Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1886-04-15
JOHNS STORY.

4
venture In New Orleans?' John Bright
leaned his elbow on the arm of the red
plush chair in which he sat, with u
thoughtful look in his dark eyes.
why, yes, of course
by all means
Eugene Carthon and his sister look
ed eagerly at the handsome. blonde in
front of them.
They had been talking about the
New Orleans exposition, which all had
visited the winter Lefore, and naturally
their conversation had drifted into per-
soual "reminiscences and criticisis,ns on
the ways and manners of the people of
that beautiful Southern city.
Did you really have an adventure =
asked Nell, cycling him questioningly
from under her long daik lashes. They
had intended to meet in the Crescent
city, but through some misunderstand-
log theCarthon family had missed him.
Nell had always felt little aggrieved
oyer this, just rs if John had really
been to blame in the matter, and all
allusion to their sojourn In the South
brought back that vague feeling of dis
appointment which had mingled itself
with all her enjoyments while there.
Not that she cared anything for John
Bril- ht. Oh, no not even to herself
did she ever admit that. But then he
was Eugene's most intimate friend, ,and
he was such q bright, companionable
fellow, how could she help liking him
little ? Just for Eugene's 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 honse.
'Well, go on with your story 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'-Johnt twirled his blonde mus
tache reflectively, ignoring the last re-
mark-I was walking down Canal
street one afternoon, when it began to
rain, not violently, but enough to make
man feel uncomfortably, and the
feathers on woman's bonnet limp.
Fortunately had an umbrella, which,
of course. l Immediately raised. Just
as did so, a young lady came out of
the large dry-goods store behind me.
She stood irresolute for moment as
though nnnplussed by the ram, yet an
evident anxiety possessed her t. reach
the car.
Instantly 1 found myself in astrange
dilemma. What should DO ? There
was young lady, delicate and beauti-
full. richly attired in garments which
the rain would certainly damage, with
out the slightest protection from the
elements; while I, not three feet dis.
tant, was possessed. of an umbrella
amply large enough to shelter two. 1t
seems like piece of impertinence, yet
on the impulse of the moment | mus
tered all my gallantry, and, stepping
for ward, offered to escort her to the
car.
TO my surprise, and | must say
pleasure, she accepted gratefully, and
we walked to the corner to meet the
car. noted then the extreme lowell
ness Of her beauty, which was of the
pure Creole type, and the marvellous
hnish of her toilet, which showed in its
richness Of coloring the Southern taste.
could hot censure her for her hesita-
tion in exposing herself to the disas-
trous effects of the rain.
when we reached the corner there
was no car John confined. Being IN
'Mardi-gras' time, there was always
more or less delay. When the car did
arrive it was 80 crowded that there was
not foothold. The next and the next
proved to be the same. Unconsciously
we walked on. the young lady by al al
most imperceptible guidance directing
our footsteps. We walked along the
kue Royal quite into the heart Of the
old French town, the young lady scarce
IL seeming aware OF the fact that we
had traversed so many blocks. l was
too delighted with her bright conversa-
ton and naiyette to wish to undeceive
her, and so We walked along until she
stopped suddenly in front of one of
those gloomy French houses. so dreary
ia exterior appear ance, but often beau
tisul and gay within. A high wall sur
rounded the dwelling, surmounted by
nails driven in so that the points pro.
jected upward.a sure safeguard against
marauders. AS usual, high balcony
graced the front of the house. From
the gate-a massive iron barred one "a
stone pave led up to the old Fashioned
door.
81 feel very GRATEFUL she said, lift
ing her big eyes to mine with a shadow
.1l a.