St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1891-01-24
A Real Romance


nished couch in the west, leaving loni
shadows across the beach of secluded
nook on Lake Michigan Far to the eoutl
rose the pal Of smoke from the bus,
factories Of Il great city, and at the cas-
stretched the restless. heaving blue of the
lake The bslmy air and the mellow haz-
which seemed TO touch ali with the magic
wand of beauty, lured HE to stroll besid.
the water
Athwart the horizon the smoke of an
outbound steamer made zig-zsg patel
against the blue sky, and jlst peeping
above the water to the North were The
sails Of several vessels. The evening
was romantic enough to suit the fancy OF
the verest dreamer.
The murmer OF the waves as they kissed
the white sand mingled nusicaliy with
the rustic of the leaves of the trees, whose
shadows stealIhiiy grew longer and far
Their toward the water, aud the distant
hum of traffic was barely perceptAble.
a little point of land, rocky and pictur-
esQla, iulttO into the lake, and cOXy seat
invited occupancy. Comfortably posed,
began weaving fancy with fancy, 10 which
a fertile mag nation lent Thousand ca
prices, when footsteps startled HE. My
nrot impulse was 10 quit the spo,, as the
newcomer was man, but noticing he was
genttemanlY in appearance and his mlen
was refined, | concluded to risk an intru-
slOu.
Hecame slowly towards NE his head bent
forward and eye on the grounc as if IN
deep reflection. Presently he stopped and
looked lorg and steadily out on tie dark
enirg lake. lnvountariiv | glanced in
the direction of his gaze, and noticed the
young moons crescent was Just gllnting
III the nor;zon. Then he approached the
spot where | WAS all bur concealed by Il
small bush. His attention was engrossed
by the pretty mooE-rlSr, and h. came
within a few feet without noticing LILY
preserce. This proximity WAS becoming
decidedly uncomfortable, and while jus:
about to rise aud go away deep sigh es-
capped HIM. Being SO near, | had oppor-
tunl1y to sean his face. His features were
rather small aud finely cat for a man, ye5
they Were not etfemluAte. short full
beard OF golden brown added strength an !
character 10 white, rOInd forehead. and
q pair OF blue eyes, melancholy and sad,
gave sO1rOwfui expression to his face.
He was not over thirty three or thirty
four years old, but his brown hair was
whitening at his temples, aud in his beard
| could See silver strands His hands were
very small, and his feet were s,enderly
made.
My observations were taken in mo-
ment's time, and gathering my wrap pre-
pared to gain my feet. when from the lips
of this stranger fell the words.
"Adah Adah Oh, my darling, my
L., II, -, -
AS he spoke he stretched ont his arms
as though in appeal or 10 clasp the form
of his loved one. HIS face wore an ex-
preston of unuttersble sorrow. | was
startled into absolute silence. Delicacv
forbade ne to keep my presence unknown
TO him. and arose. making sufficient noise
to attract his attention. He turned toward
NE in; family. A curious expression fitted
across his face. 1t was surprise, alarm,
and confusion, vet withal it contained a
dash of pain. He raised his hat with the
habitual grace of Il gentleman, and re-
marked in the tones Of uGmiS taxable good
breeding:
"Pardon me; I was unaware that had
trespassed upon tie privacy of d stran-
ger"
II should have made known my
presence, sir. The error, if any, is on my
part, replied, moving forward to pass
him.
81 beg of you do not 60" he said hast
lily. Il will not allow you to leave this
place because of my comlng-because OF
my stupid absent mlndedness. Pray re-
sumo your seat, and | will continue my
walk"
lie turned abruptly and walked rapidly
along the beach. The field being clear |
paused, and seeing the moon-rlse would
be exceptionally attractive, | returned to
my seat. With curious eyes and with
many a surmise, | watched the stranger
pick his way along the sand5. Who was
be? Who was she he loved These and
4 score of questions fitted across my mind.
when he suddenly turned and quickly re-
raced his steps. Surely, | thought, he
:annot intend coming here again? turned
ny attention TO the silvery bow of the
noon, which had just cleared the dancing
waves far away, as he approached. There
no intake, he wa, bending his steps
owa1d my seat.
again | ak pardon, but fear you
will not be lenient, for this time | have |
made my way to your side. |
have come to ask tue favor of few mo- |
nents of your time. | would ask perms- |
ion to speak Of Il matter in BRIEF TO seek |
he relief which comes from con6ding |
mes inner self. A strange request, but [ |
IA acting On a sudden resolve, aud-and |
perhaps an impudent one"
His voice was low and musical, and his |
manner so defferential that all doubts of
disagreeable nature fled. My curiosity
ion had heard lent an air of romantic
nystery to him, and like true daughter
f Eve | allowed vague desire to know
0 his request.
ass near. and | must join them" he said;
and what [ will say bid you forget when
have left you"
"Perhaps it is i'll advised to make con-
dent of mere stranger-one you know
othing of and met SO strangely |
ueried.
81 am not mistaken in my estimate of
our character, and should chance bring us
l contact in the future | know you will
OF repeat what may say"
'You may rely on me that far, sir"
"The exclamation which | unwittingly
tered within your hearing is linked with
le secret would confde to you 1t was
10 outburst of heart that is burdened
it'll a never dying appointments
fe long regret. 1t was years ago-some
ven years this month-that looked into
9 eyes of a young girl and learned to
We her. Her heart was as pure as an
gels, and physical and intellectual {
arms rendered her the peeress of any of i
+ sex. Loves young dream was gold ,
reality to me when learned her heart I
hoed the love which filled my life, aud c
vowed to cling to her with answering t
elity until my heart should cease to t
at. had yet my fortune to make, and
Is then preparing for professional
Nfc, darc, e ihaf I'LL |