The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1903-04-02
AN ENTRANCE.
AND AN EXIT


TATE was against their meeting.
In vain did mutual friends" con-
snlt and advise ways and means for
bringing the two together; there was
always "a slip 'twixt cup and lip"
an unexpected failure in the best
laid plans, and Miss Browne re-
NAMED technically stranger to Mr..
Dunn.
Time and again acceptances for the
same social function had arrived
from both, only to be succeeded by
a hastily written apology or excuse
from one or, the other. Apparently,
then, fate was against their meet
ing. Each had been willing to for
ward the well intended plans for
bringing them together, but hitherto
in vain.
One evening Miss Browne, having
with her visiting cousin, had issued
cards for reception, and had sent
one of them to Mr.. Dunn. Upon re-
ceiying the invitation he resolved by
the nine gods whom Lars Porsena
invoked that nothing short of IL
ness or sudden death should prevent
him from attending.
He made most careful and pune
tilious preparation for his appear
ance, and when arrayed in solemn
black and fine linen he heaved a quiet
sigh of relief as he consulted his
memoranda of engagements and as
sured himself that no obstacle in
teryened.
His hand was upon the door, when
his man arrived, TO thrust a telegram
into his hand.
"Just arrived, Mr.. Dunn said
Pirker, with sympathetic regret
modulated by respectful reticence.
Opening the yellow envelope, Mr..
Dunn read the dispatch:
ARRIVE by $50 train. Meet me without
fail. Am alone. AUNT JANE"
"All right, Pirker. Call cab,"
said Mr.. Dunn, after nerveless
glance at his watch. Il must go to
the station to meet Miss Dunn, my
aunt. l shall not go to the recep
ton. Wait up for me"
"Very good, SIR
Once in the hanson. Mr.. Dunn could
not help wry smile of amusement.
Anybody but Aunt Jane could have
been arranged for" or put off in
some way, or at least disposed of in
a hurry. But Aunt Jane dearly loved
quiet supper with her favorite
nephew, at which she could rehearse
to him all the minor chronicles Of
the old home town, and Aunt Jane
expected certain amount of con-
-sideration and Difference from her in
tended heir.
Arriving at the station, he awaited
the incoming train, meanwhile look
ing over an illustrated magazine and
wondering why he didn't care to do
more than glance at the pictures.
After the train had been overdue for
the usual time, it came in with Il
leisurely carelessness that was mos /
Nexasperating, and deposited Aunt
Jane safely upon the platform.
Henry greeted his aunt warmly,
and told her he had cab waiting.
Miss Dunn, however, turned to lady
who had stepped from the train with
her, and presented her nephew to
Mrs. Brant," explaining that the
lady was an old school friend, that
they had not met for perfect ages
and adding that if Henry didn't mind
very much she was going to accept
Mrs. Brant's invitation to pass the
night with her.
Henry begged that on no accoun!
should his aunt think of missing so
great pleasure, and, in short, bowed
himself away as soon as he had Sc
cured carriage and had seen the
two ladies and their hand baggage
safely on their way. Then he stepped
into the hanson with CLEAN of
hope upon his countenance, giving
the direction, "Drive fast to 11O2
North End avenue"
Alighting from the cab, Mr.. Dunn
advanced to the steps. and soon found
himself within the house that had
so long been to him as evasive as the
desert mirage to the Arab. Once
: more he. reviewed his toilet in the
dressing room, and assured that al!
was unimpeachable, he approached
the reception room.
Mr.. Dunn was not ordinarily so
fussy. but this was an exceptional
occasion. More than a few were
aware of the condition of affairs,
and Mr.. Dunn knew that the an
nouncement of his name would create
something of sensation. He ex-
pected that his entree would not be
unnoticed.
Nor was it.
The footman took his card, held
aside the heavy portieres, and appre-
eating the newcomers social impor-
fance, exclaimed more loudly than
usual, 'Mr. Henry Dunn!'
The hum of conversation ceased.
All eyes sought the door to witness
his entrance.
With an easy grace Mr.. Dunn step.
ped briskly from the corridor into
the reception room, alighting upon