Feliciana sentinel. [volume] (St. Francisville, La.) 1877-1892, 1892-01-23

nimity in the least He was no more
solicitous to appear at ease or to please
than if he had been talking to the mis-
tress OF a humble cottage. He seemed
to be one whose denieanor would be
the same whether he were in the pres
ence of the rich or the poor, the pow
erful or the weak. He possessed q re-
markable individuality, which quietly,
unobtrusively Influenced all who be-
came acquainted with him to regard
him with respect. He neither wor-
SHIPPED the great nor treated the ignor-
ant with condescenison. He was sim
ply thorough man and a philosopher.
1t was natural that the proud Miss
Chaworth should feel piqued because
he did not behave according to her de-
sire, and yet she could not help admir-
ing him. Physically he was fine
specimen. He was thick set, broad
shouldered and athletic Ruddy and
rugged in countenance, possessing bold
ana striking features, he was vigorous
ly masculine. At the same time he had
a refined and chivalrous air. His
clothes We're respectable but plain,
and the work of country tailor was
tco evident in them. The critical OBJ
servation of Miss Chaworth satisfied
her that the young man was unused to
society, and yet although he was ignor-
ant Of the minutie Of etiquette it was
evident that so fine was his int diligence
and SO true his taste that he had in
tuitively mastered the theory of good
manners, and only needed practice in
pasished social circles to become a I'm
ist.ed gentleman.
After conversing with the doctor on
various subjects for n few minutes
Helen ielt mischievous desire to say
something that might discomtit him.
Doctor" she remarked. with sudden
franlIness, I'm going to be bold
enough to ask you question that you
may not be willing to answer My
brother has told me that you despise
people who are fashionable and who
love luxury. and that you have come to
this home principally for the sake of
studying that which YOU condemn.
Will you acknowledge that what he
has told me is true?'
The doctor was impertur bable. He
did not shrink from the challenge.
Smiling a little, he said:
81 must acknowledge that what he
has told you is true, although, lest you
should Judge me too harshly, l prefer
to make an explanation. l like to take
broad view of any topic that is
opened for discussion. and if you care
to listen to me 1 will give my opinions
as intelligently as I can"
BY this time Miss Chaworth had be-
come convinced that she was in the
presence of no common man, and she
eagerly gave the doctor encourage
ment to proceed.
"Seeing that you do not shrink from
hearing something which will proba-
bly, not please one in your station of
life, will speak frankly" said the
young man. You know that much is
said concerning our boasted civiliza-
ton. 1t is truly maintained that never
previous to this century was there
time when people were SO we'll housed.
fed and clothed as at present in this
country; never We're all classes SO well
provided with opportunities so favora-
BILE for making and spending money;
never before could all the comforts and
luxuries be so freely enjoyed. Ameri-
cans, especially those who are very
rich. feel proud of the comforta bic per-
iod in which they live. They think
that the pleasant things by which they
are surrounded are productive only of
good. On the contrary, i shall startle
you by saying that all of the well-to-
do classes, especially those who are
most wealthy, are to a great extent in
a condition of advanced savagery. The
primitive savage was insufticiently
clothed, went cold and hungry, was
covered with filth and was exceedingly
rude in his manners His abode was a
wigwam. and when family enter
tanned guests. all present ate out of
the same dish. The modern savage is
a far more wholesome and pleasant be-
ing to contemplate. He dresses WE'LL
often elegantly, his house is a fine one,
his table is spread with tempting
viands. his manners are polished; yes
it must be admitted that he is far
above the common savage. Neverthe-
less both kinds of savages are thor
oughly materialistic in their tcnden-
cics. One makes it his chief aim to
get enough to eat; the other tries to
get all the money he can in order that
he may have more than is alone need
ed to provide simple comforts and SIM
pie pleasures: one when he comes home
from the hunt with game generously
invites all of his neigh bors to help him
eat it; the other when he gets more
than his neighbor does expends it on
himself and his family, and meanly re-
1OIceS III Inc IdcC UHdG ne Gull
his parlor with finer furniture, give
his wife more expensive clothes and
make a greater display of wealth than
his neighbor can. The squaw of the
forest decorates herself with feathers
and paint; the petted daughter of civil
ization is not satisfied until she has ar
rayed herself in the most elaborate of
Worth's gowns"
How can you talk SO horribly"
cried Miss Chaworth. who could no
longer restrain her Indignation. II pre-
sume you think l am an advanced saw
age
Il was generalizing," replied the i'm
perturbable doctor. II would not be
SO ungallant as to be personal in my re-
marks, and insult SO charming lady
as yourself"
But you cannot deny that from your
CONGRATULATIONS that can be dcduced
| which criticises myself"