Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1897-08-05

uncle"
She saw a sharp culver of pain pass
over his FACET was gone in moment
and then he laid his hand upon her head.
Il love you, Beatrix-you are my child
ard my heiress-I love you and your
mother
But, uncle" she continued, ''you would
not be human if you did not long for ties
OF your own--a wife to love you, children
to love you"
lie held up his hand with a warning
gesture. His face grew white and his lips
trembed.
You haze secret in your life, uncle -
she said-"I know i'll have always
thought so-a secret. 1t is in your face;
there are such sad lines round your lips
and ON your BROWNIES such as a secret
makes and leaves"
Yes, you are right, Beatrix-I have a
secret; but the grave is closed over it. Do
not tax of it, my dear-you would not
love me better if you knew it. was not
human when | was young, was cast
iron, granite. l committed no crime, but
-there-do not talk of it, Beatrix''
He rose from his chair as he spoke and
stood quite still for few moments She
watched him. Presently his manner
changed completely. He turned to the
writing table, and took up a large white
envelope with a crest upon it.
''This is from the Duchess of Elmslie.
Beatrix, take it to your mother and see
what she says"
Lady Lennox was in the drawing room
when Beatrix joined her. She wondered
what the duchess had to say. 1t was soon
known. The brief letter ran:
Dearest Lady Lennox-Do not forget
my ball on Thursday night. You seemed
doubtful about coming. Try to come. Let
Beatrix be certain to do so. Dress her in
the most bewitching fashion. Some one
whom | like very much is anxious to meet
her,
"Who can that be?" said Lady Lennox,
as she finished reading the note. 'Of
course you must go, Beatrix, and equally
of course / must take you."
"My grandmother is very imperative"
remarked Beatrix, with smile.
1t was settled that she was to go; and
Lady Lennox, made slightly anxious by
the little note, was more than usually
careful about her daughters dress. She
chose one Of the palest and daintiest of
rose silks embroidered with white flow
ers; the faint rose hue enhanced the won
drous beauty of the perfect face. With
the superb dress Beatrix would have no
flowers but white ones-white heath,
white roses and white lilies mixed. She
would have no jewels but pearls-white,
pure and shining.
1t was late when Lady Lennox and
Beatrix reached the ball room. The Ouch
ess of Elmslie greeted them warmly.
81 had begun to fear that you would
disappoint me-" she said; and then her
keen eyes took in every detail Of Bea-
trixs exquisite toilet. A warm smile of
approval lighted her face.
II must not say all that l think" she
said; 'but I am proud of my godchild.
Beatrix, for the last week. the Duke of
Heathland has been following me like a
shadow. Can you guess why"
"No, I am not clever at guessing" she
replied.
.sHe wants to be introduced to you,
she said; "and I have promised to oblige
him."
81 have never heard of the Duke of
Heathland." remarked Beatrix. To her
no designation was so great or so noble as
that Of Lennox Of Erceldean.
"Neyer heard of himv' said her grace.
s'That seems almost to assume that ne
does not exist; nevertheless, he is very
great man, Beatrix.
sIs he?" she asked, carelessly. For
his own sake am very glad to hear it. "
Presently stately head was bowling
before her, and deep, rich voice whisper
ing how pleased and delighted the speak
or was to have at last the honor ne had
longed for: and Beatrix, raising her eyes,
found that the duchess had introduced
tho Duke of Heathland to her. She look
cd at him steadily, and, as she looked
admired him. He was somewhat IKE the
heroes she had pictured to herself. he
seemed very noble with his stately head.
Reatrix was pleased with him. they
walked down the ball room together, ana
as they passed people said what noble
couple they were-the proud young scotch
haantv and the stately Duke of Heath
land THE Duchess of Elmslie gazed after
them with great self-complacency.
81 think that will do" she said to her-
so,f II may have neglected Prince
charles, daughter in the years gone by;
but. if l help to make her Ducness OF
uoa+bland. I shall more than atone for It.
7 think the duke is about well matcneu
Nth Reatrix. They will be one OF the
noblest pairs in England
The duke was charmed with beatrA'
no was proud man, this Duke OF Heatn-
lond. all his life he had done as he liked
~ nod been under no control, known no
,n.ster His father Hubert, the four
+aantb Duke of Heathland, died when ms
sen was only three years old, his mother
son sou. WI. .h.n no was seven, and during that
a lonr minority he was under the charge of Of
r most induigent guardian. But tnas ms
nature q tire was originally noble, he must nave
been. completely spoiled. :.
Reatrix was very partial to him. i
Del Del h har to hear him discuss literature
pnd poitics-to hear him discuss sh music sn
and musicians, art and artists sbe sn heard
joyed his society. whence .heaas VAS sa to be at
tnat tue 80, sho gave it the prefer