Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1899-06-01
CHAPTER XII.

1
willfullness of woman accustomed
to give her caprice no curb. rose to her
feet. and, drawing from the back of
her chair a costly wrap, said, languid-
ly:
81 am weary. Even Patti fails to
charm me tonight. Let us go home"
Then. standing moment, with one
hand resting lightly on the crimson
velvet of the box. her eyes and those
of Beatrice Leonard I1Iet once again.
How beautiful she isl murmured
the girl. But why do l shiver be-
meath her gaZe?'
"She is pure and innocent and trust
ing, the woman thought; "yet do but
save her from herself-and him.
Then her place was vacant. and so
Lieutenant bancroft discovered when,
on resuming his seat beside his be-
trothed, he took one hasty. almost sur
reptitions glance, followed by an in
voluntary. long-drawn sigh of relief.
But Beatrice saw the glance and
read the sigh. and interpreted both
not very wrongly
"Am l jeadous?' she said to herself
that night, when her lover had left
her.
His goodnight had been both warm
and tender. but her own had been cold
and constrained; yet he had seemed
to note nothing amiss.
\ sweet. fair face, with wiStful. ear
nest eyes. and grave, unsmiling mouth,
looked back at her. Beyond it she let
her fancy paint the radiant beauty OF
another face. the matchless grace of
another form: and for an instant she
pressed her hands to her eyes to shut
it all out
Then they fell. and With quick. i'm
nerious gesture. worthy of Madame
Florence herself, she threw back her
head. as if she would thus reassert
herself.
"Jealous! No." she murmured. "W'hy
should not Carlo admire one so ex-
quiSitely lovely? Yet. why do l fear
her? If she could make him happy, it
he could forget his love for me in love
for her. would give him up, though
my heart broke. But why do know
she would make his happiness? Why
am | sure she does not love him: But
what folly this all is! My Carlo care
for another. My Carlo untrue to me,
even in thought! How shall l atone to
him for the momentary injustice that
l have done him? Forgive me. dar-
l:ng.' she murmured. involuntarily.
And the old light dawned in the
great brown eyes. and the red lips
parted in a smile. and the reflection in
the mirror smiled back. as though Il
face so young and fair need fear no ii
vally.
Crossing the room. Beatrice rang for
her maid. and the girl thought. as she
obeyod the summons, she had never
seen her young mistress so nearly
beautiful
The roses at her belt Chose her lover
had brought herr We're dropping and
faded. but she chose one from among
them and laid it carefully between the
pages Of book.
"When we are married." she thought,
II will take courage to show this to
Carlo. and tell him of the one hour 1
was jealous. If ever l am tempted
again will look at this and grow wise
as am now" and again she smiled.
The next day, one of those accidents
we name condolences. permitted her
carriage to pass by the palace where
Madame Florence lived. at the very
hour appointed for Lieutenant Damcr-
offs visit.
He was prompt, too. and though he
saw her not, Beatrice watched him en-
ter. and her head fell back moment
on the soft. luxurious cushions, and her
cheek paled.
Only an instant. The next she had
shamed herself from the deadly fear
which had seemed to clutch her heart
with its icy grip.
Did not Carlo owe to his hostess of
two nights before a visit Of ceremony?
What more natural and more fitting
than that he should make it at this
hour?
SO the fleet horses bore her on. and
even while she was thus reproachin2
herself. Lieutenant bancroft was ush-
cred, by Madame FlOrences innumera-
bic lackeyS. into the presence of their
mistress.
She received him to-day in room he
had never entered before; small
room, octagonal in shape, its walls
draped in hangings Of violet velvet.
Few women could have haZarded
such an experiment; but never. he
thought. had he beheld her so radiantly
lovely
She was dressed in Wholesome soft,
clinging material which fitted closely
to the exquisite figure.The only spots
of color were the extended tip of tiny
violet slipper. and a great bunch of
fragrant blush roses at her waist.
She held toward him her hand. He
raised it to his lips. and she felt him
SILVER ere he gently released it.
He took his seat so near her that now
and then. as she talked. some portion
of her dress touched him. and the faint,
delicious perfume she always used stole
over his senses.
Pardon me-" she said, softly. after
her first greeting. chat I could not
comply with your request for your de-
cree of Punishment last night. Ii you
still wish it so. it may be done today
But do you wish it, Carlo?'
Again the low. musical utterance of
his name escaped her lips. and made
him forgetful of all else save the hope
it kindled. and which in each moments
burning consumed his honor and de
stroyed his solemn pledge.
"N1y Punishment would benny DEATH
,,,.,,,onnl hn+l1, 1ottinr tho wild