The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1894-01-20
SHE MADE HIS FORTUNE.
The Ipoentivo That Brought Sue
oess to Capt Hail.

81. ~>~eS>S
The way to the ferry was down
gentle hill, and passengers for the boat
could be seen for a minute before they
arrived at it The approach of most of
them was viewed with indifference by
Theodore Hall. the young captain who
took the fares. 1t was only when Julia
Amcrdon appeared and tripped toward
the ferry with graceful steps that his
eyes became filled with admiration and
his heart began to beat in an excited
manner.
Every morning but two in the week
Julia crossed the broad river to attend
a young ladies' seminary on the oppo-
site shore; and during each of the five
mornings the happiest moment for
young Hall was when her fair fingers
dropped ticket or three pennies into
his sturdy hand.
1t was the custom of the girl to greet
the captain with pleasant Good
morning." but they very seldom con-
vcrscd. Yet both had always lived on
the same street in the village.
What was the cause of so much reti-
cence? They belonged in different
grades of society. Julia was the only
daughter of rich man. The family
occupied an imposing mansion sur
rounded by beautiful grounds. Both
parents claimed descent from distin-
guished people, and noteworthy per-
sonages, such as judges and colonies,
accompanied by their aristocratic
wives, often came from the cities to
visit them. They were kind to their
humble neighbours. but crushed all at
tempts at familiarity by assuming a
distant and superior demeanor. Theo-
dore Hall, on the other hand, was the
son of poor widow and lived in lit
tie, unpretentious house. His father
had been shiftless carpenter who
drank good deal. His mother was a
most worthy woman, but uneducated.
She had earned living for herself and
her son after her husbands death by
taking in sewing. Theodore received q
s common-school education, but at the
age of fourteen he decided that his
mother had done enough for him In
afew years he was able to support both
himself and his mother in . comfortable
manner.
They were both entitled to much re.
spect, and they received it. Nevertheless,
the circumstances inevitably caused Mr..
and Mrs, Amcrdon to warn their daugh.
ter not to allow young Hall to cult.
vate her acquaintance. 1t happened
that Julia herself was proud and ambi.
tious. The advice of her parents coin
cided with her own inclinations, al.
though in her secret heart she admired
Capt. Hall because he was so pleasant
and so manly. She firmly adhered to
that part of her social creed which
assured her that 1t was not desirable
for her to show interest in any young
men except those who belonged to
good families, SO called, and enjoyed
all the advantages of cultivated SO.
ciety.
Hall was we'll aware of Julia's aris-
tocratic predictions, and yet in his oc-
casional confident moments he dared
hope that she might like him, remem-
bering that her greetings had ever been
kindly, although she had discouraged
his attempts to talk to her at length.
The day came when Miss Amerdon
was to graduate from the seminary.
The closing exercises were to begin at
two o'clock in the afternoon. At one
D. m. Julia arrived at the ferry, not on
foot, as usual, but in the handsome
family carriage, fnely-clothed coach
man occupying the elevated seat in
front and holding the lines that guided
q span of horses. Julia herself was ar
raycd in white and her feet were en-
cased in dainty kid slippers She wore
no bonnet, SO that the whole of her
shapely head, with its wavy brown
tresses, could be seen. Hc- cheeAs
were slightly flushed. unwonted ex-
element gave her an animation that
charmingly enhanced her beauty.
Trem bling, Capt. Hall approached
her to do the most daring act of his
life. Quickly, SO as not to attract the
attention of several men who stood in
one end of the boat, he extended
toward her quite small but very
beautiful bouquet
II cannot see you graduate" he said,
ssbut / hope you will accept these
flowers as token of my esteem.
Taken completely by surprise. vexed
that her humble admirer should dare
10 offer her gift in SO public . place.
lul;a for moment lost her self posses-
ion. and. not considering what might