The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1897-08-21
CHAPTER XIV.
RhcUEI's CONFESSION.

remorse which had filled those. three
long miserable weeks
How cruel l was, he whispered. Il
did not know what l was saying. /
could never reproach you. You have
done moro for me than l can ever speak
Of Always my true, loyal wife. All
ways making sacrifices for me. 1t was
such dear, tender heart that longed
.or just tender spot in it.
"A very proud heart, she corrected
gently
"Only sometimes. And hal it been
thousand times more proud l should for
get it all in the Joy of possessing it at
last.
You have possessed it all the time,
the confessed, burying her face from his
glance. 1T has been yours since we
we're together at S'conset, Brian. did
aot realize it myself, but now l know,
md am glad OF the suffering that taught
me-"
"Ah, darling, that 1 have been so
blind. When you. married mo L
thought"
"Yes, Brian, so did think. My sense
Of justice felt outraged by uncle Ste
phen's will, and l persuaded myself
that was marrying you TO make amends
for that, and all the while my love for
you was pleading SO much more elo-
quently than my love of justice. | have
Kept it back SO long l wish you to know
nll the truth now"
His eyes filled with an inexpressible
10Y, as he lovingly stroked her bowed
head.
Rachel has made her confession at
last" he said, softly. and Jacob would
10 mfr
for the pleasure OF hearing such sweet
words. He is very happy now, for he
feels that this is his true wedding day,
and his life lies before him.
August was nearly gone, and he was
only able to sit in his chair and allow
her to wait upon him.
They were together so ono morning
when a messenger arrived from The
Cedars with note for Margaret. She
read it hastily, and, with radiant face
and the words Il am so glad" handed
it to Brian.
Good news" he said, taking it from
her hand and reading the words aloud:
Another BERTHE came somewhat I'M
expectedly with the SUN this morning.
Alice hopes you will pay your immedi-
ate respects to his lordship.
"BERTIE; SR."
BERTHE is evidently in the fifth heaven
of delight" commented Brian. Garry
my congratulations, Margaret. l sup
pose you are going"
Margaret, of course, fell in love with
the tiny bit of humanity, and fully
agreed with Alice that Cuthbert Barton
Junior was very fine-looking young
man. She even fancied she discovered
a likeness to BERTHE, though not par
ticularly striking one, as she told Brian
arterward.
September came in very cool and the
inyiaorating air seemed TO infuse new
life into Brian's veins.
"You will not be able to impose upon
me much longer, he said TO Margaret
one morning. "I'll be strong enough tc
rebel against your tyranny soon.'
"As soon as you like, Brian" she an
swered looking up from the roses she
had placed on the table beside him. =
think I've played nurse long enough
If YOU do not get well very soon you
will grow so fat and lazy that I'll never
be able to get you out of that chair.
He looked up into the face, which
had never seemed more sweet and low
able, and catching her hand held it 9
prisoner within his own.
Never mind" he said, wait until
am out of this for good. Then l mean
to take my dear little nurse in hand
and make her fat and lazy, too.
want to see some roses in her white
cheeks.
Il don't think you will ever be able tt
coax III I'm there, Brian. 1t is not theil
element, but the nurse feels that she
desires some petting and coddlng; SHE
has given you so much. What can sh'
do for you now' Read?"
"No. my dear; talk. 1 am grea
trial, am / not?"
aoh. yes, a dreadful trial." she re
turned with half smile. But, sh
added softly, Il could never do withou
my trial.
He caught her hand as she uttered tn
last words and drew her unresistingl.
to his knee.
Then came a sharp and unexpecte
interruption, in Berthe s voice:
Hello, there! l don't want TO dis
turb such interesting proceedings, put
would like to know how soon the pupli
NAV be admitted. Such cfvllltles-
you are extremely impuient, erie
Margaret, starting to her feet Win
brilliant blush. If you do not lear
better manners / shall drop your ac
Qualntance.
please don't, ma am, Ineed your pro
lection sadly. My respected father ma
Just sent me from his presence with
parting injunction to visit certai
gentleman who is credited with war;
quarters. l preferred coming here
And, by the way, Bran, I've been CON
missioaed TO inform you that you nav
been indulging your laziness ion
enough, and, therefore, you are expee'
ed to pay your respects at The Cedar
tonight.
a'Tell Margaret to come and bring ne
husband along, were the words OF m
venerable father. So, Margaret, pleas
do as you are bid.
Il wish you could be more dignifiet
BERTHE. or husband and a fatht
you are sadly wanting in that quality
For answer, BERTHE laughed. 'Ho'
are you, old fellow?' he asked, takin
Brian's hand. Able to assert yol
authority
aNot quite. I've just been warnin
Margaret that the tine Is not far dil