The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1899-09-30
INFLUENCE
CHAPTER TX.
A DOMESTIC ENCOUNTER


at least by sight or hearsay, and where
q lively interest In the affairs of others
seems to be the congeniai occupation OK
large portion Of the inhabitants.
Opinions were somewhat divided in
the matter. The unprejudiced regarded
O marriage between the cousins as
happy solution Of the unpleasant state
Of affairs, while the more Interested,
notably the mothers of sons whose
matrimonial designs had thus been frus-
trated, shook their heads rather doubt
fully, and prophesied all manner OF dire
oatastrophes. nom what ssley considered
loveless union. They hoped it would
turn out we'll; 80 they assured each
other Indeed, they were inclined to pity
Margaret, and, with admiring glances at
Tim or John, they wondered what she
had seen In Brian to like.
Margaret well knew that she was an
object OF unusual comment. There
were people In s." to use her own
words, who would sit at her table and
break her bread and her character at
the same time" Yet, Notwithstanding,
the knowledge that she afforded gratiti-
cation to their curiosity filled her with
feeling akin to Indignation.
"Notorlety Is the fate Of greatness
the Colonel told her, by way OF consola-
ton. You and Brian are the most
prominent figures In tho nelghborhood
Just now. Think Of the distinction. But
seriously, my dear, I'm glad you two
have reached such q sensible settle
ment. Expected it all the time. Not
quite so soon, though. You've made the
quickest time on record" The old gen.
tleman's eyes twinkled at this evidence
of his own humor.
About this time he was deep In some
cherished plans intended to affect the
future Of his son and niece. He gave
no hint of his desires to either party
concerned, for he could be politic on oc-
casion, and he realized that this was q
matter to be handled with much caution.
"A fine pair, fine pair" he would
chuckle, when privacy permitted him to
give such expression to his feelings
"Plenty of spirit in the girl, and that
young scamp, confound HIM, Ee'u be
something yet.
The scamp in question had enjoyed
all the advantages young man in his
position could expect or hope for.
i want you to make a good showing,
his father had said to him, when he
started out on his college career. You
must look to your future and take up
something practical I prefer law,
though it is a scoundrelly profession.
Still, as good as most, dare say. II
you do start in it, stick to 1t. And for
heavens sake don't come out first
class idiot, fit only for show piece.
And don't break your neck, or get in
debt"
BERTHE had managed to go through
college without falling victim to the
latter evils. He had followed his
fathers counsel as to adopting law.
though he had not yet passed the bal.
Under pretext of reading for this
end, he spent much Of his time In New
York, from which point he paid fire.
ouent visits to The Cedars. Sitting in
bis office one day, and. porting over q
lew dictionary, he was rather surprised
to receive from his father letter set.
ting forth the good points OF certain
nameless young lady, and urging upon
him the advisability of marrying her,
and finally settling in life.
We'll, In the name OF oil that's holy,
be calculated, that must be answered. :
And 80 it was. To such purpose that
1t sent his easily moved father into q
towering passion. Alice was summoned.
And that young lady, looking quite cool
and composed. came tripping into the
room prepared for scene, and wonder
Ing what had occurred to disturb the
equilibrium of her uncle's temper.
well, uncle?" she said, with a soncll-
iatory inquiry.
well, uncle" he mimicked. "Yo1
come In smiling and mincing, just as
though there were no impudent young
scamp In the world.
Il dare say there are great many.
she rejoined agreeably; land old ones.
too, for that matter
What do you mean?" he broke In,
| quick to take exception to her words.
But, Lord!" what the use of arguing
with girl? Here! read this letter and
| tell me If you consider it the proper
thing for an impairment puppy to write
to his father"
lie thrust the letter In her hand, end
her eyes glanced over the somewhat
aggressive chirography. while its mean
dawned upon her.
| DEAR RESPECTED PATER-Yours OF
the 18TH inst. duly to hand. Contents
noted. Would say In answer that I am
very well satisfied with my present
state of single bleesedness, and while
| approaching your interest in my behalf,
| i prefer to choose my own partner. when
| ! elect to assume tho cares OF domestic
ufA
Though the Bible says 1t Is not good
for man to be alone, it Is for more risky,
| to my mind, to Jog along In double har-
pees, unless tho old mare is to ones
IikiAR.
"rve been dong finely; winning
| golden opinions on ell sides. l am fear
| full OF becoming too great, and Black
stooo has tendency to monotony; so
| l have very serious intentions OF put
ting The old boy aside and gaining
| laurels with my pen. Visions OF future
| greatness pass before my eyes. and
pardon this blot; 1t is the outcome OF my
perturbed feelings-who knows but that
| In the dim and misty future you may be
known not as Col. Barton merely, but
as Col. Barton, the father of Cuthber!
Barton. Does your heart swell with
| pride at the thought
Now, to descend from the heights OF
ambition to ordinary reality. The city
grows warmer every day. Nothing OF
any moment transpiring. The last hot
wave knocked the bottom out Of the
market, and everybody is now busy pro-
pounding the question of the day, Is II
hot enough for you.'
I'm thinking you have the best Of II
/ down there and / have serious fnten.