The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1904-06-30

He discovered that her name was
Ruth Broadhurst and that she was Wis
ftfng at Banker Lawton's Miss Broad
hurst knew Of John Cartright-had
read some of his stories. The young
mans character and achievements had
been highly spoken of by the Lawtons,
and although the irregularity of their
meeting at first troubled her the lack
of formal introduction soon ceased to
make itself felt.
That will ever be golden afternoon
in Cartright's memory. At times he
read aloud from the book of poems
with which Miss Broadhurst had plan
ned to while away an hour alone by the
river. More often they chatted Of many
things plays, books, mutual acQuaint-
ances, themselves. And then long ST.
lenees would fall-silence more elo-
quent than words-in which each SEEM
ed to read the others unspoken thought.
1t was wonderful to the girl, this per-
feet sympathy and companionship with
man whom she had not seen until
AVW UCAOIC. WO Hltlc CLOuuS
occasionally darkened Cartright's sun
shine. He was plighted to another,
and on Miss Broadhurst's slender, pink
tipped third finger a splendid diamond
flashed. He banished these thoughts
whenever they came This one after
noon shall be ours" he said to himself.
Quite naturally he fell to talking of
his story and the plot that would not
come. 1.-THE man is an athlete, splen-
did fellow in every way. Him have
modelled after Philip Lotridge, friend
of mine at college. He has won his
way up from the ranks, has my hero,
and he is worthy Of any woman living,
even the one my imagination has Great
ed For him. He has been abroad, and
I've fitted him up with some Of the ex-
periences 1 had myself while reporting
on New York paper. But he is doom
ed to lose her. The Turks say, you
know, He that has many horses hath
no wives I've endowed him with
money and graces of body and mind,
but I.cannot give him the girl he loves.
And she, Miss Broadhurst, if I can
picture her as I see her, should make
me famous. I thought one so sweet
and charming could not exist until
saw you, and you are her counterpart"
1t was no idle compliment, no silly at
tempt at Irritation. Swiftly the girl
searched Cartright's mind and found
him sincere. ''Thank you, Mr.. Cart
right" she said simply, yet she colored
with pleasure.
ut may seem queer" he continued.
'.but there is a feeling, too strong to be
overcome, that l must part them. l
would give all I have could they but
marry, yet they cannot 1t is what
call my literary conscience. Often l
know that my stories would sell better
were to change in some cases even a
single paragraph, but never do it,
His companion nodded. Il know the
feeling. When I was a little girl my
mother gave me the task of sweeping
the parlor. did not like 1t, and at first
did it hurriedly, leaving unswept the
places thought would not be discov-
cred. When mother came to inspect
the room her tone of mingled reproof
and surprise filled me with shame
when she said, And my Ruth did not
sweep behind the door, That was all,
yet whenever am tempted to shirk or
do anything which is not right think
I must sweep behind the door P"
Her naive simplicity delighted Cart
right, and he led her to talk of her
home town, her friends and her daily
occupations Yet there was never a
word OF the ring nor the man who had
placed it upon her finger, and Cart
right respected the fine delicacy Of her
nature.
Everything must come to an end
and this Incompatible day was draw
ing to close With a start of sur
prise the girl noted the slanting sun.
Il had no idea it was SO late" she said.
"How the time has flown
Cartright helped her to her feet,
every nerve thrilling at the touch Of
her little hand.
He held it between his own, and bent
impetuously toward her. Need we
say goodby?' he said. MAY l not call
tonightw
She raised her eyes to his. They
were both glad and troubled at his
words, yet within their depths was an
appeal he could not mistake-an ap-
peal to his chivalry "It must be good
by" she said, and then, Il am to be
y,,arriod ir, Coptoyphors
He dropped her hand. "And so am
l." he replied gloomily. Il suppose
after the 18th OF September must not
even think Of you any more"
"Wednesday, the 18th? Why, that is
my wedding day"
"And mine"
Miss Broadhurst smiled as she turn
ed away. "Mr Cartright, there is the
plot for your story
Need 1t be written?" he asked pas
sionately, pleadingiy. THAT story Is
CO cod. tho ca6dosf have ever