The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1897-07-17
CHAPTER XyII.

| 10 Brian, the knOWleQSe That MAI
garet had not lost all feeling for him,
and that her faith in him was strong,
notwithstanding his many falls,
brought new strength and courage.
With the POWER of strong determine
ton he seemed to be gaining a victory
over that old habit. Not an entire one,
Of course. Margaret could not expect
| so much. Sometimes a friend could
lure him away, but this was seldom,
and never since their talk in her room
had he lost the entire command of him
self.
Under these circumstances Margaret
felt her heart considerably lightened.
She could look forward more hopefully
to the future, and her letters took on
! something of her OWE cheerful spirit.
Brian could not fail TO see the change.
and it was equally apparent to Wilson,
in his few brief visits. He only dropped
in upon rare occasions now, seldom
stayed long, and always claimed that he
was too busy even to find time to see
his friends.
Il suppose we must accept your ex-
| cuses, Doctor" Margaret replied one
evening to his usual plea. Can't you
teach your patients sor'a idea of the fit
ness of thfngs2 Why should they all
get sick together? l think few might
wait until the others are WELL"
so they might, Mrs. Leigh, If they
could see the matter from your point of
view. Unfortunately, however, illness,
| like time and tide, waits for no man.
We have had very trying winter, and
pneumonia is very prevalent. That has
added considerably to my labors. l con-
fess l am thoroughly tired out when
night comes, and only too glad to creep
into bed"
And sleep in the comfortable sense
! that your rest is wei earned"
Yes, he laughed, though that is no
proof against it's being broken. The
only time my profession brings regret
is when / hear my night bell JingIing
and l am called from a delightful
nap"
Just as I've always said. observed
Brian, with side glance at Margaret
"A doctors life is all work and no
play"
And you like the play best; don t
your" she rejoined, quickly. Still, play
or not, Brian, it is very noble profess
sion, and when l was child l always
declared should be Doctors wife,"
There was decided question in the
eyes she fixed upon him.
Poor Margaret, he replied. joining
| in Wilson's laugh. what miserable
concern you managed to get. Only the
beginning of one.
rathy. please. A beginning is better
than nothing. An acorn is only the be-
ginning of an oak, but we don't despise
bn G
yet"
Wilson, as well as Brian, caught the
delicate emphasis on the yet, and he
answered with half smile:
Brian will become an hohored men,
Der of the profession before his days are
ended predict that, Mrs. Leigh"
All, l have quite decided it," re-
turned Margaret promptly. Brian
knows that as well as / Go. l
| couIdn have all my childish calcula-
| Stephen the very personification of all
| things good and noble, and wondered
then IL his son were anything like him.
You see had not met Brian"
And now, Margaret, that you have
met him?"
Brian came behind her chair with
this question. She glanced back at him
and smiled.
Il never form an opinion of book
after reading only its first page. Unjust
go deeper to see il it will realize or dis
appoint my expectations. Besides, l
don't air my views in public. Speaking
| OF views" she continued more lightly.
Il have some / want to show you, Doc
tor. You must promise to think them
very beautiful. or | shall be disap-
pointed Brian, will you get them,
please?"
At this request Brian got out small
! folio of wood cuts and pen pictures of
various scenes about Elmwood and the
surrounding country. They were all
excellent, and Wills ms appreciation was
was warm enough to satisfy even Mar
garet's enthusiasm.
DO you wonder that / am proud OF
| Eimwood?" she asked, after an ami
mated description OF several Of its finest
points. DO you wonder that Ishould
love 1t so dearly? Ny wonder is that
Brian doesn't care for it as do, for he
| was born there. I think he has the
least bit OF fondness for Bohemian ex-
istence. an sorry for him, because
do think it most unsatisfactory sort OF
life. / agree with George Eliot that
we all should have one home spot that
shall stand clearly out in.-memory, and
10 which our minds and hearts may al
ways return, no matter how far we may
have wandered from 1t.
| A.-so~a< hrake nff With a airh SThia '