The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1899-09-02

4lOI EluD Qt uhu BOOA thO
dwindle from its original number OF
fifteen to two.
Joe was always the most pronounced
in his views regarding the delights OF
being ''free and untrammeled," as he
put it. Joe was in no sense misoga-
mist; indeed he was gallantry person
flied when he came in contact with
women. Best of all he made no distinc-
tions in favor of youth and beauty; in
fact, he seemed to treat those to whom
nature had been nnkind, or who had
passed the thirty-year mark, with q
trifle more consideration.
On this account his advent at Wa
verify, summer resort in New Hamp-
shire, had come to be regarded as a
blessing by the landlord. For five
successive summers he had enjoyed
vacation life there and each year de-
livered his Grafton on the delights OF
a bachelor. In that time he had met
scores of attractive, fascinating, cap
tivating girls without semblance of
encouragement being given any OF
them on his part, while many OF his
friends became tangled up in matri-
mony. His sentiments on the subject
had become byword with the guests
who went annually to Waverly, and
wagers had often been made regarding
him.
Each year when he was about to
start on his trip he was conveyed to
the train by several friends, and in
iocular style they importuned him to
beware of the wiles of the fair sex.
Joe always assured them there was no
need to worry on that score, and his
last few moments were usually spent
in declaring himself on the bachelor
question.
That was the way things stood in
18-,wh Joe had hidden his friends
the usual parting salute and started
off for his six weeks rest.
He went Into the smoker and paid
little attention to his fellow-passengers
until the change was made from the
train to steamer which was to take
him with others to the hotel. Seven
people made the change, an elderly
couple, three children and a young
woman who was apparently accom-
panied by her mother.
When they reached the hotel at the
other side Of the lake Heagel was
given hearty welcome by companions
of other years, and they found him the
same gay old bachelor as of yore..
The first week of his stay he was
busy renewing old acquaintances, aud
on only two occasions did he meet the
young woman who had arrived at the
hotel the same day he did. He had
been introduced to her, but had for
gotten her name. When he settled
himself down to enjoy the summer he
reflected that he had seen her sitting
demurely in the background at some
Of the social functions, so he resolved
to see that she would not be left in
solitude again.
During the next week Miss Kingorc
on several occasions was brought to
the front by Joe, and she proved
charming addition to the company.
Whether mama disapproved of her en-
ioying social life was unknown, but it
was noticed the young woman was not
present at the evening assemblies for
some time. Invitations to go driving,
rowing, sailing, ETC., were declined by
mama on behalf of her daughter sew
eral times.
When Joe's history had been re.
hearsed in Mrs. Kingore's hearing on
many occasions, and she had heard
several stump speeches by Joe on the
matrimonial question, she relented
enough to let Miss Margaret go rowing
with Joe while she chaperoned the
party. The young woman was allowed
to join in the evening socials again
also. but her dancing favors were linn
tied to Joe and two other staid married
men. No notice was taken of Heagel's
frequent jaunts with Miss Kingore, as
it was presumed he was doing it from
motives of good nature, especially as
mama was always on hand wherever
they went.
The fourth week of the vacation had
passed, and Miss Kingore's liberties
were not so restricted, another young
man, Mr.. Semmes, having also found
favor IN mamas eyes. So one pleasant
afternoon, when Joe had planned on a
sailing trip and went looking for Miss
Kingore, only to see her fading away
in canoe padded by Semmes, he ex-
perienced strange feeling of loneli-
ness.
He tried to laugh, but it was dis
NAL failure. When he looked again
aud saw mama was not with them his
feelings were lacerated more deeply.
An insane desire to jump into his sail
boat and chase them seized him. He
would accidentally run them down and
save Miss Kingore.
However, he went back to his room
and threw himself on his bed. There
he spent several hours deeply alb
sorbed in thought. He pictured in
his mind how his friends would laugh
if they knew his feelings then; tried to
picture himself as benedict, with all
the past good times nothing but
memory. Then he resolved to let
Miss Kingore severely alone and kill
the flames kindling in his heart.
That evening Joe made desperate
effort to avoid her, but somehow OF
other thsir eyes met frequently.
When he saw the appealing look in
her big blue eyes as she sat alone he
reproaclied himself and went over to
her. He tried to be little sarcastic,
Int couldnsf