The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1894-04-14
HELPED HIM PROPOSE.
And Promised Not to Tell, But 1t
Was Too Good to Keep.

Was Too Good to Keep.
Arthur Lyle was q confirmed bach
elor. He was tall, handsome young
fellow, with blue eyes and dark hair
He was an artist by profession. He
had but few patrons, but that fact did
not trouble him much, as he was very
well-to-do.
He was idly toying with his W atch
chain and watching the smoke OF his
cigar as it curled upward in the air.
when the door opened and Mr.. Clifton
Wayne entered the room.
well. Arthur, how are you to-day
were his FIRST words Thinking OF
your lady hover
Don't be fool, Clifton was his
polite reply. ''You know | hate girls
like--like-"
softly. softly, my dear SIR inter
rupted Clifton. laughingly: 1.-THE trouble
is you haven't come across the right
one"
And never will" interrupted Ar
thur. but enough of this nonsense
! heard to-day that your sister Clara
was about to give grand ball Is
that SOP
"Of course it is. and you're to be in
vited. And say, Arthur, Cousin Nellie,
from New Orleans, is coming, too. She
will be splendid catch for you"
There you go again, Clifton. You
know am confirmed bachelor. And
Us for Miss Nellie-what did you say
her name isY'
..Forsythe - Nellie Forsythe. But
good day. have an appointment down
town." And he hurried away.
Years ago Arthur Lyle had felt that
he understood one woman. He had
even gone SO far as to tell her that II
she so willed IL hcnceforth his life
would be devoted equally to her and
his profession. And she had smiled and
looked SO pleased that he had kissed
her, and supposed that she would al
some time. not far distant, be his own.
But he had supposed too much, as nc
afterwards found out when she was
married a few weeks later to dsshins
young lawyer.
This hurt his susceptible and sensi
tive heart to think that she had so de
ceived him, and he told her so the tirs
time he saw her after her. marriage.
And she, with one Of her innocent
surprised looks. answered. his indig
nant words by saying that he has
never asked her to marry him.
He had not met her for several years
He went to visit his friend Clifton a
his beautiful villa in the suburbs
He had been there but few day
when he walked out on the piazza, and
to his amazement, saw his forme
sweetheart walking around the ground
of a neighboring house with hall
grown child--a little girl-who in man
WAYS resembled her mother
He walked on aimlessly; blind, dea
to everything around him. Thought
of his lost love and the fate that ha
separated them were struggling K
gether tumultuously in his brain. :,
The sound of q horse rushing madl
down the road and low. startled CT
reused him suddenly from the rever
into which he had fallen. He locke
up and saw . young lady in gre'
peril. !,
He darted forward, and seizing Il
horse by the bit stopped him.
What a gentle woman's heart 81
had, this lovely girl with soft. brow
eyes and beautiful golden hair-aquie
little creature with charming. refine
face.
"whcre do you wish to go?' ne
uuired, respectfully.
ITO Wayne villa" she replied, in
y sweet voice that thrilled his heart
~ found no one at the depot to me
me. 90 / got q horse and thought
would ride over. but my horse to'
fright and was thrown of as you 81
Int If YOU will assist me to remoup'
think | can reach the villa safely"
It was . splendid night The sta
shonc beautifully, the air was soft q
balmy. Wayne villa was brilliant
Illuminated; Chinese lanterns shol
here and there among the trees
fact il looked like . fairy parade
carriages drove up and deposited lad
and gentlemen and the sound OF mus
VISA heard from the parlcrA Miss Cla
WAYNE was giving ball.
when Arthur Lyle was snnounc
there was . bnzz through the ROOM
he was . general tavorite, and man'
verinr msmmas did not quite despair
catching him
.Ah, Arthur, how glad am to
rou,s exclaimed Miss Clara, ssizing d
~ the hand. II must introduce
to Miss Forsythe.'
..IIang Miss Forsythe." thought
~. xb~uchfs were all conferred