The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1900-06-23
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER Nv.
When Beatrix entered the grounds, she
saw three gentlemen all waiting for her
the Duke of Hcathland looking quite
sure of her. yet vaguely expectant; the
Prince de Ferros with his dark eyes fol-
lowing her sadly; and quite apart from
the others, Beltran Carew with lotus
lilly in his hand.
Lady Rayner was there, looking very
fragile and very lovely in blue and silver.
Beatrix felt greatly relieved when Lady
Rayncr joined her. The two ladies made
q beautiful picture standing under the
green trecs-Lady Rayncr, so fair and
fragile. with her golden hair and sweep
Ing train of blue and silver; Beatrix, like
picture by one of the old masters, with
her dark, splendid eyes, her richly colored
face, and her trailing dress of white lace
and scarlet silk. Every one admired
them. One by one the gentlemen left
less lovely women and gathered round
them. Bcatrix lonSed for one word from
Beltran. He stood leaning carclessly
against the trunk of tree, with the lotus
lily in his hand. The duke, on her right
hand, suggested row in one Of the pref
ty pleasurc-boats; the prince, on her eft,
was trying to persuade her; to join the
croquet players.
go with the duke. my desr," said
Lady Lennox. 81 am sure q row on the
lake will be very plea SAINT
Bcatrix knew we'll tirat IL she went
upon the lake with the duke there would
be what she wished SO much to avoid-a
love scene. She turned TO Lady Rayncr.
~ ho IA. a ,d
Lady Rayncr, seeing the distress in her
face, consented.
beltran had bided his time. When the
beat touched the green glittering banks
again, he was there to help Beatrix. The
duke, whose wooing had made SO little
progress, looked angrily a. him; but n
loaded cannon would not have checked
Mr.. Carew,
"Ilndy Lennox fears you win grow
faint, Miss Leanox." be said. Il prom
ised her to show You where to find some
strawberries and grapes"
The duke angrily turned round.
"Will YOU introduce this gentleman to
me, Miss LennoxT' he said, and Beatrix
complied.
With look of mutual defiance the
gsntlcmcn raised their hats.
"Mr. Carew will permit me to remark,
said his grace, "that l am quite capable
Of attending TO the requirements of the
ladies' whom am honored by escorting."
''No doubt" returned Beltran, calmly.
but monopoly of honors, your grace.
d hardly fair. The sunshine has been
on the lakc; permit it now to brighten the
land"
FT<x-- kkn All ~ VI
he Offer cd his arm to Beatrix, lady Ray
ner looking on with an amused smile.
Bsatrix turned with bow and graceful
words of thanks to the duke.
1T was very pleasant on the water"
che said. 'Bu: 1 think mamma Is right
a little fruit will be very refreshing.
VIII you come with US? Lady Rayner
looks tired"
After that he could do nothing but ask
Lady Rayner to take his arm and follow
them.
"Vlo is this gentleman" he asked,
half sayegtly. "Carew? l do not re-
member to have heard the name. What
Carew il be, Lady Rayner? Do you
known
"Hc 10 the sou of Mrs. Carcw, the great
artist; she is painting Miss Lennox's por-
trait-and very beautiful picture it is. J"
II understand" said his grace, in a
more satisfied tone. II do not think II
quite in good taste 10 invite artists and
people OF that class everywhere, though;
10 your -, ~,
tran TO the beautiful heiress. II have
never attempted Q holder. How angry
the duke looked. Ii these were the good
old times he would send me challenge.
"why should he? have surely right
to please myself" rejoined Miss Lcnnox.
81 was tined of the water; 1t made my
syss ache; and the sun was very warm.
I am quite content to be here"
The reason OF this was obvious; for
Beltran. making what he considered a
still holder stroke, had contrived, by turn
lnr down a shady out-of-the-way path,
10 lose sight of the duke and Lady Ray
oer. He found pretty seat for Bcatrix
under the close dropping branches Of an
old cedar t.ce, and after a short absence
brought her some Strawberries.
This is like being In a green. silent
city.n he said. "How beautiful this old
cedar ISL
ayes, Miss Lennox, like this Fairy
land Of ours" he said.
$50 do l." said Bcatrix. 1T will seem
quite strange to 20 out into the garisl
light of day."
People do rs they like in Fairyland."
remarked Mr.. Carew. Il am going to be
very prcsumptuous; but you have perfect
command over me-yoi can kill ME with
4 frown IL you will, you can brighten me
20 terribly with one cold look that /
should never have the courage to speak
to you again"
II do not think that shall ever try to
Brighten you," said Dcatrix.
You have not yet heard my request,
Miss Lennon. As sit here, the odor OF
those roses you are wearing comes to me
ifre A messaec-a sweet message full OF
hops. full OF promise. l am gosag to ask
ven IL you will give me ope-just one
the little ono with the green leaves. which
iust touches the white lace You wear
will your
.Ye.," she replied.
Her face burned Ike flame rs Ale mn
fastened II and gave 1t 10 him. He lookcsi
up nj her suddenly.
"Havc you ever given anr oss &owei
heforA?" no asked