The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1899-10-28
AW0MAN5 FLUENCE|

" noS NoA hC NOt ANCW 1Ol II lilc 10 81
flexible, my dear, that it bends to every
caprice. Wonderful and accommodating
both. There's pleasure for everybody.
A thousand amusements to fill up one 8
! time. Ask Go.hamite how he enjoys
himself and hear his answer"
Then from your account I am to as.
sumo that enjoyment is the end and
aim OF his existence. I think your
Gothamite's life would not suit me.
Not II you hold your present princi-
pies, certainly. Really, Margaret, you
are q most -opinionated young
woman. and I'd be delighted II you
would drop one or two OF your theories
by the wavside.
Il dare say it would be as well, was
the answer. they could not fall on more
barren soil than your unappreciative
mind offers"
Say philosophical rather than unap-
prsaiative. You must admit that have
reason on my side. Show me the bene-
fit Of working ones self to death, when
there is no necessity for 1t. You only
see the surface. Margaret, but l go
deeper.
"On the contrary" smiled Margaret.
you see only the surface, while look
deeper. You look only at the need OF
money, but see hundred effects in
which money has no part. Necessity Is
o very accommodating term, and has a
different shade Of meaning for different
people. As for working ones self to
death, I'm afraid that is also an accom-
nodating term. A lazy man might con-
slider the slightest exertion step to-
ward that lamentable end.
I suppose am that lazy MANI"
Il shouldn't be at ell surprised. And,
setting joking aside, Brian, do think
that no man has a right to do nothing.
Longing about day after day, with no
higher ambition than to amuse one q
self would, it seems to me, make q man
or woman (more particularly a mani
tired of himself. Now, don't look at
me with that expression, please. I don't
want to be shrew, or a preacher,
either. / detest everlasting preachers,
and don't intend to be one. Never
theless, wish to gracious you'd find
something to do, and have a better
reason for going to New York than your
present one, which is-well, not partic-
ularly creditable." !
Margaret's voice broke slightly, but
she tried to hide the momentary weak
ness by slipping her coffee.
Brian face had flushed very visibly
OF her allusion to the reason Of his visits
to the city and he, too, went on eating
In silence.
Margaret" he said, presently, IF you
have any old men or women who need
doctoring call me in and I'll show you
what can do. I'm pretty fair, not
withstanding my want OF practice.
Very we'll, Brian, be prepared for an
early call. 1t Is not your ability
doubt. though"
As he had said, Brian went to New
York the next day. Il shall be back in
day or so, )" he told Margaret on bid
ding her good-by. you may expect
me-"
Margaret did expect him, but she was
disappointed.
The days passed, and after his first
letter she heard no more from him. She
became worried and anxious, though
even to herself she would not ackpowl-
edge her alarm.
:. She did not dream OF bodily harm.
Intelligence of such a mishap would
have reached her quickly. Yet in some
Intangible way she felt that he was in
danger and needed her.
In cases like this philosophy Is OF
kttle avail. To tell herself that this or
hat was impossible, that Brian was
A.arS,x-- f4>zatfIil- and indiffAront- aug,
menueu rarner than relieved her fears.
To relieve her mind she rode over to
The Cedars to see and talk with Alice;
but upon reaching her destination she
was told that Alice had left the house
with the intention Of returning In short
time.
AS she had the afternoon OF her dis
posal, Margaret decided to wait; SO she
found her way to the small room adioin-
iounging chair. The house was very
silent, and the room unusually warm,
and as q consequence Margaret, becom-
ing rather drowsy, was soon quite INV
conscious Of her surroundings.
How long she remained 80 she did not
know, but presently she was aroused
by loud voices raised In some alterca-
ton. At first they were rather indis-
tlnct and seemingly put part Of dream.
VERY well, sir, 60 to the devil for all
I care"
The Co,onel's voice." Margaret de-
cided. still unable to shake off the i'm
preston OF dreaming
I'd like to known" the voice continued.
DO you imagine gave you the oppor-
tunity OF reading law for you to give 1t
up when you grew tired? No, sirl This
Idea of writing that's turned your head
ls only another name for doing nothing.
| Confound mel / believe you want to DO
| like that d. scoundrel, Leigh"
Margaret started. Was this dream
ing?
aYou are mistaken" came the answer
In Bertie's voice. Il have no desire to
emulate Brian In any respect Please
credit me with some consideration for
Alice"
IF you didn't show more for her than
be does for his wife. I'd shoot you with
my own hanos. ne % hung,
the scoundrel! Leaving his wife as he
has been doing, allowing his domestic
affairs to be the talk Of the neighbor-
hood and her nnme to become the sub
| ject of discussion with every vulgar
gossip in the place. and he galivanting
around the city like a loafer, Longing In
clubs mornings, Moons, and nights, and
| drunk ut that. Beale saw him tie other
day lying on the club house steps, too
| drunk to move. And Margaret has
| thrown herself away on such q creature.
Don't get so excited, you say? Do you
think am made OF stone? Do you
think / can talk quietly and calmly
when remember herr Why In tho
| hame Of heaven do such men have
| wives? Why in the name OF q just
heaven should.she have such husband!