St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1888-01-28
TALE OF A TELEGRAM.
The CONSERVATION It Caused, and
the Happy Denouement.
CHARACTERS:

CHARACTERS:
Mrs Withers.
Miss Nellie Withers, Mrs. Withers' daughter
Mr.. Tom Withers, son of Mrs Withers.
Mr.. Hayward Bridget.
Scene F,irst.-A drawing room; door opening
on right door opening on left and door open
ing on rear. Mrs. Withers and Nellie seated or
sofa.
Z. Mrs. Withers-My dear Nelly, my
nerves are quite unstrung at the thought
of the lonely night we must spend in
this desolate place.
Nelly-True, mother, it will be lonely;
but I see no cause for fear. Are not
the servants within call?
Mrs. W.-No, indeed; and therein
lies the real cause for anxiety. The
coachman left this afternoon, and his
wife has just told me he will not return
until tomorrow. This is the buffers
night to be absent, also; and instead of
waiting for tomorrow, Sunday, he left
this evening. This leaves us without
man on the place. My dear Tom!
how l wish he were here!
Nel-Come, don't be depressed,
mother! am sure we shall get along
nicely.
ENTER Bridget]
Brid.-A gintleman, mum, asking
after Misther Tom. Whin I tould him
he wasn't at home, he asked whin you'd
be looking for him.
Mrs. W.-ShoW him in, Bridget.
Some friend OF Toms, no doubt. At
least he is man How fortunate!
ENTER Mr.. Hayward. Black eyes, black hair
and perceptible scar above the left brow Mrs.
Withers rises to meet him.
Mr.. H-Mrs. Withers, [ presume?
My name is Hayward. Your son and /
were at college together; and as was
passing through this section, thought
Z would call and see my old friend.
Mrs. WI am glad you did so. Mr..
Hayward, this is my daughter, Miss
Nelly Withers.
Mr.. e. - [Aside] I never knew before
that my friend Frank Withers had
sister. Turning to Nelly.] Good
evening. Miss Nelly.
Nell am very glad to meet you,
MIR. Hayward. Be seated. EAll sit. ]
Mrs. Vat any time, Mr. Hayward,
we are glad to meet a friend of my
dear son. He will be absent for few
days; but we will be very glad to have
you remain with us during your stay in
this part of the country.
Mr.. MADAM, you are very kind
1t will give me Ecasting tender chances
at Nelly] great pleasure to accept your
generous hospitality. Exit Mrs.
Withers.l I had no thought, when l
started on my journey this morning,
that the evening would be spent in
such charming company.
Nel.-Then you did not mean to stop
with us; You only took us by chance,
after all.
Mr.. H.-A most happy chance for
me. Though had intended stopping |
to see your brother, I was not aware |
that he possessed lovely sister.
Nel.--You were at Emmettsburg with
Tom for four long years, and yet he
never spoke of mep What an indiffer-
emit brother!
Mr.. H-[Asidel Tom. Emmetts-
burg! What does she mean? ITO
Nelly] Brothers are proverbially in
different to their sisters. Let it console
you that for your brothers indifference
you will have the ardent admiration of
dozens of other men.
fEnter Mrs. Withers with startled aspect
holding an open telegram In her hand. She is
recommended by Bridget.
Mrs. W.-Mr. Hayward, Bridget will
show you to your room, that you may |
remove the dust of travel mfr. Hay
ward rises and follows Bridget. They
90 out at the left-hand door,. Mrs.
Withers, turning to Nelly. falls fright
ened on the sofa. Nelly, My dear!
Mel. Mamma, what has happenedP
Mrs w. Extending telegram. |
Read that. my poor child!--a I'd ,fmsTfam,
from Amelia realize our wretched
situation! Why did ask that wretched
man to stop herep Better the chance
Of evils from without, than the certain
" Of q burglar within.
Mel "A burglarp My dear mamma!
But let me read for myself TGoes to-
lamp and reads. Beware of man
with black hair and eyes, scar over
he left brow, and calling himself , ,
TOMS friend. A burglar answering
his description has been roaming
through this part Of the country, and
vas to go into your neighborhood to.
law Oh. mammal mamma! is It
80 rI,af,ks at telegram Yes. the
description is too accurate. Dark
ives and hair. 4 scar above the left :
row. and calling himself Toms
riend. = \
mrs Withers rises and walks up and down.
nrtng her hands In hrsterical terroEl