The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-06-26
CHAPTER XXI.
ELMWOOD AGAIN

sat over inc Table, her heart filed with
sweet content, and her eyes dim with
the happy tears that shut from her vision
the familiar OBJ ects about her.
For she was home. Home in dear old
Elmwood.
And now, after eating what she de-
clared to Brian to be her biggest break
fast in three months, she wanted to sit
still and feast her eyes upon the smooth
green lawns where the bright sun sifted
itself through luxuriant network of
green branches, and the lilac and the
hawthorn were bursting into breath
OF fragrant flowers, ana say to herself
it is good to be here.
! She repeat ID the same words to Brian
wren he came in at luncheon, and he,
looking at her face, almost marveled at
the change that had come over it.
Il dare say, you are right, Margaret;
it is good for you to be here. I don't
believe l exaggerate when I declare
that there is already some color in your
cheeks. What have you been doing
with yourself this morning."
Il don't believe l can begin to tell
you. Fist, there was so much to talk
about with Mrs. DAVIS. We have been
laying our heads together and evolving
some delightful plans. You will see the
results after awhile; an then, this
afternoon must go to The Cedars.
am pin:ng for sight OF the Colonel"
And he, no doubt. is pininy for a
sight of you. suppose that will COM
plete your happiness.
las nearly as it can be completed.
Do you remember how we left Elmwood,
Brian, under the chill and cold Of Win
ter, and we return to it in the 10Y Of a
glad resurrection? I accept it as an
omen, and l am-very happy"
She left the table with these words
and walked to tie open window. Brian
followed her.
Let me share your happiness" he
said, in low voice. Darling, the pro-
baton has been very long"
He slipped his hand about her waist,
and drew her to the veran la outside.
You remember our compact? I shall
keep it-be sure of that-until the day
comes that you shall bid me break it.
And it will come, Margaret, as certainly
as we both stand here. You will find
me very patent until I have won my
victory, for feel that oven the price
which Jacob paid 1or Rachel is nottoo
dear to pay for you. Now, mayI tell
you what have been doing to-day?"
Yes; shall like very much to hear.
SWELL, I have been taking with Dr..
Philips. wish you would let me see
your face, Margaret. It vii! be more
Encouraging than your back. There,
that is better; thank you. I saw DR..
Philips, as said, and told him of my
wish to build up practice here. Just
as expected, he feels his advancing
years, and will be very glad eff young
assistant. He is delighted to help the
son Of his cd partner, he tells me. So
you see am particularly fortunate.
can step right into his shoes, and, though
1 may find them very large"
you will grow" put in Margaret,
glad of this new turn to the converse
ton. And l am very much pleased,
she added, more gravely.
so am I. 1t is the first step toward
winning my wife.
4 half hour later Margaret was sit
ting in the chair of honor in Alice's
rooms, half-laughing, half-crying, and
trying to ask and answer questions in
the same breath
I'm going to keep you few minutes
all to myself" declared Alice, because
I have 50 much to tell you, Margaret
So much could only HUT at it in my
letters. I could not express one-hal1
the happiness longed for you to share.
Il am so glad, DEAR" Margaret an
: swered. 80 very glad for you and foi
BERTHE. Tell me- all about it now"
It was fully fifteen minutes before
Alice sent the message telling her uncle
that Margaret was there. 1t brought
the Colonel in very quick time.
"Oh, Colonel, she cried, and the next
second she was folded in his arms.
Back again, Margaret. am sc
glad, child. This time we mean to keeI
you. Bless your dear heart; it does my
eyes good to see you. Even though yor
have grown SO thin and your face is as
white as our own snow-balls."
Colonel, you hurt my vanity.
shall grow wonderfully fat and we'll ii
lew WEEKS. LOU WOu hAo" ino
Brian thinks have some color already.
Brian! Let Brian go to the devil
I beg your pardon, my dear. l see
: have Mortified you. I am not over
pleased with Brian, as you may guess
/ dare say you find excuses for thu
scamp, however. I am glad he has
, some grace left. You women cal
usually manage men. I was getting
ready to come and shoot him, but
must acknowledge that your metho;
r has been more effectual.
"He is growing tired Of doing moth
t ing" she ans wered, without meeting
the Colonel's glance, "and he has de
cided to practice his profession here
dare say he will become as highly re
spected as dear uncle Stephen was"
|. Highly respected! Fiddlesticks
There it is again, Margaret. The out
come of prejudice, most probably.
beg your pardon second time, AM
predict that Brian will become all tina
+ You want to make him. II ne doesn'
/ Pill"
"shoot him, I suppose, put in Mar
garet, with laughing eyes. That woul'
, be fatal blow to my hopes. ! beg yo'
I you will spare me the humiliation o