Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1908-01-24
BY R. MURRAY GILCHRIST.

'ASh SlS uiSdppedTeu again Lazy
Heathylees took up her ebony gold
handled stick, and passed through the
great hall and out upon the terrace.
Inc roses were in full bloom; the air
was heavy with their fragrance. The
summer heat was tempered by a
splashing of a fountain that was shap-
en- like chubby boy with a couch.
There was no sound save the hum
ming of countless bees and the tired
singing OF the larks overhead. Lady
Heathlylees's quaintness was in per-
feet harmony with the place; she had
the air OF fairy godmother-not one
OF the most amiable, 1t is true, but
none the less endowed with surpass-
ing dignity. Her gown was of rich
brocade, green and crimson on an or
ange ground; the skirt was spread over
a monstrous hoop; she had the tiniest
feet, shod in undressed leather, with
heels handbreadth high. She car
ried in her left hand heavy fan, with
which she occasionally waited her
face, more from force of habit than
from necessity. She made her way
slowly to a Belvedere at the end of
the terrace, and, entering, crossed TO
the latticed window that overlooked
the glade. along which all corners to
Hall-f-th- must travel. And
there, before she had gazed one mo-
ment, she gave a sudden start and
closed her fan so urgently that one of
the pierced tortoise shell sticks split
from end to end
"Egad!" she said Here comes the
mink, and with a squire beside her
carriage! Heaven grand it may be my
Lord of Allithwaite-though, to speak
the truth, the fellow looks too young
and sits his horse too we'll to be
WORKOUT man from town."
Her eyes sparkled more brightly than
ever; it seemed as though she had
already tasted some pretty quarreling
She left the summer house and went
through the garden to a postern by
which the visitors must enter. In an
other five minutes the heavy horses
stopped, and the cavalier dismounted,
oponed the door and helped to alight
a young woman who wore lilac rid
ing hood and dimity skirt She was
tall and graceful of figure; her eyes
were in color and brillianey like the
dowager's. but more kindly; a mighty
pretty color warmed her cheeks. She
curtesied in the latest, most elegant,
most deferential fashion, then she took
her grandame's hand and raised it to
her lips. Il vow, child, that I'd not
have known you," said my lady. THE
last time we met you were scarce in
the hoyden stage; now you're grown
up in every way" Then she pointed
with her stick to the gentleman. "Pre-
sent him, child. Twas wise and
of your dear father to in
sure your safety"
Lady Elizabeth's color deepened.
my dearest grandmother, she replied.
you're crediting my father with a
quite foreign to his ma
ture. The gentleman is a neighbor
and good friend. Madam, permit me
10 .ntr0duce MI. Eyre
The dowager eyed the stranger very
gravely. In spite of her age she had
still an eye for proper man, and
here was certainly one of the hand
soonest she had ever beheld Moreover,
he bore curious likeness to some one
she had known in youth.
II confess myself honored with his
she said very coldly.
81 thank him. moreover, for his most
kind attention"
''Your ladyship need not compli-
ment," said Mr.. Eyre. Few things in
the world could please me so well as
keeping Lady Elizabeth out o. dan
GER"
"Agreeably said. sir; but the ordi-
nary rule of courtesy babe me offer
thanks, particularly since there is
nought else | may offer. Elizabeth.
child, We will go indoors. wish you,
Mr.. Eyre, very good evening. I'd adj
wise you to rest for the night at the
'Heathylees Arms in the village. Tell
the hostess that she must use you well.
since you are known to me. Once
more, sir, a good evening"
To her great chagrin her sleeve
was caught by her granddaughter.
Madam" said the girl There is
there is an understanding between Mr..
Eyre and myself"
1T is apparent" said Lady Healthy
lees; "but | strongly advise its discon-
tinuance. Mr.. Eyre, you will oblige me
by retiring now"
He laughed lowly and pleasantly.
bowed to both ladies', rose again to
the saddle; then, with a fine flourish
Of the hat, passed slowly down the
glade.
"A handsome man, God woti" OBJ
served the dowager. And one pleasant
enough pour passer lie temps. But pray,
my dear child, what name did you say,
| can scarce hear as we'll this last year
or two?"
''Mr. Eyre ct Hassop. madam"
The dowager smiled more agreeably
than usual. why. could have sworn
that I had seen him before. and now
learn the reason. His grandfather
were friends in
youth"
Lady Elizabeth came nearer, actual
ly presuming to rest her cheek against
her grandmother's.
Then his grandfather-and you
we're lovers"