The Opelousas courier., 1904-01-09

@ INIE g Cuba, dlu you Say! ASKED
q AVA + Sidney Mason, of hi
@O~ friend, at Mrs. Grey's Gle
CANT party, looking at the same time
at a lady who had just entered the
room.
"Yes; she is absolutely poor-no for.
tune whatever, though l behave hel
uncle withholds the real facts from
her, and meets her demands with his
own funds. He is rich, and she an
orphan, without any other relation
nearer than this uncle, her fathers
brother. She is wise and sweet, Sid
ney, there is no denying that, but no
catch at ALL" And Philip Starr turned
again to look at a collection of prints,
quite satisfied that he had done his
duty to his old friend.
But Sidney Mason was interested.
He could not ignore the presence OF
the beautiful girl, and preferred not
to lose sight Of her.
~ incline to think" said he, "that
she is an attractive woman, Starr; but
do introduce me-. then I will be better
able to judge of her attributes"
"Wait a spell, Sid; it will not do to
have the lion of the evening fall un-
der Miss Rays magnetism before he
is introduced to some other bellies"
ooh, then she is magnetic? I mag
ined so from her repose of manner and
serene expression of countenance. But
come, I must know her"
"Under protest, then," l%aughingly re-
piled his friend. "But wait till I ask
her permission; she is arbitrary, and
you will find her excessively prudish."
"For which I shall like her all the
better" was Sidney Mason's reply.
miss Ray, an old friend Of mine,
and a stranger in New York society.
greatly desires an introduction. May
I present him."
"If he is charitable enough to excus
my shortcomings. I am not very So
ciable this evening, and am feeling
just now quite willing to be enter
tanned if no like recompense is de-
named"
'Then I will present him. He is a
noble man, and anxious to know you.
You will find him agreeable"
Bring him by all MEANS" she add
ed, and before the sentence was fin
ished the young man had touched his
friend and spoken the Introductory
words that made the two strangers
no longer, but friends at once.
She was an animated talker, as well
us a careful listener, and was singu-
larly gifted with that rarest Of all gifts
in woman-a cultivated and beauti-
full voice. Sidney Mason was too gen.
uine an admirer Of beauty to lose any
of it's tone, and he listened to her and
observed her as only a man greatly
charmed can.
When the music began and the dane
ers filed the space about them, the two
retreated to the library, where, half
an hour later. Mr.. Ray found his niece
chatting and laughing as he had not
heard her often at such entertain
ments.
'Why, Madaline," he exclaimed;
''how lively you are tonight, and how
glad I am. Will you make me ac-
quainted with your companion?"
"Mr. Mason, Uncle Ray-Mr. Starts
friend. I know he is glad you have
come to share his exile.-I had quite
overlooked the fact that the room was
deserted; and perhaps Mr.. Mason
would like to be enjoying the dane
"Mr. Mason is very happy where he
Is, Miss Ray" said that gentleman,
boWing;. "and, as for dancing, I gave
It up when I ceased to be a youth"
"Well, you two can shake hands
there, sir" said Mr.. Ray; "Madaline
will not dance at all. unless in some
,hildren's affair at home, where she
OUTRAGE and outrun all the young
"Stop, uncle. Mr.. Mason has heard
enough Of my weaknesses already. He
Mr.. Stars friend, and you know
Hr. Starr is not inclined to overesti-
mate your NIECE"
There was a tone Of bitterness in
his unlocked for speech, which sur
Drised both gentlemen. The speaker
herself seemed to notice their embar-
,assment, and quickly added:
pray, pardon me, both Of you; I did
not intend to be personal, but I over
heard Mr.. Starr apprising a gentleman
Il my financial prospects tonight, and
said report did you more credit, uncle,
it did my bank account. How
aver. we win pass it over since Mr..
Starr is SO honest as to be above sus-
oicion in his pursuit Of money"
Some one else's money. you mean.
But never mind, girls, we will
lot have MFR Mason believe us unciv-
], and Mr.. Starr is to be pardoned, not
condemned, il he has no other appre-
of you than the amount Of
DIR taxable property"
Mr.. Mason's face was q study. He
lad heard his friend use the same Ian
;Gage himself concerning his fair
'oung acquaintance, and he could not
Justify him. He only felt confused
sadly in want of something to say
hat woesd csadE.a6 her of dis own
entiments. But she gas3 him no time
o frame words. Putting out her hand
3 him In token Of goodbye. she ex-
'ressed the hope OF a pleasant even
az for him, and taking her uncle,s
I'm. Joined the throng In the hall. Nor
Lid be have IN opportunity OF again
with her alone during the even
ne. She was surrounded by admirers,
nd there vas no cessation of atten-
ion toward her until the carriage was
rdered and she was saying her