The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1899-09-30
cling the wife with thanks, am. yours
most dutifully,


the letter and returned it to her uncle.
Il told him 1t was time for him to get
married." was the short reply. This
Is his answer, the rascal. Prefers
to choose his own partner. Wants an
old mare to his liking. Let him get
one. Confound him! Thinks of giving
up Blackstone and winning laurels with
his pen.' Winning fiddlesticks. He
hasn't sense enough to know he's an
idiot. Has serious Intentions OF de-
scending on my rural foldl' I'd like to
know what else he's been doing for the
last six months? Wants to enjoy some
argumentative tete-a-tetes with me-.
Confound his assurance! What are you
laughing at? Perhaps you consider it
amusing2 Maybe you agree with himf"
About the wife part, l certainly do.
I know l shouldn' t let any one select my
husband"
Indeed, Miss! And do you think any
one would take that trouble? Have
some sense, for heavens sake. I've
enough to drive saint crazy. Come,
sit hero, and Pll tell you what LII do
Alice took chair beside her uncle.
and he began in q confidential tono:
That independent monkey. who calls
himself my son, sha'n't have cent or
my money. I'll cut him of, that's what
I'll do, and I'll leave it all to you.
All what, uncle?'
AZ @v money. You don't seem TO
be smart, Alice"
"Oh! / understand perfectly. now. 1
am much obliged, but you may save
yourself any trouble in the matter, as,
OF course, l wouldn't take it,"
You'll not be able to help yourself,
chuckled the old man. If I choose TO
make my will to that effect you'll have
to take il.
Indeed 1 wouldn't" was the deter
mined answer, as Alice rose from her
chair. 1T belongs to Berthe, and
wouldn't touch cent Of it,
How dare you defy>me to my face.
cried the old gentleman, rising in his
turn. Il say you shall have it..
And say sha'n't.
For mercy's sake, what Is oil this
about?"
"Oh, Bertie!" cried Alice, turning at
the sound of the laughing voice.
you impudent scamp" added the
Colonel, have you dared to show your
brazen face here
Il protest at brazen, father. Ny
classic countenance is strikingly like
my fathers. Among my friends 1t is
So d to be both modest and retiring.
Another word OF your impudence,
sir, and you will retire with your modest
countenance. What are you grinning
like an ape for, and Alice with no bet
ter sense than to laugh at you! want
to know how you dared to send me that
trash"
The Colonel threw the letter on the
desk as he spoke.
MY letter." said Berthe In assumed
surprise Il am sorry your opinion Of
it's merits Is 80 poor. ! considered 1t
quite excellent Of its kind. You remem-
Der spoke of my desire 10 be with you,
aqd 10, arrive with the wings OF speed
on the scene OF b tile. Pray tell me
what caused the interchange of polite
invectlve.
"rll tell you, SIR" remarked his
father, with some warmth, "Plltell you,-
when got that trash Of yours de-
cided to let you go to the devil ant
leave my money to this headstr0ng
young woman, but the forward mink,
with tho most unheard- of impudcnce. de-
clared she wouldn't touch penny OF it.
But Wen see about that; and lot mo
tell you, sir, you've got to walk pretty
straight line Or"
~Oh, l don't mind the straight line, "
returned BERTHE, comfortably, provided
there isn't wife ut the end of 1t. I'm
less it Is the one shall choose.
"Fudge!" was the contemptuous COM
ment, but the old gentleman manifested
10 further anger. Probably he had
gathered some new ideas Ia the last few
moments and found them diverting.
What are you glazing at Alice for2"
he said, presently. DO you want to
stare her out of countenance?'
"Oh, no; was only thinking how
charmingly well she is looking. The
DIR of The Cedars Is no doubt respOns-
ible. You, too, look wonderfully we'll
preserved. No one would take you for
day over forty-tive, if that
"Humph!" was the old gentleman g
comment. AS big fool as ever. Your
talking has given me a COMPOUNDED
headache. Go out Of the room, for
heavens sake Alice, take him out in
the grounds and try to keep him quiet
| for while. I must have little sleep.
Certainly, I'll depart, by all means,
said Berthe, with alacrity. Delighted,
I'm sure. Come. Alice, you must take
| care Of me, you know"
The Colonel chuckled quietly as they
| left the room together.
TTo BE CoNylNCEnl