay ask
question:
Certainly, Miss Van Duyne," replied
Clarice, without lifting her head.
''lou have been very kind to. poor, unde.
serving me, Miss Suydam, and do not want
to be impertinent; but will you tell me
whose portrait that is?"
1T Is the portrait OF my dead cousin, Miss
Van Duyne"
"Please call me Celeste" pleaded the
young woman. ''He was handsome" she
said-''very handsome"
"Ay, he was handsome said Clarice,
somewhat bitterly-'.had he not been, he
might to-day be alive. Beauty is sometimes
. curse!"
Miss Van Duyne withdrew her attention
from the picture and turned an astonished
look upon Miss Suydam.
"How did his features prove q curse2"
"a wealthy lady pretended to fail in love
with him, but she proved false because he
was not wealthy also, and he"
Clarice paused and resumed her work.
''And what was the RESULT
''He died!"
ooh, how sadr' exclaimed Miss Van
Duyne. '.Died of a broken heartr'
Again silence reigned in the room.
The beautiful Miss Van Duyne toyed idly
with the fringe on the arm of her chair.
Presently the silence was again broken by
her inquiry:
Were you ever in love. Miss Suydam?
Al. excuse ne" she said, hastily, as if re-
pentlng the rude question.
Once replied Clarice, with a faint
SMILE and then she turned her lace toward
the window.
"Once!' echoed Miss Van Duyne. "You
should never love but once. [ beg your
pardon; I see / have stupidity bluudered
upon Il subject which gives you pain.
She directed her attention the portrait
again.
II have been longing to tell you II secret.
seem to be happy, but l am unutterubly
wretched."
Miss Van Duyne covered her face with her
bands and burst into tears.
Clarice rose from her seat and walked
over to the young womans chair. Leaning
over the back of it, she stroked the sohbing
woman's forehead and bade her contide her
troubles to her keeping, and if she could do
aught to assist her she would.
Miss Van Duyne, still hiding her face in
her hands, broke out:
II am SO unhappy! Your friend, Mr..
Dalton, has been very kind to me, and you
are like q sister, but l cannot escape the
stigma Of my former life l am forced to
reniain indoors: but, if were free to go into
society. I should soon be frowned upon,
We're my character to become known, all
though / really have no: myself been
| gicious-you believe that have not?'
81 have no right to disbelieve you, Ce-
ieste, said Clarice, gently. 1.-The fact of
your leaving your evil companions is evi-
dence that you hate crime"
BLESS you for that assurancee sighed the
| lovely creature. 'Judge, them" she added,
'.of how bemoan my unfortunate love-"
Love-
'.Yes, Miss Suydam. am deeply enam-
cred of q gentleman whose love I fear do
not possess, and who, if he did reciprocate
my affection, would not take me to his heart
should tell him the history OF my life"
'..Are youSure he would not?' asked Clar-
| ice.
Il am almost positive. From my ac-
qlaintance with him, I can see that he is
too proud to wed with one who has not yet
escaped The wiles of her enemies, and who
is in constant fear of being discovered and
| forced back to her old Gfe."
"Do you wish to know what his senti-
ments are on that point?'
''Oh, SO much" sighed Miss Van Duyne.
''Then tell him your whole history-that
! is. if he should ever betray q more than Or