The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-05-22

aEiMrliaIIutaA from you as long as
I CON, hoping against hope that some
thing might be done-some way found
out Of the trouble. 1t would be cruel
to let it come on you all of q sudden,
with the notice to quit the home. 10
quis the home! Think OF it, Maria!
che home that has sheltered me all my
life, and you, since you came to me,
happy and trusting bride, twenty-five
years ago.
'Oh. James, can nothing be done?
''No. dear; 1 have paid the interest
until it has eaten up all my ready
money 1t would be better to take
shis money and live on it as best We
can than to SO 'on with the ruinous
policy of paying interest on mortga-
ges."
''But to think, my husband. that
you must lose the home of your child
hood! Every part of it is dear to
you, know"
She took his hand within hor own
and tried to comfort him Us much as
hex overlooking heart would permit.
lie raised his bead suddenly, light
coming into bis eyes behind the tears.
'In the kitchen, james. She
just would go to sec about the
potato pudding for your dinner. She
thinks no one can make it Tor you
like herself"
''And no one CAM" declared the
father proudly. ooh, Maria" tho
knowledge of the dread news he had
to tell breaking upon him with re-
newed force-"this thing will kill
her."
"No, James; she Will take it better
than either of us. for there is q
strength in her young heart that our
old ones do not know"
Sand where is Alice. ~
'sShe went to spend the day with
Sarah Marston. The longer you de.
lay telling her, Jumos, the better it
will be. She will have only the less
time. then, in which to make you
m,eerable."
The father sighed. What differ
enee there was between his two
daughters'
''Oh, father, have you come at last ?"
eried u delighted voice at that mo-
nient. II was afraid you were gong
to volt until the pudding was cold.
Then it would be spoiled"
Some TO father, dame, and let tho
pudding wait, awhile at least. / have
something to say to YOU"
She came, and, despite her 49,
years, perched herself upon his knee,
and. throwing her arms around his
neck, placed her check against his,
Rubbing 1t back and forth softly.
''Sing one of your kitten songs to
father, Damie," he said, closing his
eyes. He would put oft telling tho
bad news q little longer.
She cuddled down against him, put
her mouth to his car and began to
sing No ons else could have heard
re- No one else dld she wish to hear
ls. AZ WAS for him alone-a love song
ssi his oWn-a song like the gentle
purr OF kitten, comforting, soothing,
yet q complete little song within itself,
and its words nestled down in her
fathers heart, each as q tiny sour.
bird. making II music Of its own.
1t was this loving. cuddling, kitten.
lsh way she hsd that had gained for
her che pet namo by which not only
her father, but others called her
''idttle Dame Purraway." Her real
name WAS A2alea, called for the flower
that crowns with such glory the gar
dsns of her native State.
st seemed indeed q cruel thrust to
faisow that purriaS hoart-song of love
and content with such dreadful news.
so, father, must you really give up
your bome?"
Her ono thought was for him.
eyes, Dame Purrawsy."
Hs could say no moro for the toars
Chat were ready to come.
"But 1t is not so dreadful since we
CAR all go away together she said,
comiortngly. eyes. we will be to.
geshss, father; only think Of that,
and surely we can find some place to
call home. If it is only cabin, and
You were there, father, it will be home
\ TO nc"
Then she snuggled still closer
, against his heavins heart and purred
smother love song in his ear. As they
were sitting down to the table Mrs.
Hyperion said suddenly: "Why,
where is Professor Puckaber?"
20, the dear old professor" said
Che Dame, starting up from her seat.
81 know he is buried in stones and
eones and roots and such things al
sa's very moment. aud not thinking a
thing OF his dinner. Why, he would
nj know il he hadn't any all day long
l must run and wake him up"
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