The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-04-10


. seeming delight which he can SO wei
express IN courteous words; au
sprlnSjES lightly into the sleigh b.
his side, as the groom releases Ii
horses and they speed off as IN arrow
sent from its bow, she feels only hon
ored by his preference and his com
panionship.
Two days later little note is PLACED
IN Edith Lorins's hands. 1t is polite
invitation from Dir. Rallings to accom-
pany hun that afternoon to drive,
which she as politely and formally de.
cl1nes. Occasionally she hears bis
name mentioned in the household
learns that his attentions to Miss Ell.
wood are growing marked; sees the
happy flush mount TO her brow at
mention OF his namc, and wonders ut
the ICY Indifference with which she
hears 1t all. Sometimes for y moment
the Old pain throbs and surecs, but
she hraveIy tights it back and comes
forth coniueror.
IN allthese months she rarely meets
nm. Once, as she is Eassiug through
the hail with her little charges, she
unexpectedly confrouts him. In his
old, winning way--a manner which
she has learned SO well-he asked her
once more to let him be her friend.
AT least, Edith, let me explain"
"Explaiu, MIR. Rsliings? I cannot
understand, sir, what explanation is
necessary. Allow NE to assure YOU I
consider none due me-"
This is all that passed between them
until one morning, when Mrs. Eiwood
has given her holiday and she has
taken advantage OF it for quiet walk,
she hears behind her a quick tread
and IN another moment Mr.. EalIinos
had accosted her.
inns IS most unexpected pleas.
IRE. Miss Edith. Will YOU allow me
to join you?"
81 came out. Mr.. Rallings, to he
alone, and should prefer it,"
Edith, listen to me l must sneak
why DO you avoid me? When I left
TINS country for Europe wrote You f.
little note, explaining way / was called
away, leaving you my address and
begging you to write to me. No letter
reached me, and on my return J. heard
OF your added misfortunes. I could
hear nothing more. When | found
YOU at last, so bravely earning YOUR
own support, it gave me new respect
for you. | know full well how little
worthy l am to ask a favor at YOUR
1and, but at least let me try to win
back some OF the friendly feeling I feel
assured you once gave me-"
THAT l will not deny, Mr.. Ra]!incs:
1or will I deny that, ior O. time I
Missed my friend; but I have SO 1
choo'ed myself that that feeling has ;
crown into ca]lousness. The rose
'nce bllshted, canuot reblossom: the ,
'eart once trampled upon bears the ,
iuel impress forever. have learned
4 least contentmcnt, AMI let mo bec j
nat th's shall be our last interview 6
"Aa7e you indeed grown SO hard Z
siith? When knew that Won had +
ost everything, and was dependent j
oie'y upon the labor Of your own |
ram and hands, I longcd, darling. q
H. SO earnestly. to say to you: Come a
me. Let me share your burden, or
shten it all can You have Judged /
'e cruelty, Edith. I am not So base d
s you imagine. I have enough for t
9th. Let me try to win back at least k
little of the old feeling, with the S
ope that at later day l may plead S
lth you to be my wife,"
For moment Edith wayered Tharo
IS ring of truth in his words she
'uld but recognize. But was he not. .
thus addressing her, playing false =,
It'll Miss Elwood? How foolish for " "
n to listen to his idle words. T.
LET the dead past bury its dead. ",
r. Rallings," she answered Mt last I"
Too many changes have taken place t.
us ever again to be the same to :,
en- other. Words are very empty ~ NJ
ings, and though you have learned IN
err fullest power, you are no longer q
dressing the girl who, one short wear ~ y,
., thought all the world was true, -
n yon think that I, living in the ~ w
use with Miss Elwood, can be icnor- ~ ~
of the attentions you have paid W. ",
+? Nay, do not attribute this to "
rsonai feeling, for, believe me, it is ~
natter OF indifference, save That your b lr
nduct is unworthy gentleman" CIV
IN visiting Miss Elwood, if I have ~
ed, it has been through my love for ~
Il. L have gone there hoping to see wa
H. yeara'ns for the knowledge that in,
We're we'll at least, and longing to re
'ak through the crust Of icein which 1 vs
lntolded yourself. admire Miss wh
wood only as q friend, and do not ia
one moment hatter myself she on
ertained different feeling toward WA
This is folly, dear. Look at me
e, Edith, with your old, frank gaze,
Il my eyes speak falsehood, Danish !
forever" tor
III ia l,opo1occ NJ, p,N: -,