The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1897-07-28
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tH\W0kAA|N5 INF -UENCE
CHAPTER TX.
A DOMESTIC ENCOUNTER.

a lively interest In the affairs Of others
seems to be the conSenal Occupation Of
q large portion Of the inhabitants.
Opinions were somewhat divided in
the matter. The unprecedented regarded
q marriage between the cousins as a
happy solution of tho unpleasant state
of affairs, while the more interested,
notably the mothers Of sons whose
matrimonial designs had thus been frus-
trated; shook their heads rather doubt
fully, and prophesied all manner Of dire
catastrophes. from what they considered
lovelcss union. They hoped it wduld
turn. out we'll; so they assured each
other Indeed, they were inclined to pity
Margaret, and, with admiring glances OF
Tim or John, they wondered what she
had seen in Brian to like.
Margaret we'll knew that she was on
object Of unusual o"mment. There
were people in s." to use her own
words, who would sit at her table and
break her bread and her character at
tho same time" Yet, Notwithstanding,
the knowledge that she afforded gratitl-
cation to their curiosity filled her with
feeling akin to indignation.
"Notoriety is the fate Of GREATNESS,
the Colonel told her, by way of consola-.
ton. You and Brian are the most
prominent figures in the neighborhooi
Just now. Think of tho distinction. But
seriously, my dear, I'm glad you two
have reached such a sensible settle
ment. Expected 1t all the time. Not
quite SO soon, though You've made the
quickest time on record" The old gen.
tleman's eyes twinkled at this evidence
of his own humor.
About this time he was deep In some
cherished plans intended to affect the
future of his son and niece. He gave
no hint of his desires to either party
concerned, for he could be polite on o.
casion, and he realized tha5 this was O
matter to be handled with much caution.
"a fine pair, fine pair" he would
chuckle, when privacy permitted him to
give such expression to his feelings.
"Plenty of spirit in the girl, and that
young scamp. confound him, he'll be
something yot.
The scamp in question had en- ioyed
all tho advantages young man in his
position could expect or hope for.
Il want you to make good showing, y
his father had said to him, when he
started out on his college career. you
must look to your future and take up
something practical. l prefer law,
though it Is O. s.oundrclly profession.
Still, as good as most, dare say. II
you do start In 1T, stick to 1t. And for
heavens sake don't come out first
class idiot, fit only for show piece.
And don't break your neck, or get in
debt"
Berthe had managed to 90 through
college without falling victim to the
latter OWLS. He had followed his
fathers counsel as to adopting law,
though he had not yet passed the bal.
Under pretext Of reading for this
end. he spent much of his time in New
York, from which point he paid fire.
quent visits to The Cedars. Sitting in
his office one day, and, porting over q
law dictionary, he was rather surprised
to receive from his father q letter set.
ting forth the good points Of a certain
nameless young lady, and urging upon
him the ACCESSIBILITY of marrying her,
and finally settling in life.
well, in the name Of all that's holy,
he circulated, that must be answered.
And so it was. To such purpose that
it sent his easily moved father into a
towering passion. Alice was summoned
And that young lady, looking quite cool
and composed, came tripping into the
room prepared for a scene, and wonder
ing what had occurred to disturb tho
equilibrium Of her uncle'S temper.
well, uncle2" she said, with concEl-
iatory inquiry.
We'll, uncle" no mim;cked. "Yo.
come in smiling and mincing. just as
though there were no impudent young
scamp in the world.
Il dare say there are great many,
she rejoined agreeably; land old ones
too, for that matter"
What do you mean?" he broke in
quick to take exception to her words
, But, Lord!" what's the use of arguing
with a girl? Here! read this letter ant
. tell me If you consider 1t the prope
thing for an impertinent puppy to WRIT
to his father?"
He thrust tho letter in her hand, an
her eyes glanced over the somewha
aggressive chirography, while its mean
dawned upon her.
> DEAR RESPECTED PATER-Yours o
the 18th inst. duly to hand. Contents
noted. Would say in answer that an
very we'll satisfied with my presen
state of single blessedness, and Will
approaching your interest in my behalf
l prefer to choose my own partner. whel
I elect to assume the cares OF domestl
life.
| Though the Bible says It is not goo
} for man to be alone, it Is far more risky
to my mind, to Jog along in double har
ness, unless the old mare is to one
. liking.
i've been dong finely; wnnin
golden opinions OIL all sides. am fear
full of becoming too great, and Black
t stone has q tendency to monotony; 6
l have very serious intentions Of put
: ting the old boy aside and gainin
8 laurels with my pen. Visions of futur
greatness pass before my eyes, and
pardon this blot; it is the outcome Of m
t perturbed feelings-who knows but tina
!, in the dim and misty future you may b
l known not as Col. Barton merely, b,
d as Col. Barton, the father of Cuthbcl
Barton. Does your heart swell wit
: pride at the thought?
;. Now, to descend from the heights {
;. ambition to ordinary reality. The cit
grows warmer every day. Nothing {
: any moment transpiring. The last h
wave knocked the bottom out of til
r market, and everybody is now busy pre-
d pounding the question Of the day, is
9 hot enough for you
I'm thinking you have the best Of
: down there, and l have serious inter
S tons of dropping on your rural fold ar
IS enjoying some argumentative tete-;
tetes with you. Meantime can
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