The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1896-09-26

N "A uSoPch
M ately. 81 can't
HM think of sim
tANCN va gle thing to
NV IN Va ~ say"
RSQl .MM Il She sat and
EsMW frowned gloom.
IN ,bS lily, biting tho
AET VIM I end of her pen
NKIKnomN,.| holder. Now
lSzeMUlEN E>S/I and then she
.-Z5ygxAHHylzLZ ran her hand
zBEMMzHEI distractedly
zMM Nyz| through her
hair. This was trick of hers when
thinking hard, and, as a rule, the re-
cult was more startling than pleasing.
''lt is of no use" she said again
but this time with q different 1nfec-
tion. 81 mustn't sit here and give
way TO laziness like this. If l don't
write o tale, we can't pay the grocer's
bill! / must and will begin, only
what on earth am. to say?'
Mary's brain was fertile enough,
and her busy fancy generally delight
ed in spinning love stories and the
like. In the early days OF her scrib-
bling she had been greatly laughed at
by her mother and sisters, but when
welcome little checks began to come
in return for bulky envelopes sent
through the post, the tone OF the fam
lily altered, and Mary had for come
time been regarded as a person OF i'm
portance.
.Oh. Mary must write tale," her
mother would say easily. when an ad-
ditional expense was suggested. SO
the fancy of the moment would be in
dulged in, and Mary would shut her.
self up in the little room she called
her own, from whence in due time she
would emerge tired but triumphant.
On this particular morning, how
ever, she racked her brains in vain.
She tried her hardest to think ofsome
slender framework upon which to
hang the usual mild lovemaking, but
the more she tried to WOO ''she muse,
the more obstinately did the said
muse refuse to respond to her ad'
vances.
az feel exactly as if a wet sponge
had been passed over my BRAIN" she
thought despairingly. "There doesn't
seem single idea left.
Just then gentle rap came at the
door.
"Come in," said Mary impatiently,
She never liked being interrupted
when she was trying to work, and just
now she felt more than usually Cross,
Her face relaxed little. however
when she saw her visitor.
"You, John! ] thought II wasJe
ME. wondered whatever she wanted
now"
"Poor Jennie" said the newcomer
laughing. :.
sPoor Mary, I think" reioinet
Mary dolefully. :.
"Why, whatever is the matter?'
asked John Redmond, taking seat
and evidently preparing to make him
self as comfortable as circumstance
permitted. He looked very strong
and capable as he smiled down upol
Mary, and the girl was conscious OF
distinct feeling of relief, though sh'
hardly knew its source.
"Well," said Mary, 81 feel worries
and bothered. You know, John, how
much all our folks have got into tn
way of looking to me for help II
money mattersy
.sYes, know" replied John, with
rather curious infection.
81 like to do il" said Mary quickly
est makes me very glad and happy t
do it. should not say word abou
il to anybody but you, but you airead,
know these detnils. You are such O.
;ntimate friend of the family, aren'
you?"
"A very intimate friend OF the fam
;,v." echoed the young man gravely
ssApd mother has often told yo'
how easy It was for me to earn fey
pounds, hasn't she?
ssVery Often" answered the youn
man again, with the same gravity.
"WelI, john" said Mary. lifting
pair of very earnest eyes to his, ne
accents full of sorrow and dlsmay, .
am sometimes afraid l can't keep o
doing it" -,
what makes you think SOP" aske'
John gently. -, ;,
al can't think OF anything, sal
Mary, the tears Drumming up into ne
ewes. 81 have sat here this mornin
for nearly an hour, and not q singl
idea has come to me. And-I didn'
dare to tell mother and the girls !
NV last story was rejected. 1t wa
such q blow, for 1 had been countln
on the money to buy Jennie's summt
dress. She was rather cross when
told her she must wait while longer.
.saIy dear little SOUL" said Il
Young man, "you are overworke!
That is the simple explanation OF u
Whole matter"
The kindness OF his tone seemed
altogether break down Msry's con
posure, for-after momentary strul
ole for calmness--she dropped her he'
INTO f,es hands and cried heartily.
John Reamond's face presented