Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1886-04-22
CASSIA.


shrubs, with the murmur of ever-beating
waves in the distance house that hid
itself among the elms and oaks,
and shrouded even its doors and win
dows in thick-hanging jasmine and cy-
press vines.
Nine o'clock in the morning, but nota
creature was visible outside; the matted
balconies were empty, the hammocks all
unoccupied. indeed, every room opening
from the lower balcony was darkened ex-
cepting one. In this room the blinds
we're reversed, and a faint breeze
moved the thin white curtains. A
table was laid here for three people,
and the preparations on it seemed TO i'm
ply that their event was momentarily ex-
pected
Presently the door opened, and
beautiful girl of about sixteen years of
age entered. She was dressed in fine
long robe of white muslin, trimmed
with knots of pale green ribbon, and in
her hand she carried bunch of pansies
and lilies.
'Ieroy9"
eyes, Miss Cassia."
''Tell Colonel Bauvare l am wait
ing"
In few moments stout, handsome
man dressed in white linen en-
tered. He kissed the girl on the brow
softly.
where is mammal"
''she will not appear this morning.
She lay awake all night planning about
the ball, and is too fa.igued to rise.o
''But surely to give party is not such
very important affair, papa?''
sgr,a saAnnla izuEnr,, .sis-4e;..ei -sa,..s.
important affair indeed, Cassia.n
'Dear mel I had not thought of it in
that light I should just invite all the
good dancers and nice people in the
neighborhood. There are pl nty of nice
people around u.s.
Fortunately this is very select neigh
borhood; there are no be ter families in
the country-in the world, l might say
than the Bauvares, the Pcysons, the Le
Croixs, the Des Moines-"
"And the Riveses, papa. remember
young Herbert Rives so WE'LL He was
the handsomest youth ever saw. We
must not forget Herbert Rives, papa"
"Cassia, wish you to distinctly under
stand that Mr.. Rives and I have had q
bitter quarrel-an irreconcilable quarrel.
If the public sentiment was raised to a
proper pitch her, should shoot him
with great deal Of pleasure. hope I
shall never hear you speak of either the
father or son again"
"I want Herbert Rives to come to nv
ball, papa
ut is impossible, Cassia.n
Cassia was silenced, but not convinced
Toward evening she went out to walk.
The negro girl with her had little
bucket, and was gathering wild straw
berries as they walked. As she entered
the grove skirting the Rives estate the
thick, intensely green turf. as soft as vel
vet, delighted her; the shade and warmth
and sweet earthly smell filed her with
delicious, drowsy sense of repose.
"Oh, how nice it would be to lie down
on this turf and sleep!" she thought. Il
wonder what ones dreams would be in
such placer
She had scarcely ceased wondering
when she saw splendid black horse
quietly feeding, and under tree not far
away man lay either dead or sleeping.
Not dead surely2 She must at least see to
that. In moment she stood over him.
He was a young man, handsome as En-
dymion, and fast asleep.
When they had gone little apart she
paused, thought minute, and then took
her handkerchief, and with the little gold
pencil at her chain wrote sIove has been
with thee, and thou knew it not. Then
stepping softly back, she laid it on the
turf beside his head.
Not until they were quarter Of a mile
away did Cassia speak: then she said.
softly, emily, do you know who that
isa'
sLor, yes, Miss Cassia-Massa Her
bert Rives. Done forgot my berries, Miss
Cassia. Kin ! 60 back fur Temp
eyes; can see the house now. Go
back if you wish. I"
When Milly got back to where she had
left her bucket, the horse was sadaled,
and the young man was slowly riding
away Milly watched him out Of sight,
and saw him examine the handkerchief
carefully, then kiss it and put it in his
breast; all Of which proceedings she re-
ported, with some slight additions, to
her mistress.
It was very natural that both Young
people should revisit the scene Of this
adventure. But for two days nothing
more came Of it. They went at unlucky
hours and only crossed each other. On
the third day they were fortunate Cas-
sia, sitting with book il, ller lap
which she was not reading heard the
fiery galiop Of horse and instantly