The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1891-03-21

? tuclr lOllctS uerrliy IN trlOS. anu quar-
tets. rather than be located alone.
I had noticed when entered the room
Il very old fashioned cabinet, occupyin.
an obscure corner, and looking decided
ly lonely, and out of place among its very
modern neighborS. Being extravagantly
fond of antiquities, ] prepared for ;
leisure examination of it during the long
intermissiOn between my first and second
tabcau. The top was glass; and under
meath were choice specimens of shells,
which attracted my eye and attention SC
much that | sat down and proceeded to
look them over, leaning uuconsciously
against the side of the cabinet.
In doing so, | must have touched a
secret spring, for the whole panelled side
fell out, as the lid of a desk when YOU
drop it to write upon, and letters, books
and papers were scattered around. re-
placed all the articles, without CHANGING
at their wrappings, until l picked up a
little box neatly tied, whose handwrit-
ing was so singularly familiar, that al.
lowed myself to read the signature:
Miss Ruth Sidney"
Certainly that was my name, and this
package belonged to me indisputably. !
determined to open what l felt must be
mine. So. closing the parcel as best |
could, 1 undid, with trembling fingers,
the mysterious bundle. Inclosed was
dainty white box, with few withered
flowers, and letter for me, the perusal
of which produced such mingled emo
lions that | cannot now tell whether Joy
or sorrow, love or anger, were the most
prominent. 1t was from Philip, reveal
ing his passionate love for me, and re.
questing me to put the accompanying
rosebuds in Bessie's hand when she was
laid in her coffin.
II shall learn my fate from these
flowers, he wrote. IF they are in dear
Bessies hand, shall be with you this
evening; if not, the alternative remains
with Providence. l cannot send gift
Of formal flowers to precious Bessie, and
want her linked with my love in some
way"
How well | remember Miss Esther's
ofiicicus call the morning of the funeral;
but how she secured possession of these
love-freighted articles | could not tell.
Just then the summons came for me to
prepare for my second and third tableaux
and with a happy, angry, vindictive
spirit, | quickly equipped myself for the
farcical performance. When it was over
| retreated hastily from the congratula.
lions and batteries of the insipid fops
who lay in wait, with rude compliments
for the successful participants, and fled
to the room for my quiet black dress. pre-
ferrlng not to be seen in my fancy dress
again. Then, with swimming head and
a raging heart, l walked straight towards
the unapproachable Miss Esther, and, is
an authoritative voice which she seemed
to understand, for she rose Immediately,
said Miss Darlington, would like
TO see yourself and nieces alone in your
private room; if you refuse, l will pro-
claim my business before all these, YOUR
friends; so you had better accede to nv
Then turning towards my brother-in-
aw. George. who was waiting for me, l
>ade him follow us to tie room.
When all were seated, produced the
lowers and letter explaining its sudden
appearance to NE. Without word of
eproach to her, poor, humbled woman,
told Mary, the youngest daughter, to
,ring her aunt's writing material, and
here |, simple Ruth Sidney, dictated to |
Ter, proud Esther burlington, letter to !
'hilip. recording her mean and wicked !
deception. / made her direct and seal /
I, while George, with significant look, |
uggested that he should post it. After :,
his, | slowly put on my bonnet and
hawl, never designing another word
the dishOnOrable enactor of the I'M
comfortable scene; while she. with pale
ace and cringing manner, begged me
OF to mention it. She had meant to
I've 1t to me some day. if didn't marry,
ne said. couldn't forgive her then,
have now; so, turning unchristianly
rom her, George and left for our home.
Week after week passed, bringing no
'ord from Philip, until it was Just six
'eeks since Miss Esther's letter started
,r Rome. Although there was the Dos
bility of delayed mails, still began to
ar that Philip had found some other
'lrer woman to be his bride. watched
'r the postman So anxiously that morn.
~ that little Ruth, who scrutinized INV
ICE Tor indications Of ''clcar weather."
Closely as George watched lis baro.
eter, confidentlally whispered to How
ii, II s'pose Aunt Ruth is thinking OF
ANNA. she looks so dis'p'inted. and
on eat no breakfast; let's DC very dood
'-day Howie."
| was too disappointed and hcartsick to
tend to household duties; so, slipping
way from them all, stole in to nv
Early beloved piano. With a gush of
cling | could not express, i fairly s
,ured forth my soul in one of Mendcls-
Inns little songs. had heard the I
outdoor bell ring, when first opened i
e plano lint yyas fnn liotl,Su tn :,.,,;.o 4