The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1896-12-05
MAJOR PENDALL.AS.
A Christmas Love Story.
BY FRANK r. STOCKTON.
CHAPTER II.


was downstairs before breakfast
the next morning, and l met the Major
just coming in from visit TO MS STA
bles.
Merry Christmas" he cried, and
isn't this glorious day-sun bright an
sky clear? But the snow is about
foot deep on the level, and nobody
knows how deep in the drifts. l have
Canadian in my employment who walks
on snow shoes, and l have sent him
across the country to the Delivers to
tell them where you are and let
them know you will be there in the
course of the afternoon. I'll send out
some men with double team OF oxen
and snow pillow to break the road, and
after luncheon I'll drive over myself.
In the meantime how are you going to
spend the morning, sir?'
I laughed as gazed into his earnest
countenance.
Il am going to try to break road
into the region of matrimony," re-
piled.
The Majors face shone like the morn
ing sun.
you're sound as a dollar!" he ex-
claimed. After breakfast you two shall
have the house to yourselves. I'll carry
off Mrs. Bardsley and the rest of them
| TO the Christmas pres ent business in the
big barn. suppose you can get through
in an hour?"
"Oh, yes" 1 answered; probably in
less time"
| The Major was now called OF, and
strolled into the reading room to look
again at my picture. Tho room was
| full of the morning light. and as l
turned to the wall on which my land
scape hung, stood with eyes end mouth
wide open-the paper on the wall was
one designed by Clara Weldon. l re-
membered when she was working on it in
her studio There was tendril running
through it which l had suggested.
clapped my hands, and felt like bursting
out with shout of pure enjoyment. but
restrained myself. The breakfast bel
rang, and, as 1 went out, closed the
door behind me.
Miss Weldon came down refreshed
and lovely, and as she exchanged the
Christmas salutationS / almost felt
guilty, in thinking of the conspiracy
which we two had Matched up agains
her, but did not in the least swervt
from my purpose.
1t was about an hour afterward, wher
Miss Weldon and we're sitting before
blazing fire in the parlor, that l &c
clared my love for her, that / asked hel
to be nv wife, and in the ardor, which
increased as / spoke, told her every
thing. laid before her the whole glow
ing picture which Major Pendallas ha-
painted for mo
When / began to speak she looked a
me in O quizzical way, as IL she wer'
amused at tho suddel out-cropping o
nv passion, but afterward she began Il
listen with interest, as il it were due t.
me to give serious consideration to I
matter which / urged so warmly, odd a.
it might be that l happened to be urg
ing it Just then. But when I told he
, what the MAJOR had boen talking abou
her face flushed with Indignation.
, 1T is a shame" she exclaimed, tina
|, that that man should discuss me in sue
way. What right has he to meddl
, with my affairs or give advice concern
I me? II 1 can do it, 1 will leave thi
. house this instant,
) you cannot DO it," 1 said. Aand be
I YOU will restrain your anger until ex
/ plain the case. Maj. Pendallas takes
A great interest in me on account OF m
Q work. You remember what he said
breakfast about my pictures. DO ha
8 taken"
Il don't care anything about his in
i terest in yoa," she interrupted. i al
thinking about myself. He has no rigt
1 to take any sort of interest In mt
discuss me. 1t is the most unwarfant
t able thing. the most"
o Please do not say anything MOI