The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1897-07-07
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but Brian found it difficult to shake off
the incubus Of despondehoy and turn
his attention to some needful changes
in his attire, preparatory to going down
to dinner. He was not particularly
vain man; yet, wishing to appear to the
best advantage In bic cousins eyes, he
took special pains with his toilet. He
wondered If Margaret had visitors. !
Stephens had spoken Of the ladies.
Probably some old friend or chap
eron," he concluded, with last Salts
factory glance at his reflection in the
mirrof.
He found no one in the parlors, and,
the library being likewise deserted, he
wandered along the hall to a half open
door, through which he caught a
glimpse Of black dress.
He approached it with some trepida-
ton. He suspected possible changes in
the arrangement Of the house since
Margarets advent. and he was rather
fearful Of intruding upon some private
apartment.
His hssitating steps had, however,
been heard. There was movement in
the room % cry Of Dear Brian!" and
he found himself holding Miss Hiltol's
hand, and gazing, with mingled pleas
ure and surprise, in the gentle, kindly
face.
Come right in;' she said brightly.
This is our sitting-room, but you are
not debarred entrance. It Is such g
pleasure to see you again, you poor boy.
1T is almost like home coming" he
rejoined in low voice, following her
into the cozily furnished room. Il
scarcely expected my welcome from your
hands. Who am 1 to thank for that
pleasure?"
Margaret. Poor child, she is all
adviser"
Naturally. suppose she is well?"
Eyes, quite we'll. Her health is
usually good. Still I think she has
never recovered from our late bereave-
ment It was a sad event for you, also,
Brian"
The old lady spoke fselingly, and her
words brought an expression Of pain to
Brian's face.
Poor father" he said, after second.
Il hope he did not think me quite un:.
grateful or unfeeling. 1t will be one OF
my lasting regrets that could not be
with him before the end. I was travel
ing at the time, you see, and your mes
sage announcing his illhsss reached me
with that announcing his DEATH"
His illness was very sudden" put il
Miss Hilton. None of us realized it
until few hours before the last. He
spoke of you most affectiohately," she
continued, bending more closely over
her knitting. Il am sure he felt that
only circumstances kept you from him. !"
"And yet" began Brian, as the old
lady paused.
Il know what you would say" she re-.
sumed. Il do not think the terms Of
his will argued any want Of affection
for you. 1 cannot enter into his reasons,
yet 1 believe he thought he was acting
for the best. Margaret has never rec
onciled herself to the condition Of
things"
Il suppose it is only balancing Ct
the scales, he said, rather gloomily.
Il do not question my cousin RICH
to a portion Of the money, but
He paused, either unwilling or I'M
able to complete his sentence.
Il think it will turn out for the best,
remarked Miss Hilton, with CHEEKY GER
tainty. Money is nice to have, ac-
knowledge, but most Of our great men
began their lives without it; and, by the
way, in my pleasure at seeing you l
have quite forgotten Margaret's mes
sage. She is feeling unusually tired to-
day, and hopes you will excuse her I'M
til dinner time"
Certainly" he responded, readily,
approaching the feeling which had
prompted his Cousins remaining in the
background until she should partly
realize his changed condition. But un-
til dinner time l will allow my curiosity
full play. From all accounts she is a
, paragon. An unpleasant fact to me, as
: I shall appear to disadvantage by con-
trast l fear she has started out with a
bad opinion of me"
| "Then give her reason to change. She
| has ideas and convictions Of her own
, but she Is just and recognizes merit
! where it exists.
Brian appeared dubious.
!. Ideas and convictions, he repeated
, Il guessed as much from her letters tt
me. think there is something in the
name which gives determination Of
, character. I daresay she has made 8
| great many friends here"
! "Yes, she hasa winning personality
: which never fails her. Colonel Barton
, you remember him of course-is espe
: cially fond Of her. And the poor people
) would go through fire and water to serve
her.
r "a Saint Elizabeth" put in Brian
, meditatively. There are drawbacks tx
) such character. Is she very prim ant
: Particular"
+ Miss Hilton laughed merrily as ;
, vision Of Margaret rose before her
"Wait until you sea her, and then tel
| me your opinion. suppose you arr
! quite tired out with travelling, and in
/, tend to settle down to a more quiet ex
0 istence?"
n you think I've played the Wandering
: Jew long enough?' he questioned
t well, Miss Hilton, bohemian life ha
s it's drawbacks, certainly, but it |
8 blessed with advantages also. 1t de
f yelops the mind, broadens ones views
Il and brings new ideas into being. W
n realize that home is a very small corne
Il of. the world, after all. 1t isa practice
education"
: "Ah, Brian, you are at your old trick
S again. You can always find argument
o in favor of what you like"
g Brian laughed. II think we can a
d do that, Miss Hilton. Now tell me tn
If news. The Lady Teazles are not a
g dead, 1 suppose?"
+ Unfortunately, no; they appear
it thrive on this air. I really don't kno
OF much particular news, though. Pee
{. pie get married, babies are born, an
/ people die. That is about all the