The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1897-10-20
CHAPTER XIV.

Two wears have passed. and brought
their inevitable changes The seasons
have come aud gone. The flowers have
bioomel and died and doomed again,
and once more Elmwood is crowned in
the full beauty Of the month Of roses.
1t is late in the afternoon, and for
some time Margaret has been waiting
Brian's coming. Her eyes are fixed al
ternatey NJ On the long drive and upon
the little face sleeping peacefully in her
arms.
Maternity, that perfect completion Of
woman's nature, has given her new
grace and dignity, and left upon her
life the impress of a happiness that
even the shadow of old sorrows cannot
lessen.
Indeed, The sorrOWs are never remem-
bered, except in philosophical sort Of
way, and in the realization Of all that
she hoped and expected she feels that
they have brought an ample reward.
Brian has fully redeemed his pledge,
and, with lie full Of higher and nob!er
purpose, is walking faithfully in his
fathers footsteps, and winning the
same honor and respect.
He comes home with a Light heart this
evening, and seeing Margaret, leaps
from his carriage to take her in his arms
and kiss the two faces with warm and
tender love.
Are you very tirei?" she asks, look
ing into his eyes.
80, so. II has been warm in the viii
lage, but here it is quite delightful.
Poor Mrs. Ellis is down again for good,
| fear, this time, an Brown has an at
tack of influenza. He is moro frighten-
ed than hurt, I think, and more trouble
some than either He fancies I am not
giving him sufficient medicine, and in
sists on taking a double dose. His wife
has quite time with him.
What have you been doing with your
self, Margaret? Not trying any OF yes
terday's experiments, | hope. Give
me Marguerite; she is growing quite
heavy. You must not try to carry, her
any more, dear I will take her to Milly
aud we will walk to that hill to see the
sun set. b is really'superb."
When the baby had been given into
the care Of it's nurse, Margaret linked
her arm in Brian's, and they,walked to-
ward the place he had pointed out.
r have a. piece Of news which will
please you, know. Wilson has at last
made up his mind to come to US for a
week. We may expect him about the
2lst, ne says"
4 am so glad" Margaret answered
with genuine feeling. "We must make
it such delightful week that he viii
want to repeat it. It is really quite
curious. | think But, do you know,
never had such strong desire to SET
any one married as have to see him
I know it would make such happ.
difference in his life.
L suppose you think that the onl.
happy state for NAM"
Ii hope you do, she replied, meetin:
his laughing glance.
ut should be, and, as rule, | thin
, it is; the exceptions are individual cases
To my mind poor, lonely old bachelo
, trying to persuade himself that he ]
fortunate in having escaped the evil o
natGimony is a most doleful and pitt
: able spectacle All how giorious."
The last words were uttered as the
e reached the summit of the hill and tn
full splendor Of the sunset burst upo
, | them.
r They stood for few seconds in 81
" lence, watching the globe OF fire sink
' ing in sea of gold. Then Margart
. stole more closely to his side with tn
+ words:
1T seems to hold the peace of benz
g diction, Brian.
!. a benediction, he repeated, slIppin