The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1901-12-14


J nevolent face had Witnessed the scene
He patted Felix on the shoulder.
"Why don't you open the package 2
he asked.
II II have no time now; l must make
q few sous first" was the reply.
"Here is five franc piece" said the
old gentleman, "now have q jolly
Christmas and play bagatelle."
Tear rolled down the boys cheeks
rs he murmured his thanks to his
benefactor, who disappeared in the
throng of shoppers. 'Think of me
when you play" were the words that
rang in his ears all through that glori-
Gus Christmas. How could he forget
that celestial beauty, with peerless
complexion and honest blue eyes? She
was far beyond the ideals of the novels
he has -sad. He felt that he could die
for her.
For two years Felix continued his
trade on the crossing. He spent many
leisure moment at the toyshop win
dow, but it was love that ATTRACTED
him now, hopeless love for the sweet
faced clerk. All he had learned about
her was that her name was Elise. He
had been employed by her to bring
billets-doux to q fine-looking young
officer who lived in a nearby hotel.
He hated the very sight Of the dudish
soldier. Once he looked over his
shoulder when he penned reply and
caught the words: ma Chere Elise"
Felix obstinately refused to take
pay for these services and his heart
filed with jealousy every time he saw
Elise's sweetheart. But he was careful
not to betray his sentiments either to
her or the young officer.
One day Felix was surprised to find
Elise in agitated conversation with an
aged couple and the proprietor of the
store. At times he saw her turn red
with anger and then she burst out in
tears. Finally he saw her put on her
hat and cloak and follow the old couple
into a waiting carriage. The thought
suddenly occurred to him that he
would never see her again.
In jiffy Felix, leaving his basket on
the sidewalk, was stationed on the
rear of the landau which was driven
rapidly through the streets. 1t
stopped in front of young ladies'
seminary, large old structure, sur.
rounded by high wall.
Felix saw Elise alight and with tear
stained face she was led through the
gate by the old couple. For an hour
he waited across the street. Then the
old people returned and were driven
away in the carriage.
How to gain an entrance into the
seminary, how to help Elise in her APP
parent plight were the thoughts
prompted by Felix love. He resolved
TO ask for any kind of employment.
to be homeless. Fortunately
the gardeners assistant had been dis
on the previous day, SO he was
engaged on the spot.
On the following morning Elise
could hardly suppress her joy when
The saw Felix at work in the garden.
lie slipped . note he had carefully
prepared into her hand. 1t simply
sked what he could do for her.
That very evening Felix was reading
er reply in his little bedroom over
he stable. 1t said: +,
my Dear Felix: How ala you ind the /
lace where they have taken me? 1 thank
GU beforehand for what know you viii |
0 for me. My father is poor notary in | {
ne suburbs. He wants to force me to I
larry an old, rich baron. the gentleman :
tho gave you the dve-franc gold piede one :
nristmas eve. But though he Is good
ID soul ! love only Julien Broulade. the S
ouns omcer to whom you have taken my I
otes Ny parents have learned my secret. !
am not OF age. am given the alterna- 7
We OF remaining In this horrid school or Il
ARRIVING the old heron. Dear Felix, 70 to
alien and tell him where am. You alone :.
IN save me- Yours gratefully.
Every word in the letter was q c
low to Felix. "She only loves this b
'ung officer-and must save her for q
I'M" he said to himself again and 81
yain. He worshiped the ground she a
epped on. He could do anything. 81
EN- lay down his life for her. But
soul struggled against this re- g
lest. Then he would grow angry at "
mself for presuming that the "
n OF conyicts dared to covet the Dos I'll
sston OF this pure soul. For hours
writhed in agony ON his cot. Then =
heroic spirit conquered and he de-
rmined to save her. Al
In the morning Felix went to Julien
oulade and told him where they. had
FRIED his sweetheart. AS he had not
ard from her for three DAYS the
ung officers anxiety was greatly re- "a
we'd and when he learned how FELIX an