The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1902-06-05


tion. Isabelle revered the humble,
learned, devoted man who lived only
for others; he worshiped the golden
haired young girl, all sunshine and
grace.
An old admirer of the classics, he
compared her to goddess descended
from Olympus to charm and assuage
mans suffering at Pertuis.
When John began his medical calls
with his father, what should natur-
ally happen, happened.
Meeting everywhere the young girl
who came to him as friend, sister
admitted to the villa III perfect init
macy-hearing at home the eulogies
of the old doctor in honor of the God
dess of Pertuis, John de ST. Leonard
fell passionately in love with Isabelle
Deep love, the immense love of true
heart which, giving itself for the first
time, gives itself forever; unique and
allied, knows itself hopeless and sur
rounds itself with dignity in an impen-
etrable mystery. DR.. de St. Leonard
did not suspect it any more than NJ.
Duplessis, and if Isabelle was more
perspicacious, Notwithstanding all
Johns efforts, it is because the woman
| beloved always realizes the sincere
| love she inspires, and which ascends to-
wards her as the perfume of flowers
| nothing can stiff1e.
Not word, not an allusion ever be-
trayed the young doctors secret; he
expected to live and die with it--maybe
die from it. Between Isabelle and him.
self lay an insurmountable obstacle:
the gold heap constituting her dowry.
1t sealed Johns lips forever; humble
enough to understand the distance be-
tween the rich heiress and the poor
country doctor, too proud to allow
anyone to suspect him of covetous
thought.
This discretion was not emulated
by the numerous young men who in
Paris or at Pertuis whenever Isabelle
| passed, followed her like a swarm of
bees around a hive. The capital fur
nished its contingent of the army OF
|
and the foreigners-all degrees of So
ciety, magistrates, diplomats, finan-
ciers, military men, landed propri-
etors, manufacturers, many ruined
noblemen, a celebrated professor OF
the university, two renowned artists,
rich men who wished to double their
income, young men who did nothing
1t is usless to continue this enumera-
tion of interested aspirants. Still
some were sincere admirers, few and
far between, but it was difficult to dis.
tinguish them from those whom the
dowry, and not the lady, attracted.
To every overture, past and present
NJ. Duplessis replied with equal cour'
tesy. The worthy man could have
avoided all this parley by providing
himself with a printed answer:
'My dear Sir: Although l am g
Frencbman, my wife was born in Chi
cago, my daughter born and reared II
the United States, and I myself having
: resided many years in America, weare
all little American, and consequently
rather eccentric. We have decided il
; our family council that my daughte1
shall study conscientiously all those
who aspire to her hand. She will tak'
note of her impressions, keep them tt
herself without imparting them to US
her parents; she is the one to be mar
ried-not ourselves. She will be FREE
to choose her husband. Besides, W.
are certain she will make wise choice
for we have full confidence in he.
sound Judgment and her good heart
"She is rich enough not to allow an,
mercenary consideration to balanc
the principal one, namely, that, be
sides pleasing her, the companion sh
:, chooses offer her real, true guaran
tees of happiness.
"The list is open, you may enter it.
Then NJ Duplessis added, the year Il
e which my story takes place:
"On the 18th of October my daugh
ter will be 21 years old. On that da
: we will give great reception to ou
y friends and acquaintances. You, m
dear sir, and all other aspirants ar
: cordially invited. Before the ball m
: daughter will present her intended t
> our guests and to ourselves"
On the 18th of October Pertius wa
Il in a perfect bewilderment. All kind
J of equipages had been put in requis
ton. The guests came from far an
near. The two hotels were crowded
. suffocation. The immense park wa
:, brilliantly illuminated, the sumptuou
. villa an enchanted palace.
v, The rivals at this court of love SUI
: rounding Isabella burned incense a
her shrine, each one trying to plea
his cause with the most eloquenc'
! She stood, handsome, placid, smiling
true goddess.
= Her father asked. well, the We,
dict?"
The smile vanished; shade of disal
:. pointment overspread her feature
"One minute more, father" she r.
+ piled.
There was well-known, peculis
r creaking of wheels.
:. The smile returned.