The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1884-05-24

Papa Is always thoughtful, said the
Nlscountess, seating herself near he.
husband. Az
Come to the hall, dearest" whis-
pe1ed. Gerald, now that my mother is
Edith replied by placing Ter hand in
his arm. --''-4 -
| Goodbye, dear mother" he said
gally, as he was leaving the room but
an unusual expression of fondness on
ler still fair face recalled him to her side.
Eow pretty you look tonight, sweet
mother, he said, kissing her cheek. u
used to think yours was the most beau
tltul face had ever seen"
Come, come" said the Viscountess
SMILING, as she afiectionately returned
as caress you must not keep Edith
waiting while you are paying compil-
phmenrs TO a venerable old lady Like
me-"
Venerable I" laughed Gerald as he
disappeared.
L.tiie did the fond mother think it
| vas the last time that voice would greet
her ears, that glance of affection resi- on
| her.
The gentle Edith fingered with him
| some time in the hall. She could not
explain it, but she felt a reluctance to
part from him, and kept him by her side
with her gentle words.
do not be long, Gerald, dear" she
said. am afraid you will think me
foolish, but ! do not like your going out
tonight at al"
What does my Edith fear9" he said,
mot the ghosts and spirits that walk at
moonlight
| "Oh, no lam not supersticious, but
l cannot shake off feeling of dread that
overpowers me. Pray, do not be long. I"
No need to urge that, darling, when
1 leave my heart behind Goodbye,
sweetest One hour it will take exactly;
so farewell for one hour! Oh, Edith,
parting is such sweet sorrow-' You
| know the rest.
Edith accompanied him to the veran-
Gah, and in spite of his entreaties, re-
| manned until he was out of sight.
She was returning, with shiver, INTO
the house, when little boy came up
lis Mr.. FalcOner at home z" he asked
Yes, my child What do you want
ITO give him this note," said the
child
..Giisc it to me, then, and I will take
it to shi1if> - Here. Ernest she said,
! entering the drawlng-rCom, ''ia some
! epissle for YOU"
For ne ?" said Ernest. "Who can
| il be from ~
''That you must Judge by reading, -
| said Edith, turning to Frances.
Ernest read tie note, and gave it to
Edith, with a surprised air.
Il can make nothing Of it. Can YOU.
little sister z he said.
s.SO,nn Of vo,1Y 9l3,OfsnoS I --1opOca
Ernest. Poor creature! You will go
! Gear. Frances will not be jealous,
although it is ste who requires assist
ance
Frances biushcd
81 am never jealous of Ernest" Leas
Edith" she said, sTeetly.
Il suppose I must CO." he said, with
! q depreca1y shrug 1T is too bad to be
punished like this for ones soft-hearted-
| ness
EYES, dear; but it is such bitter
night, and the poor thing is in deep dis
! tress, she says.
''Lt is all very well for you to be
charitable, Edith you have not to leave
such attractions as l have" he said,
| glancing at Frances. However, if
must go. you must fetch my cloak and
| cap, and Frances must tie that warm
comforter she knitted round my throat.
No one can manage it SO well as she
| can," he continued, with o rOguish
twinkle ''And they must all be ar-
ranged close beside this fire, and then
you must both give me three kisses each
! as some little compensation for my ex-
racrtlinary kindness.
The fair girls laughingly fetched the
wrappers, and Ernest insis sted ON them
putting them on. requiring Frances to
button up the cloak, tie up the COM
forter, and place his silver-banded cap
Oh his handsome head.
"And now for the kisses-real ones,
remember"
"How exac:ing you are, Ernest, snid
Edith Poor Gerald is gone on mis-
sion of charity, but he didn't make any
fuss at all. "
.Ah, but Gerald is made of better
stuff, sweet Edith. I always was selfish
fellow"
The kisses of the lovin Edith stopped
| the banter
The two sisters, in heart if not in fact,
returned to the drawing-room, and
Frances lovingly tried to chase away the
heavy dread that had settled ON Edith's
spirits.
Fnnces's sweet happy laugh rang
through the room. She loved, and was
loved in return, and earth had never
seemed so bright rs since her engage
ment to Ernest Falconer.
CHAPTER XIV.
"Sl,all read to you? ?" asked Ger
aldine, as the Viscount reclned on the