St. Landry democrat., 1893-04-29
HER PROMISE.

Old Abner Marsden moved uneasiIy i
his big arm chair. 'Seems to me Luc
is mighty long time getting tina
water" he muttered, as he rose and hob
bled to the end of the cottage porch. H
put aside the vines that screened tn
view and looked down toward the lowe
end of the garden, where a cool sprin;
gurgled up from the earth. "Well, i
She amt talkin' agin with that pauper
Ang Howland," growled the old man
'Luce! say, Luce, I want you" h
called.
III be there in a minute, father,
called back :. comely girl of eighteen
who stood near the spring chatting will
a plainly dressed youth of about the
same age. She reached FOR the pail O.
, water, which Angus Rowland still helt
in his hand, and said with smile: g
must go, Ang, Father wants me-"
''It seems tome, Luce" said Angus
as he gave her the pail, ''that youl
father always wants you when he sees
| me around. He hates me for some rea
son, but if it's all right with you, I car
stand it."
Lucia looked troubled as she said.
"Good-by, Ang,' and turned toward
the house.
Old Marsden was an extremely litter
ate man, but in business ventures he
had always been successful, and now,
though confirmed invalid, his head was
full of schemes and devices, and he used
to sit for hours at time planning meas
ures by which his hoard Of wealth might
be increased. Lucia took after her
mother, who had been "a powerful good
woman" so people said.
"Luce," said the old man as she ap-
peared at the door, II want this to be
the last of your talking with that good
for nothing lout, Ang Rowland. The
idea of likely girl like you talking
friendly with such trash! | won't have
it, and if he don't steer clear I'll give
him something to remember me bv."
and the old man shook his cane vigor-
ously.
II do not see why you should dislike
him So" said Lucia. ale has had
hard time getting along, but that isn't
his fault
"His father was cut cut to die in the
poorhouse," yelled the old man. land
why didn't he die there!''
"Because," Lucie answered, "Anr
worked hard and took care of the old
folks"
Her father scowled. "Oll Rowland
was intended for the poorhouse, and no
good comes of tightin' Providence. He
died without a cent, aud so, will the
young feller. But that amt the point;
there are plenty of fellers round here
that has money, but there amt many
such gals as you be, I reckon. Why,
Luce, you have the choice of the town,
and it's your solemn duty not to be
RASH" The miserly features of the old
man relaxed somewhat as he admired his
daughters comely face He experienced
kind of fatherly affection for her, and
was even willing to spend money freely
that she might make good appearance.
When he saw her dressed in some new
article of apparel he would mutter to
himself, '1t's all right, it will all come
back; l know good investment, for !
have made good many-yes, a good |
A few evenings after the event above
Lucia was walking in the
garden when she heard some one tap
lightly at the gate, and in the moonlight
saw Angus Rowland. ''He wants to see
me, she thought, as she hurried through
the lilacs. to the garden path. "Father
will miss me if l am gone long" said
Lucia, on approaching, "but we can
visit for minute"
'Luce." said Angus. II have come to
say goodbye. Your father says for me
% keep away from you because am
DOOR, and he doesn't want you to marry
pauper. Well, I am going away for
i've years, and when I come back I'll be
enough to suit your father"
le exclaimed excitedly, striking the
ence heavy blow with his fist.
~ don't care about you being so rich."
aid Lucia. 'T'll like you just as well if
7ou are poor; but don't stay away so
ong," and she looked beseechinglv into
lis face. "You may have bad luck, You
inow, and not earn very much money
'fter all, but I'll think just as much Of
'ou.. Are you going far?" she asked,
ooking down at the ground.
"Io California said Angus, "and |
now just what shall do when I get
here, too. Father often told me of a
alley in California where all sorts of
ruit will grow almost without cultiva- t
ION. Father wandered down there ,
hen nc was out among the mines, and I
elng used to fruit country he knew t
lst what wonderful place it was. Z
led have gone there himself if his sick 9
ess hadn't come on, but he told me {
bout it time and time again, and he r
ave me this little map and Rowland y
'ok an old torn paper from his pocket. n
ID carefully opening it, pointed out by Y
le bright moonlight, which broke O
trough the trees, the Eldorado of his s
opes and ambition. THAT valley is f
ine," said he, "and am going there v
i'd plant trees" a
"Luce!' called old Marsden from the T
ouse, where are you2' O
Here ] am, father" Lucia replied. n
"Well, it seems to me that YOU are 4
ng time gone" cried the old man. +.
put come to the house. for young Hin, II
n is here and wants to see you.'' f.
Lucia saw the troubled look that came =,
to Howland's face and hastily mur-
ared: Father wants me to marry him, tt
It won't; I'll marry you. Be sure and l.
ate often and don't stay SO long," she /,