The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1897-07-28
CHAPTER VII-Continuel:

place was dull and lonely to you. For
some unexplained reason you enjoyed
my society. You thought 1t an excellent
opportunity to try your arts OF fascind-
ton ON girl who, SO far as you knew,
would place implicit trust in your hon
esty Of purpose. Please let me finish.
l am speaking truth, nothing more. The
pastime amused you and gratitfed your
vanity at the same time. You knew
that she M ght learn to like you. There
was no reason why she might not give
her heart and her future happiness in
your keeping. You realized this, yet
you staid on, sill knowing you had Nd
intention Of marrying her. And when
you had t:rel Of the diversion, you in
suited her with declaration of love
and no proposal of marriage. You
allowed a sordid motive to cheat your
heart of It's noblest instincts. YOU
Oh, wonder I can say SO much! There
are times when 1 positively desplse you,
and others when-I believe l am los
Ing my self-respect. l wish you had
never gone to S'conset."
She started from her chair and walked
to the opposite window Her hands
trembled nervuusly, though her words
had not been uttered with passion, but
with slow, deliberate emphasis that
gave them accusing force.
Brian had listened with bowed head.
Only once he had tried to interrupt her,
then she had silenced him with mo-
ton. Even after she hal paused he
did not speak for some seconds.
"You are hard upon me" he said, OF
last. Il acted contemptibly, but Won t
you try to think there was some little
excuse? l don't know why am such a
worthless fellow. Perhaps because no
one cares whether l ever amount to
anything or not I have not been so
fortunate as you. You have been loved
and praised all your life. I have had
discouragement and condemnation on
all sides. Perhaps l deserved SO much,
but it disheartens man to be forever
running him down"
Her face softened as she answered. in
q gentler tone: They are wrong to dis
courage and condemn you. No one
| knows their possibilities for good or
evil until they have been tried. There
are redeeming traits even In the worst,
and you are not one Of the worst. Your
chance is before you. want to forget
| all that has happened. For your sake,
and for mine, 1 wish to feel-" She
hesitated and her face grew crimson.
Not SO much from his ;glance as from
the drift of her own thoughts.
why won't you understand" she
cried, in helpless embarrassment, after
silence that was almost felt. why
can't you comprehend that want YOU
to have what belongs to you?"
Il don't want it," answered Brian
with logged resistance The though
of that money is always between us. F."
You don't want it because you can
have it without an incumbranco, 1 sup
poser"
If the incumbrance means you, Mar
garet, there is nothing I desire so mucl
as the inoumbrance.
"Then take it, please, Brian. The in
cumbrance finds you SO slow Of compre
tension"
Brian was slow no longer. Margaret
meaning flashed upon him, and with
joyful face and glad cry he started to
ward her.
But she stopped him rather precipi
tately with the words:
Don't be foolish, Brian, please.
want you to understand that this
merely q business arrangement. W
shan't be very affectionate, but neithe
need we quarrel.
Then you wish simply to satisfy you
sense Of obligation" he said, rather rue
fully. you don't care for me the leas
bit, Margaret"
IF caring for you means giving you m,
heart, I can only say I haven'tit to give
I think you need not complain. Mar
riage will not make great difference T.
our love. We shall always be goo
friends, hope. Are you satisfied"
II am happy to get you on any terms,
he responded. For no other man ca
ever claim you. And maybe some da
you will learn to love mo, If only
little"
Don't delude yourself with any sue
idea. That is all, l believe. Pleas
leave me now"
How cold and Indifferent you are,
he said, turning to obey her reques
"You make it very hard for me.
Her eyes dropped beneath the inter
sity of his gaze, but she made no re
mark, and the next second he had lie.
her to her own thoughts,
In somewhat jubilant but rather pc
culiar frame of mind he sought Mis-
Hilton, and confided to hor sympatheti
ear his late go I'd fortune.
Two hours later, as Margaret sa
alone in one corner of the verand;
Brian stole up behind hes chair, an
dropped in her lap ring of old-fashione
design and exquisite workmanship.
Here is something prize very higf
ly," he said. ut belonged to my mothe
| should like to see it on your finge
Pearls for the pearl of pearls"
His sudden appearance and une!
pected action made her blush warmly.
"Put it on for me" she replied, rath
nervously, and holding her hand towal
him. Il am not sure that l know tt
proper finger.
"a sad confession" he re;o:ned, e.
periencins keen thrill Of pleasure
his hand touched hers. Why, it fl
nicely and makes quite show.
at is very beautiful, " added Margare
examining the magnificent pearls Wi
critical interest. How can | thank y,
for it?
She raised her eyes to his, but dropp'
them Immediately. Something in b
glance sent the warm blood to her fac
Il think must show it to Miss Hilton
she said, starting up and leaving hi