The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1897-09-15
CHAPTER XVII.
A LIFTING OF THE CLOUDS.

10 Brian, inc knOWlcuSe lnat Mar-
garet had not lost oil feeling for him,
and that her faith in him was strong,
notwithstanding his many falls,
brought new strength and courage.
With the rower of strong determina-
ton he seemed to be gaining victory
over that old habit. Not an entire one,
of course. Margaret could not expect
so much. Sometimes 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 lishtened.
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. Cant you
teach your patients some idea Of the fit
ness of things? Why should they all
get sick together? l think few might
wait until the others are we'll.
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. I con-
TESS 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 vel earned"
YES" he laughed, though that is nc
proof against its being broken. The
only time my profession brings a regret
is when 1 hear my night bell ]ingline
and l am called from delightful
nap"
Just as I've always said, observed
Brian, with side glance at Margaret
a Doctors life is all work and nc
play" ;.
and you like the play best; don
you?" she reio;ned, quickly. Still, play
or not, Brian, it is a very noble PROBES
sion, and when I was child I always
declared l should be doctors wife.
There was decided question in thu
eyes she fixed upon him.
"Poor Margaret" he replied, joining
in Wilson'S laugh. What miserable
concern you managed to get. Only tn
beginning of one.
Don't be SO generous with your sym
pathy, please. A beginning is bette
than nothing. An acorn is only the be
ginning of an oak, but we don't despis
the acorn because it is not an oak
yet"
Wilson, as well as Brian, caught tn
delicate emphasis on the yet, and h
answered with half smile:
Brian will become an hohored mem
, Der of the profession before his days ar
ended. predict that, Mrs. Leigh"
, "Ah, I have quite decided it," re
, turned Margaret promptly. "Bra
| knows that as we'll as l do.
couldn't have all my childish calcula
t tions upset. l used to think Uncl
, Stephen the very personification Of a
| things good and noble, and l wondere
: then if his son were anything like hin
" You see had not met Brian"
: And now, Margaret. that you hay
4 met him."
q Brian came behind her chair wit
$ this question. She glanced back at hi
and smiled.
@ Il never form an opinion of boo
Il after reading only its first page. 1mu
h 90 deeper to sec if it will realize or di
: appoint my expectations. Besides,
don't air my views in public. Speakir
II of views" she continued more light
+, Il have some want to show you, Do
t. tor. You must promise to think the
yery beautiful. or l shall be disa
d pointed. Brian, will you get thel
It please?"
e At this request Brian got out SIN;
a folio of wood cuts and pen pictures
l. various scenes about Elmwood and t
Il surrounding country. They were {
l. excellent, and Wills MS appreciation "
70 was warm enough TO satisfy even Ma
&c garet's enthusiasm.
III DO you wonder that l am proud
y Elmwood?" she asked, after an al
l mated description o. several Of its fine
points. DO you wonder that shou
l. love it SO dearly? Ny wonder is tn
Brian doesn't care for it as do, for
of was born there. I think he has
1g least bit OF fondness for Bohemian {
Id istence. Ian sorry for him, becaus
a do think it a most unsatisfactory scrt
he life. ] agree with George Eliot Il
or we all should haze one home spot Il
he shall stand clearly cut in memory, a
u to which our minds md hearts may
oil WAYS return, no matter how far we II
ey have wandered iron It,