The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1897-07-10
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AWOMAN5 INFLUENCE

lew could understand. the restful,
peaceful influences of her country |
home. Yet she could have found con-
tentment in this charming little apart
ment, with its comforts and luxuries.
lis situation was convenient and de-
lightful, in the heart Of the city, sur
rounded by places OF interest ana
amusement, and near the various CLUBS,
where Brian was fond of spending his
time.
She was in the center of hustle and
activity. From her window she could
hear the throbbing pulse OF a life that
was never still-the ever-sounding
orchestra of O busy city; the mighty
roar Of the elevated trains, with their
noisy, whizzing echoes; the sound OF
the heavy draws passing over the
ccbSlestones; the lighter Iumbie OF
carriages, and the long line of pedes-
trians, made up an ever moving, ever
changing panorama of human lie,
hope and ambition, upon which she
gazed with feelings that brought her
own loneliness and isolation more
keenly before her.
How was she to fill the long hours
that must pass before dinner! she
asked herself. Should she go through |
the stores and see the beaut full things |
the shop windows displayed so tempt
| ingly?"
That was not interesting when one
had no companions to exchange opln-
ions with. The crowds weariel her,
too. She felt so utterly alone AMIDST
the busy throngs, where friendly
glance seldom, If ever, greeted her. At
home it was so different; there she
could see familiar face in every
passer-by.
No, she would not 60 out to-day, she
decided at last She would stay at
home and read and try to emulate the
contentment of spirit which prompted
Norah under all circumstances to sing
cheerily ov>r her work. Yet 1t was
a bright day to spend indoors. The
sun. which always seemed to her preju-
diced fancy to shine through yellower,
thicker atmosphere, lay warm and
golden on the housa tops opposite. 1t
tempted her with it's cheeriness. But,
pshawl where was the pleasure in walking
sedately over the hard pavement5? How
could that compare with delightful
gallop-over the hills at home?
All. those glorious rides! Why couldn I
4 these tall walls crumble away? why
l couldn't the paved streets, this horrid
5 noise and din by the. touch OF some
farrv's hand give place to the familiar
hills and fields? Not for long; only 1ol
d ono day-iust one day. How she would
use every hour of that day!
She would have her usual ride on
MolIie's sleek back. They would can
d ter away through the cool, still morn
: ing. She would feel the invlgoratlnt
q air against her cheek, and the glat
sense OF fresh, new life tingling IN he
l. veins. She would go to The Cedars an'
e talk with Alice and the Colonel, an
"a laugh over Nell's ridiculous nonsense
q and feel so happy. She would run IN L
IL kiss the children as they pressed incl
little faces against the rectOry window
d, and she would find time for a few min
W utes with Mrs. Martin to ask her hoy
her rheumatism was, and hear IL TIT
d, o,d man had been out since his sickness
OF All. there was so much she would do
o. she could be at home to-day.
to Nanny came in to remove the breas
n fast things, and she asked twice Tor th
On orders for luncheon and dinner befoI
1t. Margaret heard her. :,
ny Indeed, don't know, she SAID,
ne last, trying to fix her mind on tnes
ny household details. "You and Norah e.
ell ercise YOUR ingenuity to-day. I'd pa
en- ticulariy like a nice dinner, as Nj
us Leigh will bring friend home Wi
him Men must be fed, you know, eve
.r- II the world goes to pieces. 1t is the
nd falling to think more of their Dime
than anything else, and we nave
ter humor it. So you and Norah must
full your best"
full Ouite late in the afternoon Margar
ID rather suddenly decided that she cou
,b- stand the house no longer. So, prepa
ing ing herself for q walk, she was So
on upon the street.
When she arrived home it was near
dinner time, and secretly upbraldi
herself for staying out so late, she 0
gan to dress as quickly as possible: !,
-, Il should be dreadfully sorry IL
III Wilson should come and L not ready
es receive him." she confided to her rene
nas ton in the mirror. Il shouldn't kn'
es, how to excuse myself. Well, it is ratf
the late. and if they have come cam
r help it.
Il When she entered the parlor I
in "non ards che found not Bril-
ant hut a tall. fine looking man who arr
you Mt her approach, with an air OF Oh
on airy perfectly in accord with the no
face.
10 Not go much with its beauty OF feat
and expression as with its frmness
ncy character, its strength OF inteliect,
ap- the ennobling influence which hlgh
'ou' deayor and strong purpose hau
eA upon it. Instinctively she felt gun
re' ening Of her sympathies and ieelll
an indefinite attraction toward TINS IL
- whose very appearance compelieo
HE. admiration.
. During her scarcely perceptible pa
ing .tc in the doorway, The stranger, viii
IN. .n swift but critical glance, had taken In
~ ~ sweet face and girlish form. Then
n noei started forward with the half quest
III half assertion:
'n' Mrs. Leigh? l am not mistaken.
hch' She held out her hand with q smil
welcome.
With NO. YOU are not mistaken, she
an. with the easy, gracious manner
ba5 made her personality so winning.
nth am Mrs. Leigh. and you are DR..
DIV son. | know. / am very glad to
SO YOU, and doubly glad to welcome ye
mos INV home, because really cannot
NJ as that YOU are stranger, but rathe
were old friend whom l have heard OF
York. talked of so often,
ends, her Woros Srdeih. a.. n h;,bIy h,
often swered, pressing the hand she OF
, an him. To. be numbered among