The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1889-01-09
had rendered.


IN SORRY 1 INTERRUPTED YOUR SONG.
At her cordial invitation he accom-
panied them into the house and re-
manned with them until the rain was
over.
Miss Dalton was all solicitude when
she learned that their friend, as Ora
styled Arthur, had come to the cOun-
try at the advice of his physician, for
a few weeks rest and recreation.
''Ora and I will do what we can to
make your stay pleasant" she assured
him. "Our house and grounds will
always be open to you"
AS Arthur looked into her genial,
intelligent face he felt that distrust of
human nature in such heart as hers
| could only be the result of a great and
| cruel wrong.
Arthur and Ora met almost every
day thereafter. The meadow was a
| favorite resort of both, and Arthur
was not slow to avail himself OF Miss
Dalton's hospitality.
TO him the hours passed in Ora's
society seemed like moments spent in
paradise. They were very happy
hours to Ora, also, and she was too
artless to wish to conceal the fact.
Miss Dalton evidently had no fear
that Arthur would make any impress
sion upon the heart of her niece. Nc
doubt she felt confident that it had be.
come invincible under her careful
molding.
What do you thinkp" exclaimed
Ora, in great glce, one day, as she and
Arthur started for walk. "Aunt
Prue is going to employ companion
for me. She says l am too old for my
years, and that it is because have haG
too little intercourse with congenia
girls of my own age. Next winter
am to have taste of city life"
"lf you go to the city you may ex
pect to have lovers by the score" sale
Arthur, laughing.
They would desert me, | fancy
when they found themselves treated
like SO many nobodics!" was he
characteristic reply.
What would you say if very dea
friend were to tell you that he love-
you?" and he looked at her search
ingly, as he put the question.
II should say" she answered, he
eyes frankly meeting his, "that tn
sooner he learned to forget me tn
better; and for his sake l should in
sist on ending our acquaintance the
and there"
just what one might expect fror
you. | am glad | have learned wisdor
in time" replied Arthur, jocularly.
"You are to be congratulated" sh
returned, in the same tone.
Arthur was silent awhile and hi
agitated face plainly showed tina
something unusual was passing in hi
mind.
What is the matter?" asked Ora.
81 was thinking" he replied, "of
young lady who, | feel sure, wi
exactly suit as companion for you.
lis she friend Of yours?" inquire
Ora.
"She was one of my earliest play
mates" he replied, evasively. He
name is Bertha Lenox, and she woul
like nothing bette" than to spend
summer in this quiet, country re
treat.
Numberless questions were aske
and answered. Aunt Prue was cor
suited; and in the course of q few day
Bertha LenoX was installed in tn
Dalton family, where she at once wo
the hearts of all by her sweet and ger
: tie ways.
: Arthur and Ora no longer met i
the meadow alone. Bertha was AWAY
with them: and somehow, Ora coul
not have told Why, their meeting
grew less and less enjoyable to hel
Arthur was as kind and attentive a
ever, but his bearing seemed cold cor
trasted with his affectionate familiarit
toward Bertha.
He continued his visits to the house
but it was evident that Bertha re
garded him as her especial guest.
Ora and her aunt. observing thi
and not wishing to intrude, left tn
two very much to themselves.
: 1t was not long before Ora decline
to accompany Bertha in her walk:
} She did not feel like going, she woul
say, and her pale face and weary eye
certainly confirmed the statement.
: In the short space of a month sh
| changed from a blooming, vivaciou
girl into a pale, quiet woman, in who's
} face history was written. Slowl
/ but surely her aunt learned the sa
truth that her darling Ora had give
her heart unsought to the lover {
, Bertha LenoX.
, The good lady had fondly believe
| that she had inspired her niece with
contempt oflove so strong as to destro
her natural susceptibility. Poor. III
sophisticated Aunt Prue! How bitterl
| she reproached herself for her bin
folly, when too late,