The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1908-03-28

ena, Isabel ran lightly up the steps
and beheld MI Folinbee stretched
at full length in wicker chair, his
coat off and his shirt-sleevs turned
up.
| by George. isn't it hoto" he said
springing to his feet with more acil.
ity than his friends would have placed
to his credit
1T was foolish to come; you might
set sunstrOke."
II always try to keep appoint
| ments.'
Appointments
II asked if you would lie in the
pagoda this afternoon, and yov
said"
Possibly"
your lips did, I know; your eyes
said Yes"
Then they should have had more
self-respect.
She sat down on the steps, the
water lap-lapping at her feet, and the
suns piercing rays glancing through
the leafy network overhead and max
ing gold and copper patchwork of
her hair.
"You might say you've pleased to
see me-, he said.
Il can truthfully say that, for
want to talk to YOU"
There is nothing like better than
hearing you-I came on purpose. and
~ 81
Then you must wait until I've had
my say"
May I sit beside you and finish
my cigarette? "-taking the permis-
sion as granted.
Mr.. Folinbee-something of my
history you know, that l am penni-
less-and-" |.
THAT part doesn't matter a bit" !
But you don't know that when
my mother died. five years ago. Mrs.
Lomax offered me a home uncondi-
tionally."
II wish I had had the chance"
He knew, none better, that Mrs.
Lomax never repented of the bar
gain; Isabel was maid, dressmaker,
secretary. companion. all combined,
at remuneration no other woman
would have accepted. :.
she and my mother were distant
cOusins-sO that it was all the more
creditable on her part, because no one
likes to have poor relations about the
place"
Rats" said Mr.. Folinbee, calmly.
"Where?"
"Never mind, dear-go on"
$50 invited you here to-day"
"You admit it,"
"Yes-to say that you must never
come again."
oh! You could have said that on
4 postal card"
You must know, Mr.. Folinbee.
that people think you are going te
marry Mrs. Lomax?"
There are more lunatics at large
han locked up"
You have given her presents"
Il admit the accusation"
"Then you are not going to marry
ler?"
"Not while the present law exists.
one, flinging the cigarette away, Il |
I'm going to marry you-you know
t."
"Why have you not told Mrs. Lo-
max so all along:"
Because she would have shown
ne the door. and we should have had
o meet at the Art Gallery, or in the
,ark. Think of it,"
"She must be told now"
"In a week or two; it's too hot to-
lay, and she might send me away |
Without any tea. Besides, want to
,e near you"
Then their eyes met. and he kissed
Ter.
A sharp ring summoned John 10
he front door Of the FOlinbee fiat.
drs. Lomax stood outside.
lis Mr.. Folinbee at home?' she
'sked. ......
mo, ma'am. lie went to Ashcroft
his morning.
A telegraph boy came whistling
loisily up the stairs and thrust q
elegram into Johns hand.
"Any answer" he demanded.
"Maybe," said John. This is from
i'm"
1t was-and ran thus:
"Ashcroft.-Send clothing: am go.
ng to Newport for a month. Was
married to Miss Winter this morning.
Viii write further instructions.
"FOLINBEE
John gave Mrs. Lomax the tele.
ram with a trembling hand.
"There is no answer" he said.
The boy clattered down stairs