The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1877-12-20

prehensibly weak. But who knew? he
might have had his own in
vincible reasons for not making
it stronger. Why had the
brother of his affianced for she was his
affianced in all but an open formal dec
laration of the fact) broken with him so
suddenly? Until Blanchard appeared
on the scene they were inseparable.
Depend upon it, the West Indian was
at the bottom of it. In this fashion the
gossips of Singlebridge discussed the
events which had led to Harold Whites
downfall and departure.
Three months had elapsed, and not
word had been heard of or from Harold
White; unless, the female gossips sug-
gested, he had written to Miss West
brook, which, considering the circum-
stances which preceded his departure,
he was hardly likely to have done. For
once, however, they were out in their
calculations. He had written her a let
ter in which these words occurred:
If l thought, darling, that you would be
happier to be rid of me for good and all, our
bond should be dissolved. 1t is your love
for and simple faith in me that sweetens my
nation to undo the miserable wrong from
which suffer. They shall right me yet. l
have borrowed for the present another name
my mothers before her marriage; but the
people with whom am know that am Har-
old White, and are acquainted with my his
| tory. i must try, dear, torub on without
the consolation which your letters would
! bestow., 1t is better that we should seem to
| have parted forever. In the good time we
shall meet--and thenl
1t puzzled well informed Singlebridge
to hear Fanny Westbrook' cheerful
| words, to note her placid brow and
bright manner. She never could have
thought much of that Harold White,
you know, or she would have manifest
ed some regret at his misfortunes.
Blanchard, too, was mystified by her.
What did it portend? Had she resigned
all hopes of becoming restored to the
lover whom he had so effectually helped
to disgrace and Danish? Was the course
clear at last? He would see. His i'm
petuous love for the sunny-haired,
Saxon-eyed girl, a love which sprang
into existence the moment they met,
had grown nightly since the going of
White. He would put an end to this
uncertainty. He could face his fate.
Gan interview with me?n replied
Fanny to his blandly profered request;
t"' certainly, Mr.. Blanchard Her tone
was provokingly even. "And, if YOU
please, let it take place now. Pray be
seated.n - ~sT
If she had only been embarrassed.
| Miss Westbrook, I-I-fear that the
impression which made upon you the
day of that unfortunate rencoastre by
the riverside was mot favorable. L"
| r" Pray proceed, sir,n she remarked,
in icy tones. ~N = SA% = i
swell, then allow me-you can not
surely have remained firm in the reso-
luton you then expressed-to eleave
| to- -
"Mr. Blanchard, ! will assist YOU.
You apparently wish to say that must
have ceased to love Harold White? Is
that SOP"
Miss Westbrook-Fanny-pardon
me; do. He is all unworthy of you.
0, if you did but know the depth of my
love for you-''
"Stop, Mr.. Blanchard, said she, ris-
ing from her chair, and moving slowly
| towards the door. ''Let US understand
each other. Whether Harold White
holds the place in my heart which he
once did concernes me, and me only.
The honor you have done me, Mr..
Blanchard-callit by what tender name
you please-I despise. Mr. Blanchard,
[ know you'll aaa
"Stop, Miss Westbrook!n he ex-
claimed, making one step forward, and
barring her way to the door, ''and
harken to me. You have thrown the
gage. Very well, acceptit. 1t was l.
| who drove Harold White from Single
bridge. All, you can be impressed, |
see. 1t is | who can compel your con-
sent to my demands. Now, Miss West
brook, k,soD met
Her face was very white as she swept
proudly past the West Indian; but it
was not, the whiteness of fear. They
measured swords with their eyes-how
clear and searching hers were?-and
parted.
Next day Fanny Westbrook was miss
ing from Singlebridge.
For twelve months Silas Westbrook
has been daughterless. Fanny was
sought for far and near, but without
avail. Augustus had, to quote the
idiomatic expression of that congeniali
companion already referred to, sgone
| clear to the bad. OF all his former
chums. Blanchard was the sole possessor
OF knowledge of the young scape-
grace's whereabouts. AS for the West
Indian, he seemed to have entirely re-
ilnquished all intention of returning to
Jamaica, However, we must for the
present leave Singlebridge, and make
our way to the eTheater Royal, East