The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1896-10-17

ub utIu lCtlAly Inv oA'~AN ~ =" S'~ =,
II recognized you by your dress, "
he triumphantly responded.
l looked down at my bright merlno,
the subject at home OF so much dls'
putting, and felt on inward terror.
Was The nan q medium, o c}air7oy-
ant? Had he in spirit heard ny con.
versation with George?
"My dress?" I gasped.
"Yes. your dress. My aunt in.
formed me that your travelling suit
was brown"
"Oh!" / family CALCULATED, inward
ly thinking how very strange in
mamma to write to Mrs. Wharton
concerning the dress, and feeling con-
siaerably vexed about it-so much SO
that the gentleman, Judging from my
flushed cheeks that the subject was
unpleasant, pursued it no further, to
my great relief.
Presently the carriage stopped be-
fore a large and handsome dwelling,
and although I knew that Mrs. Whar-
ton was in possession Of very comfort
able income. I was not prepared for
the elegance I encountered.
My poor brcwa merino looked sadly
out of place beside the rich crimson
furniture and splendid mirrors, and
had not Mrs. Wharton's nephew made
strenuous efforts for my entertain
ment, I should have subsidized into
that most forlorn and dreary feeling
-homeslcEness.
"Aly aunt begged that we should
dine st the usual hour" said the
gentleman, after 1 had Invested myself
Of my wraps, "as she was afraid she
would not be able to return before
eight or nine o'clock; the friend she
has gone to see is very ill--in fact,
dying-anl Aunt Lizzie will probably
stay until all is over
"Aunt Lizzie?' thought; 'has she
! discarded the name Of Rose?'
I remembered, however, that her
initials were R. L. W.
The dinner was charming ; my appe-
tite was good. never had dyspepsia
in my life, and I ate the luxuriant
! food, 80 daintily prepared, with an en-
joyment that must have been quite
amusing to my companion.
Abcutan hour after we had sat down,
while we were leisurely partsking OF
our dessert, aud discussing the rights
OF women, the butler handed note
to my vis.a.vis. After asking me- to
excuse him, he opened and read it.
The look of surprise and consterna-
ton in his face was simply appalling.
"Has anything happened to your
aunt?" I timidly inquired, feeling IN
comfortable under the scrutinlzing
gaze Of his dark gray eyes.
"No, no-that Is, nothing Of i'm
portancc-5ut l do not think she will
be back tonight. But, Miss Rose
your name is Miss Rose, is it not?"
I put down the orange I was peel.
ing, and looked the amaZement felt.
MY name is Miss Rose Terry
replied, with as much dignity as I
could assume.
"Yes--certainly--Ib beg your pardon
but Miss Rose-Miss Terry, ] mean
you will mako yourself com Portable
for the night-until my aunt returns,
I should say"
His confusion seemed very strange,
after his late graceful self.possession !;
but, attributing it all to the contents
of the note-alas, I did not then
dream OF the information it conveyed
Il endeavored to make the best of it,
and told him not to be uneasy, as l
had no doubt but that Mrs. Wharton
would return early in the morning.
Books and music formed the princi.
pal subjects of conversation during
the few hours I passed with Mrs
Wharton's nephew, and so pleasant
and agreeable did he prove that | be.
gan to like him very much, aud quite
forgot my embarrassment at remain
ing SO long alone with a stranger.
At breakfast, next morning, We
chatted away quite like cid friends ;
but when the meal was over my com.
panion asked me to walk into the
library for few moments.
I complied with his request, made
rather gravely, feeling sensation pass
through me that something was going
to happen.
''Please be seated, Miss Terry" he
began. 81 regret that I am obliged
to explain very strange mistake
and I beg your pardon for keeping
you gin ignorance through last even.
ing, but, believe me, did so only be.
cause wished you to have pleasant
and comfortable rest after your long
journey"
I could say nothing to this prepara-
tory speech, for my heart was throb.
bling OF such furious rate I dared not
trust my voice.
my aunt" he continued, "expect.
ed lady friend, named Miss Annie
Rose, to arrive yesterday, and being
called from home unexpectedly, she
commissioned mo to be her escort from
IL -