Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-11-17
pUEL WITH PILLS.

The other day, intently gazing into
show window on Canal street, New or-
leans, feeble, white-haircd old gentle
man recalled memories of tragedy
which, in the hurly-burly Of life, seemed
to have passed into oblivion.
In lS47, outside of the city proper,
there was, perhaps, no more delightful
place of resort than ut the Bayou bridge.
1t was par excellence the great suburban
attraction ut the time, and between boat
ing parties on the waters of the bayou
and card reunions over the tables of old
Barlcduc's gamblng-saloon out there, the
ieuncsse doree OF New Orleans OF that day
managed quite comfortably to while away
many leisure moment. Possibly no two
Young gentlemen enjoyed the quiet hos
pitalilies of Barleduc more than Alphonse
Rivicrc and Henri Delagrave; in fact,
most OF their aftcrmoonH were spent in the
dimly-lighted saloon of the old gamester,
ut whose shrine all the card-loying elc-
mcnt of the city paid homage.
There was q quiet air about the place
that seemed almost religious, and even
the purchmcnt-faced old man who me-
chanically handled the little ivory ball in
roulette called out the numbers in re-
pressed voice, rs If he feared to disturb
the Quiet. The faint click of the ''chips"
as eager players dallied with them was,
perhaps. the loudcst sound to be heard
there, and even that came to the ear III
subdued way. On the floor bright COW
ering of mating hushcd the footsteps,
willie at the windows dark yellow cur
tains let in only just enough light for the
illumination of the gaming table.
Rivierc was dashing fellow of twenty
two, with large estate in the parish OF
st. James and round account in the old
Union Bank. lie had passed successfully
through the Ecols Polytecnique in
France, and taken bout in Algeria, and
returned to Louisiana rs accomplished
and companionable a gentleman us one
could wish to chat with. He was fond of
his horses, his wine, and quiet game OF
cards. Refined in his manner and digni-
fled i'm his department, he was warm
favortc wherever lie went, and his entry
into old Barleduc's establishment was
always the signal for cordial greeting
from all who might be present.
On this particular June afternoon Ri
Were, with the activity OF gymnast,
leapcd from his buggy in trout Of the ga
loon, and throwing the reins to his negro
servant, told him TO drive the horse into
the shade of the pecan trees in the yard.
Switching delicate ivory-headed cane
with nervous, jerky motion, he crossed
the broad gallery, and unannounced enter
cd the gamblingroom. Most of the players
were wrapped in attention to their game,
but one there was who turned his head at
the entrance OF the last conner. This was
Delagravc: He felt that crisis was Mt
hand. but even with this knowledge lie
did not strive 10 elude its coming. That
morning he had been accepted as the lover
of Mad. Cclcstin, one of the most beauti-
ful and wealthy widows Of tile lower
coast. and Riviere, who had been for the
pas. year her most devoted admirer, was
left to nurse his disappointment as an un-
successful suitor. Riviere had had no
hcsltancy in letting the world know that
hc wanted to marry the coquettish little
widow, and, further, lie, in very plain
way, gave people the information that he
did not want interlopers paying their de-
voirs nj the same shrine. These matters
are hard to arrange exactly as one would
wish. One finds much difficulty in clos
ing all avenues Of approach, for love is
not unlike the light which the photo
graphcr in his dark room finds so much
difficulty in keeping out. 1t steals in un-
der doors, through nail-holes and even
down the chimney. At least so it had
been the case Mt Mad. Celestin's, for jeal-
Gus and watchful Of rivals as Riyiere was,
Delagrave had made the conquest under
the very eyes Of the enemy, and the widow
had that day so informed the unsuccess-
ful suitor.
Riyiere was very pale as he approached
the group ef men around the table. What
with the yellow light shining through
the curtains and his bloodless appearance,
he seemed rather ghastly corpse than a
living body, but there was motion and
voice in him, which soon dispelled such
an illusion.
As he neared Delegraye the latter turn
ed to confront him, when Riviere, with 4
voice that seemed to come from behind
the door of tomb, said: "Delagravs, we
cannot live on this globe together; it is
not large enough"
Dclagrave, quietly putting bis cigarette,
in cold and impressive tore replied /:
eyes, you annoy HE. 1t would be better
if you were dead"
Iiv;ere's face flushed, and, reaching
forward. he lail the back Of his hand