St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1892-11-19

ingly angry. Cupid would not give ca
to the objections of silly old woman
whose hold of life was slipping from he
and who should by rights be thinking o
her future state instead of meddling will
what did not concern her.
"Is the minister at home p I asked
eyes, ma-am, but he's engaged jus
now"
NV worst fears were realized-he mus
be performing the ceremony.
"My business is Important" | said
could I see him for just one moment"
'Ill ask, ma'am. Shall take IL
your card q
"Thcre is hardly need. will not de
tain him."
The servant eyed me sharply, anc
having satisfied herself that was moi
one of those genial paupers who haunt
ministerial abodes nor yet an obnoxious
pedder in pctticoats, admitted me into
small reception room.
was beginning to tremble at my bold
ness and fear for the consequences, but
| was not kept long in suspense. A
porticrc was pushed aside and Helen
advanced toward me. Here, indeed,
was an opportunity and I snatched at it.
NV presence was evidently a surprise,
for she deserted me and looked at me in
quiringly. noticed she still wore her
hat and cloak.
II beg your PARDON" she said, retreat
ing little. Il did not know any one
was here"
II am waiting for the minister" was
my rcjoindcr, "but pray do not go. ]
have something to say to you also"
The young lady sat down and looked
at me expectantly.
my dear" I began with much feel.
ing, "you must pardon an old
woman for having taken an undue inter
est in you and your concerns; it is only
from the best of motives. | have noticed
for some time your constant meeting
with handsome gentleman. You have
both appealed to me strangely, and it is
more than mere curiosity that prompts
me to action. know that you love each
other Even older eyes than mine could
see that. But in passing you on the
street Just now I overheard some words
which led me to fear a clandcstine mar.
rage, and | have come here to deter you
from suchEa purpose. / beg you willnot
resent my interference, | added, hast
lily. seeing the color mount to her face,
while at the same time an amused look
came into the gray eyes and the mouth
twitchcd irreprcssibly.
Il think you are laboring under mis-,
take,' she said gently. ''Neither the
gentleman nor ever contemplated run
away marriage"
But surely" I gaspcd, feeling my
charming air castles about to tumble,
'you are lovers stil?'
The blush grew deeper, and the girl
smiled as she answered: Eyes, | may
say VIC are lovers still"
But" stammcred, "but-' got
no further, for a pleasant voice sounded
through the hall:
edith, where are you?'
"Herc,' answered the young lady. and
in another moment Paris himself stood
before me.
There was an awkward pause, during
which we eyed each other curiously.
Helen, or rather Edith, broke the silence.
My dear madame, you wished to see
the minister, did you not? Well, he is
here before you, and alliw me- at the
same time, to Introduce my husband, the
Rev. Ms. Melton. We have been mar
ried only short while, and, as you have
seen, the air of the honeymoon still ling
ers around u.s. She clasped his arm as
she spoke, and glanced tenderly into his
face. He locke bcwildercd at the scene,
and as for me my feelings cannot be ex-
pressed.
| rose urstcadily, and, muttcrins an
apology, moved toward the door, but
little Mrs. Melton was before me, and
graspcd both my hands in a sweet, cor
dial way.
You must not feel ba lily at your mis-
take" she urged, in q soft, coaxing
voice. owe were only discussing dis
agreeable visit we had to pay out of
town when YOU passed us, and-and
your conclusion was very natural-oAly |
We outstrippcd your con lectures, " she
added, with a bright laugh, in which |
her husband joined.
l CROPPED about for my vanished self |
aspect, assisted by the kindly tact of the
ady who strove to set me at my case,
md | must admit since that memorable |
lay have been more friendly toward |
ny own sex. The Rev. John Melton
made no effort to help me out of my
luandary, from which his dear little wife
'escued me 50 nojIy.
Of course, | explained most volubly,
md my impertiIcIcc was overlooked
md was invited to dine with the Rev.
!ohn and his wife, but I have been
aught a lesson, as said before.
| am still interested in all that occurs
round me, but | never On any account
indulge my very vivid imagination. 1
ind the world can go on living and low
ng without my assistance, and if the
curse of true love does not run smooth
will neither heed nor hinder the run;t-
Ways. for | have INDUCED in my first anG
1st dose of -circumstantial evidence
Times.
Friday Not the Most Unluclxy Day.
L. IL IL n !