Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1897-09-23
CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.
Peter Iennox sat in his study. Break
Vast was over; his letters were answered,
his business affairs finished. He sat mus
ing With great delight on the wedding
that was never to be. He had wondered
a little for when breakfast was over,
Beatrix had laid her hands on his shout
der and said, with q charming smile:
,"Uncle, if some one comes to see you
this morning, and has something to say
about me, you will be very kind, will you
hot?"
He had not the remotest idea of her
meaning; he fanced that she must be
speaking of a jeweler Or a milliner.
What am to say, Trixie?" he asked
"You must say Yes Bear that in
mind All the time that my friend is
talking to you say to yourself over and
over again, I have to say Yes
Peter Lennox laughed.
you're a terrible coax, Trixie," he re-
piled. Eve shall see what the Yes in
'volves," and he went to his study, Won
idering what she could mean. There he
iemployed himself busily.
He was about to leave the room to go
for his mornings walk, when Beltran Ca
rev was announced. He asked him to sit
down, and expressed how gratifed he
was to see him and they talked for some
minutes on matters in general; then Bel
tran said:
II am come on a very important Grand
MIR. LennoX.'
In a moment it occurred to Peter Len
nox that this was BeatriX's FRIEND and
that he had to say YES" He looked up
in dismay. What could Beltran Carew
have to say about his niece? He listened
intently.
Il hope you will not think me pre-
sumptuous. l only wish that were king
of a great kingdom that l might prove
to you the disinterestedness of my affec-
ton | love Miss LennoX-I cannot tell
you how deeply and dearly. l ask your
permission to make her my wife"
At first he listened in blank dismay, and
then his face grew pale with anger.
Il distinctly refuse my permission, sir,
he answered. My niece must marry the
Duke of Heathland.'
But" said Beltran, "your niece does
not love the duke, sir. She loves me-"
1T is not 4 question of sentiment
declared Peter Lennox. Love is toy
for boys and girls; my niece must marry
for the welfare of her house, for the pros
perity and well-being of her race. She
must marry as the ladies of her house
have done before her-and in that case
she cannot marry you"
Miss IennoX loves me, SIR he said;
and, despite his anger, Peter Lennox's
heart warmed to him, he looked so hand
some.
st is girls fancy" rejoined Peter
Iennox, grimly, that will die before stern
realities"
II think not" said Beltran. Miss Len
noX is not girl who is easily Influenced.
She is frm-a true LennoX, sir. [ hope
you will not harden your heart against
us. | know that I am what the world
would call poor match; but l love her so
dearly. sr-I do, indeed would give my
very life for her. She is the heart of my
heart life of my life, soul of my SOUL"
His lips ouivered, and Il mist of tears rose
in his blue eyes. u will work hard for
her. SIR he went Ont will surround
her with luxuries-indeed, she shall miss
nothing that she has had here
Peter Lennox rose from his chair and
looked at him gravely.
81 am very sorry" he said, that it con-
not be--that | cannot consent. You plead
well, but you plead in vain. You cannot
marry my niece. L refuse ulOSL y.
decline to listen to your proposition. l
like you; personally l have not the least
objection to you. You are noble-hearted
man. Ii l had two nieces, would give
you one. AS l have but one, she must
marry for the benefit of the race she
springs FROM
II do not think she will agree with you,
SIR" said Beltran.
st is of very little moment whether she
does or not; she will have to marry as I
have stated. Go home, sir, and forget
her. l like you, and will be your friend
through life. l will do anything for you,
except give you my niece-that is an i'm
= possibility. l am sorry to be abrupt, but
/ have an engagement this morning.
trust to your honor, Mr.. Carew, to make
no attempt at seeing my niece again.
And with a grim civility that BODIED i'll
for his interests, Beltran found himself
bowed out of the room.