The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1897-07-10

The Colonel met them at the dining
room door, and Nell, approaching rather
cautiously, gave him half-expectant,
half-questioning glance.
Her fears were quite groundless, now
ever. for as soon as he had seen Marga-
ret. and heard that she was going 10
leave them so soon, he had no thought
Tor any one else. 80,
81 don't know how we shall do with
put you," he said, bending over her with
kindly affection. BERTHE told me you
we're going, and have been anuclpat-
ing my own loneliness. Have you
grown tired of US SO soon! he look
her face between his hands and regarded
1t with gentleness in which variety
Of emotions found expression. You
are in hurry to leave US, Margaret
ne added, sadly.
"Ah. no. "-she fastened to answer, as
her eyes grew dim and palnlui HUSH
pyerspread her checks.
The gentleman did not answer 1or a
second. during which his face worked
with feeling and tender light filled his
eyes.
You are brave girl, he said, rather
unsteadily, at last; "a true, brave girl.
Heaven will bless you as you deserve
Don't let that scoundrel come near me-
might be tempted
you are SO hard on him, Colonel
Don't" 49,,
Don't blame him, suppose. An
Margaret, you are like the rest OF you
sexoalways ready to defend the maj
who breaks your heart. Well, well, IL
not be hard, for your sake, but wheh
think Never mind; We'll miss you
cbild-every one of us. Don't quite for
got your old friends; you won't nhd IN
new ones half so true.
Again Margaret eyes grew dim, an
she found herself incapable OF an an
swer. :.
. Alice. noting her distress. broke l.
with some light remarks, which Mel
took ND. Notwithstanding her uncle
formidable presence, and dlscusse
volubly.
Under this respite Margaret regaine
her self-possession, and began to spea
quite calmly.
No further allusion to her going ava
was made during the meal, though eac
one seemed quite laxative, Nell pa
ticularly airing her opinions freely, an
receiving no reIroof for her temerlty.
But when the time came to say GOO
by. and Margaret was ready TO go, u
Colonel, disregarding the hand she ne
out to him, clasped her in his arms, al
tenderly, almost reverently, Kissed n
brow.
al knew it would be hard, she sobbe
breaking down completely. kne
this would be the hardest OF all.
NO. it sha'n't be, Margaret, he sal
putting her gently from him. L DO n
wish to pain you, child, even for a N
ment. Iut 1 am very deeply moved
see YOU 60 from us under such circui
stances. Your bravery and devon
will have it's reward-be sure OF Uni
Remember me when you need sympat
or advice, for 1 would not be worthy I
name of friend if / could rot show
affection in time of adversely as w
as prosperity: and l know that not ev
YOUR own father could be more ahAic
TO help you than l am.
For many long days Margaret G.
ried in her heart the memory OF MS HI
words and sympathetic voice
AS she rode home through the win
afternoon toward the chain OF beautl
hills which shut in the quiet, peace
village, her fancy tinged with ihdescr
able melancholy every surrounding,
iect, and the melancholy fingered le
after her eyes had ceased to look III
the scene that had engendered 1t.