The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1899-10-28

5E6 passed her thouSntleSS, untnlnklnS
days in the safety Of her own home, he
was following path Of ruin amid the
gilded temptations Of New York? How
much of the blame would lie at her door,
and what would be the end? Ali those
bitter questions, with their more bitter
possibilities!
Before her mind rose the memory OF
a solemn moment and the never-forgot-
ten words:
Don't forget Brian. Be good to him
for my sake.
Did she need such memories, to make
her realize that now as never before
his future, his destiny rested in her
hands2 She could notssit here and walt
quietly for Alice nor could she be found
here by either BERTHE or the Colonel.
She must leave the house unobserved II
possible. =
Alas! 1t was not possible. Scarcely
leaving the library at the same moment,
came suddenly upon her.
Margaret" he said, starting ut sight
of her. You here? 1 did not know.
You are in trouble You are Ill. Tell me. !"
"Heart-sick, Berthe, only heart-sick. y
she returned, with a halfsobbing
| pIcdlilt Wuilt DuC NauShO 1o thO bOckl
| for support. Il came 10 see Alice. She
Is out; 1 cannot wait longer"
You have been waiting then" he
questioned, quite bewildered by her
strange manner. Margaret" he add
ed. with sudden rcvation, you heard. :.
"Yes," she answered, lowering her
eyes before his plying glance. Il was
in there and heard all. did not know
| BEFORE"
Poor child he said, with unusual
gentleness. IF Brian could only see
you now. I wish / could have told you
less abruptly. 1t was cruel. Father
will be SO sorry. Let me bring him
here. He might comfort you, Mar
garet."
Margaret smiled sadly, and leaned
rather heavily against the stairway.
mo, BERTHE, no one can do that. 1t is
impossible, impossible. l think his
sympathy would BIO very hard to boar
now. Don't pity me. Advise me.
feel 50 helpless. Have you known-long3
Why has God sent me this - this
trouble?"
1t was hard for Berthe to meet this
inquiry calmly.
<Not for any desert Of yours he
said, rather huskily. You ask me II I
have known long. I'm afraid must
say yes. The iisst time I saw Brian
not himself am hurting you"
mo. Go on. please. Tel mo all. 1t
can make very little difference now"
Il was surprised and shocked. I
thought Of you and talked to Brian.
He promised to do better. I believe he
intended to, and 1 think he tried, but
his resolutions are weak and easily
broken. Do you remember the day
met you in the road and you remarked
upon my long face? 1t was the day
before Brian left ON this last visit.
dreaded the result for him, and deter
mined to tell you all and let your per-
suasions influence him. But, Margaret,
when l saw your face my heart failed
me, and allowed the opportunity to
slip. Yet you can remember how ear
nest was in begging you to use your
influence to keep Brian at homo. Here
the temptation seems to have no power
over him. / think your presence must
be the cause. Unfortunately, though,
he loves the allurements Of city life.
And you are not there"
mo, but I shall be-" returned Mar
garet, lifting her grateful eyes to his.
Thank you for showing me the way"
1T is so little to thank mo for" no
returned, sadly. Il wish could do a
thousand times more for you. II Brian
is not content to stay with you at Elm
wooe, the next best thing is for you to
be with him In New York. It will be q
gain for him, but leaving your homo
will be heavy sacrifice for you. Do
you fell called upon to make it?"
He looked kindly In her face, but he
found no hesitation there.
a hundred times, II necessary" she
responded. Il had not thought of tn at
part, and 1 cannot speak of it yet. Will
YOU see that John brings my horse? And
remember mo to Alice and your father,
please"
Keep up brave heart" he said, as
helped her on her horse a few moments
later, land don't forget mo If you need
q friend, though heaven grant you never
may"
Margaret nodded. She could no,
speak, and pressing her hand with SYM
pathetic warmth, Bertio watched he'll
ride away, md then went In to recount
to his father oil that had passed between
them.
This served to increase the old gentle.
mans indignation at what he called
Brian's dcspicablo conduct.
Whilo BERTHE talked no paced the
room, alternately praising Margaret
whom he loved like daughter, and con-
demning Brian. who, In his estimation
had been false alike to tho highest prin-
ciple of manhood and to tho honor and
respect duq 10 liis wife.
ITO LIE CokTtEuznl