Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1895-08-01

/ dlawing~Ioom opencd. i had been
sketching a new and rare exotic that
Lord Hardley had procured at great
cost from Italy. As | stood silently
watching the graceful blossoms of the
beautiful plant Beatrice entered. She
came forward slowly TO the spot where
the plant stood: when she saw me a
sudden flush oyerspread her face and
a half-startled look came into her dark
eyes.
Paul. she said, 81 did not know
that you were here. You startled me. Z
II have been sketching this flower
Of Lord Hardley's," replied. How
beautiful is the color Of the leaves, and
how graceful that little bell hangs It's
head!'
But, instead of looking at the flower,
she turned away abruptly.
Leave your sketch she said, sand
talk 10 me-
left 1t and went to her. She was
standing near a plant, and | saw her
fingers tremBle as she touched the
fragile leaves.
What are You going TO do with
your life. Paulg" she asked suddenly
Have you no ambition? Are you will
ing to remain here dreaming until the
time comes for you to die shall not
he here long; but you-what will you
do with your life?
ut will end when you leave Arne,
| said, half unconscious of the mean.
ING Of my words.
She looked at me with strangely
softening expression.
You have rare gifts" she said
great talents, great power of mind
and Willingly do you not exercise
them? Have You no aim in life?'
'None.. | replied, save to 1--we q
good llfe."
Have you no one to love and work
for?" she continued, mo one whose
! praise will reward you. whose love
will stimulate you, who will live fo1
You and your loye?"
mo" | replied, mournfully; there
will never be such one for me-"
We wandered out Of The conserya,
tory ON to tie lawn, and while there
we saw carriage drive up to the ball
door and a stranger alight.
"Some visitor for my uncle, said
Beatrice, as we stood in the mellow
haze on the September evening.
Suddenly we were startled by the
loud changing of the dressing-beil
When we entered the hall, Beatrice
turned suddenly and gave me piece
of the white heath that she still Held
in her fingers. Little did we dream
how that September evening would
| end
1t was the custom of Arne for all
ID assemble in the library for the few
minutes before dinner. This evening
| was first; but Beatrice came in soon
/ afterward, and, taking UP a book. ba-
gan 70 read. Minute after minite
passed, and Mr.. Stuart generally 50
punctual. did not appear.
Half an hour went by, and then Bea.
triee began to wonder ar tire delay
! She rang the bell, and Martin, the old
butler. answered it,
"Where is my uncle, Martini she
asked. .What has delayed dinner
'.Mr. Stuart is engaged with visitor
Miss Beatrice" replied the old man, III
| strange voice.
| / looked at him, and saw that ms
face was deathly white; he appeared
as though he had Rad terrible shock
lis the squire ill.,, asked, anxiously
'sNo." was the reply. HE Is in the
drawing room with visitor.
'.Had You not better remind my IN
Gle OF the time, MARTINI asked Bea'
triee
Better not think, miss, said Mar
tin.
"Why? Who is the yisitorF' asked
| Miss Stuart.
'.He gave no name" replied Martin
He quilted The room, and a few min
utes later / heard the squire's foot
steps, not brisk as usual. but slow and
heavy, as though he were overcome by
! pain or sorrow.
/ 10 be Concluded.