St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1890-02-22
CHI APTER III.
THE MAN.

| had always expected something tc
happen that would break the monotony OF
my life and was in no wise snrpri cd
when the man said he had warrant fol-
me and was going to take me over to Long
Branch to answer the charge of theft.
| knew l had never touched anything
not my own, but somehow his words were
so sharp and accusing that I began to
think I was the meanest thief in the world
And finally when l thought of the card
and my name, I was sure he was going to
punish me for stealing them.
But as could not get away from him,
| bid Tillie goodbye, and told her to tell
Grannie / would be back, and climbed
into the carriage beside him. Away we
whirled and were soon out Of sight.
81 say, Sis," he said, after we had
driven as fast as his dashing horses could
run for several miles, Sin few hours we
shall be at White Hall. An now what's
yer name? Ther'll be some one there
who'll want to know"
By this time l had become favorably
impressed by my companion, and was in
clined to be confidential. So without hes
itatiop, answered, Monte King" Some
new thought passes under the mans coun.
tenance, and all was quiet as before.
For the remainder of our journey, we
were silent and watched each other from
the corner of our eyes, as though seeking
some wicked opportunity.
As we left the main road and drove up
d steep hill to the West, large stone
house surrounded by trees and beautiful
lawn met my sight. Here my companion
broke the silence.
eve are here" he said, as we turned in
Il
quiet, and say but little till you have been
here awhile"
did not exactly understand his mean
ing, but determined to follow his advice,
as had considerable confidence in him and
was very much afraid of having to tell nv
own name
AS l walked up the path from the gate
pleasant-faced, elderly lady in morning
dress came forward to meet me and took
me in her arms in such tender manner
that | almost ventured to call her "mother,"
though had never known the meaning of
that name.
When we were seated in the parlor,
sweet faced girl, some years older than I,
and who no longer wore braids and short
dresses, came into the room and chatted so
pleasantly that supposed she must be the
daughter of my godparents.
l, accustomed to rough scenes as I was,
could not speak in such beautiful place,
and to hear her talk SO easily was wonder
full to me.
In strange beyilderment gazed at the
things about me, and when the lady and |
her daughter excused themselves from the |
room, would have ran away, had it not |
been for the fear some one would catch |
me and bring me back for trial. Then l
felt that l would rather be on trial for
theft than to be where SO many beautiful
things stared me in the face and forbade
me to look at them, lest ruin them.
But worse than all this, knew that
dinner must yet come. wondered if
they would sit me down at their table or
If they would send me to Jail. rather
hoped they would send me to Jail, for l
could not think of eating before such peo-
pie as they were.
In prospect of the bitter future SO near
1t hand. curled my bare feet under my
dress, hid my face on the sofa, and wept
bitterly and alone, till felt soft hand on
my shoulder aAd a low voice near me.
ITO be continued