The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-01-02

sity of deciding between two good
men, both IN measure eligible, and
both undoubtedly attractive; but she
had found herself shrinking more and
more from the making OF o final dc.
cision, with cowardico that surprised
her and was certainly entirely foreign
to her nature. Now, however. as she
| lay back in great easy chair in tho
pleasant sitting room, she drew her
red lips very closely together in way
that, to one who knew this maiden Of
determined spirit, bctokcnod a fare.
we'll to indecision, and bravo facing,
and if possible speedy solving Of the
problem before her.
"So one knows any better :hsn r.
sho told herself with severity, "that l
cannot go on in tLls way any longer,
if there were only some objection to
one OK the other! But there isn't
bless their hearts! And how good
they are to me--too good. Oh dear /"
and she sighed. Then, sitting up very
straight, "Thie will never DO. Now"
taking up one of tbs pictures
"Here is Henry G. billiard, aged
thirty-three; by Inheritance, very
wealthy; by profession, an artist !;
character. excellent; temper. ami.
able; persona.ly-gool looking, very
popular, and q great catch" She
lnedltated. "Ihe truth of the matter
is, the girl who refused Nh. billiard
would be very foolish girl indeed. -
She took up the other photograph.
"Now, here is Richard V. Wheeler.
familiar|y known as Dick Wheeler; by
inheritance, poor; by profession, Il
lawyer; character, good; temper
we'll, temper little quick; while rs
for looks"--and she held the picture
at arms length and gazed at it cgiti.
cally-"I do think smiling in spite
OF herself--"that Dick has one OF the
very incest faces in tho world"
She leaned back with her hands be.
hind her head and stared up at the
ceiling with unseeing eyes.
II must Decide she thought.
II suppose I ana just On aver.
age woman, but it do$s seem strangc
that I do not know which Of
these two I like tAe better, or if j.
really love either OF them. I do
believe think as much Of one as the
other. In that case, it is just ques-
! ton OF expel!cncy, fitness, in fact.
Why, that is simple enough. Now,
which is the better match OF the two?
Mr.. billiard, undoubtedly. Which
could provide for me tho better =?
Which would ho the mere acceptable
to my relatives and friends? Mr..
billiard, Of course. There it is in q
nutshell" aud she sprans to her feet
with animation and laid the pictures
on tho table. "Ihere, the matter is
decided, and how glad AMI
She wentupto the windowanl leaned
ont. ''loor Dick" she said softly,
show srieveA he will be. but he will
Get over it, Of course. lam so glad |
have acted eensib}y IN the matter.
always said would when IL came to q
question of marriage. Nov l come 10
think OF it, don't zee how any sex.
siblc girl could make any other dc.
cisior."
Tho po.tiers parted and IN older
lady entered the room, attirea for the
| street.
Il Mn going down town. Ellen, "
she said pleasantly. Ills there any
thing can do for you?"
"Nothing, thank you, mamma"
The pictures lay in full view side by
| side On the table.
l. "ElIen," said her mother gently,
"those are two good men WHO love
you. I have hesitatea to speak to yc,l
about the matter before, trusting that
you would reAlizo tho necessity OF
making some decisioa ono way or the
other"
"1 do reaiizo it."
81 am sure you do. Personally, I
have no objections to either Of them.
They are both esti,nable men, and
would have you act according to the
dictates OF your own heart, but trust
you will use good sense in your de.
cision. In fact, am suro you will.
You are used to having everything
you want, dear. and Mr.. billiard is
wealthy aud would be very kind"
:'StiI, papa was poor man when
you married him." said Ellen, acting
upon-who shall say what impulse?
"lhat is true, but l would have you
! avoid the trials OF my early married
life. Not that I have any serious
objection to Dick. He is q nice
boy, but tride too near your own
age, and then am afraid I should nj.
ways worry about that-uncle, was il
not?-oi his who died
etc."
"Why, namna," exclaimed Ellen,
"that wGs no. his uncIe-he was q
second cousin or something Of that
kind. Besides, what on earth has that
to DO with Dick %
"Nothing, dear. OF course he is
not responsible. But those things