The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1886-09-11

Richards
The faint sweet spices of the carna-
tions. the volllptuous breath of the
roses swept round and EMBODIED the
two as their hands clasped in greeting.
But Beatrice heard no Whispers They
We're stiiled by the blghtfng breath OF
the crushed human i,oUer in their
midst. The caila overlooked the roses.
tall. calm, ohseyant owen glanced
from Il to Heatrice.
Ny stately lilly with the deep. pas
sionate heart 81 the red rose" he said.
III his soft persuasive Voice Il have
come for my answer. yGu know, and
he extended his arms towards me
Neither noticed that the crimson
drapery trembled and parted slightly
at the sound OF his voice.
Il cannot talk with You tonight"
Beatrice answered. mindful of her un-
seen auditor Il will send you a note
III the morning"
But. Beatrice" he demonstrated
"you have put me Off
AS she motioned him back the crim-
son drapery parted and Rose came out
into the gaslight
$50 Owen Richards is your lover"
she said, sharply, turning to Beatrice,
unmindful of the startled expression
i'll his eyes.
"Surely he was not yours" Beatrice
exclaimed, with still, icy feeling creep
ing over her
ASK mm, Rose responded with that
awful despair III her eyes.
Beatrice tarned toward him with a
face of deadly palor. Even her lips
were white. The passion OF her heart
seemed to have died in an instant.
She shrank from the memory OF his
caresses as if his hand had been stained
with blood. The roses dropped theu
heads as in tears.
1t was an embarrassing position fO,
Owen Richards, to say the least. But
he met the eyes of Beatrice with the
self-possession of the man of the world
Knowing She was lost to him.
Miss La"toa is an old acquaintance
OF mine, he said quietly. Il am sorry
to see her looking SO ILL.,"
Todo Richards justice, he was shocked
at the sight of the moral and physical
wreck of the girl for whom he had felt
shat short-lived passion. born of her
delicate wild Hover beauty, and tender.
'llngng affection. He had heard with
something OF remorse of her downward
path, after his deseition, for he had
soothed himself with the thought that
she would marry some COED fellow and
forget him.
"A faint ripple of the tide of chivalry
that finds expression il the White
cross League was stirring in his breast
as he glanced at Beatrice i'll her unsuI-
lied, statuesque beauty. She, at least.
had not been compromised by him
The thought was balm to his conscience
at the moment.
IF | can aid you in any way" he
said slowly, doubtfully. glancing from.
one to the other. Beatrice made an
sWer:
II am her friend will see she IS
cared for. | owe her debt for SER
vice rendered in the past, and more
especially Tonight"
was this poor reparation to be de
MED him? lie was already reaping OF
the bitterness he had sown.
You are not sorry you found out
the truth Rose questioned after he
had gone. You would not want tC
marry -
Beatrice started 81 should never
have married him." she said ambiet1-
ously.
Can it be possible he was Offering
her such portion as mine?" Rose
thought in silent wonder.
Beatrice had the side room fitted ur
for Rose. Every day a present of fruit
and flowers and other luxury was sent
to the house, the donor of which it was
easy to guess
On sweet spring day the bruised life
Went out into the mystical beyond, and
little later Beatrice received check
to cover all expenses, with a note from
richards begging her not to refuse it.
Why should / refuse9" Beatrice
thought, wearily. "Have l not proved
my own weakness? Is it for me to
Judge my neighbor?' But to Bea-
trlce Rivers there comes always ON the