The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-05-19


the red plush chair in which he sat,
with a thoughtful look in his dark-blue
eyes.
"Why, yes, of course"
"By all means"
Eugene Carthon and his sister looked
eagerly at the handsome blonde in
front OF them.
they had been talking about the
New Orleans Exposition which all had
visited the winter before, and naturally
their conversation had drifted into per-
sonal "reminiscences and criticisms on
the ways and manners Of the people Of
that beautiful Southern city. ...,..
Ibid you really have an, adventure?"
asked Nell, cycling him questioningly
from under her long dark lashes. They
had intended to meet in the Crescent
City, but through some misunderstand-
ing the Carthon family had missed
him. Nell had always felt little ag-
grieved over this. just as if John had
really been to blame in the matter, and
an allusiOn to their sOjourn in the
South brought back that vague feeling
of disappointment which had mingled
itself with all her enjoyments while
there.
Not that she cared any thing for
John Bright. Oh, no: not even to her.
self did she ever admit that But then
he was Eugene's most intimate friend,
and he was such bright, companion
able fellow, how could she help liking
him littlep-'just for Eugenes sake.
you know" She sincerely believed
that it was her love for her brother
that made her so solicitous always for
his friends comfort and so anxious to
make him always feel at home and
thoroughly welcome in her fathers
house.
And if women will deceive themselves
so ingeniously in these little matters no
one can blame them. The reality
seems all the prettier when they sur
prise themselves into the admission one
day that brotherly love is not such a
powerful motor after all.
well, 90 on with your stcry," said
Eugene, lighting cigarette, with his
sisters permission, and putting away
expectantly. 'I'll be getting drowsy,
presently. if you don't wake me up
with your thrilling episode"
well" twirled his blonde
mustache rehectively, ignoring the
last remark-'I was walking down
Canal street one afternoon, when it
began TO rain"
Remarkable! when it was in the
rainy season." interrupted Eugene,
who seemed determined not to be led
into thinking his friend had met with
any extraordinary adventure.
Eugene, do hush'' Nell said, i'm
ploringly; but John did not seem to
mind his friends quizzing in the least.
"As l said, l was walking down
Canal street, when it began to rain,
not violently, but enough to make a
man feel uncomfortable and the feath-
ers on a woman's bonnet limp. Fort
unately I had an umbrella, which OF
course Immediately raised. Just as
did so young lady came out of one OF
the large dry-goods stores behind me.
She stood irresolute for moment as
though nonplussed by the rain, yet ar
evident anxiety possessing her to reach
the ear.
INSTANTLY l found myself in q
strange dilemma. What should do
There was young lady, delicate anc
beautiful, richly attired in garments
which the rain would certainly dam
age, without the slightest protection
from the elements; while /, not three
, feet distant, was possessed of an UNI
brella large enough to shelter two. L
seemed like piece of impertinence
yet on the impulse of the moment
mustered all my gallantry, aud, step
ping forward, offered to escort her t.
the car.
ITO my surprise, and I must say
pleasure, she accepted gratefully, ant
we walked to the next corner to NEE
the car. I noted then the extrem,
loneliness of her beauty, which was o
the pure creole type, and the marvel
Gus finish of her toilet, which showed il
its richness of coloring the Southern
taste. could not censure her for he
hesitation in exposing herself to tn
disastrous effects of the rain"
At this juncture Nell, curled up OF
one end of the sofa with her Kensing
ton in her lap, looked very grave. Sh
could not quite approve of handsom
blonde strangers offering umbrellas +
unknown ladies. 1t might have bee
the "extreme loneliness" of the creol
belle which made the offense 30 heniou
in her eyes, but she would have bee
shocked had you suggested such
thing.
when we reached the corner Their
was no car" John continued. "Bein
in 'Mardigras' time, there was alway
more or less delay When the car di
arrive it was 80 crowded there was nc