The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1901-08-17

dark and SWIFT menaces. The rap
ids of death are beyond. and 1 can see
the white foam that leaps from them.
In little while shall be engulfed."
Monsieur Votre, 1t is but for mo-
ment. A swirl. a confusion, a frantic
moment, then peace! understand
that death, like life, is tempered to
him who must endure 1t. 1t is peace,
believe me-"
"Mademoiselle, you are singularly
wise. Life and death are as one to me
because have ceased to hope"
Fortunately, 1t is not necessary to
hope for Immortality. With that you
have nothing to do. 1t is bestowed"
"You are a poet, mademoiselle-a
kind poet"
II am a cook, monsieur. will pre-
pare the chicken"
She went out and then came back
suddenly. She looked at her ledger
for a few seconds with plying and
tender eyes.
"You are safe here" she said almost
In a whisper. when you go down into
the rapids shall stand upon the bank,
and though cannot help you, shall
| say: Monsieur Votre. he is brave! /
| shall put my decoration upon you. /
shall say: This is my Chevalier of the
Legion Of Honor"
The sick man raised himself on his
elbow and looked at her.
| "All my life," he said. slowly, IL
| have been a vessel without a destina-
ton. The open sea has been mine, and
1 have been blown from shore to shore,
but never known an anchorage. Can
you explain to me by what miracle 1
find myself at last In harbor"
""There are no Miracles" she
quoted. "'There are only .ignor-
| ances.'"
His eyes frightened.
"Ahw he cried; you know the phi
losophersw
| 81 am but a woman, and have lived
| alone. But some of the great have
been my friends, though they have not
known It,"
/
Marie Ragnier bowed gravely and
went out to direct the preparation of
| the chicken broth. There was a dell
| cate flush on each cheek, and her eyes
| were humid with emotion, though one
| looking at her would have had trouble
to decide whether it was sorrow or
Joy that lifted her face above its usual
expression.
Three weeks later the chemist said:
"He will not live a week."
"After that he will live always" she
responded.
"You are a good woman" said the
chemist. 81 once knew another Also"
"You are unfortunate If you have
known but two" she answered re-
proachfullv.
81 have known women who have
broken no law-I have known many
such. But that is little. You have at.
tanned to goodness"
"You honor me too much" she said
with an accent of perfect sincerity
!"I, who look into my own heart, know
that am making no sacrifice in-ir
caring for this man."
81 do not understand"
"You are a man. Only a woman
could understand"
/ She went back to her ledger.
"In little while 1t will be over" she
snid to him gently. 'The rapids will
soon be In sight"
"YesT
81 thought that while you were still
strong and clear in your mind it nigh
be well to give me your messages-tt
whom shall send word?"
ITO no one. desire an obliteration
II was because desired that; becaus'
had not done what set out to do
because 1 could not reflect upon 9th
ers the honor they expected. that +
laid aside the name to which l wa
born. have worked for the gods, ant
they are old and heather. Their eyes
blinded with much beauty, no longe
behold"
81 understand. You should hav'
worked for God. Then He would hav
seen-also men would have loved you.
ut ia true. am afraid / have no
won the decoration you would bestoy
upon me. l am not to be honored
mademoiselle. Obliteration = Oblivion
-
al shall always remember you"
"Tbere are those who wish the,
might forget me-"
Il AZ am not of those"
81 hardly understand. / have bee
only burden to you
mo. no. 1t is something l coui
. tell-only to<a woman"
Il He took one of her hands gently l
his.
but /, mademoiselle, am NO longe
man or woman. The soul has no SCI
/ and am but a spirit. This body-thl
accident of flesh, this hindrance to tn
? best development, this aching matte
!. which clogs me-will be gone In a FEY
hours. If you can tell me anythin
e that proves you to be my friend, let m
hear 1t for the love Of mercy! hav
heard no very kind things from
r woman's lips In all my life."
Marie Ragnier pushed her hair bac
from her brow impatiently with bot
e her hands, and as she did SO sh
o seemed to brush from that face the II
d dications of the passing years. tn
face was essentially feminine. II
= eyes were modest, but brilliant; tt
. throat round, the cheek smooth
q curved. the brow broad and low an
T kindly. the hair waving and abundan
e II am not a coward" she said. SLOW
ly. Il am not afraid Of joy. as man
/ women are: nor am afraid Of trut
have lived lonely life. but that va