The Opelousas courier., 1891-11-07

all is enough to tempt any ones appetite,
So think the boys, as, after grace is said,
they commence to appease their hunger.
Il am as hungry as a bear; I tell you,
Cora, you're an elegant cook" utters
impetuous, warm-hearted Max. "Rot
PaysQn said to-day, Il can't bear to see
a girl with red hair, I think they, are
horrid looking Says I, Rob Payson,
yoa better look OUT for yourself, I've
got a sister with rel hair, and she is just
he ~iollicst, the dearest. the best looking,
the sweetest. the charmingest girl tat
any fellow ever saw, and what's more,
when I get old enough, I I'M going to
pick out a girl with red hair and marry
her. l think it's beautiful I guess
Rob was kind Of ashamed of himself, for
he didn't say nothing more"
Anything more" corrects quiet, stu
pious Henry, while Cora's face hushes a
little as she responds:
"Thank you, Max, for taking my part
SO calamity"
'!It certainly is all true, Cora" Henry
is speaking now; and the father adds his
word of praise.
eyes. little daughter. you are the
greatest comfort in the world to your
father. What could l do without you. y
Greatly, I am afraid I shall get quite
pulled up with all this adu!ation, lets
talk of something else"
Tea is over, the dishes cleared away, and
the family 60 out on the piazza to enjoy
the closing hours of the day. 1t is their
evening at home, and, as they all bslong
to a literary society, they carry with
them an armful Of books. The father
seats himself in his armchair, with Cora
in a low camp chair at his feet, her
hands at short intervals, stroking his
carressingly, as she disengagrs them
from the book in which she IS interested.
Max, seated lazlly On q step, is using his
jack. knife after the manner of restless
boys, whiting, of course; and Henry
is eagerly searching through the pages OF
his encyclopedia for points.
The soothing atmosphere, redolent
with the sweet scent Of roses from the
garden plot in front, softly fans against
their cheeks. The Virginia cre.per,
clambering up the lattice-work, its ten
drills entwining themselves daintily about
it, covering almost the whole front Of the
house, adds a touch of picturesqueness
to the scene. It is certainly a very
pleasing picture, and attracts the atten.
ton of a very tall, handsome gentleman,
with black hair and eyes, who slackens
his pace as he nears the gate, and seems
almost about to stop. He is
quickly noticed by Max, who calls out
familiarity;
tHullo, Mfr. Treforme."
Vincent Taeforms, a civil engineer
student at the Massachusetts, Institute of
Technology, not being troubled with az
over-ablndance of ready money, has ac-
copied the position of head clerk in one
of the summer hotea Of spra5villa, for
his vacation season. He had been in-
troiucea to Cora a year or SO before in
Boston, and, on his coming to the sea-
side resort, had at first paid her marked
attention but, with the fckleness, that
.c'laracterlzes his sex, he was caught by
the attractions of the rich, dashing,
handsome Emily Worthington, and
drawn under the msshes of her fascinat-
ing power.
The rich blood, mantling high in
Cora's cheeks, makes them vie in color
with the roses on her bosom, as she
looked up.
Good evening" and Vincent's hat is
lifted, as he bows gracefully to the
whole party. 1T seems an intrusion to
break the spell, and interrupt such {
happy-looking family group
"Not at all, we are glad to see you,'
Mr.. shattuck cordially says, and Cora,
quickly controlling her beating heart.J
adds a polite word of welcome.
Il had some business to attend to.
and"
He is interrupted By a little Irish boy.
who suddenly rushes into their midst
and breathlessly exclaims, "Shure, mum,
an it's Lexie Goldsmith is a-dyin', ano
sends me up for yez to 60 down"
Cora's face turns deathly white, an6
hurrying into the house for her bonnet
and shawl, she reappears OIL the piazza il
a moment.
Vincent quickly addresses her, and
his tone has taken on the low, sympa
thetic accents of one who has been be
reaved by the death angel, although his
words are but mere forms.
81 have to pass the house to meet my
business engagement, and should be gla6
accompany you, if it would be agree
to you"
Certainly, thank you. Don't wait
up for me father, OF you, boys; it is i'm
to tell how long I may have tt
The house is about three.quarters of
nile distant, and Cora feels that she must
give Wingsto her feet.
"Who is Lexie Goldsmith. Vincent
'sks, as they quickly walk.
20, she is a little crippled girl OF
o,irteen, living with her uncle and aunt,
Who are in poor circumstances, owing to
Ter uncle's dissipated habits. Her father
lied when she was but an infant, and
Ter mother, after a weary struggle with
life, followed him some five years ago;
) Lexie had been compelled to live with
Ter only relatives. She is a wonderfully
child, mature beyond her years,
nd everything lacking in refinement kae
AIRED terribly upon her inely-strung
erves. / think I have understood her.
nd she has clu1g to me with a tenacious,
evoted affection, that has been fully re-
lrned by me. / did love the child.
he has been my confident as we'll as
ers, and she has been a real help to