The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1897-04-17
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CHI APTER L.

level country road.
One was evidently o stranger TO the
place and it's surroundings, for she OBJ
served the scenery with curious inter-
est, and frequently questioned her CON-
panion about the persons and residences
they passed. The other, who drove the
handsome bays with an unmistakable
air OF proprietorship, was an old resi-
dent.
Sic had found her way to this small
but pretentious town some years before,
and, building handsome home, had
since devoted her energies, supple
mented by the magical influence of
money, to gaining an entree into its ex-
elusive society.
Both were deep in conversation. when
turn in the road brought them face to
face with young girl riding.
Mrs. Downs was in the act of check
ing her horses, but the newcomer, as
though quite unconscious of any such
intention, nodded indifferently and
rode on.
@The proud piece" commented the
sighted lady, endeavoring to hide her
chagrin.
who is she?" questioned her COM
panion, glancing after the rider with
some curiosity.
Miss Leigh. You remember 1
pointed her home out few moments
ago.
"Ahl Then she's the heiress?"
Yes, an heirness now, though year
: ago she was oorer than her own cook.
never could tolerate her, but l man
age to keep up a show OF friendship
She'll be one of the leaders of society
hero when she gets rid OF her NOUN
ing"
The speaker concluded this remark
with very visible frown. She was
forcibly reminded of her own doubtful
position and her. inability to disregard
any person or thing that could con-
tribute to her social advancement.
Annexation was indtel q burning
question with her. and while she found
her dollars en- important ally, her lack
OF q presentable grandfather was decid-
edly drawback in the furtherance of
her ambitious aspirations.
A graceful rider and quite pretty
GIRL" remarked her companion, break
ing in uron these unpleasant refiec-
tions. Where did she get her money!"
From her uncle The case is alto
gether peculiar. 1t seems that her
father was disinherited for marrying
contrary to his fathers wishes, and her
uncle, being the only other child, came
in for all the property. fortunate
thing for him, as you say, though, APP
parently, he had some scruples about
enjoying his good fortune, for his father
was scarcely buried before he began to
search for his brother.
Yes, he found him dying. believe, in
some obscure California town. Miss
Leigh came to EImwood. That was
five years ago, and now she has Inherit
ed all of her uncle's money. He died
last October, and his SON"
His son! You don't tell me he has a
son."
"He certainly has. am not surprised
OF your astonishment. 1t seems almost
impossible that father could enrich q
niece at the expense of son, yet that
is what Mr.. Leigh has done.
"The young man gets something OF
course. Two thousand year, believe.
A small sum in comparison with the
whole"
"A very unusual case. Perhaps he
intends the young people to marry
Perhaps, but as they have never seen
each other, the result Is scarcely prob
able. The son has been In Europe FOL
the last five years. He was considered
quite wild, am told, and he and his
father quarreled frequently. No doubt,
that fact had come connection with the
terms Of the will, but, think there was
undue influence somewhere
With this broad accusation the subject
was allowed TO diop. Meanwhile the
object of these remarks was pursuing
her way homeward.
Mrs. Downs companion had called
her pretty, but the word scarcely did
her justice.
Her face, while lacking perfection o.
feature, was singularly winning and at
tractive. If the mouth were O trifie
broad, the full red lips with their ex'
pression, half pleaf ng, half imperlous,
made ample compen sation. II the nose
deviated from the straight and perfec
line. the fault was forgotten in the clear
contour of the beautifully molded brow
the LIQUID depths of the clear gray eyes,
and the sweet personality beaming iron
the expressive countenance.
Absorbed in thought of an unpleasant
character, as evidenced by her very per
cept;ble frown, she rode on, quite losttt
her surroundings, until her horse
through force OF habit, rather than The
guiding hand of his mistress, turned
into broad elm-lined avenue, and. she
looked up in some surprise to ma her
self at home.
Ten mnutes later she had divestet
herself of her riding habit, and made
her way to her sittlng-room. A bright
cheerful apartment whose tasteful FUR
nishing revealed something OF the indi
yiduality OF its owner.
aI was sure / should find you here,
she eaid, approaching the old lady es
tablished before the glowing ire, an'
lay.ng her cool hand against the warm
smooth cheek. I'm afraid shall! hav'
to assert some authority. You shoult
BE- enjoying this delightful weather
Miss Hilton"
Il dare say should, was the agree
able reply, "but you see I'm lazy, M
dear. I've had nice nap. Did 20
ride alone, Margaret
-Yes. except for my thoughts. ha'
a whole hest of them for company
Really. I'm as Cross as bear
Il am sorry 10 hear it. What hay
YOU been thinking Of"
@Oh. everything. Papa, grandfather
ond-ves. and this hateful money.