The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1900-07-07

They were seated in the dining room, |
where an excellent dinner had just been |
served to them. Some of Mr.. Lennox's
fine old Madeira was on the table, some
of his choice fruit filled the costly dishes
peaches, apricots, grapes, all freshly
gathered; but the Madeira remained I'M
tasted in the hosts glass-his heart was
heavy and i'll at ease.
81 want you to tell me, Mr.. Gunter," he
said, what am to do with all my money.
need not have passed my life in accumu-
lating it. What am l to do with it!'
as all hope of reconciliation with your
niece ended?" asked the lawyer, earn
estly.
"Yes, yes! Do not mention her. 1t is
all ended, more completely than il were
a pauper, or dead. What am L to do with
Erceldean-with my money"
Advertise for the next of kin" sug-
gested Mr.. Gunter.
There would arise a host of false
claimants, a hundred lawsuits would fol
low, and both fortune and estate would
probably remain in chancery for an uniim-
tied time. That will not do. Think again,
Gunter."
There is only one other course open.
You must marry, Mr.. Lennox-marry'
and with the blessing Of heaven, you
may have heirs of your own.'
Peter Lennox looked at him.
ut is strange that you should suggest
that" he said. 81 was thinking Of the
very same thing this morning. l do not
| imagine that there would be any great
difficulty. True, / am not young, but
then there are not many women In the
world like my niece, Beatrix-not many
who would refuse to share fortune Ike
mine.~
Certainly not, Mr.. Lennox. The ladier.
sir, of this generation, to use common
expression, are peculiarly .wideawake;
you need have no fear of REFUSAL
ut is not that" said Peter Lennox.
story of a boys mad passion. l never
thought that l should tell it, but if have
to take this important step, l must have
advice. Listen-I am afraid that 1 shall
81 must tell you story, Gunter-the
surprise you" And, drawing his chail
nearer to that of the lawyer, Mr.. Lennon
narrated a long story to him. The law
yer's face was q picture of dismay ane
surprise.
"That is an awkward matter for you
sir" he said; at must be cleared up
eyes, 1t should be cleared up; but how
is it to be doneT'
"Send detective to America at once,
said Mr.. Gunter; 'lose no time. Pardol
me, Mr.. Lennox, but really, sir, with thi
hanging over you, you have been, TO sa
the least, terribly indiscreet."
"There is nothing hanging over me" re
Joined the millionaire, angrily.
The lawyer whispered something to hir
which made the stern face flush purple.
"Nonsense," he cried-'nonsense! O
course, IL that had been the case, / shoul
have heard something of it"
. 81 do not see how you could have hear
!, about it; if all that you tell me is tru'
!, YOU would have been the last in tn
world to hear of it. 1t is n most serior
matter. Mr.. Lennox. l did not think
, was in human nature to take such thing
: so quietly. 1t might have been serior
; matter for Miss Lennox."
do not refer to that young lady,
v you please. Gunter."
"You had better give me all details, o
particulars, and let me send of dete
tive at once. l know one that IS vel
+ shrewd in matters of this kind; If there
ever so slight trace, he will follow it I
and make something out of it. Do "
;. authorize me to send him, Mr.. Lennox
- eyes. it must be done, / suppose.
hive really never thought of the matt
!, In that way; nor do think there is t
- least need for such precautions. Sti
.. Erceldean Is large estate, and I
wealth is great-it is better to be gu
n. sure"
The interview ended then, but it W
~ la- 81
o day Mr.. Gunter's face wore an expr'
ID sion of great wonder and astonishment
no 81 ought to know human nature"
r. said to himself over and over again, 4
it is q certain fact that do not"
ho A dreadful fit of unrest seized up
" Peter Lennox: he could not find rept
20 anywhere. The lawyers suggestion "
- always in his mind-if what he had hi
ed should prove true, then might heay
help him! But it was impossible-unli
N, ly.
~, When the Duke Of Heathland return
o. To England he went at once to Strathna
His anger against the millionaire
=. great He remained at the old Graz
.v. for two or three days; but he said
-, word of love to Beatrix. He sympathi
49, with her: he told her that she was do
- right. and he entered with the great
of kindness into all her plans for the
ture. He spoke most kindly of Belt
, - Carew and of his prospects. he told d
y, trix that he should lose no chance
nushing his fortunes-of doing all that
.d in his power for him-and 1t seemed
LADY Ailsa that the great peer ADM
rs- her beautiful daughter more In the M
mr. of her poverty and privations than he
he done when she was queen OF the n
an brilliant circles Ia London.
rat There was many strange scene
va tween the duke and the millionaire.
grace went to Erceldean and tried to
monstrate with him, but Peter Len
~ would not listen. He would not ad
ont That he had done wrong. His niece
ate of her own accord voluntarily defied
and refused to submit to him, there
ned all was at an end between them.
rel 'She will accept nothing from me-
md his grace, despondently nothing. L
irm Ailsa will not even honor me by ALLOW
md me TO lend her some money"
oN- Peter Lennox's stern face did not so
as he listened. He would not yieio