St. Landry democrat., 1891-11-07

| family were surprised to ind they
had slept we'll, that the beds were
comfortable, and, although the chambers
were not luxurious, they were very clean.
The sun was shining; they would stay
one day, as they had come 80 far. and all
that day they wandered in the forest and
its the old story-they stayed all sum-
mcr. There Rene met Miss Helen and
all that long summer they played GRO
quet explored the forest and sang songs
together, songs long since out of fashion.
Rene was not a painter, althougha friend
Of many painters, but a student of phil
osophy. He had pile Of books with
him, and read at times, but it was his
vacation, and his studies never intertered
with Miss Helens plans or prevented
him from being always in attendance at
any picnic, tea or forest ramble. One
evening we went into the forest, merry
pack of us starting early together
and returning late in pairs; and when
we returned one couple was missing,
Miss kendIe and Rene. Mrs. kendle
was very anxious, fearing her daughter
had been lost and would be de-
voured by the wild beasts. We tried to
console her, telling her that probably
Renie would see her safely home, and
that the wild beasts of Fontainebleau
were mostly rabbits and deer. But Mrs.
! kendle refused to be comforted and so Il
relief expedition was organized. There
were plenty of volunteers, and as the
night was lovely many volunteered in
couples. Hunting horns and drum were
carried to wake the forest echoes, and
! torches to see the "babcs in the woods"
when found. The party did not go far;
they had not started off with serious in
tent-only to pacify the mother, and
contcnted themselves by exploring the
! "brigands' cave,' where some were al
most smothered by the smoke of the
torches, and came back singing in
chorus, almost forgetting why the torch
light procession had been organized. AS
the returning explorers neared the viii
! lage, the lights of their torches fell upon
couple sitting on the bench just inside
the forest gate.
"Hallo!" exclaimed Leon, suddenly
changing the note Of the solo he was
singing.
"Hallo, yourseIf!' answered Renie,
"you are making a great deal of noise"
but how did you get here?" asked
Lean.
Easy enough-round the other way"
Leon began it, and we all burst into
a laughing chorus.
"Nhat is the joker" asked Renie.
"Joke. Suppose you and Miss kendle
fall into line with us and we will ex-
plain
| And the march continued, horns blow
ing, drums beating, and all shouting at
the top of our voices; and so the sue
cessful rescuing party returned with the
lost one.
1t was about Christmas when the Ken
dies gave a grand dinner. Renie sat on
the left Of Miss Helen and a stranger, a
Young man whose looks | scarcely re-
member, sat on her right OF course
Rcnie monopolized Miss Kendle. The
young stranger tried to join in the con-
versation, but was not successful. |
cannot say Renie was rude to the man,
he did not seem even to recognize his
existence.
Don't you think it is outrageous?"
whispered Miss Tipmau, my neighbor.
"What?" asked.
Don't you know?-of course you do
everybody does except him"
"Him?"
At that moment Mrs. Kendle gave the
signal for leaving the table, and my
question was left unansw cred. We were
allowed to smoke in the drawing-room at
the kcndles' so we followed the ladies.
Miss Tipman captured Rcnie and in
sisted on his looking over the family
photograph album witt, her He did it
politely, but his attention and eyes
would wander across the room where
Miss kende was talking with the
stranger. But Miss Tipman kept him
at the album. What was she about: |
wondered; surely, not trying to fascin-
ate Rcnie; she must well know any at
tempts of that kind would be wasted.
BESIDES, Miss Tipman was not Hirt;
she was one Of those-yes, must say it
uncomfortable women to have about.
One of those women who are always try
ing to "do their duty What was she
up to now? Talking loud enough for
ally ohE hSdA " Htdl; 81 tueIe WIS no
indiscretion irmy listening
There 10 you know herr"
"Yes,' answered Renie, turning over
the page, anxious to finish the book.
And do you know him.
NO" Again be would turn the page,
but Miss Tipman put her hand upon
his.
But don't you recognize that picture?"
she insisted.
"Well, yes; it is of the man who sat
next to Miss kendle. l was introduced,
but forgot his name
but don't you know who he is?''
"No, and what is more
Don't you know he is engaged to Miss
Kend'e?'
This time Renie turned the page with
out any hindrance from his neighbor.
He closed the book, rose and laid it on
the table, turned, and without word to
anyone left the room. Miss Tipman and
| looked ut each other for few moments
in silence. felt as if must say some
thing. If she had been man | should
have told him he was a tirst-class fool.
AS it was, simply remarked, you've
done it!'
II thought it was right, " she answered,
COMPRISING her lips disagrceably.
Renie went home and had brain fever,
and Miss Helen Kendle married the other
man. Why had | not remembered all
this when my old friend asked about
madame, who was Miss Kendle? What
right had l now, after my brutal manner
of announcing Miss Kendle's death, to
criticise Miss Tipman?
Renie did not make me a long visit,
but at the door again promised to find