The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1916-09-14

man, If do say it." she added, with
Il smile; "he IS rather stern In his man
her even with mother and me. but he IL
dear. dear man."
Howard had to do some early morn
ing work at the office the next day, and
so did not meet the Langhams till just
before their departure at s O'Clock
He joined them in the observation
car at the end Of the train, where they
had secured comfortable seats.
The journey was pleasant enough to
the young couple. Howard was dis
covering side to Cora's nature that
was new to him, and he was not re-
belling so strongly against her attrac-
tions. He was half convinced that he
had misjudged her In regard to her
hunger for the admir-: ton of men, and
after all. he began to ask himself. who
ed flfrt might not love some particular
man as strongly and as unselfishly as
any other woman? At any rate. the
bare thought that she might actually
care for him was an attractive one.
The carriage will meet u.s." Cora
Informed Howard. as he got her things
together. james is always prompt
and will be anxious to see US. We
have luncheon at O'clock. 1t is now
II. and you may 60 directly home with
Us if you wish," Cora added, as they
came out Of the car and Joined the
throng Of passengers going toward the
door leading to the street. There will
be plenty of r:~... in the carriage"
There is something must attend
to at Once.' Howard answered. Il
think had better come out later.
might miss the man I expect to see If
wait till the afternoon"
"You would If we had our way about
It," Cora answered sweetly. "Once we
get you out home we will keep you as
long as possible"
The driver, a middle aged colored
man. wore a silk hat and a long, dark
blue coat with brass buttons. and as
he reached for the satchels Howard
carried he doffed his hat and bowed
servilely to the ladies'.
"Why didn't Mr.. Langham conner
Mrs. Langham asked, as they ali fol-
lowed the driver to the resplendent ve-
hicle and we'll groomed bays at the
edge of the sidewalk
said he was too busy, MISS" James
answered. as he opened the carriage
door and stood. still hatless, to one
| side. "Said fer me ter drive down fer
| i'm at dinner time an fetch i'm out"
| AS the prancing horses bore them
away and Howard turned to cross the
street to go to the business part of the
city he glanced back. Cora was look
ing from a window. She waved del
| icate handkerchief mt him and smiled
| All the time that he was engaged in
transacting the business he had come
to attend to Cora remained In his
thoughts.
Two O'clock found him alighting
from an electric car in front of the
Langham residence.
A young colored maid in white cap
and apron and careful step answered
| l1ON u llss SAo"cb uiH IutO
the great double drawing room on the
right Of an equally roomy hall. from
which polished walnut stairway
curved upward Seating himself. he
lookel about him. Peyond the farthcst
parlor was library and adjoining this
was smoking room. or den. Massive
plate glass mirrors in gilt frames rose
from the floor to the ceiling at oppo-
site ends OF the drawing rooms, giving
the effect of more space than could
otherwise have been obtained.
He thought of Mary Trumbley with
certain touch of inconsistencies. he
smiled as lie fancied seeing her seated
in one of the wing chairs opposite him.
She would be too well bred to smile
but she would be honest enough tc
think. and she would condemn his
presence there. And. after ALL why
had he come? Why was he paying
such attention to Cora Langham
Why unless attracted either by hel
personality or social position?