The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1901-11-21
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Copyrighted by Daily Story Pub. Coz

TT is 60 miles from Clinton to De
Forrest. That geographical fact.
hitherto of interest chiefly to the
farmers and other shippers from De
Forrest who had to pay freight bills,
entered into the life of three or four
people in a most unexpected way and
had its unconscious part in shaping
their destinies.
Thursday, the 18th of the month, l
will be here at home again, dearest,
said Harry Weaver, ciasping Closer to
him the slender figure of Myrtle
Dunno, "and then for our wedding, our
long-delayed, oft-postponed wedding.
Il should say it has been long-de-
layed," pouted the girl. looking up at
him. "do you know this is the fourth
time we have been as close as this to
the date, and each time some ething has
occurred to cause postponement?
Once your train was wrecked on the
road; then your mother died the week
set for the wedding; then only last
year, your firm failed and you feared
to undertake married life. Oh, Harry.
have presentiment that something
will happen. I've an idea we will never
be married.
Nonsense, little one,' laughed
Weaver, "all the things that have hap
pened in the past have been unfortu-
nate condolences. but now everything
is clear sailing and when | finish my
present trip on the road, I'll run in
here on the 18th and We'll be quietly
married by old DR.. Rogers, and then
your fears will be at rest. By the way.
Myrtle, there was something l want
ed to speak to you about. A certain
party here has been busy enough to
tell me that you have been to dances
once or twice with Tom Kelly while
was on this last trip. Now, of course,
! amt jealous, you know, but l would
MT do that if / were you. I don't think
it looks right in girl that's to be
married so soon.'
Myrtle had slipped hurriedly out of
his arms at the mention of Tom Kel-
ly's name.
"Mr. Kelly and I have been very dear
friends since childhood" she said,
rather sharply, land he has been good
enough to take pity on my loneliness
and offer to escort me to one or two
Places. Am l to be shut up in a nun
merry while you are on the road,
Should like to know?"
oh, no." said Weaver, hastily. "don't
pe angry, dear. l meant it kindly
Now must tear myself away to catch
1he 7:45 for Clinton. Remember
bright and early on the 18th I'll come
70 claim you and then no more worry
ing"
lie kissed her and hurried away into
Inc darkness and she returned hom,
very grave and quiet. De Forrest i:
MOI large or lively place at best, ant
Myrtle found it very dull when tn,
handsome travelling man was ava,
On the road, which was pretty much al
VI 'he time. Indeed, lately she had be
gun to lind it dull when he was ther
and to wonder what sort of life sh
should lead as his wife and whethe
she were doing right in wedding MAJ
VINO could be with her but once o
twice month. OF course Tom helpe
70 relieve the monotony. Dear oil
ION! They had studied from tn
same book in school and he seemed t
Ahow there was a shadow forming i
tue mind of his old playmate.
iom was the telegraph operator a
tue railroad depot in De Forrest an
saeh time as he was free from tn
neking of the key he spent wit
Myrtle. And the travelling salesma
aad scant courtesy for the good lool
ing operator that night as he waite
ior MS train outside the little windo,
OF the station.
week later Harry Weaver awob
ohe morning in his berth in a Pul,ma
var and realized with a Jump of Ii
1esrt that it was the rth of the mon,