Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1897-11-26
CmAPTER NNv.-(Continucd.D

CHAPTER NNV.-(Continucd.J
Christmas and the opening of the new
gear passed. February came in mild and
bright. bringing with it an odor of sweet
yiolcts and IL CLEAN of snowdrops; but
fits beauty was all lost upon Peter Len
noX. He must have suffered greatly, for
he had grown thin and pale. He was
not like the man who during the year
preceding had been the proud head of II
of the finest establishments in London.
Mrs. Carcw had been away during the
winter months. She had returned in the
spring, for which season she had Il pccu-
liar liking. But Mrs. Cnrew did not seem
to enjoy the season as she usually did.
There were whole days when she paced up
and dow the garden paths, thinking
deeply. as ono who had IL problem to solve.
She has lost somewhat of her bright OK
preston. 1t was plain that there was a
struggle going on in her mind.
II used to Think" she said to herself one
morning. that human life was Il jest. 1t
seems to me that in what has passed of
mine have had the roses, and now must
prepare for the thorns."
Her son Beltran came down to spend
his Sunday with her. The bright. grace
full artist. the %changeful, lovable, viva
cions woman. the sensitive, gifted genius,
loved her son better than the whole world.
She was proud of him. She glories in his
bright. strong manhood. She gloried in
his talents and his goodness.
He looked pale and wan. He had the
mir of one who had worked hard not only
during the day. but far into the night,
when he should have slept. His mother
taxed him with it, and he told the truth.
Ecr 4, %;u,D liz Inl ,,,ouI,oJ ,nnoI,,
twenty hours out of twenty-four.
why not pay for assistance, and save
yoursclf:" his mother asked.
Because l wan every shilling. mother,
that I can earn" he replied. II have not
,one To spare"
Her bright, changcful face clouded.
why do you want money so, Beltran?"
She asked.
10 marry, mother" he answered. II
wan Il pretty home for my darling. She
does not hurry me about it-shc would
be willing to wait for years; but l am
anxious about her"
"Why:' she asked again. do YOU
doubt herr"
doubt her. my dearest mothcr?" he
cried. II would just as soon doubt heav-
en-. There are few so loyal or true as
She. 1t is not that; but Lady .Ailsn is not
strong. you know. and Bcatrix tells me
how she suffers at Strathnarn. 1 want
to fetch them both away, and l cannot UNI
til | have a home for them"
Does that cross. stern old man still
hold ou:. thcn?" asked Mrs. Carcw. "Docs
he SHOW no signs Of rclcnting?"
No.. and never will. We do not speak
about him. His money and his lands are
forgotten. We never think of him when
WE make our plans. Only one thing trou-
blcS lis. mother. Bcatrix has shown such
trnt!. and fidelity; for Low of me she has
declined to be Duchess of Heathland: for
love Of me she has lost one of the largest
fortunes in England. No man living
cares less for money than l do; but l wish
how | wish.-that l had Il fortune for
her sake. Work as l will, it must be
many years before my income will be
more than moderate. Oh, mother, if
had hut a reasonable rent roll, l should
he the happicst man in the world."
But YOU tell me always that Rcatrix
does not care for wealth" observed Mes.
Carcw.
Nor does she. mother. At the same
time | wish with all my heart thai |
had ii to give her. OF course it can never
he. hut l should have liked to so to her
H"N 'ts. WI saw up cNtIS tllIlE LOT m0,
my darling. now it is in my power to re.
pay yol."
Would that make you veryyhappyy
size asked. musilgly. sssIs
Yes. very happy" he REPLIED.
Il will think the matter over, .Beftran
what good will thinking do, Fmiother?"
he asked. Rather forget it and do not
mind my troubles"
You would really he the happiest man
in the world if You had wealth, Bcltran:"
she interrupted.
'Ncs. l should indeed. But. mother. do
no, .hinli that l I'M complaining. The
man who makes II fortune is grcatcr than
the man who ~inlicrits one. must work
hard. study hard. and save my money!"
She looked AT him wistfully.
"ion must not work by night and day."
she said. that will not do. Rcltran. if 1
could give you wealth and did not. Won
would consider me very cruel, 1 sun
posc:"
Il should indeed" he laughed. .But.
MS that is not the case. I consider Won
very kind"
And Mrs. Carcw turned away when she
heard the words.
CHAPTER NNVI.
NIrc rorn,x. hnJ ,n,r,, -