The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1897-09-08
CG@NC;

LIE COlOQel m6U Uleu dG Iuo uAAliAS-
room door, and Nell, approaching rather
cautiously, gave him a half-expectant,
MISUNDERSTANDING, glance.
Her fears were quite groundless. how
ever, for as soon as he had seen Marga-
ret, and heard that she was going to
leave them 80 soon, he had no thought
for any n else. 49,
IT don't know how we shall do with
out you," he said, bending over her with
kindly affection. BERTHE told me you
were going, and I have been anticipate
ing my own loneliness. Have you
grown tired Of us so soon?" He took
her face between his hands and regarded
it with a ge%ntleness in which a variety
of emotions found expression. You
are in a hurry to leave us, Margaret,
he added, sadly.
"Ah, no" she fastened to answer. as
her eyes grew dim and a painful flush
overspread her checks.
The gentleman did not answer for a
| second, during which his face worked
| with feeling and a tender light filed his
eyes.
you are a brave girl" he said, rather
| unsteadily, at last; "a true, brave girl.
Heaven will bless you as you deserve.
| Don't let that scoundrel come near me;
I might be tempted"
you are so hard on him, Colonel.
| Don't"
Don't blame him, I suppose. All,
Margaret, you are like the rest Of your
sex-always ready to defend the man
who breaks your heart. Well, we'll, I'll
not be hard, for your sake, but when
think Never mind; We'll miss you,
child-every one Of US. Don't quite for
get your old friends; you won't find the
new met half sc true"
Again Margaret's eyes grew dim, and
she found herself incapable of an an
swer.
Alice, noting her distress. broke in
with some light remarks, which Nell
took up, Notwithstanding her uncle's
formidable presence, and discussed
volubly.
Under this respite Margaret regainet
her self-possession, and began to speal
quite calmly.
No further ellusion to her going away
was made during the meal, though eaci
one seemed quite laxative, Nell par
ticularly airing her opinions freely, al
fecelFluS uO IopAOoA " IL oo"AoAAoJ'
But when the time came to say good
by, and Margaret was ready to go, tn
Colonel, disregarding the hand she he'll
out to him, clasped her in his arms, an
tenderly, almost reverently, kissed he
brow.
Il knew it would be hard, she sobbed
breaking down completely. II kne'
his would be the hardest of ALL"
mo, it sha'n't be, Margaret, he said
putting her gently from him. L do nc
wish to pain you, child, even for a me
ment. But I am very deeply moved
see you go from us under such circum
stances. Your bravery and devotio
will have its reward-be sure of tina
Remember me when you need sympath
or advice, for I would not be worthy tn
name Of friend If I could not show m
affection in time Of adversely as we
as prosperity; and I know that not eve
your own father could be more anx1or
to help you than I am"
For many long days Margaret cal
ried in her heart the memory OF his kin
words and sympathetic voice
AS she rode home through the wints
I. afternoon toward the chain Of beauhf1
: hills which shut in the quiet, peacef,
village, her fancy tinged with indesoril
able melancholy every surrounding Of
: ject, and the melancholy fingered lor
after her eyes had ceased to look upe
the scene that had engendered it.