St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1896-08-29
A SUMNER NIGHT.


Blanche Nevin. in N. 7. Independent.
A SUMNER NIGHT.
The hot summer sun was beating
down on the long white streets and
making the flowers on the balconies
droop, and even the leaves of the lime
trees. hung listless and motionless in
the great heat. Not a single soul was
TO be seen in the usually crowded An
dra4sy street in Buda-Pesth, and the
cid porter of the Hotel Esterhazy sat
half asleep, his chair well drawn back
into the shade; he knew very well that
Esme st. Maur lay down on the sofa,
lamenting that her fate had made her
spend this grilling afternoon in Buda-
Pesth. However shall I stand three
week of it? At any rate, shall not
be in town after to-day, and hope
the country house of the embassy is
cooler. What time is it, Klimja?"
'.Half past four, milady; but the
gentleman mademoiselle expected is
waiting downstairs, and wants to know
Il you will receive him."
'sCertainly," said Esme, lazily, fasten-
ing . pink rose into her belt; "bring
some more tea, Klimja, and take those
cigarettes away; shall not want them
now"
A few minutes later q tall, sunburnt
man came into the room.
$50 sorry. Arthur" said the lady;
sTm positively too tired to move; this
heat is killing! I'm SO glad to see you,
she went on, looking up at him. Let
me see, it is nearly three years since we
saw each other; what are you doing
Aere?"
The man hesitated . moment and
then became pale, and his mouth
twitched.
81 was hurrying to England, Esme,
he said, because l heard q report about
you that could not credit; that you
were going to be married"
..Well," said the girl, nervously pick
lng on the leaves of her rose, 1T Is
quite true. No, no. Arthur, it's no use.
ehe continued, sitting up and putting
her hand ON his arm; .'sit where you are
and listen. You see, dear, it had to
come to this some day, and may az
well tell you here as anywhere else;
We cannot fight against fate, and the
1ates are against US. Look! 1t would
Be ten years ut least before you could
marry me, and then would be md
dle-a9ed woman. And even if I could
wait, what am to do during those ten
years? Grandmamma, you know" she
went ON, turning her face, now appall-
ing in it's pallor, toward him. land
left me ESQ year, and since her death
/ have been living, yes, living on my sis
fer's husband! Think! The proud
Esme st. Maur actually living on
charity!"
: s.But SURELY" Arthur broke in,
ssurely-"
.-Of course they don't say SO, but ]
know, I know. They have three chill.
dreu to educate, and look at the posi-
tion they have to keep up! ! know
Franks income Is by no means large,
and feel I've no right to be burden
70 them when I've a good offer"
ssWho is the man p he said, dryly.
Lord Hillborough," she answered
her eyes down.
"A man almost old enough to be your
crandfather!" he said, getting up and
standing beside her. DO you care fol-
him2"
.No." she answered, lowering her eye
Ids wearily; mo, but 1 respect him
more than-than anyone but you."
sEsme," said Arthur. hotly, "how
different yoa arel How calculating
and worldly you have become! re
member my little Esme holding forth
l1ercely that love was the one thing in
III the world, that to marry a man
without love was the greatest wrong a
woman could do him; that"
ARTHUR" she said, >what can 1 do?
] intend, il marry Lord Hillborough,
% be o good wife to him; I cannot be
that IL have another mans image in
my heart. must live it down; ! must
force myself to forget It."
Arthur walkei away to the balcony.
do not make it harder for me-" " said
Esme, her voice full OF sobs. ''What
nm I to do? cannot do anything "a
earn my own living. Look at me,
she said, bitterly, drawing herself up
20 her full height; "a perfect woman,
etronga and healthy, with q small fortune
spent ON education; and yet. now that
Fam thrown on my own resources, why,
4 chop girl could make . better living
than I could! Bear it, dear!" she
aid, going over to him. ''You know
this must be the end"
ssDeafest." he said, in broken voice,
sit = only the beginning. You love me
and yet you marry this man! It is the
beginning Of wretchedness for you and
hin and me, for all our lives!"
Arthur" she said, slowly, 'you
know me. / have made up my mind,
md I viii carry it through. There is
- other course for me. I cannot dc
anythsn9 for myself and will not live
q charity"
sYou never really loved. If you ear
oeer3Ace your love 70 your pride. il you
O. let your head govern your heart"
= cannot help It. Arthur: am en-
eaeed to Lord Hillborough, and shall
1exsy him in October. I cannot beal
enoHSer scene lil0e'this.:' Bid me good
- "a 20 now-forever," she added
Gkjvsring slightly.
n man looked at her for second
a then took both her hands in his
eYMsweetAooaEsL win bid you good
- ana leaxe yopslorever. But let mt
! - and spend 1kis last evening with