The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1897-10-20
CHAPTER XIV.
RACHEL's CONFESSION.


again and again OF the bitter regret and
remorse which had filled those three
long miserab BILE weeks
How cruel was" he whispered. Il
did not know what I was saying. l
could never reproach you. You have |
done moro for me than I can ever speak
Of Always my true, loyal wife. Al
ways making sacrifices for me. 1t was
such dear, tender heart that lonSed
for just tender spot in it.
"A very proud heart" she corrected
gently.
only sometimes. And had it been a
thousand times more proud should for
get it all in the joy Of possessing it at
last"
You have possessed it all the time"
she confessed, burYing her face from his
glance. 1T has been yours since we
we're together at S'conset, Brian. | did
not realize it myself, but now | know,
and am glad of the suffering that taught
me.
All, darling, that I have been so
blind. When you married me l
thought"
Yes, Brian, 50 did think. My sense
of Justice felt outraged by uncle Ste
phen's will, and | persuaded myself
that was marrying YOU to make amends
for that and all the while my love for
you was pleading so much more cio-
uuently than my love Of justice. have
kept it back so long wish you to know
all the truth now.
His eyes filled with an inexprcssible
Joy, as he lovingly stroked her bowed
head.
Rachel has made her confession at
last he said, softly. and Jacob would
willingly live over his sufferings again
for the pleasure Of hearing such sweet
words. He is very happy now, for he
feels that this is his true wedding day,
and his life lies before him."
August was nearly gone, and he was
only able to sit in his chair and allow
her to wait upon him.
They were together so one morning
when a messenger arrived from The
Cedars with note for Margaret. She
read it hastily, aud, with radiant face
and the words Il am SO glad" handed
it to Brian.
"Gcol news" he said, taking it from
her hand and reading tho words aloud:
another Berthe came somewhat I'M
expectedly with the sun this morning.
Alice hopes you will pay your immedi-
ate respects to his lordship.
"BERTIE, SR.'
BERTHE is evidently in the fifth heaven
of delight commented Brian. Carry
my congratulations, Margaret. | sup
pose you are going"
Margaret, of course, fell in love with
the tiny bit of humanity, and fully
agreed with Alice that Curhbcrt Barton
Junior was a very fine-looking young
man. She even fancied she discovered
a likeness to BERTHE, though not par
ticularly striking one, as she told Brian
afterward.
September came in very cool and the
invigOrating air seemed TO hiuse new
life into Brian S veins.
"You will not be able to impose upol
me much longer" he said to Margaret
one morning. "I'll be strong enough t.
rebel against your tyranny soon.
: "As soon as you like, Brian" she an
swered, looking up from the roses sh
had placed on the table beside him. :"
think I've played nurse long enough
If YOU do not get well very soon yo
will grow so fat and lazy that I'll neve
be able to get you out of that chair"
He looked up into the face, whic
had never seemed more sweet and low
able, and catching her hand held it
prisoner within his OVID.
Never mind" he said, wait until
am out Of this for good. Then l mea
to take my dear little nurse IN nan
and make her fat and lazy, too.
y want to see some roses IN her whit
r checks"
r Il don't think you will ever be able t
r coax them there, Brian. 1t is not thel
y element. but the nurse feels that sh
II desires some pctting and coddling; sh
u has given you so much. What can sh
~ do for YOU now Read?'
mo, my dear; talk. I am gref
Z, trial, am l not?"
q. q ooh, yes, dreadful trial, she re
4 turned with half smile. But, 81
d added softly, Il could never do witho'
!. my trial.
He caught her hand as she uttered tt
last words and drew her unresstlnSl
II to his knee.
Then came a sharp and unexpecte
interruption, in Berthe voice:
Hello, there! | don't want to di'
turb such interesting proceedings, but
would like to know how soon the publ
Z may be admitted. Such civilities-
you are extremely impudent,' erie
90 Margaret, starting to her feet with
% brilliant blush. IF you do not leal
x better manners l shall drop your a.
vs. quaintance.
Please don't ma am, Ineed your pr
n lection sadly. My respected father hi
80 just sent me from his presence with
- parting injunction to visit certa
TO gentleman who is credited with war
- quarters. l. preferred coming her
- And. by the way, Brian, I've been cor
missioned to inform you that you ha'
been indulging your lazlness lol
enough, and, therefore, you are expec
ed to pay your respects at The Coda
tonight.
"'Tell Margaret to come and bring h
u husband along were the words of
venerable father. So, Margaret, plea
do as you are bid.
Il wish you could be more dlgnifie
49, BERTHE. For husband and faith
you are sadly wanting in that quality
For answer, BERTHE laughed. "Hi
are you, old fellow" he asked, TAXI
Brian's hand. Able to assert 20
authority"
"Sot quite. I've just been warni