The Bossier banner., 1894-12-20

as discovered IN my first startled
glance at him. Altogether, it would
have been impossible to have snubbed
him. Perhaps l am a little shakv in
my conviction, and l am trying to
Justify myself but
Here | stumble thanks to my van
ity in wearing French heels, which
did make me a trifle unsteady, and
should fall We're it not for his quick
assistance.
Thanks l murmur, with my
cheeks burning. My eyes meet his,
and pause ensues; but then a pause
has been ensuing ever since we met
or-that is-came together.
81 hope am not taking you out of
your way" ! add, with happy inspir-
alton.
Not at ALL" he reioins, earnestly.
Il trust you will allow me to see you
to your destination. :"
lyon are very kind. / am going to
nine hundred and twenty-seven on
this street, SO we are nearly there.
In another moment we have reached
the door, and l look up at him CRATE
fully, and say:
Il thank you very, very much
Pray do not mention it, he an
swers, as he raises his hat; and bowling
with a charming smile he turns
and runs lightly down the steps.
Lunch is nearly over, and 1 have
been unusually silent and distrait.
Even the announcement of new en-
gagement has failed to arouse me to
more than momentary interest.
Did l do right to accept half that
norella? or should have declined it
courteously, but conclusively? Of
course, no man could pass by girl
who was in such fix as | without
some slight compunction, particular
ly if it were SO evidently in his power
to assist her. But, having made the
proposition, would he not have felt
more respect for me had it been po-
litely refused? Or would he have
thought me prude, and regretted his
chivalry?
"Er-yess thank you, very chival-
rous."
All the girls laugh, and | realize,
with start, that l have answered
Lulu's simple request, if l would not
have more ice cream, somewhat alb
sent-mindedly, to put it mildly.
You must be in love, Nathalie, -
laughs Lulu, and, like a simpering
school miss, l blush, which makes me
so angry that further accession of
color waves up to my forehead. and
the conviction is strong within me that
resemble nothing more than full
blown peony.
Reflect on my appetite, and don't
say I'm in love-" ] answer.
Talking of being in love, you should
see our handsome neighbor," said
Lulu. He is young physician, but
well known. Perhaps you have heard
of him-Dr. Bernard Burke"
why, he is the doctor we are going
to have if any of us are ill!' I exclaim.
''1s he really nice looking?''
Indeed, he is. | have been trying
to develop some interesting disease
ever since l first saw him." she replies
And, by the way" she continues, ''he
generally passes here just about this
time. Come to the window and watch
for him, Nathalie, and l will wager
you'll manage to get up some ailment
within the week. The stakes to be
soda water"
jump up as she speaks. and make a
rush for the window, closely followed
by the rest of the girls. As l get half
way across the room my high heels
again fail me; my ankle turns, and
measure my length on the floor. The
girls laugh, after the manner of girls
A tumble is to me generally source
of infinite mirth, and | cannot blame
them for their merriment. | try to
rise, but a sharp twinge of pain in my
foot causes me to sink back with a
groan. No doubt | turn pale, for the
girls become sober and cluster around
me anxiously. Every moment is agony,
but when l am perfectly still it is not
so bad. What is to be done? We con
suit anxiously.
81 shall send for DR.. Burke, declares
Lulu, seriously. There is burst of
laughter and even I smile.
You owe me debt of gratitude for
this / murmur, rather weakly, to
Lulu.
I am beginning to feel faint and
sick, and after am helped to the sofa
lie back with my eyes closed, while
Sue Dalton fans me, and May Bostwick
runs for some salts.
Here's the doctor, whispers Sue, at
last in my ear. Under other circum-
stances ! could pity you more" she
adds.
open my eyes languidly and look
sup. Shades of my rainy mornings S
walk II is my knight of the umbrellaI
"And shall l be able to walk with.
out crutch this week?" ask,
anxiously.
1t is month since that never-to-be-
forgotten luncheon at Lulu Bradley
and my foot is still in statu quo, as il
were, although I can get around the
house and am in the parlor, now, with
DIR. Bernard Burke. 1t is the first time
l have seen him alone, and we have
never mentioned our rather unconven.
tional walk