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

Two years have passed, and brought
their inevitable changes. The seasons
have come and gone. The flowers have
bloome and died and bloomed 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
ternately M 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 leIt upon her
| life the impress of happiness that
even the shadow Of old sorrows cannot
| lessen.
| Indeed, the sorrows are never remem-
hered. 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 life full of higher and nobler
purpose, is walking faithfully in his
fathers footsteps, and winning the
same honor and respect.
| He comes home with light heart this
evening, and seeing Margaret, leaps
|
and kiss the two faces with warm and
| tender love.
Are you very tired?" she asks, look
ing into his eyes.
$50. so. 1t has been warm in the viii
lage, but here it is quite delightful.
! Poor Mrs. Ellis is down again for good,
l fear. this time, an Brown has an at
tack of Influenza He is more frighten-
ed than hurt, think, and more trouble
some than either. He fancies l am not
giving him sufficient medicine, and in
sists on taking double dose. His wife
has quite time with him.
What have you been doing with your
self, Margaret? Not trying any OF yes
terdays experiments, / hope. Give
me Marguerite; she is growing quite
heavy. You must rot try to carry her
any more, dear will take her to Milly
and we will walk to that hill to see the
sun set 1t is really superb"
When. the baby had been given into
the care of its nurse, Margaret linked
her arm in Brlan's. and they walked to-
ward the place he had pointed out. .
Il 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"
Il am so glad, Margaret answered,
with genuine feeling. I'VE must make
it such delightful week that he will
want to repeat it. 1t is really quite
curious. think. But, do you know,
never had such strong desire to see
any one married as I have to see him
I know it would make such happ,
difference in his life.
Il suppose you think that the onl!
happy state for.man?
Il hope you do, she replied, meeting
his laughing glance.
1T should be, and, as rule, thlni
it is; the exceptions are individual eases
To my mind poor, lonely old bachelo
trying to persuade himself that he 7
fortunate in having escaped the evil Q
matrimony is most doleful and pitt
able spectacle. All, how glorlous.
The last words were uttered as the
reached the summit of the hill and tn
full spiendor of the sunset burst upol
them.
fhey stood for few seconds in 81
) Hence, watching the globe OF fire sink
; ing in a sea OF gold. Then Msrgare
: stole more closely to his side Win 10
: words:
/ diet on. Brian.
. "a benediction, be repepted, slippin