The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1904-06-23

ma and the child-one in gown of softly
clinging blue, the other in ruffled white
apron.
The two weeks visit to her brother
came to an end, and the train was fast
drawing Alice Ellison away from the
sweet peace of the country into the
rush and whir1 of that old life in the
city. Leaning back in her chair,
dreamily looking out of the window,
she came to the conclusion that she
was tired Of herself.
She sighed and rose wearily. Sway
ing with the motion of the car, she
made her way toward the Pullmans.
It was October; perhaps she might
find some Of her friends returning to
the city. Pausing a moment on the
threshold Of the sleeper, she looked
down the red plush aisle.
A few feet in front of her man was
seated, with his back turned toward
her. He had light hair, Just like Mr..
Hardin's." and standing on the seat
beside him was a little child. The car
lurched, and the little fellow swayed,
only to be caught by strong arm that
threw him downward. Then the mans
head darted down. and Alice smiled at
the screams of childish laughter.
She watched them for q moment;
then the child, peering over the mans
ch loAv1
Pretty lady" And she, feeling too
weary to more than smile at the little
fellow, turned to go back to her unin-
teresting book.
The train was crossing the long
bridge over Lake Pontchartrain, and
Alice paused in the vestibule between
| the Pullman and the chair car. Stand.
| ing at the window she looked out upon
the vastness of the moonlit lake and
sky and felt very tired and small and
useless. She was not blue, nor was
she morbid, but somehow her heart re-
belled at going back to that old life ir
the city-so empty, so shallow, So
"Alice! Miss Ellison
"Why-why-where did you come
| from?" Her voice trembled, but she
! did not care.
She held out both hands to Allyr
Hardin, and as his own closed ovel
hers sudden picture flashed before
her. She heard again those peals ol
childish laughter, saw again a man,
head bend swiftly down, like grea'
boys. beneath the tug of baby hands
saw face, habitually cold, alight will
something divinely warm as 1t hat
looked at her across the sunny heat
Of little Alice from the narrow door
way OF fast receding train. He,
heart gave a bound that frightened
her. and, drawing her hands away
she turned and looked again upon tn,
moonlit water.
Il was called home unexpectedly OF
business" Allyn was explaining, whel
he noted that she was not listening.
He stepped nearer to her side.
Miss Ellison he began. Then b.
saw how the moonlight was caught an,
shimmered in the tears that lay on he
cheek and which she could not he'll
any more than she could have told th
reason why they fell.
whats the matter, Alice?"
There was long pause, and whe
she answered her voice was like tire
child's.
Nothing; only I'm so tired"
She had turned and involuntaril
stretched forth her hands again, bu
Ailyn's hands slipped past hers, and b
folded her in his arms.
"Oh, Alice" he murmured-"Ali Alic'
you don't know how l love you."
She raised her wet face to his, and q
he bent low over her the weight slippe
from her heart and the old life that ha
SO tired her became thing Of the pas