The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1890-04-02

'DuU DOlu ldCc Ol UhO ihop'SA NAAN> ~
nothing about it unless found out
And Jack, in blissful ignorance of the
fate of his present and what its loss
would, in the days to come, mean to him
and his adored, waited with Impotence
the coming of Easter.
Sunday came at last, however, with
warm southern breezes and a cloudless
sky; one of those bright days when
s.young mans fancies" are supposed to
lightly turn to thoughts of love-"
That morning Jack made his toilet
with particular care and was ready for
church full half-hour before time for
services, thing of which he was seldom
guilty. He thought to take it leisurely
and reach the church none too early, but
love is impatient, and as he approached
the church the bells were yet Ginning
forth their sweet, glad Easter greeting
to saved world.
Jack was modest young man, fond
of seeing and not being seen, and so
settled himself in pew in the back
part of the church. The edlt1ce was
most beautifully and artistically deco
rated and festooned with rare plants and
flowers. The pulpit platform was one
great bank of blooming foliage. 1t was
sight both refreshing and lovely and
Jack could not help enjoying the scene,
though his thoughts were far away.
The organ pealed forth in response to
the animated touch of the enthusiastic
organist, the choir and congregation
rose to join their VOTES in one glad
burst of hosannahs of praise to God in
the highest whose Son had died and to-
day is risen, but still the one Jack most
wished to see came not. He had been
casting furtive glanees in the direction
of the door, and as the great concourse
of people was singing the last line OF
the hymn he was rewarded by seeing
her enter. But-was it possible? Could
he believe his eyes?
Yes; they had revealed only too faith
fully the true condition of affairs. The
confusion of thoughts that came rushing
upon him made his brain whirl round
and round, and ere he could regain his
composure she had passed up the aisle to
her fathers pew, never deigning look
or smile in his direction, although he
was certain she had seen him.
The agony of that long and, to him,
almost endless hour! Will he ever for
get it? The air was sitting; he could
hardly catch his breath. And how he
hated himself and Lydia and every body
else.
But finally tho last hymn was sung,
the last prayer said, and he was breath
ing the fresh air once more. AS he be-
came more rational he began to suspect
that perhaps, through some possible
oversight, the florist had not filled his
order. No sooner had he reached this
conclusion thar he started with haste
in that direction.
'Storrs? Storrs? Why, most as
suredly, sir. Box of flowers to young
lady in B. street, to be delivered Satur-
day p m. Were they not received?"
"Well-er-I couldn't say positively.
That isl mean she did not wear
them this morning." said poor, confused
Jack, blushing violently.
''Of course they were sent. remem-
Der now, the boy started early in the
afternoon with them and when he re,
turned he said he had delivered them
all right"
Not word could Jack say. To his
mind there was but one version to the
whole affair, and in his anger and indig
nation at the terrible cut he accepted il
as the true one.
The weary weeks and months dragged
themselves out, and Jack was seldom
seen at the numerous gatherings and
socials. Lydia was nearly always there,
however, and entered into the gazette!
with spirit that unsuccessfully triet
20 be light and happy.
There was an ache in her heart ant
many a tear fell in the privacy of he
own room, where of late she spent
large share of her time.
Papa and mamma noticed that some
thing allied their darling girl, and, no
being able to assign better reason TO
her white face and delicate appetite, con
cluded she needed change OF al
and scenery. This Lydia denied mos
stoutly, and protested that she was II
perfect health. She knew but too vel
what would bring back the sunshine t.
her bright eyes and lovely face. Sh'
knew, but said not word to anybody
But it was so hard. She could not I'M
Serstand why Jack acted as he did ant
never came near her any more. VIVA
had she done that he should avoid he
so? If she could but solve the mystery
assign some motive for Jacks conduct
AS time wore on they drifted farthe
and farther apart until the breach be
came so wide that seemingly nothin,
could bridge it and restore the lovers t.
each other again.
Jacks bosom friend, Charley Walters
knew there was something wrong, bu
for the life of him he could not fathon
the mystery. He was too conslderate o
his friends feelings to dwell on sub
ject so evidently painful to him, an
but for few little clips Jack had un
consciously made he knew PRACTICAL,
nothing about the affair.
Summer and autumn had come an
gone, winter was fast going, and a
spring approached Charley was no neal
er solution of his friends depressio
than he had been months before. The
, were speaking of the early spring tia
was promising, and Charley said:
ssWelI. the Lenten season is nearl