St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1885-08-29

making any social advances toward her.
Was she not their equal in positiong He
curled his lips in scorn. His own father
had been blacksmith and peasant be-
fore they left Europe; he was alone and
could snap his fingers at the world if
this sweet girl would consent to be his
wife. And all the while Lisbeth labored
on IN silence; serene, ambitious and
hopeful, determined to master the art of
teaching as well as the teaching of art,
and tit herself for more congenial en-
ployment.
The closing of the summer term came
in June, and areception was given to
the pupils and their friends. The
rooms We're crowded; fashion smiled on
anything artistic and delighted to honor
the handsome Professor who presided
over the school.
foremost among the gay groups were
Maud and Mignon Lyster who enjoyed
such gatherings, but wished particularly
to see and criticize Lisbeth's work At
ter some music, it was announced that
an essay would, as usual, be read by
one OF the pupils, and when LisbetA APP
peared in her simple white dress,
with no ornament but bunch
OF pale roses at her throat and belt, the
audience listened attentively to her
words. Calmly, and in rich, deep
tones, she spoke of Simplicity in art, y
and when the last eloquent words were
said, was greeted with rapturous but
well-bred applause. AS she stood alone
the pleased Professor gave her his arm
and escorted her down the long room,
stopping now and then to introduce her
to some gentlemen who wished to con-
graduate the fair essayist.
A few minutes passed in pleasant
conversation, when suddenly there fell
upon her ears the voice of Maude Lys-
ter, sharp and clear. s.Didn't you
know, Mr.. WilbuTn? why she is our
housemG6G. Mamma indulgently al
lows her time to attend the evening
school, but | think there ought to be
rules to exclude that class"
The young man addressed was a
dandy of the first water, and put up his
eyeglasses to stare at Lisbeth's pale
face, but the Professor had heard the
words, too, and he hurried her to a
quiet corner, and procuring 8 cup of
tea, gave it into her trembling hand, as
he commenced an argument on the
taste and culture of the age with rival
professor who stood near. The
whispered insinuations of the thought
less guest did not prevent the sensible
part of the large-hearted crowd from
oongratulating Lisbeth upon her sue
cess; her fair face and gentle demeanor
favorab1y impressing the thoughtful
artists who were assembled. And so
the time passed, though sting had
been planted in the young girls heart
that ranked sorely.
II wish to see you home" said the
Professor, with sudden imperious
manner, when she spoke of leaving, and |
she folded her hands in her lap and
quietly awaited the leaYe-taking of the !
rest. It was over at last and he stood |
in the hall as she came out of the cloak |
room. The moon shone brightly, and |
the scent of roses was strong in the little |
park they had to cross to reach Mrs.
LISTERS.
'tChild, I want to know your history" |
he said when they started, and in a
few sentences she told him all, and he
in turn talked of his lonely home, his
dead Anna, and all his past. 81 have
been loving you for a long time, my
Lizbeth, but only tonight found cour
age to speak"
But she said, shivering in the
warm, sweet air, ''you can not marry |
me- am only a housemaid. ~
He stopped and turned to her. "You
are all the world to me, y he said simply,
"and need you.
Her clear, deep tones broke the
silence. ''Then if you need me, my
master, must be yours, and-with you
[ feel so safe. !"
They had reached the front steps, he
she said appealingly. Il go in by the
area steps. Do you repentPn Her
voice had taken a joyous ring, almost
laugh, and in the midst of her confus-
sion he kissed her with sudden passion.
"There is no one to consult" he
'sand shall come for you
MY heme is ready. Sister
Greta will welcome you, she knows my
wishes. Good night, dear one. "
He was gone, and she entered the
dark hall in whirl of amaze. To be
married tomorrow! Yet it seemed as
# she had known him all her life, and {
poW she remembered many things that
proved he loved her; she had always
felt that he was her friend; she would
yield; heart and art would be safe in his
keeping, and as she CROPPED her way
towards the upper hall, the voice OF
Miss Maude called over the balustrade:
Its not proper, Lisbeth, to be talking
e a Fyoung man and laughing on the
area steps.
at shall not happen again. Miss"
yaid Lisbeth, as she made her way for