ToMybestComradeMyHusbandCONTENTS
THEGOODNESSOFSAINTROCQUE
TONY’SWIFE
THEFISHERMANOFPASSCHRISTIAN
M’SIEUFORTIER’SVIOLIN
BYTHEBAYOUST。JOHN
WHENTHEBAYOUOVERFLOWS
MR。BAPTISTE
ACARNIVALJANGLE
LITTLEMISSSOPHIE
SISTERJOSEPHA
THEPRALINEWOMAN
ODALIE
LAJUANITA
TITEE
THEGOODNESSOFSAINTROCQUE
Manuelawastallandslenderandgraceful，andonceyouknewherthelitheformcouldneverbemistaken。Shewalkedwiththeeasyspringthatcomesfromaperfectlyarchedfoot。To—dayshesweptswiftlydownMaraisStreet，castingaquickglancehereandtherefromunderherheavyveilasifshefearedshewasbeingfollowed。Ifyouhadpeeredundertheveil，youwouldhaveseenthatManuela’sdarkeyeswereswollenanddiscolouredaboutthelids，asthoughtheyhadknownasleepless，tearfulnight。
Therehadbeenapicnicthedaybefore，andasmerryacrowdofgiddy，chatteringCreolegirlsandboysaseveryoucouldseeboardedtheramshackledummy—trainthatpuffeditswaywheezilyoutwideElysianFieldsStreet，aroundthelily—coveredbayous，toMilneburg—on—the—Lake。Now，apicnicatMilneburgisathingtoberememberedforever。Onechartersarickety—looking，weather—beatendancing—pavilion，builtoverthewater，andafterstoringthechildren——foryourtrueCreoleneverleavesthesmallfolksathome——andthebasketsandmothersdownstairs，theyoungfolksgoup—stairsanddancetothetuneofthebestbandyoueverheard。Forwhatcanequalthemusicofaviolin，aguitar，acornet，andabassvioltotripthequadrilletoatapicnic？
Thenonecanfishinthelakeandgobathingundertheprimbath—houses，soseverelyseparatedsexually，andgorowingonthelakeinatrimboat，followedbytheshrillwarningsofanxiousmamans。Andintheeveningonecomeshome，hatcrownedwithcoolgraySpanishmoss，handsburdenedwithfantasticlatanierbasketswovenbythebrownbayouboys，handinhandwithyourdearestone，tiredbuthappy。
Atthisparticularpicnic，however，therehadbeenbitternessofspirit。TheophilewasManuela’sownespecialproperty，andTheophilehadprovenfalse。HehadnotdancedasinglewaltzorquadrillewithManuela，buthaddesertedherforClaralie，blondeandpetite。ItwasClaraliewhomTheophilehadrowedoutonthelake；itwasClaraliewhomTheophilehadgallantlyledtodinner；
itwasClaralie’shatthathewreathedwithSpanishmoss，andClaraliewhomheescortedhomeafterthejollysingingrideintownonthelittledummy—train。
NotthatManuelalackedpartnersoradmirers。Dearno!shewastoogracefulandbeautifulforthat。Therehadbeenmorethanenoughforher。ButManuelalovedTheophile，yousee，andnoonecouldtakehisplace。Still，shehadtossedherheadandlethersilverylaughterringoutinthedance，asthoughshewerethehappiestofmortals，andhadtrippedhomewithHenri，leaningonhisarm，andlookingupintohiseyesasthoughsheadoredhim。
ThismorningsheshowedthetracesofasleeplessnightandanachingheartasshewalkeddownMaraisStreet。AcrosswideSt。
RocqueAvenueshehastened。\"Twoblockstotheriverandonebelow——\"sherepeatedtoherselfbreathlessly。Thenshestoodonthecornergazingabouther，untilwithafinalsummoningofadesperatecourageshedivedthroughasmallwicketgateintoagardenofweed—chokedflowers。
Therewasahoarse，rustylittlebellonthegatethatgavequeruloustongueasshepusheditopen。Thehousethatsatbackintheyardwaslittleandoldandweather—beaten。Itsone—storyframehadoncebeenpainted，butthatwasamemoryremoteandtraditional。Astragglingmorning—glorystrovetoconcealitstime—ravagedface。Thelittlewalkofbrokenbitsofbrickwasreddenedcarefully，andtheonelittlestepwasscrupulouslyyellow—washed，whichdenotedthattheoccupantswerecleanlyaswellasreligious。
Manuela’stimidknockwasansweredbyaharsh\"Entrez。\"
Itwasasmallsombreroomwithin，withabareyellow—washedfloorandraggedcurtainsatthelittlewindow。Inacornerwasadiminutivealtardrapedwiththreadbarelace。TheredglowofthetaperlightedacheapprintofSt。Josephandabrazencrucifix。Thehumanelementintheroomwasfurnishedbyalittle，wizenedyellowwoman，who，black—robed，turbaned，andstern，satbeforeanuncertaintablewhereonweregreasycards。
Manuelapaused，hereyesblinkingatthesemi—obscuritywithin。
TheWizenedOnecalledincroakingtones：
\"An’fo’w’yyoucomehere？Assiez—la，ma’amzelle。\"
TimidlyManuelasatatthetablefacingtheownerofthevoice。
\"Iwant，\"shebeganfaintly；buttheMistressoftheCardsunderstood：shehadhadmuchexperience。ThecardswereshuffledinherlonggrimytalonsandstackedbeforeManuela。
\"Nowyoucutdemint’reepart，so——un，deux，trois，bien!Youmek’you’weeshwidallyou’heart，bien!Yaas，Isee，Isee!\"
BreathlesslydidManuelalearnthatherloverwastrue，but\"datlightgal，yaas，shemek’nouvenainSt。Rocquefo’heeslove。\"
\"Igiveyouonelil’charm，yaas，\"saidtheWizenedOnewhentheseancewasover，andManuela，allwhiteandnervous，leanedbackinthericketychair。\"Igiveyouonelil’charmfo’toweenhimback，yaas。Youwearh’it’roun’you’wais’，an’hecomeback。
DenyoumekprayeratSt。Rocquean’burncan’le。Denyoucomebackan’tellme，yaas。Cinquantesous，ma’amzelle。Merci。
Goodluckgowidyou。\"
Readjustingherveil，Manuelapassedoutthelittlewicketgate，treadingonair。Againthesunshone，andthebreathoftheswampscameashealthfulsea—breezeuntohernostrils。ShefairlyflewinthedirectionofSt。Rocque。
Therewerequiteanumberofpersonsenteringthewhitegatesofthecemetery，forthiswasFriday，whenallthosewhowishgoodluckpraytothesaint，andwashtheirstepspromptlyattwelveo’clockwithawondrousmixturetoguardthehouse。Manuelaboughtacandlefromthekeeperofthelittlelodgeattheentrance，andpausingoneinstantbythegreatsun—dialtoseeiftheheavensandthehourwerepropitious，glidedintothetinychapel，dimandstiflingwithheavyairfrommyriadwish—candlesblazingonthewidetablebeforethealtar—rail。Shesaidherprayerandlightinghercandleplaceditwiththeothers。
MonDieu!howbrightlythesunseemedtoshinenow，shethought，pausingatthedooronherwayout。Hersmallfinger—tips，stillbedewedwithholywater，restedcaressinglyonagamin’shead。
Theivywhichenfoldsthequaintchapelneverseemedsogreen；
theshrineswhichserveastheWayoftheCrossneverseemedsoartistic；thebabygraves，even，seemedcheerful。
TheophilecalledSunday。Manuela’sheartleaped。HehadbeenspendinghisSundayswithClaralie。Hisstaywasshortandhewasplainlybored。ButManuelaknelttothankthegoodSt。
Rocquethatnight，andfondledthecharmaboutherslimwaist。
Therecameaboxofbonbonsduringtheweek，withadecorativecardallrosesandfringe，fromTheophile；butbeingaCreole，andthereforesuperstitiouslycareful，andhavingbeenrearedbyawiseandexperiencedmamantomistrustthegiftsofarecreantlover，Manuelaquietlythrustbonbons，box，andcardintothekitchenfire，andtheFridayfollowingplacedthesecondcandleofhernouvenainSt。Rocque。
ThoseofManuela’sfriendswhohadwatchedwithindignationTheophilegallantlyleadingClaraliehomefromHighMassonSundays，gaspedwithastonishmentwhenthenextSunday，withhisusualbow，theyoungmanofferedManuelahisarmastheworshippersfiledoutinsteptotheorgan’smarch。Claralietossedherheadasshecrossedherselfwithholywater，andthepinkinhercheekswasbrighterthanusual。
Manuelasmiledabrightgood—morningwhenshemetClaralieinSt。
RocquethenextFriday。Thelittleblondeblushedfuriously，andManuelarushedpost—hastetotheWizenedOnetoconferuponthisnewissue。
\"H’iteesgood，\"saidthedame，shakingherturbanedhead。\"Sheees’fraid，shewillwork，maisyou’charm，h’itweelbeather。\"
AndManueladepartedwithradianteyes。
TheophilewasnotatMassSundaymorning，andmurderousglancesflashedfromClaralietoManuelabeforethetinklingoftheHost—Bell。NordidTheophilecallateitherhouse。Twoheartsbeatfuriouslyatthesoundofeverypassingfootstep，andtwomindswonderediftheotherwereenjoyingthebelovedone’ssmiles。Twopairofeyes，however，blueandblack，smiledonothers，andtheirownerslaughedandseemednonethelesshappy。
ForyourCreolegirlsareproud，andwoulddieratherthanlettheworldseetheirsorrows。
MondayeveningTheophile，themissing，showedhisrathersheepishcountenanceinManuela’sparlour，andexplainedthathe，withsomechosenspirits，hadgoneforatrip——\"overtheLake。\"
\"Ididnotaskyouwhereyouwereyesterday，\"repliedthegirl，saucily。
Theophileshruggedhisshouldersandchangedtheconversation。
ThenextweektherewasabirthdayfeteinhonourofLouise，Theophile’syoungsister。Everyonewasbidden，andnoonethoughtofrefusing，forLouisewasyoung，andthiswouldbeherfirstparty。So，thoughthenightwashot，thedancingwentonasmerrilyaslightyoungfeetcouldmakeitgo。Claraliefluffedherdaintywhiteskirts，andcastmischievoussparklesinthedirectionofTheophile，whowiththemamanandLouisewasbravelytryingnottolookself—conscious。Manuela，tallandcalmandproud—looking，inacool，paleyellowgownwasapparentlyenjoyingherselfwithoutpayingtheslightestattentiontoheryounghost。
\"HaveIthepleasureofthisdance？\"heaskedherfinally，inalullofthemusic。
Shebowedassent，andasifmovedbyacommonimpulsetheystrolledoutofthedancing—roomintothecool，quaintgarden，wherejessaminesgaveoutanoverpoweringperfume，andacagedmocking—birdcomplainedmelodiouslytothefullmooninthesky。
Itmusthavebeenanengrossingtete—a—tete，forthecalltosupperhadsoundedtwicebeforetheyheardandhurriedintothehouse。ThemarchhadformedwithLouiseradiantlyleadingonthearmofpapa。ClaralietrippedbywithLeon。Ofcourse，nothingremainedforTheophileandManuelatodobuttobringuptherear，forwhichtheyreceivedmuchgood—naturedchaffing。
Butwhenthepartyreachedthedining—room，Theophileproudlyledhispartnertotheheadofthetable，attherighthandofmaman，andsmiledbenignlyaboutatthedelightedassemblage。Nowyouknow，whenaCreoleyoungmanplacesagirlathismother’srighthandathisowntable，thereisbutoneconclusiontobededucedtherefrom。
IfyouhadaskedManuela，aftertheweddingwasover，howithappened，shewouldhavesaidnothing，butlookedwise。
IfyouhadaskedClaralie，shewouldhavelaughedandsaidshealwayspreferredLeon。
IfyouhadaskedTheophile，hewouldhavewonderedthatyouthoughthehadevermeantmorethantoteaseManuela。
IfyouhadaskedtheWizenedOne，shewouldhaveofferedyouacharm。
ButSt。Rocqueknows，forheisagoodsaint，andifyoubelieveinhimandaretrueandgood，andmakeyournouvenaswithacleanheart，hewillgrantyourwish。
TONY’SWIFE
\"Gimmefi’centswortho’candy，please。\"ItwasthelittleJewgirlwhospoke，andTony’swiferousedherselffromherknittingtoriseandcountoutthemulti—huedcandywhichshouldgoinexchangeforthedingynickelgraspedinwarm，dampfingers。
Threelongsticks，carefullywrappedincrispestbrownpaper，andahalfdozenormoreofpinkcandyfishforlagniappe，andthelittleJewgirlspedawayinblissfulcontentment。Tony’swiferesumedherknittingwithastifledsighuntilthenextcustomershouldcome。
Alowgrowlcausedhertolookupapprehensively。Tonyhimselfstoodbeetle—browedandhugeinthesmalldoorway。
\"Getupfromthere，\"hemuttered，\"andopentwodozenoystersrightaway；theEliotswant’em。\"HisEnglishwasunaccented。
ItwaslongsincehehadseenItaly。
Shemovedmeeklybehindthecounter，andbeganworkonthethickshells。Tonystretchedhislongneckupthestreet。
\"Mr。Tony，mamawantssomecharcoal。\"Theverysmallvoiceathisfeetmusthavepleasedhim，forhisblackbrowsrelaxedintoasmile，andhepokedthelittleone’schinwithahard，dirtyfinger，asheemptiedtheridiculouslysmallbucketofcharcoalintothechild’sbucket，andgaveabananaforlagniappe。
Thecracklingofshellswentonbehind，andastifledsobaroseasabitofsharpedgecutintothethin，wornfingersthatclaspedtheknife。
\"Hurryupthere，willyou？\"growledtheblackbrows；\"theEliotsaresendingfortheoysters。\"
Shedeftlystrainedandcountedthem，and，afterwipingherfingers，resumedherseat，andtookuptheendlesscrochetwork，withherusualstifledsigh。
TonyandhiswifehadalwaysbeeninthissamelittlequeeroldshoponPrytaniaStreet，atleasttothememoryoftheoldestinhabitantintheneighbourhood。Whenorhowtheycame，orhowtheystayed，nooneknew；itwasenoughthattheywerethere，likeasortofancestralfixturetothestreet。Theneighbourhoodwasfineenoughtolookdownuponthesetwotumble—downshopsatthecorner，keptbyTonyandMrs。Murphy，thegrocer。Itwasasemi—fashionablelocality，farup—town，awayfromtheold—timeFrenchquarter。Itwasthesortofneighbourhoodwheremillionaireslivebeforetheirfortunesaremadeandfashionable，high—pricedprivateschoolsflourish，wherethesmallcottagesareoccupiedbyaspiringschool—teachersandchoir—singers。Suchwasthislocality，andyoumustadmitthatitwasindeedacondescensiontotolerateTonyandMrs。Murphy。
Hewasagreat，black—bearded，hoarse—voiced，six—footspecimenofItalianhumanity，wholookedinhislittleshopandontheprosaicpavementofPrytaniaStreetsomewhatasHerculesmightseeminamoderndrawing—room。Youinstinctivelythoughtofwildmountain—passes，andthegleamingdirksofbanditcontadiniinlookingathim。Whathislastnamewas，nooneknew。SomeonehadmaintainedoncethathehadbeenchristenedAntonioMalatesta，butthatwasunauthentic，andaslittletobebelievedasthatotherwildtheorythathernamewasMary。
Shewasmeek，pale，little，ugly，andGerman。Altogetherpartofhisarmsandlegswouldhaveverydecentlymadeanotherlargerthanshe。Herhairwaspaleanddrawninsleek，thintightnessawayfromapinched，pitifulface，whosedullcoldeyeshurtyou，becauseyouknewtheyweretryingtomirrorsorrow，andcouldnotbecauseoftheirexpressionlessquality。Nomatterwhattheweatherorwhatherothertoilet，shealwaysworeathinlittleshawlofdingybrick—dusthueabouthershoulders。Nomatterwhattheoccasionorwhattheday，shealwayscarriedherknittingwithher，andseldomceasedtheincessanttwist，twistoftheshiningsteelamongthewhitecottonmeshes。Shemightputdowntheneedlesandlaceintothespool—boxlongenoughtoopenoysters，orwrapupfruitandcandy，orcountoutwoodandcoalintoinfinitesimalportions，ordoherhousework；buttheknittingwassnatchedwithavidityatthefirstsparemoment，andtheworn，white，blue—markedfingers，halfenclosedinkid—glovestallsforprotection，wouldwritheandtwistinandoutagain。
LittlegirlsjustlearningtocrochetborrowedtheirpatternsfromTony’swife，anditwasconsideredquiteamarkofadvancementtohaveherinspectabitoflacedonebyeager，chubbyfingers。Theladiesinlargerhouses，whosehusbandswouldbemillionairessomeday，boughtherlace，andgaveittotheirservantsforChristmaspresents。
AsforTony，whenshewasslowinopeninghisoystersorincookinghisredbeansandspaghetti，heroaredather，andprefixedpicturesqueadjectivestoherlace，whichmadeherhideitunderherapronwithafearsomelookinherdulleyes。
Hehatedherinalusty，roaringfashion，asahealthybeefyboyhatesasickcatandtormentsittomadness。Whenshedispleasedhim，hebeather，andknockedherfrailformonthefloor。Thechildrencouldtellwhenthishadhappened。Hereyeswouldbered，andtherewouldbebluemarksonherfaceandneck。\"PoorMrs。Tony，\"theywouldsay，andnestleclosetoher。Tonydidnotroaratherforpettingthem，perhaps，becausetheyspentmoneyonthemulti—huedcandyinglassjarsontheshelves。
Hermotherappeareduponthesceneonce，andstayedashorttime；
butTonygotdrunkonedayandbeatherbecausesheatetoomuch，andshedisappearedsoonafter。Whenceshecameandwhereshedeparted，noonecouldtell，notevenMrs。Murphy，thePaulinePryandGazetteoftheblock。
Tonyhadgout，andsufferedformanydaysinroaringhelplessness，thewhilehisfoot，boundandswathedinmanyfoldsofredflannel，layonthechairbeforehim。Inproportionashisgoutincreasedandhebawledfrompurephysicaldiscomfort，shebecamelight—hearted，andmovedabouttheshopwithreal，briskcheeriness。Hecouldnothitherthenwithoutsuchpainthatafteroneortwotrialshegaveupindisgust。
Sothedullyearshadpassed，andlifehadgoneonprettymuchthesameforTonyandtheGermanwifeandtheshop。ThechildrencameonSundayeveningstobuythestickcandy，andonweek—daysforcoalandwood。Theservantscametobuyoystersforthelargerhouses，andtogossipoverthecounterabouttheiremployers。Thelittledrywomanknitted，andthebigmanmovedlazilyinandoutinhisredflannelshirt，exchangedpoliticswiththetailornextdoorthroughthewindow，orloungedintoMrs。Murphy’sbaranddrankfiercely。Someofthechildrengrewupandmovedaway，andotherlittlegirlscametobuycandyandeatpinklagniappefishes，andtheshopstillthrived。
OnedayTonywasill，morethanthemummiedfootofgout，orthewheezeofasthma；hemustkeephisbedandsendforthedoctor。
Sheclutchedhisarmwhenhecame，andpulledhimintothetinyroom。
\"Isit——isitanythingmuch，doctor？\"shegasped。
AEsculapiusshookhisheadaswiselyastheoccasionwouldpermit。Shefollowedhimoutoftheroomintotheshop。
\"Doyou——willhegetwell，doctor？\"
AEsculapiusbuttoneduphisfrockcoat，smoothedhisshininghat，clearedhisthroat，thenrepliedoracularly，\"Madam，heiscompletelyburnedoutinside。Emptyasashell，madam，emptyasashell。Hecannotlive，forhehasnothingtoliveon。\"
Asthecobblestonesrattledunderthedoctor’sequipagerollingleisurelyupPrytaniaStreet，Tony’swifesatinherchairandlaughed，——laughedwithaheartyjoyousnessthatliftedthefilmfromthedulleyesanddisclosedasparklebeneath。
Thedreardayswentby，andTonylaylikeaveritableSamsonshornofhisstrength，forhisvoicewassunkentoahoarse，sibilantwhisper，andhisblackeyesgazedfiercelyfromtheshockofhairandbeardaboutawhiteface。Lifewentonprettymuchasbeforeintheshop；thechildrenpausedtoaskhowMr。
Tonywas，andevenhushedthejinglesontheirbellhoopsastheypassedthedoor。Red—headedJimmie，Mrs。Murphy’snephew，didthehardjobs，suchassplittingwoodandliftingcoalfromthebin；andintheintervalsbetweentendingthefallengiantandwaitingonthecustomers，Tony’swifesatinheraccustomedchair，knittingfiercely，withaninscrutablesmileaboutherpurplecompressedmouth。
ThenJohncame，introducinghimself，serpent—wise，intotheEdenofherbosom。
JohnwasTony’sbrother，hugeandblufftoo，butfairandblond，withthebeautyofNorthernItaly。WiththesamelackofracepridewhichTonyhaddisplayedinselectinghisGermanspouse，JohnhadtakenuntohimselfBetty，adaughterofErin，aggressive，powerful，andcross—eyed。Heturnedupnow，havingheardofthisillness，andassumedanairofremarkableauthorityatonce。
Ahuntedlookstoleintothedulleyes，andafterJohnhaddepartedwithblusteringdirectionsastoTony’swelfare，shecrepttohisbedsidetimidly。
\"Tony，\"shesaid，——\"Tony，youareverysick。\"
Aninarticulategrowlwastheonlyresponse。
\"Tony，yououghttoseethepriest；youmustn’tgoanylongerwithouttakingthesacrament。\"
Thegrowldeepenedintowords。
\"Don’twantanypriest；you’realwaysaftersomesnivellingoldwoman’sfuss。YouandMrs。Murphygoonwithyourchurch；itwon’tmakeYOUanybetter。\"
Sheshiveredunderthispartingshot，andcreptbackintotheshop。Stillthepriestcamenextday。
Shefollowedhimintothebedsideandknelttimidly。
\"Tony，\"shewhispered，\"here’sFatherLeblanc。\"
Tonywastoolanguidtocurseoutloud；heonlyexpressedhishateinatossoftheblackbeardandshaggymane。
\"Tony，\"shesaidnervously，\"won’tyoudoitnow？Itwon’ttakelong，anditwillbebetterforyouwhenyougo——Oh，Tony，don’t——don’tlaugh。Please，Tony，here’sthepriest。\"
ButtheTitanroaredaloud：\"No；getout。ThinkI’ma—goingtogiveyouachancetograbmymoneynow？Letmedieandgotohellinpeace。\"
FatherLeblanckneltmeeklyandprayed，andthewoman’sweakpleadingscontinued，——
\"Tony，I’vebeentrueandgoodandfaithfultoyou。Don’tdieandleavemenobetterthanbefore。Tony，Idowanttobeagoodwomanonce，areal—for—truemarriedwoman。Tony，here’sthepriest；sayyes。\"Andshewrungherringlesshands。
\"Youwantmymoney，\"saidTony，slowly，\"andyousha’n’thaveit，notacent；Johnshallhaveit。\"
FatherLeblancshrankawaylikeafadingspectre。Hecamenextdayandnextday，onlytoseere—enactedthesamepiteousscene，——thewomanpleadingtobemadeawifeeredeathhushedTony’sblasphemies，themanchucklinginpain—rackedgleeattheprospectofherbereavedmisery。NotalltheprayersofFatherLeblancnorthewailingsofMrs。Murphycouldalterthedeterminationofthewillbeneaththeshockofhair；hegloatedinhisphysicalweaknessatthetenaciousgrasponhismentality。
\"Tony，\"shewailedonthelastday，hervoicerisingtoashriekinitseagerness，\"tellthemI’myourwife；it’llbethesame。
Onlysayit，Tony，beforeyoudie!\"
Heraisedhishead，andturnedstiffeyesandgibberingmouthonher；then，withonechillfingerpointingatJohn，fellbackdullyandheavily。
TheyburiedhimwithmanyhonoursbytheSocietyofItalia’sSons。Johntookpossessionoftheshopwhentheyreturnedhome，andfoundthemoneyhiddeninthechimneycorner。
AsforTony’swife，sinceshewasnothiswifeafterall，theysentherforthintheworldpenniless，herwornfingersclutchingherbundleofclothesinnervousagitation，asthoughtheyregrettedthetimelostfromknitting。
THEFISHERMANOFPASSCHRISTIAN
TheswiftbreezesonthebeachatPassChristianmeetandconflictasthougheachstroveforthemasteryoftheair。Theland—breezeblowsdownthroughthepines，resinous，fragrant，cold，bringingbreath—likememoriesofdim，darkwoodsshadedbymyriadpine—needles。ThebreezefromtheGulfiswarmandsoftandlanguorous，blowingupfromthesouthwithitssuggestionoftropicalwarmthandpassion。Itisstrongandmasterful，andtossedAnnette’shairandwhippedherskirtsaboutherinbolddisregardfortheproprieties。
ArminarmwithPhilip，shewasstrollingslowlydownthegreatpierwhichextendsfromtheMexicanGulfHotelintothewatersoftheSound。Therewasnomoonto—night，buttheskyglitteredandscintillatedwithmyriadstars，brighterthanyoucaneverseefartherNorth，andthegreatwavesthattheGulfbreezetossedupinrestlessprofusiongleamedwiththewhitefireofphosphorescentflame。Thewetsandsonthebeachglowedwhitefire；thepostsofthepierwherethewaveshadleaptandleftalaughingkiss，thesidesofthelittleboatsandfish—carstuggingattheirropes，alikeshowedwhiteandflaming，asthoughtheseaandallittouchedwereafire。
AnnetteandPhilippausedmidwaythepiertowatchtwofishermencastingtheirnets。Withheadsbaredtothebreeze，theystoodinclearsilhouetteagainstthewhitebackgroundofsea。
\"Seehowheuseshisteeth，\"almostwhisperedAnnette。
Drawinghimselfuptohisfullheight，withoneendofthehugeseinebetweenhisteeth，andthecordinhislefthand，thetallerfishermanofthetwopausedahalfinstant，hisrightarmextended，graspingthefoldsofthenet。Therewasaswishingrushthroughtheair，anditsettledwithasortofsobasitcutthewatersandstruckamillionsparklesoffirefromthewaves。
Then，withbacksbendingunderthestrain，thetwomenswungonthecord，drawinginthenet，ladenwithglitteringrestlessfish，whichwereunceremoniouslydumpedontheboardstobeputintothefish—carawaitingthem。
Philiplaughinglypickedupasoft，gleamingjelly—fish，andthreatenedtoputitonAnnette’sneck。Shescreamed，ran，slippedonthewetboards，andinanotherinstantwouldhavefallenoverintothewaterbelow。Thetallfishermancaughtherinhisarmsandsetheronherfeet。
\"Mademoisellemustbeverycareful，\"hesaidinthesoftestandmostcorrectFrench。\"Thetideisinandthewaterveryrough。
Itwouldbeverydifficulttoswimoutthereto—night。\"
Annettemurmuredconfusedthanks，whichweresupplementedbyPhilip’sheartytones。Shewassilentuntiltheyreachedthepavilionattheendofthepier。Thesemi—darknesswasunrelievedbylanternorlight。Thestrongwindwaftedthestrainsfromacoupleofmandolins，aguitar，andatenorvoicestationedinonecornertosundryengrossedcouplesinsundryothercorners。Philipfoundanuntenantednookandtheyensconcedthemselvestherein。
\"Doyouknowthere’ssomethingmysteriousaboutthatfisherman？\"
saidAnnette，duringalullinthewind。
\"Becausehedidnotletyougoover？\"inquiredPhilip。
\"No；hespokecorrectly，andwiththeaccentthatgoesonlywithanexcellenteducation。\"
Philipshruggedhisshoulders。\"That’snothingremarkable。IfyoustayaboutPassChristianforanylengthoftime，you’llfindmorethingsthanperfectFrenchandcourtlygraceamongfishermentosurpriseyou。TheseareawonderfulpeoplewholiveacrosstheLake。\"
Annettewaslollinginthehammockunderthebigcatalpa—treesomedayslater，whenthegateopened，andNatalie’sbigsun—bonnetappeared。Natalieherselfwasdiscoveredblushinginitsdaintydepths。ShewasonlyalittleCreoleseasidegirl，youmustknow，andveryshyofthecitydemoiselles。Natalie’spatoiswasquiteasdifferentfromAnnette’sFrenchasitwasfromthepostmaster’sEnglish。
\"MeesAnnette，\"shebegan，peony—huedalloveratherownboldness，\"wewillhaveonelil’hay—ridethisnight，andafish—fryattheend。Willyoucome？\"
Annettesprangtoherfeetindelight。\"WillIcome？Certainly。
Howdelightful!Youaresogoodtoaskme。Whatshall——whattime——\"ButNatalie’spinkbonnethadfledprecipitatelydowntheshadedwalk。AnnettelaughedjoyouslyasPhiliploungeddownthegallery。
\"Ifrightenedthechildaway，\"shetoldhim。
You’veneverbeenforahay—rideandfish—fryontheshoresoftheMississippiSound，haveyou？WhenthesummerboardersandtheNorthernvisitorsundertaketogiveone，itisacomparativelystaidaffair，wheredueregardishadforone’swearingapparel，andwherethereareservantstodothehardestwork。Thenitisn’tenjoyableatall。Butwhenthenatives，theboysandgirlswholivethere，makeuptheirmindstohavefun，youmaydependuponitsbeingjustthebestkind。
Thistimethereweretwentyboysandgirls，amammaorso，severalpapas，andagrizzledfishermantorestraintheardoroftheamateurs。Thecartwasvastandsolid，andtwocomfortable，sleepy—lookingmulesconstitutedthedrawingpower。Therewerealsotinhorns，someguitars，anaccordion，andaquartetofmuchpraisedvoices。Thehayinthebottomofthewagonwasfreelymixedwithpineneedles，whoseprickinessthroughyourhosewasamplycompensatedforbyitsdeliciousfragrance。
AfteratriumphantlynoisypassagedownthebeachonecomestothestretchofheavysandthatliesbetweenPassChristianproperandHenderson’sPoint。Thisisahardpullforthemules，andthemoreambitiousridersgetoutandwalk。Then，afterafinalstrainthroughtheshiftingsands，bravo!theshellroadisreached，andonegoescheeringthroughthepine—treestoHenderson’sPoint。
IfeveryougotoPassChristian，youmusthaveafish—fryatHenderson’sPoint。Itisthepine—thicketed，white—beachedpeninsulajuttingoutfromtheland，withonesidecaressedbythewatersoftheSoundandtheotherpurredoverbythebluewavesoftheBayofSt。Louis。Hereisthebeginningofthegreatthree—miletrestlebridgetothetownofBaySt。Louis，andto—nightfromthebeachcouldbeseenthelightsofthevillasglitteringacrosstheBaylikemyriadsofunsleepingeyes。
Hereuponafirmstretchofwhitesandcampedthemerry—makers。
Soonagreatfireofdriftwoodandpineconestosseditsflamesdefiantlyataradiantmooninthesky，andthefisherswerecastingtheirnetsinthesea。Themoredaringofthegirlswadedbare—leggedinthewater，holdingpine—torches，spearingfloundersandpeeringforsoft—shellcrabs。
Annettehadwanderedfartherintheshallowwaterthantherest。
Suddenlyshestumbledagainstastone，thetorchdroppedandsplutteredatherfeet。Withalittlehelplesscryshelookedatthestretchofunfamiliarbeachandwatertofindherselfallalone。
\"Pardonme，mademoiselle，\"saidavoiceatherelbow；\"youareindistress？\"
Itwasherfisherman，andwithascarceconscioussighofrelief，Annetteputherhandintotheoutstretchedoneatherside。
\"Iwaslookingforsoftshells，\"sheexplained，\"andlostthecrowd，andnowmytorchisout。\"
\"Whereisthecrowd？\"Therewassomeamusementinthetone，andAnnetteglancedupquickly，preparedtobethoroughlyindignantatthisfishermanwhodaredmakefunather；buttherewassuchakindlylookabouthismouththatshewasreassuredandsaidmeekly，——
\"AtHenderson’sPoint。\"
\"Youhavewanderedahalf—mileaway，\"hemused，\"andhavenothingtoshowforyourpainsbutverywetskirts。Ifmademoisellewillpermitme，Iwilltakehertoherfriends，butallowmetosuggestthatmademoisellewillleavethewaterandwalkonthesands。\"
\"ButIambarefoot，\"wailedAnnette，\"andIamafraidofthefiddlers。\"
Fiddlercrabs，youknow，aren’tpleasantthingstobedanglingaroundone’sbarefeet，andtheyaremorenumerousthansandfleasdownatHenderson’sPoint。
\"True，\"assentedthefisherman；\"thenweshallhavetowadeback。\"
ThefishingwasoverwhentheyroundedthepointandcameinsightofthecheerybonfirewithitsRembrandt—likegroup，andtheairwassavourywiththesmelloffryingfishandcrabs。Thefishermanwasnottobetemptedbyappealstostay，butsmilinglydisappeareddownthesands，theredglareofhistorchmakingaglowingtrackinthewater。
\"Ah，MeesAnnette，\"whisperedNatalie，betweenmouthfulsofarichcroaker，\"youhavefoundabeauinthewater。\"
\"AndthefishermanofthePass，too，\"laughedhercousinIda。
Annettetossedherhead，forPhiliphadgrowledaudibly。
\"Doyouknow，Philip，\"criedAnnetteafewdaysafter，rudelyshakinghimfromhissiestaonthegallery，——\"doyouknowthatI
havefoundmyfisherman’shut？\"
\"Hum，\"wastheonlyresponse。
\"Yes，andit’sthequaintest，mostdelightfulspotimaginable。
Philip，docomewithmeandseeit。\"
\"Hum。\"
\"Oh，Philip，youaresolazy；docomewithme。\"
\"Yes，but，mydearAnnette，\"protestedPhilip，\"thisisawarmday，andIamtired。\"
Still，hiscuriositybeingaroused，hewentgrumbling。Itwasnotaverylongdrive，backfromthebeachacrosstherailroadandthroughthepineforesttothebankofadark，slow—flowingbayou。Thefisherman’shutwassmall，two—roomed，whitewashed，pine—boarded，withthetraditionalmudchimneyactingasasortofsupporttooneofitsunevensides。Withinwasaweirdassortmentofcuriosfromeveryuncivilizedpartoftheglobe。
Alsoweretherefishing—tackleandgunsinrecklessprofusion。
Thefisherman，inthekitchenofthemud—chimney，wassardonicallywagingwarwithabasketoflittlebayoucrabs。
\"Entrez，mademoiselleetmonsieur，\"hesaidpleasantly，grabbingaviciouscrabbyitsflippers，andsmilingatitswildattemptstobite。\"YouseeIambusy，butmakeyourselfathome。\"
\"Well，howonearth——\"beganPhilip。
\"Sh——sh——\"whisperedAnnette。\"Iwasdrivingoutinthewoodsthismorning，andstumbledonthehut。Heaskedmein，butIcamerightoverafteryou。\"
Thefisherman，havingsucceededingettingthelastcrabinthekettleofboilingwater，cameforwardsmilingandbegantoexplainthecurios。
\"ThenyouhavenotalwayslivedatPassChristian，\"saidPhilip。
\"Maisnon，monsieur，Iamspendingasummerhere。\"
\"Andhespendshiswinters，doubtless，sellingfishintheFrenchmarket，\"spitefullysoliloquisedPhilip。
ThefishermanwaslookingunutterablethingsintoAnnette’seyes，and，itseemedtoPhilip，takinganunconscionablylongtimeexplainingtheuseofanEastIndianstiletto。
\"Oh，wouldn’titbedelightful!\"camefromAnnetteatlast。
\"What？\"askedPhilip。
\"Why，MonsieurLeContesayshe’lltakesixofusoutinhiscatboattomorrowforafishing—tripontheGulf。\"
\"Hum，\"drily。
\"AndI’llgetNatalieandhercousins。\"
\"Yes，\"stillmoredrily。
Annettechatteredon，entirelyobliviousofthestrainednessofthemen’sadieux，andstillchatteredastheydrovethroughthepines。
\"Ididnotknowthatyouweregoingtotakefishermenandmarchandsintothebosomofyoursocialsetwhenyoucamehere，\"
growledPhilip，atlast。
\"But，CousinPhil，can’tyouseeheisagentleman？Thefactthathemakesnoexcusesorprotestationsisaproof。\"
\"Youareafool，\"wasthepoliteresponse。
Still，atsixo’clocknextmorning，therewasalittlecrowdofsevenuponthepier，laughingandchattingatthelittle\"Virginie\"dippingherbowsinthewaterandflappinghersailsinthebriskwind。Natalie’spinkbonnetblushedintheearlysunshine，andNatalie’smamma，comelyandportly，didchaperonageduty。ItwasnotlongbeforethesailsgaveswellintothebreezeandthelittleboatscurriedtotheSound。Pastthelighthouseonitsgawkyironstalls，sheflew，andnowroundedthewhitesandsofCatIsland。
\"Bravo，theGulf!\"sangavoiceonthelookout。Thelittleboatdipped，haltedaninstant，thenrushedfastintotheblueGulfwaters。
\"Wewillanchorhere，\"saidthehost，\"haveluncheon，andfish。\"
PhilipcouldnotexactlyunderstandwhythefishermanshouldsitsoclosetoAnnetteandwhispersomuchintoherears。Hechafedatheractingthepartofhostess，andwaspossessedofamurderousdesiretothrowthepinksun—bonnetanditsownerintothesea，whenNataliewhisperedaudiblytooneofhercousinsthat\"MeesAnnetteactnicewit’herlovare。\"
Thesunwasbankingupflamingpillarsofroseandgoldinthewestwhenthelittle\"Virginie\"roundedCatIslandonherwayhome，andthequickSoutherntwilightwasfastdyingintodarknesswhenshewastieduptothepierandthemerry—makerssprangoffwithbasketsoffish。Annettehaddistinguishedherselfbycatchingonesmallshark，andhadimmediatelyceasedtofishanddevotedherattentiontoherfishermanandhisline。
Philiphadangledfiercely，landingtrout，croakers，sheepshead，snappersinbewilderingluck。Hehadbrokeneachhopelesscaptive’snecksavagely，asthoughtheywerepersonalenemies。
Hedidnotlookhappyastheylanded，thoughpaeansofpraisewerebeingsunginhishonour。
Asthedayspassedon，\"thefishermanofthePass\"begantodanceattendanceonAnnette。Whathadseemedajokebecameserious。
AuntNina，urgedbyPhilip，remonstrated，andeventhemammaofthepinksunbonnetbegantolookgrave。Itwasallverywellforacitydemoiselletotalkwithafishermanandacceptfavoursathishands，providedthatthecitydemoiselleunderstoodthatavastandbridgelessgulfstretchedbetweenherandthefisherman。
Butwhenthedemoiselleforgotthegulfandthefishermanrefusedtorecogniseit，why，itwastimetotakemattersinhand。
ToallofAuntNina’sremonstrances，Philip’sgrowlings，andtheavertedglancesofhercompanions，Annettewasdeaf。\"Youarenarrow—minded，\"shesaidlaughingly。\"IaminterestedinMonsieurLeContesimplyasastudy。Heisentertaining；hetalkswellofhistravels，andasforrefusingtorecognisethedifferencebetweenus，why，heneverdreamedofsuchathing。\"
SuddenlyaperemptorysummonshomefromAnnette’sfatherputanendtothefearsofPhilip。Annettepouted，butpapamustbeobeyed。SheblamedPhilipandAuntNinafortellingtales，butAuntNinawasuncommunicative，andPhiliptooobviouslycheerfultoderivemuchsatisfactionfrom。
Thatnightshewalkedwiththefishermanhandinhandonthesands。Thewindfromthepinesborethescarcelyrecognisable，subtlefreshnessofearlyautumn，andthewatershadahintofdyingsummerintheirsobonthebeach。
\"Youwillremember，\"saidthefisherman，\"thatIhavetoldyounothingaboutmyself。\"
\"Yes，\"murmuredAnnette。
\"Andyouwillkeepyourpromisestome？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Letmehearyourepeatthemagain。\"
\"IpromiseyouthatIwillnotforgetyou。IpromiseyouthatI
willneverspeakofyoutoanyoneuntilIseeyouagain。I
promisethatIwillthenclaspyourhandwhereveryoumaybe。\"
\"Andmademoisellewillnotbediscouraged，butwillcontinueherstudies？\"
\"Yes。\"
Itwasallveryromantic，bythewavesoftheSound，underaharvestmoon，thatseemedallsympathyforthesetwo，despitethefactthatitwasprobablylookingdownuponhundredsofotherequallyromanticcouples。Annettewenttobedwithglowingcheeks，andaheartwhosepulsationswouldhavecausedaphysiciantoprescribeunlimiteddigitalis。
ItwasstillhotinNewOrleanswhenshereturnedhome，anditseemedhardtogoimmediatelytowork。Butifoneisgoingtobeanopera—singersomedayandcapturetheworldwithone’svoice，thereisnothingtodobuttostudy，study，sing，practise，eventhoughone’sthroatbeparched，one’sheadagreatache，andone’sheartanestofdiscouragementandsadnessatwhatseemstheuselessnessofitall。Annettehadnowanewincentivetowork；thefishermanhadoncepraisedhervoicewhenshehummedabarcaroleonthesands，andhehadinsistedthattherewaspowerinitsrichnotes。Thoughthefishermanhadshowednocausewhyheshouldbeacceptedasamusicalcritic，Annettehadsomehowrespectedhisjudgmentandbeenaccordinglyelated。
Itwasthenightoftheopeningoftheopera。Therewastheusualcrush，theglitterandconfusingradianceofthebrilliantaudience。Annette，withpapa，AuntNina，andPhilip，waslatereachingherbox。Thecurtainwasup，and\"LaJuive\"waspouringforthdefianceatherangrypersecutors。Annettelistenedbreathlessly。Infancy，shetoowasringinghervoiceouttoanapplaudinghouse。Herheadunconsciouslybeattimetothemusic，andonehandhalfheldhercloakfromherbareshoulders。
ThenEleazarappeared，andthehouseroseattheendofhissong。
Encoresitgave，andbravosandcheers。Hebowedcalmly，swepthiseyesoverthetiersuntiltheyfoundAnnette，wheretheyrestedinahalf—smileofrecognition。
\"Philip，\"gaspedAnnette，nervouslyraisingherglasses，\"myfisherman!\"
\"Yes，anopera—singerisbetterthanamarchand，\"drawledPhilip。
Thecurtainfellonthefirstact。Thehousewaswonbythenewtenor；itcalledandrecalledhimbeforethecurtain。Clearlyhehadsunghiswayintotheheartsofhisaudienceatonce。
\"Papa，AuntNina，\"saidAnnette，\"youmustcomebehindthesceneswithme。Iwantyoutomeethim。Heisdelightful。Youmustcome。\"
Philipwasbendingostentatiouslyoverthegirlinthenextbox。
PapaandAuntNinaconsentedtobedraggedbehindthescenes。
Annettewaswellknown，for，inhopesofsomedaybeinganoccupantofoneofthedressing—rooms，shehadmadefriendswitheveryoneconnectedwiththeopera。
Eleazarreceivedthem，stillwearinghisbrowngarbandpatriarchalbeard。
\"Howyoudeceivedme!\"shelaughed，whenthegreetingsandintroductionswereover。
\"IcametoAmericaearly，\"hesmiledbackather，\"andthoughtI’dtryalittleincognitoatthePass。Iwasnotwell，yousee。
Ithasbeenofgreatbenefittome。\"
\"Ikeptmypromise，\"shesaidinalowertone。
\"Thankyou；thatalsohashelpedme。\"
Annette’steacherbegantonoteawonderfulimprovementinhispupil’svoice。Neverdidagirlstudysohardorpractisesofaithfully。Itwastrulywonderful。NowandthenAnnettewouldsaytopapaasiftoreassureherself，——
\"AndwhenMonsieurCherbartsaysIamreadytogotoParis，Imaygo，papa？\"
Andpapawouldsaya\"Certainly\"thatwouldsendherbacktothepianowithrenewedardour。
AsforMonsieurLeConte，hewastheidolofNewOrleans。Seldomhadtherebeenatenorwhohadsunghimselfsocompletelyintotheveryheartsofapopulace。Whenhewasbilled，theoperadisplayed\"StandingRoom\"signs，nomatterwhattheotherattractionsinthecitymightbe。SometimesMonsieurLeContedelightedsmallaudiencesinAnnette’sparlour，whenthehostesswasinaperfectflutterofhappiness。Notoften，youknow，fortheleadingtenorwasingreatdemandatthehomesofsocietyqueens。
\"Doyouknow，\"saidAnnette，petulantly，oneevening，\"IwishfortheolddaysatPassChristian。\"
\"SodoI，\"heansweredtenderly；\"willyourepeatthemwithmenextsummer？\"
\"IfIonlycould!\"shegasped。
Stillshemighthavebeenhappy，haditnotbeenforMadameDubeau，——MadameDubeau，theflute—voicedleadingsoprano，whoworethesingledaintycurlonherforehead，andthrilledheraudiencesoftentimesmorecompletelythanthefisherman。MadameDubeauwasLaJuivetohisEleazar，LeonoretohisManfred，ElsatohisLohengrin，AidatohisRhadames，MargueritetohisFaust；
inbrief，MadameDubeauwashisopposite。ShecaressedhimasMignon，pleadedwithhimasMichaela，diedforhimin\"LesHuguenots，\"brokeherheartforloveofhimin\"LaFavorite。\"
Howcouldhehelpbutloveher，Annetteaskedherself，howcouldhe？MadameDubeauwasbeautifulandgiftedandcharming。
Onceshewhisperedherfearstohimwhentherewasthemeagrestbitofanopportunity。Helaughed。\"Youdon’tunderstand，littleone，\"hesaidtenderly；\"therelationsofprofessionalpeopletoeachotherarepeculiar。AfteryougotoParis，youwillknow。\"
Still，NewOrleanshadbuiltupitsromance，andgossipedaccordingly。
\"Haveyouheardthenews？\"whisperedLolatoAnnette，leaningfromherboxattheoperaonenight。Thecurtainhadjustgoneupon\"Herodias，\"andforsomereasonorother，theaudienceapplaudedwithmorewarmththanusual。Therewasanoticeablenumberofgood—humoured，benignantsmilesonthefacesoftheapplauders。
\"No，\"answeredAnnette，breathlessly，——\"no，indeed，Lola；IamgoingtoParisnextweek。IamsodelightedIcan’tstoptothink。\"
\"Yes，thatisexcellent，\"saidLola，\"butallNewOrleansissmilingattheromance。MonsieurLeConteandMadameDubeauwerequietlymarriedlastnight，butitleakedoutthisafternoon。
Seealltheapplauseshe’sreceiving!\"
Annetteleanedbackinherchair，verywhiteandstill。Herboxwasemptyafterthefirstact，andaquietlittletiredvoicethatwasalmosttoofainttobeheardinthecarriageonthewayhome，said——
\"Papa，Idon’tthinkIcaretogotoParis，afterall。\"
M’SIEUFORTIER’SVIOLIN
Slowly，onebyone，thelightsintheFrenchOperagoout，untilthereisbutasingleglimmerofpaleyellowflickeringinthegreatdarkspace，afewmomentsagoalla—glitterwithjewelsandtheradianceofwomanhoodanda—clashwithmusic。Darknessnow，andsilence，andagreathauntedhushoverall，saveforthedistantcheeryvoiceofastagehandhummingabaroftheopera。
Theglimmerofgasmakesahaloaboutthebowedwhiteheadofalittleoldmanputtinghisviolincarefullyawayinitscasewithaged，trembling，nervousfingers。OldM’sieuFortierwasthelastoneouteverynight。
Outsidetheairwasmurky，foggy。Gasandelectricitywerebutfaintsplotchesoflightonthethickcurtainoffogandmist。
Aroundtheoperawasamightybustleofcarriagesanddriversandfootmen，withacargainingheadwayinthestreetnowandthen，ahowlingofnamesandnumbers，thelaughterandsmalltalkofcloakedsocietysteppingslowlytoitscarriages，andthemorebourgeoisievocalisationofthefootpassengerswhostreamedalongandhummedlittlebitsofmusic。Thefog’sdensenesswasconfusing，too，andatonemomentitseemedthatthelittlenarrowstreetwouldbecomeinextricablychokedandremainsountilsomemightyenginewouldblowthecrowdintoatoms。Ithadbeenacrowdednight。FromaroundToulouseStreet，whereledtheentrancetothetroisiemes，fromthegrandstairway，fromtheentrancetothequatriemes，thehumanstreampouredintothestreet，nearlyallwithasongontheirlips。
M’sieuFortierstoodatthecorner，blinkingatthebeautifulladiesintheircarriages。Heexchangedaheartysalutationwiththesaloon—keeperatthecorner，then，tenderlycarryinghisviolincase，hetrudgeddownBourbonStreet，alittleold，bent，witheredfigure，withshouldersshruggeduptokeepwarm，asthoughthefadedbrownovercoatwerenotthickenough。
DownonBayouRoad，notsofarfromClaiborneStreet，wasahouse，littleandoldandqueer，butquitelargeenoughtoholdM’sieuFortier，awrinkleddame，andawhitecat。Hewashomebutlittle，foronnearlyeverydaytherewererehearsals；thenonTuesday，Thursday，andSaturdaynights，andtwiceSundaystherewereperformances，soMa’amJeanneandthewhitecatkepthousealmostalwaysalone。Then，whenM’sieuFortierwasathome，why，itwaspractice，practicealltheday，andsmoke，snore，sleepatnight。Altogetheritwasnotveryexhilarating。
M’sieuFortierhadplayedfirstviolinintheorchestraeversince——well，noonerememberedhisnotplayingthere。Sometimestherewouldcomebreaksintheseasons，andforayearthegreatbuildingwouldbedarkandsilent。ThenM’sieuFortierwoulddojobsofplayinghereandthere，onenightforthisball，anothernightforthatsoireedansante，andintheday，workathistrade，——thatofacigar—maker。Butnowforsevenyearstherehadbeennobreakintheseason，andthelittleoldviolinistwashappy。Thereisnothingsweeterthanaregularjobandgoodmusictoplay，musicintowhichonecanputsomesoul，someexpression，andwhichonemuststudytounderstand。Dancemusic，ofthefrivolous，frothykinddeemedessentialtosoirees，istrivial，easy，uninteresting。
SoM’sieuFortier，Ma’amJeanne，andthewhitecatlivedapeaceful，uneventfulexistenceoutonBayouRoad。WhentheoperaseasonwasoverinFebruary，M’sieuwentbacktocigar—making，andthewhitecatpurrednonethelesscontentedly。
Ithadbeenabenefitto—nightfortheleadingtenor，andhehadchosen\"RolandaRonceveaux，\"afavouritethisseason，forhisfarewell。And，monDieu，musedthelittleM’sieu，buthowhisvoicehadrungoutbell—like，piercingabovethechorusofthefirstact!Encoreafterencorewasgiven，andthebravosofthetroisiemeswereenoughtostirthemostsluggishofpulses。
\"SuperbesPyreneesQuidressezdansleciel，VoscimescouronneesD’unhivereternelle，PournouslivrerpassageOuvrezvoslargesflancs，Faitesfairel’orage，Voici，venirlesFrancs!\"
M’sieuquickenedhispacedownBourbonStreetashesangthechorustohimselfinathinoldvoice，andthen，beforehecouldseeinthethickfog，hehadrunintotwoyoungmen。
\"I——I——begyourpardon，——messieurs，\"hestammered。
\"Mostcertainly，\"wasthecarelessresponse；thenthespeaker，takingasecondglanceattheobjectoftherencontre，criedjoyfully：
\"Oh，M’sieuFortier，isityou？Why，youaresohappy，singingyourlovesonnettoyourlady’seyebrow，thatyoudidn’tseeathingbutthemoon，didyou？Andwhoisthefaironewhoshouldclogyoursensesso？\"
Therewasadeprecatingshrugfromthelittleman。
\"Mafoi，butmonsieurmustknowfo’sho’，datIamtoooldforlovesongs!\"
\"IknownothingsavethatIwantthatviolinofyours。Whenisittobemine，M’sieuFortier？\"
\"Nevare，nevare!\"exclaimedM’sieu，grippingonastightlytothecaseasifhefeareditmightbewrenchedfromhim。\"Mealovere，andtosellmonviolon!Ah，sover’foolish!\"
\"Martel，\"saidthefirstspeakertohiscompanionastheymovedonuptown，\"IwishyouknewthatlittleFrenchman。He’sauniquespecimen。HehasthemostexquisiteviolinI’veseeninyears；beautifulandmellowasagenuineCremona，andhecanmakethemusicleap，sing，laugh，sob，skip，wail，anythingyoulikefromunderhisbowwhenhewishes。It’ssomethingwonderful。Wearegoodfriends。PickedhimupinmyFrench—townrambles。I’vebeentryingtobuythatinstrumentsince——\"
\"Tothrowitasideaweeklater？\"lazilyinquiredMartel。\"Youareliketherestofthesenineteenth—centuryvandals，youcanseenothingpicturesquethatyoudonotwishtodefaceforasouvenir；youcannotevenletsimplehappinessalone，butmustneedsdestroyitinavainattempttomakeityourownorparadeitasanadvertisement。\"
AsforM’sieuFortier，hewentrightonwithhissongandturnedintoBayouRoad，hisshouldersstillshruggedhighasthoughhewerecold，andintothequaintlittlehouse，whereMa’amJeanneandthewhitecat，whoalwayswaitedupforhimatnights，werebothnoddingoverthefire。
Itwasnotlongafterthisthattheoperaclosed，andM’sieuwentbacktohisoldout—of—seasonjob。Butsomehowhedidnotdoaswellthisspringandsummerasalways。Thereisacertainamountofcunningandfinesserequiredtorollacigarjustso，thatM’sieuseemedtobelosing，whetherfromageordeteriorationitwashardtotell。Nevertheless，therewasjustabouthalfasmuchmoneycominginasformerly，andthequaintlittlepuckerbetweenM’sieu’seyebrowswhichservedforafrowncameoftenerandstayedlongerthaneverbefore。
\"Minesse，\"hesaidonedaytothewhitecat，——hetoldallhistroublestoher；itwasofnousetotalktoMa’amJeanne，shewastoodeaftounderstand，——\"Minesse，wearegettin’po’。You’
peregith’old，an’heeshan’sdeygonomo’rapidement，an’derebenomo’soireesdeseday。Minesse，eeflasaisondon’hurryup，weshalleatver’lil’meat。\"
AndMinessecurledhertailandpurred。
