The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1897-05-15
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AWOMAN5 inf UENCE

best advantage in his cousins eyes, no
took special pains with his toilet. Ho 1
wondered If Margaret had visitors.
Stephens had spoken Of tho ladies.
Probably some old friend or chap
eron," he concluded, with a last salts /
factory glance at his reflection in the
mirror.
He found no one in the parlors, and,
the library being likewise deserted, he
wandered along the hall to half open
door, through which he caught
glimpse of black dress.
He approached it with some trepida- 1
ton. He suspected possible changes IN
the arrangement OF the house since
Margaret's advent, and he was rather
fearful Of intruding upon<eonR private
apartment.
His hesitating steps - however,
been heard. There was movement in
the room "a cry Of Dear Brianl and
he found himself holding Miss Hilton's
hand, and gazing, with mingled pleas
ure and surprise, in the gentle, kindly
| face.
Come right in" she said brightly.
This is our sitting room, but you are
not debarred entrance. 1t is such
pleasure to see you again, you poor boy.
L
reioined in low voice, following her
into the eozily furnished room. Il
scarcely expected my welcome from your
hands. Who am to thanrkfpr that
pleasure?"
Margaret. Poor child, she Is all
alone. and needs some older friend and
adviser. 49,
Naturally. I suppose she is well?"
yes, quite WE'LL Her health Is
usually good. Still 1 think she has
never recovered from our late bereaye-
ment. 1t was q sad event for you, also,
Brian. 4
The old lady spoke f. elingly, and hek
words brought an expression CT pain
Bran's face.
Poor father, he said, after second.
Il hope he did not think me quite un-
grateful or unfeeling. 1t will be one OF
my lasting regrets that could not be
with him before the end. was travel
ing at the time, you see, and your mes
sage announcing his illness reached me
with that announcing his death.
His illness was very sudden" put in
: Miss Hilton. None of US realized 1t
until few hours before the last. He
spoke of you most affectionately, she
continued, bending more closely over
her knitting. II am sure he felt that
only circumstances kept you from him.
And yet" began Brian, as the old
lady paused.
Il know what you would say" she re-
sumed. Il do not think the terms OF
!, his will argued any want of affection
, for YOU. / cannot enter into his reasons
vet 1 believe he thought he was acting
for the best Margaret has never rec.
onciled herself to the condition OF
things,
Il suppose it is only a balancing o.
the scales" he said, rather gloomily
II do not question my cousins RICH
to portion of the money, but
He paused, either unwilling or un
able to complete his sentence.
= Il think it will turn out for the best,
remarked Miss Hilton. with CHEEKY GER
tainty. Money is nice TO have, &C
n knowledge, but most of our great mel
began their lives without it; and, by tn
> way, in my pleasure at seeing you
? have quite forgotten Margaret's mes
sage. She is feeling unusually tired to
day, and hopes you will excuse her un
. til dinner time.
Certainly" he responded, readily
t approaching the feeling which ha
: prompted his Cousins remaining in tn
: background until she should partl.
4 realize his changed condition. "But un
n til dinner time l will allow my curiosit.
:. full play. From all accounts she is
&c paragon. An unpleasant fact to me, a
if / shall appear to disadvantage by con
: trast. | fear she has started out with
l. bad opinion of me.
d Then give her reason to change. Sh
- s. 10.
o but she is just and recognizes merl
v where it exists.
E. Brian appeared dubious.
= ideas and convictions, he repeated
m Il guessed as much from her letters
me. | think there is something In tn
= name which gives determination
n character. Idaresay she has made
in great many friends here.
ID YES, she has winning personality
~ which never fails her. Colonel Barto
y Won remember him of course-is espt
o. ciallv fond of her. And the poor Peep
70 wouid 90 through fire and water to serN
her.
or A Saint Elizabeth" put in Bria
in meditatively. There are drawbacks
is such character. Is she very prim al
l. particular"
of MISS dllCOu lduSutu hiOiihJ "
no. vision of Margaret rose before he
% wait until you see her, and then tt
al me your opinion. suppose you a
nd quite tired out with travelling, and
n tend to settle down to more quiet e
to istence?"
an You think I've played the wanderi
~ Jew long enough?' he question:
mt well, Miss Hilton, bohemian life b
ms its drawbacks, certainly, but 1T
1is blessed with advantages also. 1t
off yelops the mind, broadens ones view
Ter and brings new ideas into being.
on realize that home is a very small corr
Of of the world, after all. 1t is practit
education.
ry- "Ah, Brian, you are at your old trio
,ss again. You can always find argumei
,ho in favor of what you like.
he Brian laughed. Il think we can
nd do that, Miss Hilton. Now tell me
eli news. The Lady Teazles are not
NC dead, suppose!
IF Unfortunately, no; they appear
, II thrive on this air. | really don't KIN
of much particular news, though +
elf pie get married, babies are born,
II people die. That is about all u
,ad seem to do around here. OF course
I'd have not forgotten Col. Barton.
el- temper is as peppery as ever, l TN
mo His niece is living with him. Sh
sin rather a pretty girl, though poor,