The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1896-05-09
HIS GREATEST MOVE.
BY EMMA nj. WISE.

had paSseu away ever pouy
in Lebanon commenced to say it was I
shame that she didn't marry again
There had been time half year be-
fore when it seemed as though there ,
was a possibility of her doing such a ,
thing. and then tho vacillating public
had thrown up its hands in horror ana
had declared that to so desecrate the
memory of loved one in such short
time was sacrilege pure and simple,
and that no right-minded woman would
think of bestowing herself as helpmate
upon another before the lamented Os-
rood was cold in his grave. -Four years
and a half was hardly sufficient time
for person to attain a state OF frigldlty,
reckoning by Lebanon standards. But
when her cousin, who had been visiting
her for a short time, went back easta ana
the severely censurcd widow very clear
" demonstrated that her intentions
bad been entirely misunderstood, Leb-
anon, collectively and individually, be-
gan to lean toward the other side OF the |
fence. and it wasn't long till 1T had
jumped clear over and was equally loud
in its renunciations of woman VINO
was selfishly Withholding the light OF
her comedy countenance from some poor
wayfarer whose path might need illum-
lining by her presence.
Perhaps the one person in all Lebanon
who was most sincerely grieved by Mrs.
Osgood's oft repeated and evidently
meant assertion that she had no desire
TO renounce her widowhood was Joseph
Lawrence. Lawrence was a retired pol
itician. who for some twenty-odd years
had served his country in one capacity
and another, but who had at last
grown tired of originating and execut-
ing schemes for the party's aggrandize-
1pent and had settled down on the pro-
ceeds realized, which, though large,
were not commensurate with the pro-
d;gious amount of work which he had
conscientiously performed. He had long
looked with covetous eyes on Mrs. Os-
good, and even when the report that she
had pronounced her ultimatum In re-
gard to second marriages was tripping
from tongue to tongue, the natural
buoyancy of his nature prevailed and
he bolstered up his spirits with the
l,ope that the widow had wisely de-
clined to set up the true secret OF her
heart to be pecked at by social DAVIS.
Hope did not allay suspense, however,
and in order to relieve the troubled
state of his mind he decided to content
himself no longer with secondhand de-
cisions, but to apply directly to the
court of justice as administered by the
widow, for verdict.
Mr.. Lawrence's experience as poll
tician had bred in him an air of extreme
urbanity when in the presence OF WON
en- and children taken as collective
part of voters possessions, but dealing
with one of the opposite sex at close
rnnge and as distinct individual was
something rarely essayed by the erst
while willy manager, and the morning
when he called on Mrs. Osgood to learr
whether or no there were good ground!
for the rumors then af1oat his mannel
gave evidence of trepidation such a
he could not remember ever to hav
fourdered in before. The candid greet
ing which his hostess always eNtende'
10 callers, instead of putting him
his ease. only served to bewilder hir
the more and, with a bluntness whic
would have filed his diplomatic sou
with horror in a political move, h
went at the subject that was responsiol
for his visit.
.Mrs. osgood," he said, between asst
matte catches of his breath, I near
said throughout the village that yo
never intend to marry again. My neigl
bors-your neighbors-our neighbo
consider this not only folly but
positive wrong on your part. Sc
more clearly, perhaps, than any otne
the fallacy of your conclusions and Q
seecb YOU TO reconsider, if gossip has
ported you correctly. Mrs. Osgood,
YOU mean never to marry AGAIN."
The lady's face was tinged with
slight flush, and she hesitated III
ment before answering.
.Really, Mr.. Lawrence" she replit
nj length, 'your question is We
pointed one, and was trying 10
eide whether or not you have rig
to expect an answer. But as 1t is
matter on which l have no reason
maintain any particular secrecy 90
mind telling you that / am decided
pre;udiced against second marriag
such a course might be pardonanie
some cases, but in this instance neve
Lawrence's countenance was eionga'
10 a ridiculous degree.
.since you have positively stated q
much" he hazarded, perhaps you
fell me what is your reason.
she turned in her chair till her g
rested ON the figure of a boy, who
training vines in the garden peye
= - the Vide driveway.
my life belongs to him." she s.
softly. and the tears welled up in
nretty eyes and trembled on her <
lashes. "He is my only child, and
- long as can keep him with me 81
have no desire for another compani
when he marries. which time, pie
heaven. will never come while !
then I may consider the advisablht.
choosing another husband
Lawrence sighed. In his calculate
of prospective happiness the wide
son had never been considered an
known quantity, and he knew 10 a
gree of commendable exactness the
of the young hopeful in question.