evious Mardi Gras night. He had thought her pretty and attractive then, and for the space of a day or two wondered who she might be. But

ly when he had come, if his journey had been pleasant, and if he

bout it-va! An' if Mr. Offde'n want to escuse me now, I b'lieve I go he'p Placide wid dat hoss an' buggy;" and he descended the steps slowly,

merchant's business. The place has already cost them more than they hope to get from it, and naturally they have n't the wish to sink further money in it." He did not know why he was saying these things to a mere girl, but he went on:

l begin by running down the lan' till you would n' want it as a gif', Mr. Offdean; and who will en

its dark, rich coloring and soft lines, that the well-clipped and groomed Offdean felt his astonishment to be more than half admiration when they shook hands. He knew that the Santiens had been the former owners of this plantation which he had come to look after, and

saddled his horse and went away. He would not wait until morning, for the moon would be rising about midnight, and he knew the road as well by night as by day. He knew just where the best fords were across the bayou

went for his horse. She was bewildered at his

frankly; "I can't stan' him. Sen'

ich knew her well. Only their dim outlin

rench. "You would do better to stay and help

ed bitterly. He took her hands and kissed them passionate

?" His arms were holding her, and his lips brushing her ha

to marry you nex' spring? You foolish boy!" s

ay, "See yere, Euphrasie, don't have

d-- Yankee;' he's a Southerner

as happy since Euphrasie had kissed him, and he whistled softly a

n her throat, and that was not one of regret. When shew regained the house, she went dir