The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1888-02-02

1etcV blake bOarding-houseW was in
a quiet part of the village After tax
ing tea that evening he went to his
room, and tilted back in an easv-chair
indulged in reverie That valuable
AID to meditation, cigar, was between
his fingers. and occasional puffs of
smoke were projected toward the CELL
ing. In these curling wreaths of blue
he seemed to seek counsel. studying
with great intentness their VARYING
and fantastic shapes. At length, with
gesture of impatience as if at his own
liresolution, he abruptly rose, put on
his hat. and quilted the house. A brisk
walk soon took him to the Hillside
Seminary, and into reception-room of
that institution he quickly proceeded,
having first sent his card to Miss
Mildred Boyce. This young lady soon
appeared. She was the pupil who had
put the question to him, following his
dlsqulsltlop on interrupted resolu-
ton. She was the daughter of the
principal OF the seminary, and inherited
much OF certain outflow of energy
which characterized her father. She
was the life of the school and the in
ventive spirit in all entertainments.
She was little older than the other
girls, and studied only music and
painting. Of course her social privi-
leges exceeded those of the regular
pupils.
''Good-evening, Mr.. Blake; I am so
glad to see you!''
Mildred Boyce put out her hand to
Percy Blake, and looked at him with
pair of eyes whose soft radiance was at
all times dashed with a suspicious
sparkle. His own eyes rested ON hers
with an expression not to be mistaken.
His heart had surrendered Itself long
ago to her sweet face, of which fact
Mildred was not entirely ignorant.
The two sat down together, and
Percy Blake. with look of determi-
nation that was almost stern, plunged
headlong into the subject that was up
perinost in his mind.
''Dear Mildred" he began, ''since
teaching in your fathers school / have
found something that makes life seem
brighter than | ever thought it could
be-"
Mildred experienced little inward
trembling, and immediately OWNED
what was coming.
ut is something" he continued earn
estly, ''that has made me ambitious
and anxious above all things to be
worthy of great blessing"
''Oh! am sure you are both ambi-
tious and worthy" she said, with low,
wavering cadence.
''But not alone in my art" he hesi-
tated.
"No?" Her elastic temperamentwas
asserting itself, and her averted eyes,
while showing no displeasure, began to
flash forth enigmatic sparkles.
NO." ne continued; '.that is but
small thing. l am ambitious to be
worthy of you. and want you for mine
through life.''
He held her hand tightly, and waited
With a wildly beating heart for reply.
1t came in moment. Moving suddenly
from him. she arched her brows and
exclaimed:
"Dear me. Mr.. Blake, how extremely
sudden, and how perfectly absurd.n'
Her tone of voice was slightly ele-
waited, with just tinge of naughty re-
,I Oh I'D hax.
face every vestige of expression save
that of polite surprise. He stared at
her with dull wonder, and his exhilara-
ton rapidly sank as if from cruel
blow.
"Well, Miss Horen." he at length
said, in sad and mortified tone, eff
the absurdity of what | have said inn
presses you SO strongly"
''Why, of course it does"
"Then there remains but one thing
for me to do. and that is to very
humbly ask your pardon. Good
night"
There was resentment as well as re-
gret in his tone and manner as he rose
and moved toward the door, leaving
Mildred Boyce still seated.
20, Professor Blake!"
'Well?" He halted and looked back.
won't you wait just moment? /
want you to show me something about
that ugly interrupted resolution les
son."
Il beg your pardon, Miss Boyce, but
| tried to make the subject as clear as
possible in class"
20, but you told MS to come to you
if we stumbled on any knotty points.
"Very well." he replied, rather
stiffiy, .'bring your music slate and
pencil"
Never mind them. Don't hold the
door open. Sit down at the piano by
me-"
He obeyed these commands, with a
dismal smile at her imperious tone.
Now play the chords. There" Gas
she listened), isn't that the place
where the eresolution is Interrupted
Yes