The Banner-Democrat., 1900-06-16


to rest, for the morning was warm, and
she was tired. Miss Lennox amused her
| self by looking at the different objects
scattered on the tables. One thing struck
her very much-a frame of ivory, so deli
cately and beautifully carved, that il
seemed too fragile to be touched. 1t con
tanned the photograph of very handsome
man-fair, with wholesome, healthy fair
ness, and with great waves of chestnut
hair clustered round a broad, beautiful
Brow fair, noble, kingly face, full OF
grandeur, of nobility, full of truth and
thought. At first she thought it must be
fancy photograph.
II am sure this Is meant for King Ar
| thur" she said to herself. at is just the
face for the blameless king, who strove
all his life against evil. 1t is the best
face l have seen."
Something in it charmed her. She sal
bending O, er it, looking intently at it; and
the blue eyes seemed to look back into
her own with an anxiously intent gaze.
1T is fine face" thought Beatrix
"But there are no such men in these days
The Duke of Heathland is the best speci
men know, and his face could not com
pare with this. l can read full vitality
strong, perfect life here, with goodness
and honor. In the faces Of many living
men l read vanity, self-love, Incidence, OF
greed. King Arthur, you have noble
face, and am the better for having seen
it"
She placed the photograph on the table;
the duchess was doing calmly. A short
time afterward Mrs. Carew was Olsen
gagged. Her grace and Beatrix went at
once to her studio, the duchess protesting
vigorously, although uncontradicted, that
she had not closed her eyes. 1T was not
likely" she said, Gin that palace Of art"
Beatrix looked on with some curiosity
Mt the bIight-eyed, graceful lady who ad-
vanced to meet them. How little did she
dream that her life would run in tangled
web with that of the wonderful artist who
gazed SO admiringly at her! The duchess
introduced Mrs. Carew to Miss Lennox
and the artists face paled as she looked
ut the lovely girl in the flush of youth and
beauty.
Mrs. Carew began to arrange with the
duchess as to when she should begin her
sittings; but while she talked to her grace
she was looking the whole time Mt the
lovely patrician face of prince Charles
daughter. Then, when all the arrange
ments were made, Mrs. Carew said laugh
ingiy:
Now that our business is concluded
will your grace allow me to show you
some very beautiful sketches| The
duchess gave glad consent. Miss Len
uox, you will be pleased with these,
think" added Mrs. Carew.
She seemed to listen with some interes,
H. ,nAn Il
at her as she spoke. She watched hel
keenIy as she placed the sketches before
her. Some were landscapes, others fig
urs.
This is pretty" said Mrs. Carew-"a
little summer idyl; it is called The Low
ers' Quarrel
"My dear Mrs. Carew," said the duch
ess. zone of Miss Lennox's peeuliarities
is that anything relating to love and low
ers annoys and vexes her."
Such a strange light passed over the
benutiful face of the artist-a strange
light that seemed to flash from her eyes
into the dark beautiful ones raised tc
hers.
ais that SOP she said. $50 young and
so capable of winning love, do you moi
believe in it?'
81 do not believe in what the people
see call love, Mrs. Carew. l cannot say
what l should think IL met with rea
love-"
aAh," said the artist, quietly, Il under
stand!'
ut Is more than l do," declared the
duchess; and then the door opened, and q
gentleman entered the room.
CHAPTER XII.