The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1897-06-30

CHAPTER ".
LOVE VERSUS MONEY.


were entirely forgotten, a letter written
soon after his coming to S'conset having
satisfied his sense OF obligation.
Evidently S'conset had developed new
charms for him since the day he had
found it's dullness SO oppressive that
sleep seemed the only reasonable or
possible occupation.
And Margaret, having awakened him
to new view of the place, was prac-
tically realizing that constant hanging
on she had once reprobated 80 strongly.
She did not encourage him, neither did
she repulse him. She did not seek his
company, nor did she show by the
slightest action that it was distasteful
to her
Her attitude was one OF uncertain ex-
pectancy.
She spent many hours with him on
the beach. She walked with him in the
delightful spring weather, gathering
health and spirits from the glad sun and
invigorating air.
She had taken him through many Of
the cottages, and her enthusiasm had
awakened his dormant interest. She
had shown him the way to the light
house, and together they had climbed
the great winding stairway, gazed i'm
pressively upon the wonderful lamp, and
looked down from the great height upon
the undulating moors, lying like a
checkered map before them; upon the
hills fading in the mist Of distance, and
the glorious breath Of restless waters
surging over the rips and dashing them
selves in fury at the feet OF tho bluff.
She had pointed out the silvery waters
of Sesachaca. set like Jewel in tho
moorland's breast, and only separated
from the ocean by narrow belt of sand
hills. And afterward they had climbed
to the top Of Tom Nevers, q verdant
bluff standing boldly out against the
western sky, and sloping to the waters
roaring at its feet.
On this bold promontory they hal
watched the sun quench his fires in the
sea and trail his trembling lights across
the hills. And through the lingering
beauty OF the after glow they had gone
home along the lonely and deserted
shore.
The hours of such companfonship
could not be forgotten.
Too late Brian realized this In all
the time they had been together he had
tried in vain to fathom Margaret's feel
ings for him, but his boosted skill as
physiognomist had failed in her case.
Her strength of character, Courageous
spirit, and ever ready sympathy made
her charming and refreshing contrast
to the conventional women he had hith-
erto met, but they did not constitute the
sole reason for his pleasure in her corr;
pany.
Il never felt so bad about leaving a
place before, he said to her one. day.
Il believe | could stay here year I'M
der present circumstances.
II could stay here forever" was her
earnest and impulsive reply.
But at last the day came when she
felt she must leave. She had written to
tell Miss Hilton of her intention, and
with the feeling that she must make tho
most Of her last hours, she had gone
down to the beach, where the fishermen
were just bringing in the days harvest.
She was standing by the dories, watching
the huge fish with sort of fascinated
gaze, when Brian joined Eer in his usual
unceremonious fashion.
at seems to be an age since l saw you
last" he declared, utterly ignoring. the
fact that he had been with her the day
before. Shall we walk down the beach?
The air is glorious"
She nodded in the affirmative, and
they moved away together.
why don't you say something's" he
asked, after the silence had lasted some
minutes.
Il don't feel in talking humor," she
answered, conscious Of disagree cable
desire to quarrel with some person or
thing.
Il think you might try. I have the
blues trightfully. l wish you'd cheer
me-
TRY one Of your own prescriptions,
she suggested. "The blues are physi-
cal condition, they tell US. You'll have
an opportunity to vindicate the diploma
you've lugged around so long. just
see those boats coming in on the break
ers. Aren't they graceful? I wish !
were fisherman.
What an idea. How could you man
age 10 i've HelcI
How? Why, as they do, of course
with the sight of the sea ever before
me; the music of the breakers always
in my ears; in close and constant com
munion with the very sublimity of ma:
ture. How can their lives be either
hopeless or unintere5ting? Though, tt
person Of your energetic tempera'
ment, l dare say, they would be tire.
some.
Il have notion you intend that fo1
sarcasm" he returned, good-naturedly
How am to take your"
NO way, please; lam not to be taker
just now.
There, you snap me up. You have
been an enigma all through. Some
times YOU are all sweetness, and at 9th
ers you fly at me and lecture me mos
numerically. Still I like to be will
you
Much obliged, I'm sure; but didn
come here to amuse you.
Evidently in bad humor, though
Brian, noting the sharp tone.
f believe you've missed your voca
ton" he said aloud. You were intende;
for one of the Yankee school ma ans w
read about. How you would have lect
ured the unfortunate little chaps. AM
your husband, poor man
Pray spare your pity. Such indefinite
objects don't need it. There are to-
many 'reat living ones upon whom i
might he expended with advantage. Yo'
remind ne of those very generous PEG
pie who ltn around collecting subscrip
lions for the heather while hundreds o.