The Canton times. (Canton, Miss.) 1893-1906, 1895-05-24

| - S>eS - oAA, aHu uc ndu ulreCJeC
her attention to the young man in hi
box. But for Mile. Marie de Montmar
Tin, we may as well say that she
glanced mechanically, then looked
again. Harding was a superbly hand
some young athlete, flower Of per
feet manhood, with face never to be
forgotten by any woman.
Rapin presently returned to the box
bringing with him, or at least Harding
fancied it, breath OF that exquisite
violet perfume which had been haunt.
ing Harding's memory for days and
nights together.
who is she-the young lady in the
box where you've beeE?'
The abrupt inquiry and certain
timbre OF Harding's voice betrayed his
emotion to the quick Creole.
'Oh, she-that is Mile. Marie de
Montmartin. Lovely, isn't she? You
might envy me, NJ. Harding. She is
my betrothed."
"Ah-," Harding hesitated and a
palish change passed over his face,
like fleece-cloud over some glorified
space of sky. Then he coolly added:
II do envy you. Yes, she is the most
beautiful girl that I. have ever seen.
She is the one met in the old book
store door. You are quick to find"
Rapin colored.
THANK you," he said, as the curtain
went up and the prima donna strobe
forth with a superb swing.
The next day Rapin came to Hard
ing's rooms for his initial lesson; but
the young man begged a postpone
ment; he was not feeling in good form,
he said, and was averse to exercise.
And now Harding's powerful letters
OF introduction came into play. The
only son Of Gen. Stanope Harding had
the key to open even the exclusive
gate of the mansion wherein the
ancient family traditions of Mont
martin were kept in an atmosphere of
their own. Here the young man
found Mile. Marie even more fascinat-
ing than his Imagination had pictured
her.
We must acquit him; he did not de-
liberately seek to gain her Affections
indeed, there was no need to seek;
she claimed him at sight, and
the way was loves sweetest path.
Rapin was forgotten, as merely con-
ventional lover must always be when
the true one comes rushing in all aglow
and all powerful
Marie's parents were delighted
There was no obstacle, religious or
other, and an alliance with the family
was something to be proud of. So, in
due course OF time, the engagement
was announced and the wedding day
Harding had been to New York; he
returned late in November, radiant
with happy aspirations, and took
rooms as before. but now in the St
Charles. He brought some friends
With him, and his parents would be
coming little later.
have said that lover is a fool.
His vanity, moreover, cannot be over
and the selfshness of his |
passion plays him small yet irresistible
ricks. Harding had desire to go
gain to the old book store in Garcia,
IN Royal street, and have his first
Meeting over once more in his magma
ion. He slipped away from the hotel
and with foolish stir in his
,lood
The morning was like a summers
ream, clothing the old city in films of
splendor. Up and down the
arrow streets clacked the high-heeled
oots of the 1.-THE Creoles Fruit stands
capped with luscious oranges, bananas,
pples, dashed the air with rich bou-
uet, and there were roses everywhere.
[arding held his head high and walked
Witty.
When we go to seek an illusion we
re pretty sure to find reality. 1t Is
OF the scheme of nature to humor us
i luxuries. At Garcin's door Harding
lme abruptly face to face with Fran
Dis Rapin, whom he had not seen since
lie announcement of the coming nup-
ais. Somehow it was surprise, but
apin's face showed quick smile.
Harding stopped short in his tracks,
i'd would have probably put forth his ,
md in friendly offer of salution; but
st then his hat was lightly tapped
ON his head by Rapin, who immedi- ,
ely picked it up and handed it to him. !
ying: I
m. Harding will now remember his
omIse to teach me the mysterious 4
roke of NJ. Duval"
He bowed low and was gone, while Z
card futtered down at Harding's feet;
bore Rapin's address.
At first Harding's heat of temper was
eat, but reflection led him TO consult h
) friends, who ridiculed the thought .
duel He was glad to escape, for, g
though a born lighter, this was no I