The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1910-06-16
IF you mean 1t is hard to do any

Yet it is only a little conscience to
be doctored.''
"There are things to tell you,"
gravely, because we are friends"
present tenseY'
"Yes," lowering the hedge to give Z
steady look.
Every WELL" with q smile that held
some sarcasm lurking beneath 1t; tell
on"
'That day after you told me of your
engagement to John Brent saw his
dogcart before Ransom's, and l hap
pened in, don't you know, and said
something about such a royal day for
driving and smiled up at him my very
best smile. 1t was bit Of mischief
l knew you would be cool over the
matter and wake his resentment"
Behold how great fire little
spark kindleth.' said unruf1ied Neil.
II asked him to drive this way, and
he laughed. We meant only to tease
you a little-nOthing serious
mo?
mot then" bending her face into
the lilacs.
"Well," coldly, "he is now free"
An eye shot passed over the hedge.
knowing how that drive came
about, you are still too proud to recall
him?'
Neil settled herself more cozily
among the cushions of her divan and
gave her prettiest low laugh. "'Is thy
servant dogT" she said.
But he would come" said Pattie
gently.
There is better way to come"
"And if he does not choose it?'
II am content" sang Neil sweetly.
''Then If he's free," said Pattie, well
behind the flower hedge, II ought to
let you understand" hesitatingly.
"that-that'-
"Oh, certainly" said Neil mockingly.
leach one for herself"
II should not have put it in just that
way" Pattie went on, with half
nervous little laugh, but l shall not
| avoid him or be at my worst with
him"
"It Is q woman's business" dryly,
Ito charm. especially to charm one
man."
"If he is the right one," faltered Pat
| tie Roane
''rrue. Yet the wrong one is often
entertaining and easier"
"And you do not carer asked Pattie
as she took up and put the flowers
back in the vase. But you'll believe,
won't you, that / meant no wrong, that
I did not know what would comeY'
You have not finished your story"
said Neil, with sudden sharpness
"What has come to hinl-what has
conner
IF you would be sorry, think"
very low, "that he would be happy"
"Otherwise-in timer breathlessly.
perhaps he may think of me-" said
Pattie and turned away her face.
She was going silently to the door
when Neil, white as her lilacs. came to
the Intel.
you have been honest" she said
chokingly, 80 will tell you. cannot
bear It," with sob, Il cannotw
Pattie flushed. do you want me to
go away out Of his reach?'' she asked
with voice that trembled and with
lowered eyes.
mo, but l will write and ask him.
alas for the hobby. tears came-'ask
him to forgive me-"
"I will wait and post the letter."
Pattie slowly and went back to her
chair.
HE may be angry still, you know"
Neil said wistfully when the note was
written and her guest on the stair.
but there was no answer.
Pattie hurried out to the corner mail
box and, having dropped the note In
side, came around the turn Of the
street face to face with John Brent.
II have been attending to some Of
your business" she said. with happy
laugh.
'Thank you. 1t could not be in bet
ter hands, I am sure" said John.
Il think SO myself" radiantly.
Gould you pick lock or corner
post box?'
"Well. not without some training, !
Think
'Then the best thing for you to do Is
to go ON to Neil's. Say the proper
thing, you know" rapidly. Say that
you are wreck from misery and can
not bear it any longer"
But
"That handsome Englishman has
been sending more flowers, exquisite
white lilacs. If were you they should
60 out of back window"
"But'-
"She will be delighted that you came
before the note reached you, but do
not hint that you know about it."
About what:''
1.-THE note, the note, the nOte!'
"Pick corner post box" said John
dazedly, but with slight dawning in
his eye. Neil has written me q
note?"
"Oh, the slowness of mans mindv'
cried Pattie Are you going to stand
here after all my brilliant plot while
that girl sobs herself Hill waiting to
know If you forgive herr"
Johns answer was In the rapidity
Of his stride around the corner, and
Pattie. the plotter. her face dimpling
with smiles and ease of conscience;
went far enough to peep and see him
run up Neils steps three at time.
"Good!' she murmured, with little
ehuckle. But 1t must be admitted that
she deserved one
That was Neirs last effort at con-
trolling her feelings when she felt ag.
grieved. She had learned that stand.
ing ont as IL the right was all herr