The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1883-06-02

| "tm. ne man ala so, and took the
whole lot away. | have not seen Mr.
Mason since. | am afraid there is
something wrong, SIR
Upon my soul, it looks so," ejacu-
lated the junior partner, as the two
stepped into the Office. What one of
the hands did Mr.. Mason take away
with him yesterday?"
"Atk,nson."
| 'Call Atkinson down."
The book-keeper went to the speak
ing trbe near his desk and called for
''Atkinson."
Reply came that the man was not in
the building and had not been since
about noon Of the day before.
~ can't understand it, sir, at ALL"
said the gray haired book Keeper, anx-
lously. ''God grant there is nothing
wrong. My wife is in iil-health and.
If should lose nly place, I'm afraid
1t would go hard with u.s."
Henry Mason laughed lightly.
Don't get frightened, Valentine.
It's nothing serlods. guess. Aud If
1t IS, I'd stake my life you are
blameless. However, mistakes are
likely to occur in the best regulated
business houses. I'll see father and
learn the trouble, if there is any,"
lie got into the buggy again and
drove Off.
But he did not stop in the village.
lie drove directly to the railroad STA
tiOn.
The train was not due for some little
time, and he was forced to wait.
Buttoning up his coat, he walked
lmpatiently up and down the platform.
Z Mrs. Henry Mason had determined
to surprise her husband on his return
from Belmont, and, accordingly. in
v,led number Of his friends to spend
the evening at the Telegraph street
residence. She also invited Mr. and
Mrs. Remington.
The latter had come on Immediately
they received the word, and Mrs.
bennington, with more animation than
she had shown in years, took the occa-
sion offered to have a few words with
her daughter.
Nellie. DEAR" she said, while Mr..
bennington was up stairs enjoying a
cigar, II cannot thank you too much
Tor your generosity in getting backour
nome: You have helped us so won
corfuily that 1t seems like dream.'
Mother" said Nellie. kissing the
cheek Of her parent, 81 did all for
yoar sake and fathers, but l did it
that you might learn what little sac
rlfice could do. While l supposed l
was selling myself to please Others, l
imagined You might follow my exam
pie and giving up that which poisons."
''Haye not done so?" u:
I eS- believe you have"
ut was hard struggle. but I think
l am free once again, and being free
my affection for your father has re-
turned. All, he seems now to love me
as much as ever. Poor man, how he
:nnst have suffered"
Nellie sighed.
But you say, child, that you sold
yourself" continued her mother. ell
have feared such might be the case.
tut, with my usual seliishness, / have
never troubled myself about it.''
Nellie's face lighted up with bright
smile. .l-.....F+
''Ah, mother, you need fear moth
ing on my account. If did sell nv
self | begin now to think the bargain
a fair one"
The conversation was interrupted at
this point by the entrance of Several
invited guests.
Mrs. Mason rose to welcome them.
She locked more beautiful than ever on
this night, for she was more becom-
insly dressed.
A.clsse-itting silk showed her su-
perb figure to advantage.
In her ears hung pendants of the
purest diamonds, and her hair was
!ooped with massive gold band.
Her grace and wit soon put the gen.
tlemen in the best of spirits, and as
she moved about the room conversing
on the various topics of society," all
eyes followed her.
Presently Mr.. Mason came in. Look
ing toward the door Nellie caught sight
of him before he had stood there a
minute, and went Immediately to him.
He seemed uncertain whether to en-.
ter or retreat.
"You are surprised, are you not?"
asked his wife, with a winning smile.
Then she noticed the care-worn face
and obstructed air which he wore.
tWhy, how miserable you look
Henry: dear!" She exclaimed. care
.Ill-ill," he repeated, absently
''No, | am tired
How sorry am. And got up a
pleasant little party to entertain you.'
Her anxious tones seemed to arouse
him.
''W ell, Nell, there is no reason why
should not be entertained. Give US
some music while go up strsirs and
arrang. my toilet. I'll be with you in
five minutes"
When he returned to the drawing
room. Nellie was at the piano, accom-
psnying herself while she sang we'll
known air.
Henry Mason watched her at dis
tance and his face exhibited the pleas
ure the sight of her beauty gave him.
"My wife is the handsomest woman
On earth" he murmured. "She is fit