Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1911-05-26

/ On she gasped, but am COM
ing back"
1T win be different" Richard said.
You will come back a travelled
young lady. and you win have seen
other men, and / win have slipped
out of your life. ! haven't told you
how much / love you, because have
been waiting until l had a home to
offer you. l haven't asked you to
marry me, because ! felt that / must
prove myself a man, but you're going
away will hit me hard, Serena"
Don't you think / owe 1t to my
self" she asked. Her eyes were
troubled. Don't you think / ought
to go when all my life I've wished
for chance to study more and make
my music something more than an
accomplishment"
Il don't want to be mean and self
ish," he said. Il think it is the right
thing for you to do. and I'm not going
to try to hold you back. but you
mustn't expect me to smile over 1t.
Serena"
The Serena who came slowly into
her mothers room was very differ
ent girl from the radiant one who
had left.
why. what's the matter. dearr
her mother demanded.
Serena threw herself on the floor
/ beside the couch. Il don't want
uncle's old money" she walled. i
wish he hadn't left It to me-"
Hush" her mother warned. What
makes you act this way?"
at viii take me away from Rich
ard and he wants me to marry him.
mother, only he isn't asking me now
because he thinks it is best for me
to CO."
do you love him." Mrs. Carter
asked. enough to stay here. dear?"
".Oh, l don't know" Serena an
swered. But l wish he hadn't said
anything about it. He has spoiled
my happy day"
The next morning Serena sailed
forth and took a car to the city.
There she accumulated folders and
information with regard to sailing Of
ships, the prices at hotels and all the
details that interest travellers. She
visited dressmakers and tailors. with
a view to acquiring some modish
clothes suitable for her outing. but
with 1t all she had no enthusiasm. no
sense of Joy. In the afternoon it
rained. and she plodded along wear
lily. wishing that the routine OF her
life had not been broken into. As
she splashed into a puddle. a voice at
her side said: Don't you want me to
hold your umbrella?"
In a moment her gray day had
changed to radiance. She didn't care
how hard 1t poured. Richard was
there smiling down at her. He took
her into a coy little shop where they
had tea together and a good long
talk when you come back" was
the burden Of Richards remarks.
when you come back I win have
things ready for you. Serena" IS
Somewhat cheeredl Serena came
home to find her mother sitting up
and looking over a package Of old
letters
They are some of your fathers"
the little mother said. "He loved
me dearly, Serena. and have been
wondering II Richard loves You as
your father loved me-"
A soft light came into Serena's
eyes. Il think he does" she said.
HE is as true as steel. mother. and
a year is long time to keep him
waiting
She caught her breath quickly. and
then dropped her head on her arms
and sobbed. Il don't know what to
do"
Her mothers eyes twinkled. II
have thought Of a way out Of IT,
she said. She laid the letters aside,
and pointed through the window.
Look" she said. "and behold the
fairy palace Of your dreams"
Serena stared bewildered. then she
gasped: "Oh. mother. you mean the
bungalow? Could buy ity'
why not? Live there with Rich
ard. and I'll stay cozily here. so near
you can care for me and see me every
day, and II there is any money left
we will buy pretty things with lace
and embroidery and pink ribbons for
you to wear. my Serena"
"Oh. you little, lovely mother"
Serena threw her arms about her
mother and kissed her. 1T win be
better than trip to Europe or any
thing else in the whole wide world"
The little mother clapped her hands
"Of course It WILL" she said. "and
now telephone Richard and ask him
to supper. and when he comes you
can take him over and show him your
fairy palace. Serena"
The Difficulty.