The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1897-06-09
CHAPTER L.
MARGARET

est, and frequently questioned her COM
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.
SIZE 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
q 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
slighted lady, endeayoring to hide her
ohagrin.
who is she?" questioned her com
paDion, glancing after the rider with
some curiosity.
Miss Leigh. You remember
pointed her home out q few moments
ago."
"Ah! Then she's the heiress?"
Yes, an heirness now, though year
ago she was poorer than her own cook.
] never could tolerate her, but man
age to keep up show OF friendship.
She'll be one Of the leaders of society
here when she gets rid Of her mourn
Ing"
The speaker concluded this remark
with q very visible frown. She was
iorcbly 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 indcel burning
question with her. and while she found
her dollars an important ally, her lack
OF presentable grandfather was decid-
eddy a drawback in the furtherance of
her ambitious aspirations.
"A graceful rider and quite a pretty
girl, remarked her companion, break
ing in uron these unpleasant refec
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. A fortunate
thing for him, as you say, though, ap-
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, l believe, in
some obscure California town. Miss
Leigh came to Elmwood. That was
Ave years ago, and now she has Inherit
ed all of her uncles money. He died
last October, and his son"
4His son! You don't tell me he has a
son."
He certainly has. am not surprised
OF your establishment. 1t seems almost
impossible that father could enrich a
niece at the expense of son, yet that
is what Mr.. Leigh has done.
Tho 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
tho last five years. He was considered
quito wild, am told, and he and his
father quarreled frequently. No doubt
that fact had SOME connection with the
terms of the will, but, L think there was
undue influence somewhere
|, With this broad accusation the subject
was allowed to drop Meanwhile the
object of these remarks was pursuing
her way homeward.
| Mrs. Downs companion had called
her pretty, but the word scarcely die
her justice.
Her face, whilo lacking perfection o
feature, was singularly winning and at
tractive. If the mouth were trifle
broad, the full red lips with their ex
preston. half pleading, half imperlous
made ample compensation. II the nose
dcviatcd from the straight and perfec
limo, the fault was forgotten in the clea
contour of the beautifully molded brow
the liquid depths of the clear gray eyes
and tho sweet personality beaming from
the expressive eountenance.
Absorbed in thought of an unpleasant
character, as evidenced by her very per
ceptiblc frown, she rode on, quite lost Il
her surroundings, until her horse
through force Of habit, rather than tn
guiding hand Of his mistress, turnet
| into broad clmlined avenue, and sh,
looked up III somo surprise to find her
self at home.
Ten minutes later sho had diveste,
herself OF her riding habit and mad
her way to her sitting-room. A bright
cheoiful apartment whose tasteful fur
nisilng revealed something of the indi
viduality of its owner.
Il was sure l should find you here,
she said, approaching the old lady es
tablished before tho glowing fire, an
laying her cool hand against the warm
4 smooth cheek. Tn afraid shall hav
to assert some authority. You shout
be enjoying this delightful weather
Miss Hilton.
II dare say ] should. . was. the agree
able reply, "hut you see I'm lazy, M
dear. rye had nice nap. Did 30
ride alone, Margaret
Yes. except for my thoughts. ha
q whole host OF them for company
Really, I'm as cross as bear.
II nm cory 10 boar ". What hay
you been thinking ct2'
Oh, everything. Papa, grandfather
al s,sa rz,5 sE{s ~ aY,4i ,y,,,. Az u