The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1907-07-20


furnished. There was an air OF com
fort about it that the young man
liked. Nevertheless his face was
clOuded by shadow. And the race p
the young woman whose clear gray
eyes intently regarded him was cloud
ed, too.
mo. Martin" she presently broke
the silence, Il cannot be persuaded.
He looked at her tenderly.
II am selfish enough to think you
are wrong" he said, but that's
lovers unfairness. Anyway. there Is
no question about the beauty OF the
sacrifice you are making"
Il am only doing what l believe 10
be my duty, Martin"
"And you would marry me if 1t were
not for George
She hesitated moment.
IL think l would, Martin.
He moistened his lips.
George looms very large and very
formidable" he said. What can be
done with him."
The girl sighed.
Nothing
There was a little silence.
1T isn't right" murmured the man
beneath his breath, and there was bit
terness in his tone.
ut is the only thing can do, SAID
the girl
"You know he isn't worth the sacri-
fee"
HE is my brother
The man drew long breath.
';Such brother"
The girls face flushed.
Il cannot discuss this even with
you, Martin. I must do my duty as
see it. George needs my care. My
mother with her last words asked me
to watch over him, to be his helpful
friend when all others deserted him.
l will carry out my promise"
The young man looked up eagerly.
Let me help you care for MN,
Margery."
NO, Martin. He shall be my dis
grace alone"
Her head dropped, her gaze was
turned from him.
"And can nothing be done?"
Nothing. have had the best medi-
cal advice. 1t was Of no avail. He
will do nothing to help himself. He
is utterly Indifferent to his condition.
II he cannot get brandy, he resorts to
morphine. He has been given the So
called cures The instant the next
temptation assaulted him he fell before
1t. There is but one thing that prom
Uses any relief If he could be taken
away from this perilous atmosphere,
far away from these wicked friends
who are sapping his life and his
money, if he could be made to fight
out the battle with himself alone and
unaided-why, it would either cure or
kill him. And that they tell me, is
the only hope"
Martin stared hard at the floor.
would be glad to help George II
could" he said, "but he repels me.
He appears to regard me as an enemy"
He paused and then looked up. Il
have told you, Margery, that on your
decision an important move in my ga
reer depends. If you will marry me l |
will remain here in Somerton. If not,
l will accept an offer l have to go to |
Egypt where a contracting engineer is
needed" He looked at her anxiously.
rs there any hope?"
mo, Martin
Il will be gone at least two years."
EYES,"
"Will you wait, Margery?'
do not ask me to make any prom
lses, Martin. l cannot tell what may
happen"
He hesitated an instant.
you have suficient income?"
EYES," He arose.
Il must wire my acceptance Of the
offer tonight and start tomorrow"
Before she could answer this the
outside door was noisly slammed and
l heavy football was heard in the
hall. The girl drew little nearer to
her guest. A youzg man staggered
through the doorway. He was very
LENDER and very pale-and very
Trunk.
''George!" said the girl in . pitiful |.
~.