The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1906-12-08


lin, caught here and there with tiny
bows of pale pink ribbon. She could
boast Of fine, clear complexion.
and a mass of wavy reddish brown
hair which she had to-day arranged
artistically In a coil at the nape Of
her neck, with a black bow entwined,
and resting lightly on her head
soft white chip hat, which her def
| fingers had gracefully Unanswered
until it conformed very attractively
to the contour of her oval face. The
straw was partially hidden by small
white and pink blossoms and har.
monizing ribbon; she presented a pic
ture of refinement and simplicity that
many girl in her station who af-
fected tawdry raiment might envy.
and, indeed, lass of far loftier sta
ton would perforce of her dainti-
ness, give her more than a passing
glance.
Mrs. Thorn recalled her girlhood
and sighed as she bid Bella pleas
ant afternoon.
1t was evening of the day in Ques-
ton. Children had been put to
bed; after much coaxing and prom.
| ises of goodies on the morrow they
fell fast asleep. The dinner dishes
having been disposed of, and all irk-
some duties performed, Mrs. Thorn
prepared to discard her wrapper and
| apron and rearrange her hair, which
had become disheveled; but before
she had been able to do anything, the
bell rang she hesitated-not having
time to make herself presentable, the
ringing of the bell again caused her
| to hasten to the door.
YOU" she gasped-"James Lyle
Whatever brought you to visit me
| here?"
Il. oh, I've called to visit you and
your husband" he managed to stam-
mer.
Come In, James, and make yourself
at home. am practically alone just
! now, my maid is out. Think of it,
you find me So" She blushed, for she
recalled all too well her reason for
refusing him. flames, I'm a widow
now. Hadn't you heard?"
Indeed" responded James, II
| didn't even know the name Of the
man you married" He not realizing
what stupid blunder such reply
was. Bah, however, was SO embar.
raised and mortified at the condition
he so surprisingly found her in that
his remark passed unnoticed.
| The evening went all too quickly
for Bah. She felt a certain amount
| of discomfort attired in such habili.
| ment, but in her Utmost heart hoped
she might yet win James back to lore
her, forgetting in her new-found hap
piness she was handicapped by three
| very young babies.
Seven years of unrelaxed gayety
and her present cares had aged her
most perceptibly. James was dumb
| founded at the change time had
wrought in her. He was restless
and i'll at ease-not being able to COM
plimen. her, and fearing each mo-
ment he might commit himself IRE
| trievably. He begged to be excused.
telling Bah she looked triie tired
as he modestly put 1t.
But, James," she pleaded, you
will surely call soon again. Now,
don't say no." said Bah, teasingly, as
she observed his hesitancy. think it
over, and / will anxiously wait to
hear from you. am very lonely,
and your presence will cheer me and
give me courage"
With a half promise James was
about to depart, when Bella opened
| the door.
You here, James, at this hour"
Bella almost screamed, and took his
hand. what can have happened?"
Bella was scarlet with excitement.
She certainly looked enchanting.
James looked from Bella to Bah.
Such a contrast. There was Joy In
his eyes. Bah saw it in twinkling.
Her indignation knew no bounds. She
resented the deception Of his visit
in a fire of speech. Turning to Bella
she snapped: "You may look for an
other position when your month Is
up, and you, James Lyle, don't ever
cross my threshold"
Bella" said James, addressing her.
gently, you will leave at once. and
you shall have position as mistress
of my heart and home"