The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1884-05-06

Her tones rang in his ears. her rip
pling laughter echoed through his heart,
her piquaut face seemed before him con-
stantlY. Bv turns this .frelte,l and pleas
ed him. 1t annoyed and interested.
ut is nothing" he said, "beyond the
fact that she is ute different from anv-
one else have ever known, she is new
species. Having no sister, no girl cous-
ms; spending my whole life at college
no young lady friends, except those met
in the ball room. or at Saratoga, or Long
Branch, it is not surprising, that this
child interests aud excltes my curiosity !"
Whatever the explanation, there was an
increasing charm that drew him to the
d ,wer vender's stall, and the day after
his return to the city. with nonchalant
air but eager heart, he was there again,
and so, too, was Celeste. He carried an
oval box with glass cover, and looked
critically at the flowers displayed.
81 wish to have this hox arranged
with your most beautiful f,wers, they
are to be sent to friend in the North.
Will you do it for mel :" turning to Ce.
leste. -.
"Gladly, Monsieur; you shall have
the handsomest."
"Rosebuds. hyacinths, onquils and
pansies, all but the violets, no violets =
said he.
she talked mp quickly. "Monsieul
does not like themf the mest beautiful
flowers that grow"
"Oh, yes, do like them, bat not fol
this friend" Was it an impulse OF 10y
atty to hls betrothed, that the blossom
which had come TO hold for him new
and resistless charm through its asso
citation with another woman, should no
be woven by her fingers into the boquet
Or was it that be held the siolets toe
dear,2
He stood watching the swift fingers
that hovered like butterflies over the
flowers.
II am going to the Cathedral LAY.
he said directly. II have not seen I
yet"
Job, let me 60, too" cried the CIR
impulslvely, turning to her mother, "i
is so long"-Then she paused abruptly
ana q shy, timid look OF embarrassment
crept into the downcast eyes. But Ralpt
added eagerly:
"Fwill be so glad to have her tell N,
something Of the place, do let her GO. :
"Do you really mean that2' Celest,
asked doubtfully.
"Indeed, I will considerit very grea
kindness, il you will accompany me-"
The mother hesitased moment. ther
in her hearty, simple manner replied:
"Aye, child, 60 with Monsieur" 80
Not once did the strsngeness Of tbs
position occur to him, nor the oddi,y o
the thing. He walked by her side
through the market, through the crowd
ed outer booths, up the street. then they
passed through Jackson Square, shs
chatting merriIy, unrestrainedly, calling
bis attention TO the various kinds O
shrubbery, and noting the other pedes
trians 10 . bright, childlike way, tha
seemed natural accompaniment to the
sunshine and bslmy air. Crossing ihs
street on the other side OF the Square
they stood before the Cathedral, an an,
cient pile more than . hundred years
old. The front doors were closed. bu,
passing down a shady paved way at the
side, they entered by q smaller door.
The was asolsmn hush about the place
an uncertain ligh', mysterious strange.
ness, that Immediately seemsd to enfolf
them, and bring them into harmony with
the worshipers kneeling at variou:
shrines.
Celeste passed in reverently with bow.
cd head and dropping Ills. and knelt be.
fore the Virgin. He etood apart gsz ug
upon her with look Of wrapt atten
ton; the beautiful eyes we're uplifted
the pure brow just touched by the sub
dued light streaming through the stained
window. the red lips parted.
"Holy Mother, protect her he prayed
too.
Directly she Joined him and thew pass.
ed down the aisle, gszing at the dark old
paintings on the wall, she telling oil thai
vas known Of them and pointing on,
the tablet 10 the floor century old, tina,
marked the resting place OF some an
cient "Chevalier," and oil the while, in.
tsresting him with original and intelli
gent criticisms, that both astonished and
amused. The worshipers, Creole, Irist
and Mulatto, still came and went, some
leaving heavy burdens at the door, and
coming as il for rest. into the solemn
place; some kneeling. as il quite uncon.
scous OF all others in the universe, wip'
ing slowly great tears that fell from up
lifted eyes.
Two hours glided bv.
"Oh, must go!' exclaimed Celeste
suddenly. e,hey will be visiting for US.
.You have added vsrv greatly to my
pleasure, he said, looking into her eSee
M. no, the pleasure has been al
mine I was so glai to coms."
'"Would you go With me to the ceme-
teries 2" he asked abruptly, "there i,
much of interest l am sure. you could
tell me about them"
81 will 90 most willingly, if may
but another day. | must hasten now.
she was just in time, and the mother
was q little impatient at the long stay
but she smiled good uaturedly, as Ralpt
explained his thanks.
After this the novel companionshiE
continued /; to the cemeteries they went
to ,he Spanish Fort, about the whole
French quarter; she acting as guide. h'
growing daily more infatuated.
The weeks we're fving by, the busi
ness had detained him month, and now
q telegram had come which demanded
immediate return to the North. Thi'
morning they were to 60 again to th,
old Cathedral, and though she did no
know It, be Was to say farewell.
He was go silent on the walk. that sh'
essed again and again into the grav'
face that Was now so familiar 10 ever!
line $,
When they had entered the church ant
she had returned from the shrine, b
was standing at the other end, in th
shadow OF the great closed door, loo
OF pain resting heavy and unmistakabl
upon his countenanoe.
! She went up 10 her obildlike, impetr
Gus way. "Something is wrong, 20
are not pleased" she said quickly, look