The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1901-11-07

BESTOWED the name "Ste Cectle."
posted vote for the granddaughter
of Latiolais.
The game at Dede's was running
high, and the strong drink had taken
possession Of the players. when at 6
o'clock cheer from the schoolhouse
fell upon their ears. They knew the
priests had counted the vote and an
nounced the result, and the cheer was
for the victor. Quillebert doubted not
she was Laure, and, hastily gathering
In the winnings, which, as usual, had
fallen his way, he proceeded with his
| companions to learn the exact figures.
His heavy eyes and purpling face took
on an expression Of cruel exultation.
Latiolais Jagged behind as if loath to
hear the decision.
Seeing Father Grhe in the doorway
of the sehoolhouse, Quillebert called:
"What's the majority, father?"
"Seventeen," the priest said.
us that all?' said Quillebert coarse
telle Latiolais"
"Who had?' asked the priest.
"Laure Juneau" shouted Quillebert.
"But Estelle Latiolais has now II
votes over Laure Juneau, and the poll
is closed. Estelle Latiolais is elected
godmother Of the ben," said Father
Grhe
Quillebert's features fairly quiyered
with rage, but his exclamation, no
doubt profane, was drowned by the re-
newed cheer from the crowd, while old
Latiolais' white face was wet with
tears Of joy, unexpected and unmerit-
ed.
The fast falling darkness speeded the
dispersion of the assemblage, and the
choosing Of the church bells sponsor
was scored event in the history of the
parish.
The christening day of the bell was
the most perfect Of that incomparably
lovely season, the Louisiana spring.
The pale blue sky had not tleck in it.
The bosom OF the little prairie was
spread with velvety green sprinkled
with buttercups and violets, and on the
edges Of coulees bright willows rocked
in the gentle breeze. The lanes were
bordered by walls of dark cherokee
vines, against which white roses glis-
tened in the sunlight. The cones dot
ting stretching branches of pecans
were opening in light hued leaves,
while afar in the swamp above the
blush gray festoons of Spanish moss
could be seen the feathery fringe which
later would be plumes in the crowns
Of royal expresses. The soft air was
scented with jasmine. china flower and
sweet gum and rang with the joyous
song of the hooking bird.
The bell, secured upon the stoutest
of plantation wagons, drawn by six
sleek mules, was arrayed in a robe Of
white swiss, set off with bands Of blue
satin and punches of pink roses A
string of red coral, the gift of the god
mother, encfrcled it's brow, above which
was a wreath of white magnolia
blooms. The wagon was clothed in
white cotton cloth, the harness Of the
mules decked out with knots and bows
of ribbon, and the herculean black who
raiment, with broad red sash across
his chest.
The cortege escorting the bell in it's
progress of six miles from the ware
house a. Marksville to the church Il
Mansura was composed Of full 200 per
sons on horses, in buggies and afoct.
It was headed by Eloi Durant, the all
cient volunteer sacristan, bearing aloft
q banner Of blue silk on which was EN-
broidered in yellow the name Of the
sodality society. Following him rode
Homer Debellevue, holding tall, slen-
der wooden cross painted white and
garlanded with flowers. A dozen youn-
ger men with silk banners inscribed
with sacred legends formed a caval-
cade preceding the carriage of Father
Grhe, who in black robe and cap, white
surplice and gilded stole sat between
two acolytes gowned in red and white
and carrying censor burners. On each
side of the wagon six horsemen sashed
with blue rode as a guard of honor to
the bell and then the fair sponsor in
an open conveyance seated beside her
grandfather. She was attired in white,
a thin veil over her hair and shoulders,
and held nosegay of large white roses
In her lap. A sweet, childish face,
brown hair and hazel eyes distinguish
ed the victor of the contest, girl,of Is,
gentle, shrinking and blushing. On a
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