The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-03-27

! but Brian found it difficult to shake of
the incubus of dependency and turn
MS attention to some nccdful changes
IN MS attire, preparatory to going down
to dinner. He was not u particularly
VAN man; yet, wishing to appear to the
pest advantage in his 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
o:on," he concluded, with a last salts
factory glance at his reflection in the
| mirror.
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 q
glimpse Of black dress.
He approached it with some trcpida-
ton. He suspected possible changes in
the arrangement OF the house since
MarSaret's advent. and he was rather
fearful OF intruding upon some private
apartment.
His hoSitating steps hal, however,
been heard. There was movement in
tho room "a cry of Dear Brian'" and
he found himself holding Hiss Hilton S
hand, and gazing, with mingled pleas
ure and surprise, in the gentle, kindly
lace
Come right in," she said brightly.
This is our sitting-room, but YOU are
not debarred entrance. It is such {;
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 l to thank for that
plcasure?"
Margaret. Poor child, she is all
alone, and moods some older friend and
adviser.
Naturally. suppose she is wcll:"
Yes, quite we'll. Her health is
usually good. Still I think she has
never recovered from our late bereave-
ment. 1t was sad event for you, also,
Brian
The old lady spoke feelingly, 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 I could not be
with him before tho end was travel
ing at the time, you see, and your mes
sage announcing his illness reached me
with that announcing his DEATH"
His illness was very sudden" put in
Miss Hilton. None of us re allied if
until Il few hours before the last. He
spoke OF You most affectionately. 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. | cannot enter into his reasons,
yet believe he thought he was acting
for the best. Margaret has never rec
onciled herself to the condition of
things"
i suppose it is only balancing of
the scales, he said, rather sloomily.
Il do not question my Cousins right
to portion Of the money, but"
He paused, either unwilling or I'M
able to complete his sentence.
L think it will turn out for the best"
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, i'll my pleasure at seeing you I
have quite forgotten Margaret's mes
sage. She is feeling unusually tired to-
day, and hopes you will excuse her UNI
Til dinner time
Certainly" he responded, readily.
the feeling which hal
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
[ shall appear to disadvantage by con-
traSt. fear she has started out with o
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.
i guessed as much from her letters to
me. think there is something in the |
name which gives determination of
character. Idaresay she has made a
great many friends here"
Yes, she has a 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.
"A Saint Elizabeth, put in Brian,
There are drawbacks to |,
such character Is she very prim and |
Miss Hilton laughed merrily as a
Vision Of Margaret rose before her. |
Wait until you see her, and then tell
ne your opinion. suppose you arc
quite tired out with travelling, and in
end to settle down TO more quiet cx- |
stencc?'
You think I've played The Wandering
lew long enough he questioned. !
Well, Miss Hilton, bohemian life has |