Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-12-20
POOR next DOOR.
CHAPTER LII.

the friendship between the StinleyS
and next door remained firm and UNI
broken.
Avice and Nance lisel the handsome
young artist, who told them such de-
lightful stories. and slletched them in
every possible attitude; but with Bea-
trice the feeling was different, although
no one guessed that her heart had
awakened to its first sweet love.
How often she and Stewart met by
the old fence, where they could talk
in low happy whispers.
Noword of love passed between them;
yet both were aware of the tender
passions filing their souls.
II think he loves me-Tm sure he
does,n Beatrice would whisper exult-
ingly. Poor Stewart! he has been so
unhappy that it will be perfect bliss
to render his life less dreary."
"Was that you playing the violin
last night?" she asked one day, as she
gracefully leaned against her ham
mock while he sSetchcd her.
"Yes; was trying TO catch that
pretty valse heard you play the other
evening. hope did not disturb you
by the dreadful scraping?"
"Oh no, | enjoyed it," Beatrice
FASTENED to say You play beauti-
fully"
"Flatterer! As if | did not know
better" Stewart answered, laughing
at her pretty serious face Il dare
say might get on, if only someone
would help me Nth the piano"
IF you like will play for you"
Would you, really" he said eager
ly. but unfortunately | have no
piano.
"Of course ! meant you to come in
to our house. Mamma would be de-
lighted"
"And you-would it please you?"
Stewart asked, and he dropped his
voice to tender whisper.
"Yes. it would please me-" she
answered simply. And when l got
tired of it, AWE could take my place"
That would not be the same"
"Avie plays better than l." Beatrice
murmured.
Il don't care if she does. Unless
you play, i shall certainly not accept
your kind offer"
Very we'll You are terribly obsti-
nate."
$50 my old nurse tells me. BY the
way, Miss Beatrice, she has fallen
quite in love with you ALL"
Your nurseP' Beatrice repeated
wonderingly MRS. Dracy?"
Yes. ! am always talking to her
about you; and one day she actually
came and peeped at you over the
fence. Poor old soul! You can't
think how devoted she is TO me; and
when fate obliged me to retire from
the world. nothing would do but that
she must follow me into exile
Beatrice longed TO ask him what
trouble had so changed his life, but a
feeling of shyness prevented her. She
guessed it must have been loss of
money and position; and remembering
how that same loss had darkened
their future, she pitted him from the
bottom of her heart.
The next day, happening to go to
the village for several little things,
she saw Stewart pass by the shop
| WneFt hle was DuylDB.
He did not notice her; he was walk
ing along with quick impatient step,
his head slightly bent, and an express
sion of deep annoyance in his face.
Poor fellow! Probably he has had
bad news-some OF his paintings re-
fused, most likely" Beatrice murmur-
cd pityingly, and with Il sudden i'm
pulse TO comfort him she hurried over
her purchases and went swiftly off.
She had not gone far before the I'M
usual sight OF handsome Victoria,
drawn by two splendid greys, arrested
her attention. IL was at a standstill
now, and It's occupant, very pretty
girl, was talking most eagerly TO the
man who stood with one hand rest
ing on the side OF the carriage.
As Beatrice glanced from her TO her
companion, a sudden pang thrilled her
heart. What had Stewart Lindley 10
do with that graceful richly-dressed
grip
She crept a little closer, gazing
with pain-dimmed eyes at the girls
beautiful radiant face. Stewart, too
had lost his expression OF annoyance,
and looked pleased and excited.
, but surely you are not going 10
bury yourself here much longer?" the
girl said brightly, and her clear voice
fell distinctly on Beatrice's ear. Had
not some mad caprice OF my cousin
brought us over here, should never
have found you"
"Ah, Lady Glare, you cannot under.
! stand-why should youp-that tho
happiest portion OF my life has beer
, passed in this exile" Stewart answer
cd softly.
A cold glcam entered the pretty
dark eyes, and scornful smile curve
Lady Clare's lips. Both disappeared
I instantly. however, and her tone was
s full OF oaresslng sweetness az she con
tinued;