The Banner-Democrat., 1899-09-09
1WOMAN5 INFLUENCE

but Brian found 1t difficult to shake of
the incubus Of despondenoy and turn
his attention to some needful changes
In his attire, preparatory 20 going down
to dinner. He was not O particularly
vain man; yet, wishing to appear to the
best advantage in his cousins eyes, he
-, took special pains with his toilet. Ho
, wondered II Margaret had visitors.
Stephens had spoken Of the ladies.
Probably some old friend or chap
oron." he concluded, with last salts.
factory glance at his reflection In tho
mirror. :
He found no one In the parlors. and,
The library being likewise deserted, he
wandered along the hall to o half open
| door, through which he caught Q
| glimpse Of black dress.
BE approached it with some trepida-
ton. He suspected possible changes In
the arrangement OF the house since
Margaret's advent. and he was rather
fearful Of intruding upon some private
apartment.
His hesitating steps had, however,
been heard. There was movement In
the room "a cry Of Dear Brianl" and
he found himself holding Miss Hilton's
hand, and gazing, with mingled pleas
tre and surprise, In the gentle, kindly
taoe.
Come right in," she said brightly.
This Is our sittingroom. but you are
not debarred entrance. It Is such q
pleasure to see you again, you poor boy
1T is almost like home coming" he
| rejoined in low voice, following hel
| into the cozily furnished room. Il
| ecarcely expected my welcome from your
hands. Who am to thank for that
| pleasure?"
Margaret. Poor child. she Is all
alone, and needs some older friend and
| adviser"
Naturally. suppose she Is well?" =
Yes, quite well. Her health is
Usually good. Still I think she has
oever recovered from our late bereave-
pent. 1t was a sad event for you, also,
Brian"
The old lady spoke feelingly, and her
words brought an expression Of pain to
| Brian's face.
Poor father" he said, after second.
I hope he did not think me quite un-
grateful or unfeeling. 1t will be one Of
my lasting regrets that I could not be
with him before the end. was travel
ing at the time, you see, and your mes
sage announcing his illness reached me
with that announcing his death"
His illness was very sudden" put in
Miss Hilton. None of us realized 1t
until few hours before the last. He
speke of you most affectionately, she
continued, bending more closely over
her knitting. Il am sure he felt that
only circumstances kept you from him. 4"
And yet" began Brian, as the old
lady paused.
Il know what you would say" she re-
sumed. Il do not think the terms of
his will argued any want Of affection
for you. l cannot enter into his reasons,
yet believe he thought he was acting
for the best. Margaret has never rec
onciled herself to the condition Of
things"
Il suppose it is only a balancing OF
the scales" he said, rather gloomily.
Il do not question my cousin right
TO portion Of the money, but-"@
He paused, either unwilling or un-
able to complete his sentence.
Il think it will turn out for the best
remarked Miss Hilton, with CHEEKY cer-
tainty. Money is nice to have, ac-
knowledge, but most Of our great men
began their lives without it; and, by the
way. in my pleasure at seeing you !
have quite forgotten Margaret's mes
sage. She is feeling unusually tired to-
day, and hopes you will excuse her un-
til dinner time"
Certainly" he responded, readily,
nppreciating the feeling which had
prompted his cousins remaining in the
background until she should partly
realize his changed condition. But un-
til dinner time l will allow my curiosity
full play. From all accounts she is q
paragon. An unpleasant fact to me, as
1 shall appear to disadvantage by con-
trast. fear she has started out with
bad opinion of me-"
Then give her reason to change. She
has ideas and convictions Of her own,
but she is just and recognizes merit
where it exists"
Brian appeared dubious.
ideas and convictions" he repeated.
i guessed as much from her letters to
me. ! think there Is something in tho
name which gives determination oi
character. Idaresay she has made
great many friends here"
yes, she has a winning personality,
which never fails her. Colonel Barton
you remember him of course-is espe-
cially fond OF her. And the poor people
would go through fire and water to serve
her,
"A Saint Elizabeth" put in Brian,
meditatively. There are drawbacks to
such character. Is she very prim and
particular"
Miss Hilton laughed merrily as o
vision of Margaret rose before her.
wait until you see her, and then tell
me your opinion. I suppose you are
quite tired out with travelling, and in
tend to settle down to more quiet ex-
istence?"
You think I've played the Wandering
Jew long enough2" he questioned.
well, Miss Hilton, bohemian life has
its drawbacks, certainly, but it is
blessed with advantages also. 1t de-
veIops the mlno. Droadens ones views,
and brings new ideas into being. We
realize that home is very small corner
of the world, after all. 1t isa practical
education.
"Ah, Brian, you are at your old tricks
again. You can always find arguments
in favor of what you like"
Brian laughed. Il think we can all
do that, Miss Hilton. Now tell me the
news. The Lady Teazles are not al
dead, suppose2"
Unfortunately, no; they appear to
thrive on this air.. I really don't know