The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1897-06-12

J know you don t mean 1t. My bird has
/ been SO coquettish and Knocked me with
so many sweet songs, that l am glad to
| see her Gagged at last. Now, as she per-
| sistently refuses to unclose her eyes to
the beauty of my countenanee, shall
proceed to take. matters in my own
| hands"
This threat he promptly carried out.
! Designating her resistance, he lifted
! her blushing face until he could look
into her dropping eyes. Then, appar-
entity satisfied with his long, intent
gaze, he drew her closer to him, and
kissed her unresistins lips with grave
tenderness.
Alice, was right; you do like me a
litlle."
A half hour later, Alice suggested the
advisability of returning to the Colonel.
BERTHE acquiesced reluctantly.
Come in" called the old gentleman.
as they hesitated at the door.
How many miles did you have to
travel to find Alice? You've been gone
| just thirty-five minutes, but I'll forgive
you. Think you've gotten ahead of the
old man, Ell? Wouldn't have "a wife of
my choosing? Oh. no. Wanted an old
mare to your liking. Humph! You
empty pate, you've got the very girl l
picked out for you. Think have taste,
eh2 Well, she'll lead you adance. She's
got the devils own temper, and you're
about her equal, sir.
Il am your son, was the imperturba-
BILE reply.
Yes, yes. Nobody'd think it, though.
You'll never have your fathers sense,
boy. Come here, you little coquette,
and kiss your uncle And, BERTHE, you
scamp, if you don't give her everything
she wants, I'll shoot you. Now clear
out, both of you. You addle my bewil-
dered BRAIN"
An clear out they did, with alacrity.
During tho days that followed Mar
garet and Alice saw great deal of each
| other, but this constant companionship
was fraught more of pain than of pleas
ure to Margaret, for the happy content
ment which filled Alice's heart Knocked
her with the knowledge of something
wanting in her own life. The pain was
hidden in her own heart. but her doubts
| and fears found outward expression in
nervous restlessness, lack of definite
| purpose and lowness of spirits. Many
| times did she reproach herself severely
for allowing such feelings to influence
her; but, do what she would, she could
not Danish the vague pain with which
! she looked forward to the future. 1T is
not that am unhappy" she told her
self, "but it is the possibility Of what
| lies before me.
One evening, during one Of Brian's
periodical visits 10 Elmwood, she went
with him to take dinner at The Cedar5.
| She found the evening thoroughly en-
| joyable, and for the time being she laid
| aside her depression and was in bril-
liant spirits. The Colonel, whose vein
was particularly happy, kept her by his
side and made himself especially en-
pertaining.
You needn't be jealous he said to
Brian, you'll enjoy all her sweetness
presently. No hope for Us old fellows.
| You young ones manage to shine US
! down and the girls like your handsome
faces and forget your empty heads"
Brian joined in the laugh raised at his
! expense, but when his eye met Margaret s
he was both surprised and perplexed at
4 its peculiar expression.
During the ride home he found her gay
! spirits had given way to moody 81
/ lence, which he tried several times to
| break without much success.
/ Il was hoping for nice talk with
! you," he said at last rather desperately,
I but you seem determined not to crafty
! me. You know that | return to the city
| tomorrow, too, and l won't see you
! again until l come to claim you for my
own. My darling, if you could realize
with what uGspeakable joy look for
ward 10 that time. But you are so colo
/ can't understand you, Margaret.
| Sometimes / begin to fear you regret"
Don't begin to think anyth ng so de-
void of sense. Brian. If l can't believe
| in disinterestel affection it isn't my
fault. Some one stole my faith from
me-"
She settled back in her corner with
these words and wrapped her cloak
more closely about her.
Il am very cross, Bran" she added
after moment of self-reproach. Il
! don't want to be cross to you. Please
remember that even when l forget it
am sorry ever had heart.
Had. Margaret" he repeated, bright
ening at once at her gentle tones. "Oh,
don't let us be doleful, please. Talk OF
| something else.
After this outburst Margaret settled
| still further back in her corner, and
Brian tried in vain to catch glimpse
| of her face in the Pickering light of the
| two carriage lamps.
No further remark broke the silence,
! which lasted until they reached home.
ITO BE CONTINUED