The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-06-12

iiseu II 'front.' OF the Hoffman House he
ran across Wilson, and feeling rather
glad OF this chance encounter he greeted
him warmly. Ne''''
This is really the first moment
could call my own to-day" declared
wilson, taking cigar from the case
Berthe offered him. "Where ia vow
destinat on:"
Il was just trying to decide" was
nertlc's answer. Il dropped in TO see
Margaret, and haven't recovered from
me shock her appearance gave me vet
naver saw her look more wretched and
Ill, though I am inclined to think the
cause is not entirely physical"
NO. Other influences at work. How
dit. you leave her?s
Alone, was the sententious reply.
Alone, repeated Wilson, "Taen
BTian-?"
Is off disgracing himself, responded
6ertle with much anger. He GU ght to
be thrashed.
Wilson'S face grew very grave.
i had hoped things might be better"
lie said, With q sigh.
They will never be better. I be-
lieve Brian has lost his last grain of
manhood. He is worse than coward.
Ii he had heartle:s, selfish wife there
might be some reason, though never an
excuse for his actions. But now there
IS absolutely nothing that one can say
Tor him. He is simply breaking Mar
garet's heart. II you had seen her
year ago you could realize what
change these last months have wrought
in her. It is his doing; all his doing.
After she has left her home, her friends,
and all she loves, for his sake. My
heart swells with indignation at the
thought. l know how she loves Elm
wood, and slikes New York. Yet
after all this, she'll continue to talk of
duty. Women are enigmas; 7 give
them up. I'd like to thrash Brian,
though. It might possibly do him
good"
II can't understand him." remarked
Wilson, half absently.
No, nor can any one c!se. He doesn't
seem worth the rstanding, I'll
have to find him somehow. and send
him home. can't bear the thought Of
Margaret waiting in such anxious dread,
not knowing whether he is tumbling
about in the gutter Or disgracing him
self in some other way. Are we at your
quarters, already? How fast we must
have walked! No; I can't come in to-
night. Some other time, old fellow.
I'll have to make the round of the clu|,
houses, dare say. Well, goodnight. I"
BERTHE did not find Brian, as he had
expected, in any of his probable haunts,
though he went to them all, anxiously
examined the sea OF faces, and even
questioned the walters and attendants.
Rather disheartened after this vain
search, he scarcely knew where to go
next. In his dilemma, he was in the
act Of turning street corner when tho
full glare Of the street lamps falling
upon figure in front Of him revealed
something very familiar in it's outlines.
Brian, he said, under his breath.
Yes, Brian-walking with the uncertain
gait that only confirmed his fears. lie
thought Of Margaret, and angry indig-
nation overpowered him; but this same
thought brought another, and under its
impulse he managed 10 control himself.
With few hastv strides he was by
Brian's side. and, placing his hand
rather heavily upon his shoulder, he
asked, roughly:
Where are you going? Come home?"
Homer" repeated Brian, startled into
understanding and shrinking under
Bertie's glance. Homo to face her?
Never. few days ago I promised her
would not touch another drop. Yes,
promised. A farce, wasn't it? Solemnly
promised. You see me tonight. Go
home, you say. Go home to see her
shrink from nc! To see her blush for
me. 10 SEQ All, heavens, no."
These wo.ds made no impression on
BERTHE.
Don't add villainy to cowardice, he
said, with flashing eyes. Come, l say.
Ii you have no soli-respect, remember
her, and have at least the dccency to
hide your disgrace under your own roof,
| You shall not break her heart; you shall
not ruin her life. I'll shoot you first"
Ruin her life, echoed Brian, buryina
his face in his hands: MY God, did
not intend to luin her life.
Bertic said 20 moro. Perhaps ever
he felt some pity for Brian's evident
agony, or perhaps he feared that words
now would express too much OF the an
ger which: burned within him. There
! aro men who can never understand th<
depths 70 which others can fall.
Quite silent he walked by Brian, ane
only loft him when tho door had closee
upon him.
From her own room Margaret hear<
the falter;ng step, and knew that Bria1
had cone, but even the gIoat relief o
this knowledge did not bring her sleep
All night she tossed restlessly, her min(
prey to miserable doubts and hopeless
longings, and when morping came be-
! face tcl1 it's cvn story.
10 DE CoSI1SuED. - 80
\ Yruo Story.
One evening an old couple came