The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1897-08-04
CHAPTER u.


forgotten your friends, or are your
thoughts so occupied with the fair Mar
garet that ms gniticant men like me can
gain no entrance into the inner reccsses
Of your mind:"
Brian was sitting in the library, with
his feet gracefully elevated, and his
mind deep in thought, and the enjoy
ment OF cigar, when Bertie burst in
upon him with this greeting.
He jumped to his feet at the sound of
the well-remembered voice, and making
grab for Berries hand, wrung it for
some seconds in silence.
so it is really you, he said, whom he
found his voice. "Declare! I wouldn't
have known you. Take chair and
make yourself at home. Had an idea
you'd turn up"
Like bad penny" put in Berthe.
by the way, that simitc is about worn
out. 1t should be relegated to oblivion
in company with the threadbare jokes OF
mothels-in- law and servant girls. HoW's
| the divine Margaret? You're lucky
devil, Old fellow know but one girl
! as good as Margaret.
And who is she?"
|
the smoke curling above his head, in
| meditativc silence.
"A secret just now" he said alter a
pause. But to return to Margaret.
| She's Jewel worth the wearing. Things
have turned out fortunately for you, l
tell you. l felt mighty sorry for you at
one time, and Margaret seemed all cut
up about it. The loss of the money
would have been rather hard on you,
eh?"
Rather" agreed Brian, anxious to
change the subject. you haven't told
me yet when you arrived.
yesterday afternoon, my boy. L de-
scended upon the parental fold at mo-
ment big with fate, as the poets say.
| Nv respected father had offered his
fortune, not his hand, to my beloved
cousin, and that impulsive young lady
had refused it ia few choice but con-
vineing words. Apitched battle seemed
imminent, when my presence restored a
peace. Whereupon my mild parent fell
upon my ne TX, metaphorically speaking,
and called for the fatted calf.
THAT is the history of my return.
Very touching, is it not. Now, Pm
here in hopes that Margaret will invite
me to dinner. Think she will?"
Perhaps" returned a laughing voice.
BERTHE turned quickly, to see Mar
garet standing in the door.
Come in, he cried, I've walked two
miles to see you.
And get your dinner, she added, adj
vancing into the room and taking the
chair Brian offered her. THAT adm:s.
sion of yours is againstyo
And your tongues as sharp as ever.
I wonder if you treat poor Brian to the
unmerciful lectures that used to fall tC
my lot. l pity him from my heart. Ever
now he hasn' word to say for himself
Poor fellow"
"Hc does look meek" responded Mar
garet, turning to Brian and endeavorin:
to draw him into the conversation.
am afraid your sympathy doesn't appea
TO him. Unfortunately, pity is cheap.
THAT is why I usually have such
supply on hand. I've always had tw'
reasons for wishing to be your husband
Don't turn up your pretty nose, m.
dear; it spoils your beauty. AS wA
remarking about my two reasons, on
is because I'd always be sure OF goo
dinner, and the other because I'd greatl
enjoy the pleasure Of tanning such
shreW."
Thanks for your interest, sir. Fo
your enlightenment I'll inform you tina
it is not wise to attempt impossible
tasks. / have no wish to play Catherin
to your Betruchio. Oh, Miss Hilton.
am so glad to see you. Won't you tax
nv part? I'm quite defenseless. Eve
Brian has sat here quietly and Above
me to fight my own battles.
THAT was too bad Of Brian. l sup
r pose he considered you equal to the oc
T casion."
r Just exactly, Miss Hilton" put
" BERTHE. You know her OF old. ~
+ walked two miles to congratulate her Q
i q certain coming event, and instead
Il accepting kindly intentions, She"
"She thinks I'm the one to be cor
4 graduated" put in Brian, awakin
4 from a dream, as it were, and turnin
d an inquiring glance OIL Margaret's erin
d son face.
d Il certainly didn't intend to provol
: discussion" she reioined, slightly al
moved. Miss Hilton brings us tidinl
of dinner, and BERTHE, if you are not {
i your best behavior, you shan't hal
any,"
Il am saint from this moment
said BERTHE, as Margaret lowered h
head to answer some comment OF BI
E We'll BERTHE, how long dss,you inter
,s to stay?" asked Miss Hhes}n, as tn
es placed themselves about the table.
He laughed heartily.
K That depends" he answered. I'll
ys uncertainty of the pater's temper pr
vents any settled calculation. no
Oh Oh it may be several weeks, as don ca
~ to return to the city during this weathe
70 for if there's more forlorn place tn;
s. New York in summer I'm not anxio
to come across it.
. 1T would never suit me, put in Ma
caret. Il believe l should find the We
cobblestones dispiriting.
1t is revelation to go through
tenement districts. had occasion
do so the other day. and it seemed
me humanity literally swarmed arou
y me. How can people, raised under su
conditions, have the instincts OF hum
beings"
% yet we are a rich and prospero
~ people. Our treasury overhows with
surplus, and thousands OF human
ings are starving. BY what law OF j
tice do YOU reconcile that?"
MY dear Margaret, yonr questi
suggests subject for tariff deba
Ask tho Colonel 10 discuss it with yol