The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1897-05-29
CHAPTER VII.
A MORNING HIDE

meet her. depressing her nervousness
at his unexpected appearance, she
paused as he came up to her with the
words:
you have been so long, Margaret.
Did you enjoy your visit so much? Why
didn't you let those people wait, and
give me just little OF your company.
haven't much chance. ! am going
away tomorrow"
Tomorrow" She grasped her raised
skirt moro tightly, but no further COM
ment escaped her lips.
Taking this for indifference, Brian
continued, after brief pause: Il dare
say shall never see you again. OF
course you will not regret that, but be-
fore / go. shou like to know that you
forgive me. If you only knew how l
have suffered II you could realize how
i still suffer, you would be kinder. 1t
Is so hard TO lose all, Margaret
Have been so unkind?. / am sorry
Hayo I not told you that l regret,
with bitterness / cannot express, the
conditions which make me mistress
here7 II there is any way
He interrupted her with passionate
reproach. You do me injustice. Do
you suppose l was alluding to the
money? 1 hate the.very mention Of 1t.
! leave it out OF the question. / am
thinking OF YOU"
She tapped her foot with her riding
whip, and despite the effort to control
her countenance, an incredulous ex-
preston passed over it.
You don't believe me-" he cried
passionately. We'll, deserve that at
your hands, but truth is truth. The
very sight of your kindness to others
maddens me. 1 see Row they are favored,
and remember your hardness to me.
I envy the very children who speak to
you as you pass. They can be happy
without your love. l cannot. You need
not look your dislike, l feel 1t. l am
destined to offend you so much since
saw you in that place, where only my
evil fate led mo. that feel no sacrifice
could be too great for your sake"
Isn't the sensation q novel one?" she
asked, steeled to hardness by some in
ward remembrance. Il believe we
agreed to leave me out OF the question.
Brian ground his heel with an ex-
clamation OF Impotence. 1T is useless
to hope, he answered bitterly. you
will never forget. Hate me if you will,
but do not show such contemptuous in
difference"
1T is not charitable 10 hate. and for
getfulness does not come so easily as We
might wish.
NO, he replied, stung 20 re,oinder.
Il have something to remember, too.
She paled perceptibly.
YOU are generous, was her passion
ate answer. Now perhaps you will
allow me to pass.
"Ah, moi Margaret, not yet. can't
see you go from me SO. Forgive me for
what Just said. l meant nothing.
spend half my time in regretting what
has gone before. ! cannot stand your
anger. Why is all The gentleness in
your nature turned against me only2'
II do not know she answered, hall
absently, while her face softened visi-
bly,. Have you anything TO ask me?'
Nothing that you will grant; unless
perhaps, it is permission to ride with
you tomorrow. Will you allowme thai
pleasure?"
"Iride early, che answered with hest
iation, but if you care to forego YOU
morning nap have no objection"
Thank you. You will see how glad.
ly I'll forego that morning nap.
Il really didn't expect to see you,
Margaret confessed, when they were
both in the saddle next morning. q
thought"
How could you doubt me?' he inter-
rupted, with some reproach. Il am only
too happy to take advantage Of this last
chance to spend little while with you
pll-soon be out of your life entirely.
find it hard to tear myself away.
He sighed. His sigh was echoed
close beside him, but Margaret's face
was impenetrable.
what glorious morning. she re-
marked rather irrelevantly. We shall
have delightful ride.
Are you so fond of riding, he asked
noting her high color and flashing eyes
.Passi nately. / feel SO light-hearted
when | am in the saddle. An hour like
this is particularly inspiriting. l lov,
the GOODNESS and the res,ful quiet, and
love the fresh morning air.
"You love the night air, too.
Her face flushed at the words.
Il suppose you heard me in the gar
den last night?" she said, bending he
head with the pietext of untangling he
horses name. The night was perfect
and | couldn't withstand the tempta
. ton. L hopo you will not speak of |
= TO. Miss Hilton She may begin t
worry her delr head about me. whel
really l was only nervous and wake
full.
And you adopted that plan for WOO
ing sleep? Couldn't you have found
moro prundent and moro ehectua
one?" -,
Il hate prudence" she. broke in, witt
a SUSPICION of impatience; in fact,
revel in imprudenee, I;
ave had ample proof of that. wa
his tranquil reply. "Why didn't you lie
me play Esculapus, II only to vindieat'
nv diploma, you know
THE idea didn't suggest itself TO me
and | don't believe I'd care to be ex
perimente3 on, anyway. A .dipiomi
isn't a guarantee Ct ability, you know
ANo one can accuse you OF kissing Tn
blarney ston.," he returned, rattle
rrlmly. Sometimes ] begin TO Tea
You are too truthful. ~
mo one can be that. There Is IN
Cedars. No one about. suppose Col
Barton is an old friend OF your6f
III knowing me since l was knee
high 10 q erasshopper implies friend
ehIp he and must be ilrst-rats shums
! apu't fancy I'm N especial savosls