The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1897-05-15


meeting those Of Margaret Smith.
Incapable Of speech, he could only
stare upon the seeming apparition, while
Miss Hilton gazed helplessly from his
disturbed face to Margaret's cold, I'M
penetrable ono.
Only Margaret was equal to the occa-
sion. She had prepared herself for this
meeting, and advancing toward Brian
with easy self-possession, though with
an air and expression that told OF re-
membrance, she took his hand, saying
in rather conventional tones:
"You are welcome to Elmwood, Cousin
Brian, though hope you need no words
Of mine to assure you Of that. must
beg your pardon for my late appear
ance. Miss Hilton gave you my excuse,
and T am sure her presence more than
compensated for my absena
Brian tried to make son Iigible
answer, but he was not very sI0ceessful.
Margaret was amply revenged.
He wondered if revenge had been her
object in bringing him here. just now
he was willing to believe anything.
Margaret saw his inquiring glance,
and probably guessed his thought1 1he
bowed her head, while deepSnush
passed over her face. Then, turning
abruptly with the announcement that
! dinner was served, she led the way to
the dining room.
The many excellent dishes failed to
tempt Brian's appetite. While he found
himself unable to penetrate Margaret 8
object in concealing her identity from
him, he had an unpleasant remembrance
OF their last meeting, the despicable
part he had played, and the contempt
she had manifested toward him.
Miss Hilton watched him narrowly.
She was much mystified, but with an
intuitiye sense that something was
wrong. she made laudable efforts to re-
lieve the strained condition Of things by
introducing various subjects OF CONVEX
sation.
Margaret seconded her ably, but Brian
answered in monosyllables. 1t was {
relief to him, if not to all parties, wher
dinner came to an end, and they at las
repaired to the parlors, where, as soo1
as politeness permitted, Brian excused
himself OIL the plea Of fatigue and sough
u the welcome solitude of his room.
Come, Miss Hilton" cried Margare
&when they were alone, let US go to on
sitting-room. 1t is ever SO much NOR
cozy than these bare parlors. Don't yo'
think SOP"
She did not wait for an answer, bu
hurried off to the room in. question
where Miss Hilton, following NOR
slowly, found her ensconced in thu
depths of large rocking chair, bending
closely over book which she was hold
ing UPSIDE down.
Tell me all about it," said the oil
| fot hn from
, hands and placing it on the table. Yo
: know we agreed to have no secrets fror
each other. You and Brian have me
. before tonight.
| Yes" answered Margaret, slowl
buying her face in her hands, and, Oh
: Miss Hilton, did not think the da
I would ever come when l should feel
4 thoroughly humbled. l had rather be
!, in the streets than feel my sense
3 obligation to him. He thinks me capa
BILE of STOPPING to seek revenge. ID
+ thinks am enjoying the money he ha
lost, but, ali, if he knew what bitter NJ
( initiation its possession is to me, q
!. could wish no sweeter revenge.
t Revenge, Margaret? You talk WHO
ly, my dear child. I'm afraid that trl
: to S'conset did you more harm tina
gOOQ. Can very SdiOiy soy eiNO
/" an idea has not entered Brian's mind
Perhaps not, replied Margaret, mis-
: erably. Il do not think he is revenge
n full, but I will tell you the who
9 story, Miss Hilton. How we met, al
I what passed between US, and then yc
: can understand how circumstances hay
j. made my old regret more bitter.
: Then, with her head on Miss Hilton
shoulder, and her hand clasped in Thu
, of the dear friend who had never faile
i her in any difficulty, Margaret told
a the meeting on the beach at S'conse
v of the long and pleasant hours OF
= close companionship, and of the int
v view which marked an epoch in tv
a lives.
IS Miss Hilton listened quietly, and
l. she guessed what was left untold, 81
a gave no hint. She talked to Margar
in her easy, gentle way. She said
,e that was possible in Brian's favor, b
a, apparently her words were ineffectu
it in changing Margaret's ideas, and 8
confessed to herself. with a sigh tn
the unfortunate meeting had been
/. contretemps indeed, and severe II
TO q fatal blow to her crushed hopes.
10 iTo BE CONTINUED.