The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1899-09-23
CARROLL PARISH, SEPTEMBER

me to hear you. What has philosophy
to do with misery? Are you always
happy? Do you never know tho mean
ing Of regrets"
Il wish you'd be more careful, she
said with assumed anger. You are
| sitting on the end ohio table cloth, and
| I shouldn't be surprised to see every
dish In your lap next. / wonder why
men are 80 awkward"
And wonder why you are so heart
| less. Your mind is taken up with table
| cloths, while l. Oh, Margaret. how
you hurt mel"
Annoyed at the drift Of the converse
ton, Margaret made no pretense Of an
swering, but kept her eyes fixed upon
the house In the hope Of Miss Hilton 8
appearance. Noting her Indifference,
Brian continued in the same passionate
strain.
why are you so bitter and scornful2
Why do you delight in torturing me'
Have you no heart? You can not real
lie my longing, and you will never sym
pathize with me. am tired Of being
spurned and despised. L have some
pride, and I'll not stay another night
under your roof. I'll go this afternoon;
then you'll be rid of me-.
And If don't wish to be rid of you
so soon2" she questioned with an effort.
You told me you would stay until to-
morrow, and hope you will keep your
| word. Besides, wish" She hest
| tated. i wish to talk with you." she
| concluded with another effort. L shall
| be In the library at g. or half past. VIII
| you come to me there?"
| He looked at her in some surprise,
| but her eyes were turned aside and she
was busying herself with some arrange
ment about the table.
| Your request is law to me-, he an
swered in low voice. II am always
happy to do something for YOU.
And l am always ready to appreciate
your effort, was the quick reply.
| She turned away with Sigh Of re-
lief. Miss, Hilton had just left the
house, and was approaching them, so
there was no further excuse for tete-
| a-tete.
| At 3 o'clock the same afternoon Brian
entered the library to find Margaret
| seated at table drawn close TO an open
| window.
| From her position she could see the
| wealth and beauty of Eimwood, spread
| like, q map before her Its acres Of
woodland, timbered by magnificent
| trees; its broad extent of orchard,
| clothed in q wilderness Of bloom, and
its terraced garden sloping to the river,
winding among the uplands, and reflect
| ing sparkling vistas from chain Of
| beautiful hills
| Further away lay broad sweep OF
| undulating land, with the village in the
| foreground, and beyond many a neat
cottage, smart in its coat of paint, or
pretentous mansion, browning con-
| venient eminenoe. Further still, the
smoke curling from the quiet farms 1y-
| ing under the enchantment that distance
| lends.
From this picture Margaret turned
| with sigh, to encounter Brian s.inquir-
Ing glance.
you are punctuaI, she said, with q
half smile. viii You set down, please2"
He took possession of the chair indi-
Gated, noting meanwhile that her face
was unusually pale and her voice I'M
naturally quiet. Wondering, yet expec-
tant, he waited for her next words.
You intend leaving ElElwood to-mor-
row." she resumed, after pause that
had been embarrassing to both.
YES" was the answer. given with
some warmth. Il do not wish to intrude
upon You longer. Icannot stay on from
day to day, making myself more unwel-
come and mourning only your contempt.
My sin is past atonement in your eyes.
/ can offer no excuse that will satisfy
you. have no hope left, and to-mor-
row when leave"
Where will you go'" she broke in,
with repressed earnestness upon her
face.
"Where?" he repeated. Heaven only
knows. To the devil, probably"
She laid down the paper knife she had
been handling half absently, and re-
i garded him fxedly.
Il hope you will do nothing so fool
ish, she said in low voice. TT is not
manly to give up in that way. I have
not called you in here to quarrel with
you, nor do I want to rake up old
troubles; but do want you to under
stand that, while I acknowledge GER
tain deception on my part in concealing
my name from you, 1 do not hold you
excused thereby. I had a reason for
doing so, very wise reason, as things
have since turned ou'. Had you known
was your cousin instead"
Il could not have loved you better"
he broke in with impulsive earnestness.
You must do me that much Justice"
ITO BE CONTINUED