The Canton times. (Canton, Miss.) 1893-1906, 1896-06-19
LOVE Is BLIND.

Feathery palm trees, banks of flowers
softly-hued fairy lamps and delicious
strains of ever-changing music, all these
go to make up enchantlnent!
So, at least, thought Lord Ronald
d'Esterre.
He had but just returned from two
years sojourn in the heart of Africa,
sojourn filled with dangers and pri-
| vations; his years numbered but FIVE
and-twcnty, he was possessed of we'll
knit, springy frame and keen. clear
| eve; and he had come back from his
| travels with fame, courage and en-
durance, but without a penny that he
could call his own.
What was next to be done? This
was the problem that filled all his spare
thoughts. His elder brother had fitted
him out for his expedition with the po-
lite intimation that the act was virtual
washing of his hands of the superfuous
cadet; his aunts had kissed him SO
warmly at parting that he was amazed
to find them mot at home" when he
returned to London; his godfather had
given him twenty pound note and
such a hearty farewell, that it was be-
wildering to be cut by him W hen they
met once more in the club smoking
room. "It really seems as If they wish
! had never come back!" said the young
man to himself, with smile at the in
credible idea; but as time passed on his
smiles died away, and he ground his
teeth savagely as he realized that his
relations had thought it good invest
ment to lay out 6 500 and an infinity OF
farewell in the hope of getting quit OF
a troublesome incumbrance. The
thought was bitter one, and in his first
fury he vowed to leave his native shores
by the next ship, and never return to
them again. But upon the heat of his
passion there fell cooling breath, as
If from heaven itself, and the lion was
straightway changed into lamb. Lord
Ronald d'Esterre had been accustomed
SO long to be looked upon as "detri-
mental" that at first he scarcely dared
to show the attraction that lay for him
in Violet Harvey's appealing gray eyes
and soft, shining hair. To his amaze
ment, however, he found that obstacles
melted away miraculously at his APP
proach. Violet herself was shy and re-
firing, it is true, but her mother smiled
sweetly upon him and her father shook
him warmly by the hand.
Was ever man so blessed before?
"True love does run smooth some
times, after ALI" he said to himself on
this bright June evening, as he walked
homeward after meeting with Mrs.
Harvey in the park.
"Shall you be at Lady Chesterford's
party to-night?" she had said. violet
and 1 are going, and we shall be disap-
pointed if we do not see you."
His honest face had glowed with de-
light as she spoke, and he seemed to be
treading on air as he walked away.
even Aunt Maria has taken me back
into favor again." he thought; "she was
horribly cross when first came home,
but now she is sugared satin whenever
1 come near her. dare say it was all
my fault, though. know that I was
IN ill-conditioned brute until Violet
came to soften mel"
Lady Maria's lowered headdress was
the first object that met Lord Ronald's
eyes when he entered his hostess
crowded drawing-rooms that evening, |
and somewhat to his surprise it was in
close proximity to Mrs. Harvey's friz-
zled grey head.
81 should not have thought that Aunt |
Maria would have anything TO do with |
her," he reflected. 'She always says she
ran detect the faintest tincture of trade |
and she must know perfectly well that
Mr.. Harvey made his money in malt"
At this very moment, however, he
caught sight of Violet, and forgetting
all else, he elbowed his way eagerly |
through the crowd, until he reached
her side.
1t might have been only fancy, but at
my rate it seemed to him that her well
come was a warmer one than she had
rver given him before, and his heart
eeat faster as he bent over her.
evil you not come into the conserva-
tory?" he said. pleadingly; sit is so hot
here.r