The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1901-04-06
songs for them, each one thrilling and

SoHSs iof tncln, eacn one thrilling and
sweet.
No." said Aimee. softly. 81 can
only make music with my fingers"
well, then. you surely ought to
have a good piano."
Aimee sighed-a soft bit of a sigh
that somehow found its way to her
husbands heart-but she managed to
answer gaily:
Il am waiting till our ship comes
in"
The piano was hardly missed,
though, while Madge entertained them
every evening with her charming
voice.
AS the girls visit drew near a close,
Aimee began to feel a sorrowful kind
Of satisfaction.
Though she had never betrayed her
feelings, she was growing Jealous of
Madge.
ROBBED In her silks and soft laces
every night, with the lustre of jewels
at the fair throat, the girl would sit
in a glamour Of light and an atmos-
phere Of sweet sounds, and was even
to Aimee's clouded eyes a mirror of
loveliness.
There was glow of warmth about
her. too, which appealed strongly to
the senses; and while Aimee mourned
Flctor's detection, she scarcely won
dered at 1t.
When Madge first came Aimee, the
kind. thoughtful hostess, insisted that
Victor should take the girl to ride
often, while she remained at home
to look after baby; but now baby'e
face could no longer charm her, for |
she was in the chill mist of distrust.
That morning she had heard, |
through the half-open door. Victor say,
'oftly:
"If Aimee was only out Of the wayw
what wish for devoted husband
o express" Madge had replied, laugh
ng.
ut is your fault only. Madge." he
ad said, in an eloquent voice.
And just then their horses were at
he door, and they had ridden away,
'ictor forgetting the good-by until
Iadge reminded him of it. Il
The sound of the horses hoofs had
LED away, and still Aimee sat, with
er head bent down and her eyes full
tears.
II could not have dreamed IT," she
hispered to herself. "No! He really
ished Inc out of the way. And shall
got go. If 1t will make him happier"
And the light of the persisted happi-
ess made her pale face bright.
She took baby in her arms and kissedsl ]
m hundred times; lingering with a {
istful tenderness over the smiling &
ps and the sleepy blue eyes. and
en she put him down In his cradle,
llled the dainty curtains together tn
'ep out the light. and wrapping her
aterproof around her, went out from
e little paradise which had been s
me.
A mile away, as she was hurrying
ong the road, in an opposite direction 1
that IN which her husband and
adge had gone, she heard their s
ices borne along on the wind in s
hit laughter. t
She bowed her head and went swift q
by, but not before both of them had
cognized her.
'Aimee" they exclaimed, in one a
cath, and Madge held still her i'm c
tienr horse. while Victor sprang to e
e ground and caught in his arms the II
ing figure.
Aimee, darling. what are you doing c
re, and where Is babyr" s.
1t that question she burst into loud
sobs, which shook her frame, then,
ing suddenly her fictitious strength,
, tainted away. o
they got her home; and b
re. by the time they had coaxed the o.
les back into her cheeks, the secret Il
8 told which had SO nearly caused 81
tor Doty to lose his wife. pl
or numbering wagon was driven h,
the door, and out Of 1t FIVE men ii
ed Aimee's new piano, which Victor m
ordered. week before, at Madge's tr
ing instigation. &C
[adge stayed long enough to hear il
nee wake the old music again with TO
llful fingers; and when. week m
n, she babe them good-by, Aimee of
ispered, with happy smile: tr
All, Madge, I do not believe shall
T be Jealous againr' to
And If you are" laughed Madge. ar
MT be tempted to run away and or
We that baby"'-Saturday Night. IN