The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1897-05-13
THE NOBLEST HUSBAND.

one of the windows of Mrs. Staunton's
mansion were not, as they seemed to
be, fixed on the fast falling snow.
Ethel Matherson's thoughts were far
away. She WIS dreaming of the days
before her fathers death, when, in her
distant former home, Col. Matherson's
idolized only child, she had been SO
zealously guarded from life's sharp
edges. But in the prime of life her fa-
ther had been snatched fron her by
death.
So little remained for her of her ia
theirs once large fortune, when all his
debts had been paid, and she had SO
signally failed in giving lessons in
music and fancy work, despite her own
proficiency in these arts, that this little
had soon disappeared.
1t was at this juncture that her
wealthy cousin, Julia Staunton, wild
owed and childless, had dawned on her
horizon as a possible helper with an
offer of making her a companion. Ethel
had gone to her with misgivings, for the
letter in which the offer was made was
far from cordial.
Her fears had not, it proved, been
without cause, for she had been made a
.eritable drudge. Mrs. Staunton had
been quick to seize upon her skill in
lace-making and embroidery, so that,
when not engaged in reading aloud Or
otherwise amusing her, Ethel was kept
constantly busy with fancy work of the
most delicate and intricate pattern.
Thus it was that many night, with
aching heart and smarting eyes, the
girl had cried herself to sleep.
On the afternoon on which we found
her at the window she had gained a
brief respite, due to the fact that her
cousin had gone on shopping eXpedi-
ton. Suddenly there was a tap at the
door, and in response to Ethel's invita-
tion to enter trim maid came in, bear
ing lamp with a rose tinted shade,
which cast pleasant glow through the
room.
shall | draw the curtains, Miss
Ethel?' she asked, with kindly glance
at the sad-faced girl.
"Yes, Mary Ethel replied, as she
sank into chair. Mrs. Staunton has
not returned yet?' she questioned.
NO, miss, but | think she will soon
be here. 'Tis getting late"
The girl withdrew, closing the door
after her. Presently Ethel heard car
rage stop in the street below, followed
ny the clang of the hall doors. She
heard the rustic of her Cousins gar
ments as that lady came up the stairs
and to her door.
She entered with a smile which. when
Ethel was the object on which her eyes
rested, was passing rare. She was in so
happy mood that she even failed to
note that her companions hands were,
Tor once, idle.
such delightful time as | have
had! she cried, with vivacity. II met
nlm downtown and we had very pleas
ant lunch together-Maj. Horton, you
know"
am glad you enjoyed your trip,
cousin julia" Ethel said.
his attentions are becoming quite
marked, don't you think? Why, he has
already been here twice this week! |
oes ssrmlned from the first to win that
man; for, will you believe it. at the be-
ginning of our acquaintance he actually
seemed to avoid me''
ror some moments she was silent, her
eyes hxed meditatively on the floor.
lie mas invited Inc to go driving with
MN tomorrow and asked that YOU
might accompany me. Your companion
4 presume, will be that odious Mr..
thompson. By the way, Ethel, wish
you would leave eff calling me Cousin
euia.' 1t might be better that the ma.
9or did not know of our relationship"
Must / go?" Ethel asked, pleadinsly
II hurts pe to take part in any gayety.
y seems disloyal to poor papa. Canno,
sone one goi my stead?"
ihe widow eyed her with displeasure
1 do wish you would give up tha,
sh'imental nonsense" she declared
II is only in books that such things
as 'hat occur. Maj. Horton has asked
oo on my account, as my companion
% 80, and go you must"