The Opelousas courier., 1897-01-30

both undoubtedly attractive but sh
had found herself shrinking more an
more from the making Of a final dc
cision, with q cowardice that surprise
her and was certainly entirely foreig
to her nature. Now, however. as SD
lay back in n great easy chair in til
pleasant sitting I.O-4, she drew he
red lips very closely together in q wa
that, to one who knew this maiden o
determined spirit, bctokened q fare
we'll to indecision, and q brave facing
and if possible a speedy solving Of til
problem before her.
"No one knows any better than T.,
she told herself with severity, "that
cannot so on in this way any longer
if there were only some objection tx
n or the other! But there isn't
bless their hearts! And how goot
they are to me--too good. Oh 'deer!'
and she sighed. Then, sitting up very
straight, "Ihis will never 90. Now
taking up one Of the pictures
"Here is Henry G. billiard, aged
thirty-three; by inheritance, very
wealthy; by profession, m artist
character, excellent; temper. ami.
able; persona,ly-gooi looking, very
popular, and a great Catch" She
medltated. "The truth Of the matter
is, the girl who refused Mr.. billiard
would be a very foolish girl indeed"
She took up the other photograph.
''Now, here is Richard ". Wheeler.
Familiarity known as Dick Wheeler by
Inheritance, poor; by profession, a
lawyer; character, good; temper
well, temper a little quick; while as
for looks'-and she held the picture
at arms length and gazed at it criti-
cally-"I do think"-smiling in spite
of herself-"that Dick has one of the
very incest faces in the world"
She leaned back with her hands be-
hind her head and stared up at the
ceiling with unseeing eyes.
81 must decide" she thought.
81 suppose I am just an aver.
age woman, but it does seem strange
that [ do not know which Of
these two I like the better, or if l
really love either of them. I do
believe I think as much of one as the
other. In that case, it is just a CUES.
ton Of expediency, fitness, in fact.
Why, that is simple enough. Now,
which is the better match of the two?
Mr.. billiard, undoubtedly. Which
could provide for me the better?
Which would be the more acceptable
to my relatives and friends? Mr..
billiard, of course. There it is in a
and she sprang to her feet
with animation and laid the pictures
on the table. "There, the matter is
decided, and how glad I ami"
She went up to the windowandIeaned
out. "Poor Dick" she said softly,
chow grieved he will be, but he will
get over it, of course. I am SO glad l
have acted sensibly in the matter. I
said I would when it came to a
question of marriage. Now I comet to
think of it, I don't see how any SEN
sible girl could make any other de-
The portiers parted and an older
lady entered the room, attired for the
Il am going down town, Ellen"
she said pleasantly. SIS there any
thing I can do for you?"
"Nothing, thank you, mamma"
The pictures lay in full view side by
side on the table.
"Ellen," said her mother gently,
''those are two good men who love
you. I have hesitated to speak to you
about the matter before, trusting that
you would realize the necessity of
making some decision one way or the
81 do realize it,"
81 an sure you do. Personally, l
have no objections to either of them.
They are both estimable men, and [
would have you act according to the
dictates OF your own heart, but I trust
you will use good sense in your de-
In fact, I nm sure you will.
You are used to having everything
you want, dear, and Mr.. Billiard ia
wealthy nd%lld be very kind"
"Still, papa was a poor man when
you married him. said Ellen, acting
lpon-wno shall say what impulse?
"That is true, bnt I would have you
the trials OF my early married
life. Not that I have any serious
objection to Dick. He is O nice
BOY, but a trife too heal your own
Ige, and then I am afraid I should al
ways worry about that-uncle, was it
lot?-.-of his who died-an-inebri.
"Why, mamma" exclaimed Ellen,
that was not his uncle-he was q
econd cousin or something of that
lind. Besides, what on earth has that
0 do with Dick ?"
Nothing, dear. OF course he is
lot responsible. But those things
IN IN families, you know. But no
natter. l am sure lean trust to your
%ecision, only you owe it to both to
ecide n way or the other. Good
y, DEAR" and with q kiss she was
one.
1t was with a sober face that Ellen
rossed the room to her work basket
nd took up q piece Of embroidery.
'efore she had seated herself, how
yer, light footsteps were heard and
ne portieres were parted to disclose
ne Of the most up to date of maid
MS: voluminous skirt, immaculate
hirt waist, demurely parted hair,
.unty hat, and ALL.
"Good morning, Ellie" exclaimed
MS bewildering %apparition. II met
our mother OF the steps and she told
le to come right on in. Embroidery?
b. put it up! want to have a talk