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

l 49, -
hurried along the opposite sidewalk eac
afternoon. often wondered at the caus
of his emotion, for he quickened hi
pace as he reached my window, as
lanNious to meet some one without tn
range of my vision.
! Though fast getting well, my lumbag
had crippled me somewhat, and prud
cnce still kept me prisoner i'll my cas-
chair, so could not just then crafty m
curiosity by walking to the further win
dow to find out what pleasure awaited m
clerical friend on the corner beyond. Blu
l seized my opportunity as soon as
could limp about the room, and at las
discovered the mystery. 1t was, as
thought, a woman, a very youthful ant
pretty one at that, and both she and m,
young man seemed SO completely ab
sorbcd in each other that abandoned N,
claim on the instant, and bringing m,
hero down from the clouds where | hac
set him, sighed to think him only
| human after all.
A romance was brewing. I was sure
of that, to judge by these meetings
which were of daily occurrence, and OF
deep interest to at least three persons in
this busy world, the fair Helcn-for SC
| had christened her; the ardent Paris
an inappropriate title, but it served
my 1rposc; and my insignificant self
At 4 o'clock precisely Helen and
began our watch, she at her street cor
ncr, at my window After about ten
or fifteen minutes Paris joined his sweet
heart, and together they walked briskly
| up the street.
had grasped the whole story with
that species of feminine wit which our
admirers call divination
Helen was an heircss one could see
| at glance she was rich by the unobtru-
sivc elegance of her dress, and she loved
Paris against the wishes of her family
and friends, else why those clandestine
meetings on the corner2
Her people, no doubt, favored match
of more worldly prctensions, but Helen
was evidently determined to be true to
Paris, wherein she differed from the
Trojan Helen, whose shining virtue was
not faithfulncss. Thus far l gave her
my grudging approval, but I saw great
deal to displease me in that young per-
sons unconventional behavior.
She did nothing culpable as far as pro-
priety WIS concerned, but there was a
certain dependence in her manner to-
wards him. So open, so patent to the
casual observer, that | felt like shaking
her for exposing her private emotions on
a public thoroughfare. She should have
been demure, and should have carried
her hands meekly in her muff, instead of
folding them carclessly over the black
coat sleeve. She should not have taken
his arm in broad daylight even if they
were engaged. | can find great many
excuses for young people, remembering
my own youth very plainly, but above all
they should be proper. Most likely the
young man was more to blame, but in my
eyes he was all that could be desired.
| mistrustcd the girl, and decided after
a week careful observation that she was
q coguettc. highly disapDroveG of the
match which began to look inevitable,
and resolved if l could help it, Paris
should not be caught by the subtle
witchcry of pretty face.
| was, indeed, thankful when my pro-
baton was over, and | went for q gentle
walk each day. Generally timed my
little excursions SO that l might meet
Helen and Paris as they sauntered along.
| must own that my opinion of the young
lady was considerably modified when |
met her face to face. There was no CO.
quetry in the depth of those gray eyes,
nor in the tender curves of her mouth,
and l certainly know if l had been a
man l should have fallen in love with
just such dear little graceful Great
urc.
She looked a mere atom compared with
the sta'vact Paris, but to judge from his
rapt expression one would have thought
the whole world was embodied in the
being who walked beside him.
| cNntrivc1 to meet them frequently,
md must confess | was growing impa-
tient over their lengthy courtship. Ny
disposition is naturally impu!sive, and
cannot brook delay. If anything is to
be donc-I feel like Macbcth-"'twer
we'll 'twcre done q''icI!y.' But then it
axes many people to make world, |
nd all l could do was to bide in pa
fence, and let those lovers take their
line.
At length, one day, I was rewarded.
Passing by the Interesting couple with !
hat studied look Of rrc-occupation
which had learned to assume, | heard
he young man say to his companion:
"WcIl, dear, why not do it at once?
There is dancer in 1cloyD
The girl laughed ncrvouslv. |
bought, bat made no reply, and heard
Paris say:
at is only few steps now to
he parsonage. 1t is best to get it
ver. We can take the 6 O'clock
rain"
wondered if they detected anything
in my manner as brushed by
hem at this juncture, for was stirred
0 the highest pitch of excitement, and
then their backs were turned upon me
allied to collect my scattered senses.
he lovers were about to clopc in broad
aylight. They were On their way to
he parsonage, which nestled in the
heller of the big church close by, un-
onscious that third person was in pos
3ssion of their secret.
l stood for some moments uncertain
ow to act; indeed, it was not my bust
ess to act at all; I knew that very well
love chose to laugh at bolts and bars it
'as surely no affair of mine. Nevcrthe-
,ss was interested in these young pco-
lie, and was sorry that runaway match
as to be the result of their love max
lg.
l had pictured to myself Paris hero
ally storming the breastwork of objec-
ons raised against him, and leading his
retty bride in triumph to the altar be-
re an admiring assembly of friends.