Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-01-25

fallen his way, he proceeded with bis
companions to learn the exact figures.
His heavy eyes and purpling face took
on an expression Of cruel exultation.
Latiolais Jagged behind as IL ioath to
hear the decision.
Seeing Father Grhe In the doorway
or the schoolhouse, Quillebert called:
What's the majority, fatherT'
Seventeen" the priest said.
us that ALP said Quillebert coarse
ly. AT / o'clock she had % over Es-
telle Latiolais"
"Who had2' asked the priest.
"Laure Juneau" shouted Quiliebert.
But Estelle Latiolais has now IL
votes over Laurie Juneau, and the poll
is closed. Estelle Latiolais is elected
godmother OF the bell" said Father
Grhe.
Quillebert's features fairly quivered
with rage. but his exclamation. no
doubt profane. was drowned by the re-
newed cheer from the crowd. while cid
Latiolais' white face was wet with
tears OF joy, unexpected and unmerit-
ed
The fast falling darkness speeded the
choosing of the church bells sponsor
was a 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 a fieck In IL.
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 festoops OF Spanish moss
could Toe 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
Dong OF the hooking bird.
The bell, secured upon the stoutest
or 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, encircled its brow. above which
was wreath of white magnolia
blooms. The wagon was clothed In
white cotton cloth, the harness OF the
mules decked out with knots and bows
or ribbon. and the herculean black who
drove them was attired In his holiday
raiment, with a broad red sash across
his chest
The cortege escorting the bell In its
progress or six miles from the ware
house at Marksville to the church at
Mansura was composed Of full 200 per-
sons ON horses, in buggies and afoot.
1t was headed by Eloi Durant, the an
Client volunteer sacristan, bearing aloft
a 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 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, a girl of 10,
gentle, shrinking and blushing. On
roam pony at the side of the carriage
young mulatto woman rode and screen
ed the face of her mistress with a sun
shade. The cavalcade closed with We
hicles, in which were many women,
matrons and maidens, and a long line
OF white youths and negroes marching
afoot came after.
AS the procession wound past the
Marksville church the bell in the tower,
srung by Father Chaline himself, greet
ed its new sister with merry peal,
while ali the men uncovered their
heads.
Arrived at Mansura, the bell was rev.
erently lifted and hung In the sheltered
temporary scaffolding which had been
provided for 1t at the church front, and
around 1t the people arranged them |
selves in wide circle Two trays of |
white roses were placed on the scat |
fold, an acolyte brought from within |
the church the silver vessel of holy wa |
ter and sprinkler. the aromatic gums in |
the censers were lighted from live
Goals, and Father Grhe, reading the |
words Of dedication and bathing bell
and flowers with incense and blessed |
water, bestowed the name "Ste. Ce-
cile," chosen by the sponsor. Estelle |
sang sweet AVE Maria" In a voice so !
fresh and musical that 1t reached the |
hearts Of all, and the very birds seemed |
to cease their warblings to catch its |
tender melody. She repeated after the |