The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1912-04-06

The guerillas are becoming so desper-
ate in this neighborhood that We are
actually afraid to remain here longer.
They attacked the Cuyler plantation.
only ten miles from here. two weeks
ago. killed old Mr.. Cuyler. turned his
wife out partially dressed in the mid
die Of the night. looted the house OF
everything 1t contained Of value. and
then set 1t on fire You see We have
no men folks here. except two ne
groes. who have chung to US because
they were so aged they we're afraid
to leave-just mamma. Edith. my old
nurse. and myself 1t seems so lonely.
and Major Brennan and Arthur both
insist 1t is no longer safe So they
are coming with cavalry escort to
take us all North am sure We shall
have splendid time"
You have experienced no trouble.
then. thus far?"
oh. none at alive have not even
been bothered by scouting parties. On.
do not mean you: you are no bother,
But yesterday there was a horrible
man here; he came to the kitchen
door. and asked all sorts OF impudent
questions. Mrs. Bungay actually had
to threaten him with a gun before he
would leave"
is Maria Bungay here. them"
why certainly; do you know her?
Isn't she a delightful old dear-just
as good as man"
Her husband Is with my party"
'Jed-really? Why. do you know.
Maria has got 1t into her head that
he had run away from her. should
so love to witness their meeting: 1t
would be most interesting. But you
must come into the house. Captain
Wayne; Edith will be overjoyed to see
you again. although you know she Is
never demonstrative. as am. 1t must
be awfully nice to be always cool and
calm. don't you Think"
Determined that would not be
tempted. | yet hesitated. and my W.
vacious companion too everything
tor granted at once.
"Oh. before we go in. won't you do
me a favor?" she asked. But OF
course you will was trying to tie
this grapevine into place when you
surprised me. but could not hold on
with one hand and tie with the other.
See what | mean?" And placing one
slender foot upon a slat OF the trellls
she lifted herself up until she could
barely reach the refractory branch
Now" she said. smiling down upon
me. please just hold me here for
moment until secure this end"
My hand was scarcely upon her In
support when the slender slat snapped
caught her with both arms. For a
moment she lay. painting and startled
on my breast: then. as with little
laugh she disengaged herself from my
embrace. We stood there hand In hand
and face to face with Edith Brennan.
Shall I ever forget the look within
her eyes? How plainly saw 1t. al
though she stood half hidden beneath
the shadow of the vines. Amusement.
incredulity, scOrn we're expressed
there, yet even as | marked them all
became merged into proud uncon-
sciousness She would have turned
away without word. but my IL
panion stopped her.
Edith" she cried eagerly. do you
not see? This is Captain Wayne"
She turned toward me and slightly
inclined her head.
Il recognized Captain Wayne" was
her calm answer. land regret greatly
having intruded upon him. 1t was en-
tirely unintentional. and have no
desire to remain"
could not have spoken at that mo-
ment to save my life. 1t fairly stunned
me to realize the construction she so
plainly placed upon the scene just
enacted. Not so the girl at my side.
Her cheeks flushed with Indignation.
and her audacity gave her speech
which made matters even worse than
before.
You are exceedingly free with your
criticisms. Edith" she exclaimed
sharply. as the latter turned her back
upon us Perhaps 1t would be as well
for you first to ascertain the truth"
You wholly mistake" was the calm
reply. Il have not presumed to criti-
cisa Why should /? It is not q mat
ter which interests me in the least.
presume you have no further OBJ
lection to my returning to the house,"
She did not SO much as de!gn to
look again at either of us. but as she
moved slowly out Of sight Miss Minor