The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1913-03-20
CHAPTER v.
Struggle.

~HE longer Stuart WreStied with
the problem of Mans yielding
to the lure of Rivens' gold the
more hideous and hopeless il
became He began to feel thnt hc had
been to blame. Why had he allowed
the foolish pride Of a lovers quarrel TO
keep them apart for two weeks?
When he came downstairs he paused
at the door Harriet was playing and
singing again. and the soft tones Of her
voice were healing. lie walked gently
to the door of the music room. leaned
against the panel and watched aud
listened
At last she stopped reluctantly, tip
ped her golden head sideways in CO.
quettish little triumphant movement
and in the quaintest imitation of
mans voice said:
II congratulate you. Miss Harriet-i
like that very mucb!''
do you. professor oh. I'm so glad
to please you!"
She shook her curls with genuine de
light and played out the little dialogue
with vivid imaginary touches
Stuart laughed.
The girl leaped to her feet, blushing
scarlet. rushed to his side and seized
his hand.
Ibid you see me. Jim1 Was very
fooiish?'
Certainly not l quite agree with
the professor You will some day sing
before kings and queens. little girl
He left her waving aud smiling to
him from the steps He walked with
new vtgor and deepening sens" OF
gratitude to her His breath deepened
and his step grew firm and swift He
| would fight for his own He would 60
struight to Nan and laugh at this an
nouncement He would compel her to
hear him. II was an absurd hour tn
call. but all the better
Mrs Primrose's greeting was so cor
dial. SO genuinely friendly. that for y
moment he was puzzled Could it he
possible he had misjudged her!
| She pressed his hand warmly and
| lingeringly.
"Oh, Jim, Pm SO glad you've come
Why have you stayed away so long;
1t was SO foolish of you You gave ~!
without struggle. I'm shocked hs
yond measure at Nan told her thai
| his millions would never bring ilappl
ness unless her heart went with their
that her love for you was thing
she couldn't lay aside as cloak sh'
had worn. | told Nan the day Sl.t
promised to marry Mr.. Bivens that yo,
were worth dozen such men, no mat
ter how many millions he had. foi
have always been my choice v"'
know that"
Stuurt could con,roi himself no long
er. He rose and faced Mrs. Primros'
with look which brought her ele
quelce to un abrupt end
Mrs Primrose, for once in IN. NJ
| am going to tell you the truth io'
have always been my htterest toe
You brought Nan to New York to st'
her away from me.'
The mothers eyes blazed with non
est wrath
Yes. did: and I'm glad ! did it
you ungrateful wretch
And you have always been bus
poisoning her mind against me an
corruptins her Imagination Wit
dreams of life Of luxury"
"And. thank God. I've succeeded j
last in bringing her to her senses i
time to save her from throwing horse
away Oh you. Jim Stuart!'
AS Mrs Primrose left Nan quietly q
tered the room. Her face was set f
battle in a proud defiant smile st
was totally unprepared for the way
which Stuart met her
With quick step he was at her sld
seized both her hands In II grip OF Hero
tenderness and in low tones of vibra'
passion said:
This thing don't go with tne. Ma
won't accept it. I'm going to i;sh!
fight for my own-for you are mine
!. mine by every law of God and ma
/. and you are worth lighting for
The hard smile Of defiance 'nelt'
from the beautiful face, and a flush
tenderness slowly overspread h
cheeks It was sweet to he loved n
that by strong. masterful man y
- :, started to speak. and he raised I
: hand:
). I know, dear, you said our engal