St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1902-03-29
HILDEGARDE's ESCORT.
By Mary S. Daniels.

x
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
THREE letters at once. Such thing
had never happened to Hide
garde before, and she blushed and
dimpled with pleased surprise as she
surveyed the row of envelopes, de-
batting which to open first.
All three bore the Seaforth post
mark. That was almost matter of
course, for neither Hildegarle nor
any of her friends had ever been very
far from the little town in which she
had been born. Even single letter
was not frequent experience. And
here were three!
The little cream-tinted one was from
Aunt Bee, of course. And this oblong
one, with the sprawling address, was
from Archie Bale. Archie was her
classmate in the high school, the big
gest and the incest boy she knew. She
had received more than one missive,
exactly like this in appearance, from
him during the last two years, all of
them invitations to some school en-
tertainment or young folks party.
Perhaps this was-Hildegarde drew a
quick breath at the thought-an invi-
tation to the Ap-Morgan concert on
Friday night. She did so want to go
to that concert.
But, here was this large, square en-
yelope, with the dashing address dec
Grated with innumerable flourishes.
Hildegarde had never seen the hand
writing before, but the color in her
cheeks deepened as she regarded it
closely. What if it should be-could
it be-from Mr.. Howard Overton?
Suppose he should invite her to the
concert.
Howard Overton was almost a
stranger in Seaforth, a clerk in the
new bank. Hildegarde had met him
several times, and had been a little
flattered by his undisguised admira-
ton and somewhat elaborate polite
ness. All the girls were enthusiastic
about Mr.. Overton's good looks and
polished manners. 1t would be quite
a distinction to receive an invitation
from him. If this should be one, and
il she opened it first, instead OF
Arches.
But there was Aunt Bees note. De-
ferring the momentous decision,
Hildegarde tore open the little en-
yelope. Two bits of buff pasteboard
fluttered into her lap as she read:
Dear Hildegarde: had meant to ask
you to attend the Ap-Morgan Concert
with Ned and me- but my sister Gertrude
is very Ill and I must go to her at once.
Ned would have taken you just the same.
hut he too is called out of town by UNI
exnected business, and so send you the
tickets. You will easily find some one
To 90 with you, and hope you will enjoy
the concert Your loving aunt,
Beatrice Hunt.
Hildegarde laughed softly as she
opened the other notes, both, as she
surmised, invitations to the concert.
What an embarrassment of riches.
The Ap-Morgan concert was great
event in Seaforth. Not many celebri-
ties like the famous harpist visited the
town. which was bristling with
placards and posters announcing the
concert. All the music-lovers were
full of anticipation of the coming
treat. and when Hildegarde stopped
at the little stationery shop on her
way home from school for some com
position paper yesterday, she had
fonnd old Mr.. Barlow himself study
ing the big card in his shop window
as If even he found it matter OF in
4.ros+ and inheritance.
"Are you going to the concert?' he
osked as he tied UP Hildegarde's par
Gel.
H;ldegarde looked up in surprise.
~ was the first time she had ever
heard Mr.. Barlow say a word more
than was necessary in the strict way
/, ~ business. The school girls called
him "the crabbedy man." because OF
his taciturnity and forbidding ways.
81 don't know; I'm afraid not.
.honld like to very much. but
That ready color came into her
cheeks. Money was very scarce IN
the little household, consisting only
~ the invalid mother, herself and the
,-,o;a whose services were indispensa-
HE in keeping them comfortable.
Hildegarde had sometimes to deny
herself coveted indulgences.
Happily most OF the good tunes that
came that way were inexpensive ones,
and Hildegarde, being winsome and
communicable, missed few OF them.
NJ o;rl in Seaforth was more in de-
mand or had more pleasures. But
the Ap-Morgan concert was different
from everything else. The tickets
were high-priced, and she did not
feel free to spend so much money
an a single evenings pleasure, pas
.ionately as she loved music.
aYou'd better CO." the old man in
~. shon went on. II heard Ap-Mor-
ian once, years ago, when he was
eerv Young man, and I'll never forget
~ You may never have such an
other opportunity" :,
"Indeed, should love to 60" said
H;ldeearde earnestly. care you 60
ing?"
that prompted the last words. She
,vas amazed at the result.
.No.. replied the man CURLY. All
+be 5friendliness was gone from his
tome and manner, and the girl felt
repulsed. Only there was look N