The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1903-11-07
General Lord Narchmont, Y. T..
By LILLidS CAMPBELL DAVIDSON.


head Of a rose that nodded by the
terrace wall!
Was it here? I don't know" she
said. looking about her with interest
OF course | sent you. He would
have storned and been disagreeable
lie was always so desperately serious.
What did he say? ! never had the
curiosity to ask you. Now it becomes
interesting, in the light Of the pres
ent"
Never mind what he said" The
sudden vision rose to her unbidden of
the white, pain-drawn face. the in
credulons eyes, the boys sharp les
son in woman's heartIessness, that
changed him into manhood, and sent
him stung and smarting into the
world. Il shall not tell you; only,
! if ycu had seen him as | saw him
you could not have waited till he was
rich and famous and a hero to ask his
| forgiveness"
His forgiveness, My dear goose.
woman don't ask man to forgive
her because she won't be his wife,
But you let him think you cared
for him. You led him on and en-
| cOura9ed him-you know it, Adela,
Oh, twas horribly cruel. You made
him suffer-
good. He ought to thank me, if it
made him a soldier and V c. Any
now, he can ask the half of my king
dom now. and it won't be denied him"
But even while she spoke there
came shout of cheering. The one
gun of the neighborhood exploded
with fussy Importance, the band at
the station struck up "See the Con
quering Hero" mixed with the sounds
Of village hurrahs and the tramp Of
fast-trotting horses Adelas still
beautiful face sparilled with pride and
qualification.
Why, there he is" she said gayly.
Il must meet him at the top Of the
terrace steps. Run in and tell the
others, Oracle. Rout the Duchess out
Of her room-shes writing letters.
Tell them all to come out and meet
him here"
There was a flutter of pretty frocks
through the long windows as Grace
flew On her errand. People hurried
down the terrace to join Adela; her
father came round the end of the
house. Another moment and the car
riage had flashed into sight-had
drawn up at the bottom Of the steps.
The hero Of the British people, lit
tie embarrassed by the warmth OF
his reception, stood smiling and cour-
teous at the steps of the terrace, his
hand grasped in his hosts, his ears
assailed by eager welcomes his glance
passing from one to another Of the |
clamoring group
They were all vehement to shake |
hands with him, to bid him welcome |
home to shower congratulations and |
pretty speeches. And still his glance |
strayed on.
Now he and his beautiful hostess
were walking down the terrace to-
gether and in at the long windows
of the drawing
She noted with approval his fine,
soldierly bearing, his bronzed strong
face-young still, in spite Of the faint
ly grizzled hair about the temples.
He is better looking even than the
portraits Of him." she said to herself.
His glance was still wandering.
Presently he spoke.
rs Miss Rawson out there on the
terrace? l only just shook hands
with her a moment ago. l should
ike to see her if might"
Adela smiled. She felt she knew his
reason.
He wants to find out from her at
once what his chances are she
thought, amused We'll, he shall be
put out of his suspense"
Aloud she said graciously:
DO go out and talk to her while |
axe all these people to listen to the
Jand"
He stepped through the open win
low, quick to accept the permission.
Grace stood at the terrace end, near
he very spot he so well remembered,
where he had thought his hope and
rust had been slain.
The band at the other side of the
louse was frantically playing "Sol-
Tiers of the Queen" The air was
ull OF the buzz Of voices, the linger
ng cheers beyond the park gates.
The world seemed all a-futter with
,arlands al roses and festoons, all
Ec9e Tor is axe.
He walked down tie terrace, snd
tooa face 70 face with quiet girl,