The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1884-07-05

sep the STdCctul lOfIu VI NY HcTOlut
came forth and descended to the carri-
age. At that moment (some men surely
are born under the auspices of more
indulgent stars than Others) the stranger
rode up, bowed with ineffable grace and
blessed encounter that, with the omni.
bus wheel his bow was acknowledged
by an inclination of her superb head,
and smile that would make man of
any soul seek accidents in the ''cannon's
mouth" fIe rode slowly forward, and,
in few seconds, the carriage took the
same direction. There are no infer
ences to be drawn from this, reader.
All the other carriages passed the same
route. 1t was the customary one! AT
the melting of twilight into night, the
throng of riders and drivers repassed.
The ''lady's" carriage Git was a landau.
and the top was thrown back) came last
of all! The cavalier was riding beside
it! He dismounted as it drew up before
the door, assisted her to the pave, and
took his leave! For several afternoons,
successfully, the gentleman's appear.
ance, mounted on his noble animal,
was simultaneous with that of the lady
at her carriage.
One evening they were quite late in
their return. Finally, the landau drew
up before the door. 1t was too dark to
see faces, but could have sworn the
equestrian was not the stranger! No
He dismounted, opened the door of the
carriage, and the gentleman and lady
descended! The footman had rode his
horse, while he, happy man! occupied
seat by the side of the fair one!
watched the progress of this amour for
several days, and still the stranger had
never entered the house. One day,
however, about three o'clock p. m., ]
saw him lounging past, with that ease
and self possession which characterized
him. He passed and repassed the
house two or three times, and then
rather hastily ascending the steps OF
the portico, pulled the bell. The next
moment he was admitted, and disap-
peared out of my sight. But only
for q moment. reader! An
attic hath its advantages! The
blinds of the drawing-room were
drawn, and impervious to any glance
from the street; but the leaves were
turned so as to admit the light of heaven
and my own gael could see through
the spaces directly down into the room
as distinctly as if there was no obstruc-
ton. This give as hint to all con-
cerned who have revolving leaves to
their Venetian blinds. Attic gentle
men are much edited thereby! The
next moment he was in the room, his
hand upon his heart-another, and l saw
him at her feet! Sir-would that | had
language to paint you the scene! Lady
i then learned the tart of lover l
shall have confidence, have so good a
pattern, when 60 to make my declar-
alton! The declaration, the confession,
the acceptation all passed beneath me
most edifyingly. Then came the labial
seal that made his bliss secure. By his
animated gestures could see he was
urging her to some sudden step. She
at first appeared reluctant, but gradu-
ally becoming more placable, yielded.
In ten minutes the landau was at the
door, They came out arm in arm and
entered it! l could hear the order to
to the coachman, ''Drive to St. Johns
Church." ''An elopementp' thought l.
Having been in at breaking cover |
will be in at the deathr' and taking my
hat and gloves descended as if car
ried policy Of insurance upon my life
in my pocket. the long flights of stairs
to the street, bolted out of the front
door and followed the landau, which
discerned just turning the corner of
Canal Street! followed full fast on
foot. 1 eschew omnibuses. They are
vulgar! When l arrived at the church
the carriage was before it and the chap
py pail" already joined together, were
Just crossing the trottoir to re-entcr it!
The grinning footman. who had legally
witnessed the ceremony, followed them!
The next day about noon a capacious
family carriage rolled mp to the door of
the mansion, followed by barouche
with servants and baggage. First de-
scended an elderly gentleman, who cast
his eyes over the building to see if it
stood where it did when he left it for
the Springs. Then came, one after
another, two beautiful girls, then
handsome young man. ''How glad l
am that have got you home again."
exclaimed one of the young ladies, rum
ming up the steps to the door. II won
der where Jane is, that she does not
meet usp'
The sylph rang the bell as she spoke.
l could see down through the blinds
into the drawing room. There was a
scene!
The gentleman was for going to the
door, and the lady, his bride, was
striving to prevent him. "You shan'tr'
Il Wilt II say you shan't!" Il
say will" were interchanged as GER
tainly between the parties as if l had
heard the words. The gentleman, or
rather husband prevailed. / saw him
leave the room, ard the next moment
open the street door. The young ladies
started back at the presence of the new
footman. The old gentleman. who was
now at the door, inquired as he saw
him, loud enough for me to hear,
who in the dickens name are you,
sir?'
II have the honor to be your son-in-
law"
"The deuce you have! And who may
you have the honor to be?''