The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1901-02-21

sing and play. It was impossible for
her to refuse, and her voice simply
entranced Arthur Kirkland. He was
passionately fond of music, and Ida's
was of kind which he rarely heard.
"You will join our choir, won't
you, Miss Stanton?" he begged.
But Ida smiled a negative. "It
would hardly be worth while for the
short time l shall be here; but I al
ways sing in church, where there is
congregational singing
1t was all up with the reverend
Arthur Kirkland from that time
forth. 1t was useless for Ida to en-
deavor not to attract him. Besides,
Miss Stanton reckoned without her
host. The reverend Arthur was ac-
customed to be admired, not to say
pursued; her Indifference piqued him,
and made him all the more attentive.
Not that she gave him much chance
| for attention. On the contrary, she
handed him over to Abby, ostenta-
| tiously, upon all occasions. His visits
to the Merrills became more frequent,
and the whole neighborhood settled
! it that he was going to marry Abby.
No one dreamed of Ida except that
young woman herself, and Abby, who
grew pale and thin, to the distress
and wonder of her mother, who dosed
purpose.
Miss Stanton was honestly pro-
voked. Why upon earth should the
magnet fancy the silver churn? I
fear she very nearly snubbed the
reverend Arthur, but he seemed i'm
pervious to neglect, and she dared not
be openly rude to Cousin James min.
| lister.
"What can I do?" she asked herself
"I cannot stay here and see that idiot
who don't know good thing when he
has it,, breaking that foolish child's
heart, yet what excuse can make for
leaving before papa comes home?"
In all her life Ida Stanton was never
so thankful for an invitation as for one
which came while she was worrying
over the situation. She had come to
the Corner for rest and quiet, and had
told no one her address, so that the
letter, from an intimate friend in a
distant city, was a surprise.
Il saw Mrs. Stanton on her way
west" wrote the friend, "and she told
me you were buried in that out-of-the-
way country place. At this time of
year, such conduct on your part is alb
surd, and I don't mean to allow it, es-
pecially as ] need you badly. Come
to me at once. John says we are to do
lot of entertaining this winter, and
I want you dreadfully. Start imme-
diately. and wire me, at my expense, OF
course
The sincere regret with which
Cousin Jane and her husband heard OF
Ida's intended departure was more
than counterbalanced by. the expires
sion of joyful relief which illuminated
Abby's face when she was told the
news. "Ah. well, it is better that she
should blame me-" Ida thought. "She
will forgive her dear Arthur the more
; readily. And why should I care?'
Nevertheless she was so much upset
that she went for long walk, in order
to put herself into tune.
1t was with no pleasant emotion.
,, that, after she had tramped for mile
or so, she beheld the reverend Arthur
advancing from the opposite direction
Escape was impossible, but she fell
that she hated him, as he fastened tt
meet her with his hand outstretched.
81 am glad to see you, Miss Ida" h
said as he shook her reluctant fingers
But you ought not to wander so far
alone"
81 don't think there is any danger,
the girl replied.
Better keep on the safe side. Wha
would you do if you met tramp?"
"Wish for man to take care of ME
!, I suppose" she answered, fiippantly
and then turned red with vexation a.
she saw her mistake.
81 wish you would let me take care o
| you from this time henceforth," salt
the reverend Arthur, eagerly.
Ida laughed, and shook her head
"You would find me handful"
"Don't laugh; I am in sober earnest
I love you with all my heart; indeed
E do"
lCa lace WAS SERIOUS cuouSH uON
r mo, you do not. You don't know m
d at all, you have an ideal that isn't lik
!, me in the least. l am worldly, an
y selfish, the last woman you know
i whom you ought to marry. Fancy m
n a country minister's wife! Why al
D not even orthodox. I believe in tn
g Lord Jesus Christ, beyond that ar
). sure of nothing, and follow Him afa
y off. 1 could not even join your church
S And do not love you, not the leas
! little bit. love luxury, and / shal
: never marry any but rich man.
r Besides, you are SO foolish that hav
h no patience with you. Think how yo
;. have treated Abby, dear little Abb
t who loves you so. You made her be
t lieve you loved her. and you won he
l. pure little heart. She is better than
e every way. You want me to thin
}. that you love me, as if could be such
d fool. / am going away tomorrow. Aft
t er ! leave you will come to your sense.
d at least hope so. Good-by." And sh
e walked off quickly in the direction c