The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1901-03-02

after and that they might try the
theater and supper before going
to their rooms.
Aunt Tabitha put on her eyeglasses
and looked keenly at her handsome
nephew, and consented without demur
to his programme.
The sun rose bright and glorious,
the rooms on the avenue were charm
ing; Ann and the trunks, also Thomas,
made their appearance before break
fast, the early post brought batch
of invitations to Momus, Comus and
other carnival balls; coupe stood at
the door to convey Miss Thornleigh
to that autocrat, the leading dress
maker of the city, and Noel and Janet
were exuberantly and radiantly
happy.
Miss Tabitha Thornleigh, attired in
dark, rich brocades and old point,
chaperoned her nieces to balls and
cotillons, watched with pleasure and
pride the attentions lavished upon
them and the stir which their beauty
created; sent her cards to friends of
former days, members of that ex-
| elusive inner circle, who focked to
greet the erstwhile leader Of once
brilliant society; issued invitations to
several dinners, which were gorgeous
affairs, and where her stately presence
and keenly polished wit made her a
most conspicuous figure, and withal
was so kindly and humorously loving
that Janet and Noel were enraptured
| with their spinster aunt, who stood
revealed in a new andswonderful light
| during this carnival week in New Or
leans.
Except you, sweetheart, Aunt
Tabitha is the most fascinating wom-
an in the world" whispered Ivan at
the Comus ball, looking across the
splendid spectacle of maskers and
dancers on the stage to Miss Thorn
leigh in proscenium box with Judge
and Mrs. Cameron, and quite follow
ing of distinguished personages
around her, while her handsome
brown eyes looked kindly and with q
wistful tenderness down at her favor
lite nice, Noel.
| "She is perfectly lovely!" said
Noel, throwing her a light kiss as
they moved across the stage among
the gorgeous maskers and the SPLEEN
did pageantry of the ball.
Thirty years ago." unused Miss
Tabitha, slowly welding her jeweled
fan with stately grace and answer
ing at random the lively sallies of the
Judge.
"How identical the scene! The
same maskers, and the pierrots and
the clowns! The same glorious CLAM
or over all things! Vain hopes and
tinsel gildings!"
II remember him too well. Poor
fellow, his was sad ending. None
of these young fellows of to-day can
compare to Dick Stormley. What a
brilliant, fascinating fellow he was!
Well, time brings sad changes; but
we must not resurrect ghosts of the
past at Comus ball." Judge Cameron
was saying.
Miss Tabitha Thornleigh with state
ly composure smiled, and answered
but shivered slightly. "Ah, no!
Never will they die or be forgotten
those memories of bygone tenderness
and passion"
She smiled to Janet, who was sur
rounded by queer and extraordinary
maskers, but looked with q loving
tenderness at Noel and at her hand.
some nephew, Ivan Thornleigh.
1t was four in the morning. The
gay carnival had come to an end, and
the first faint CLEANS of Ash Wednes.
day were stealing over the old city
where revelry had reigned supreme
during the past weeks.
80, such lovely, lovely time!" said
Janet sleepily, as she sank among her
pillows.
"You are the sweetest, dearest
auntie in all the world" said Noel
clinging to her.
"Hush, child; know. Go to sleep
and let Ivan tell me all about it to-
morrow" aunt Tabitha said with
gentle lovingness.
"Auntie, darling, I want to tell
you," began Noel, her arms around
her neck.
"That you girls and Ivan kidnapped
me and brought me to the city fol
carnival week? Hush, child! know
all about it. Go to sleep."-Times
Democrat.