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

ments for dinner party to his niece, and
prince Charles" daughter had not act
ed with her usual transparent candor.
write out a list, Trixie," her uncle had
said. you know who should meet those
learned men far better than l do" and
Beatrix made out list which included
Lady Rayner and excluded the Duke OF
Heathland.
Mr.. Lennox had not noticed the omis-
sion, nor did he think Of his grace of
Heathland until the morning of the din
ner party, and then it was too late to rec
tify the oversight.
"Why, Beatrix," he said, with face
of dismay; ''wc have not asked the dukev'
mo, uncle. we have not" she acknowl-
edged.
But why did you forget, Beatrix p he
asked, somewhat surprised. II intrusted
all TO YOU"
II did net forget the duke, uncle; but
thought that for once we might really
90 without him."
Peter Lennox looked at his niece-he
could not understand her.
Il should have thought that seeing him
here would have been a great pleasure b
you," he said; but then / never did COM
prchcnd or understand women, and new
or shall"
81 cm not a woman, uncle" she re-
joined; Il am girl"
Miss Lcnnox went early into the draw
ing room. She wanted to be there before
any of the guests arrived. She felt ap
unaccountable shyness at tho thought Of
meeting Beltran, again. She longed and
foo r<>I a. ba INN fiant
for his coming, and yet wished to run
away when he did come. She hoped he
would never talk to her in that strange
way again, yet she garnered each word in
her heart. She sat looking at some pho
tographs and talking to Lady Lennox.
yet all the time was listening intently fof
his footstep. She would have detected il
amongst n thousand.
Presently his name was announced, and
the proud face of prince Charles"
daughter burned with deepest crimson;
then she grew deadly pale, so pale that
she was fain to hide it for few moments
over the photographs, until she fancied il
had regained its natural color. Very
quickly, however, she rose with her usual
proud, careless grace, with the harmoni-
Gus movement peculiar to her, and 70
turned his greeting. She raised her fair
face to his, but the dark eyes were drop
ped, and did not meet his own. During
the evening Beltran was very attentive
to Lady Lennox, who had sincere liking
for him.
Fortune favored him-he took Beatrix
down to dinner; and if any one had given
his attention to them, he would have seen
- =
to Beatrix and Beltran Carew.
The scientific gentlemen had to leave
carly-they were due ut conversations
ut some hall-and several other gentle,
men, Peter Lennox included, left with
them. Lady Rayner had to be present al
ball given by one of her husbands rela-
tives. The party dwindled until Beltran
remained alone with Lady Lennox and
Beatrix. Lady Lennox looked fatigued.
'You arc tired, mamma" laughed Bea-
trix. 'eIt Is of no use looking amiable,
and saving that you are not tired. Those
scientific friends of Uncle Peters have
kent your mind on the stretch for hours.
You have entertained them well, and you
shall rest"
In her caressing, loving fashion she
made her mother lie down upon couch.
She ordered a cup Of tea for her, and
found her an amusing book.
my DEAR" said the gentle lady, "you
make me quite ashamed. What will Mr..
Carew thinkT"
"Neve- mind Mr.. Carew, mamma"
laughed Beatrix. "He makes quite al
much fu.s with his own mother"
II was a pleasant home-scene-the pla-
cid lady on the couch, her affectionats
daughter anxiously solicitous for her com
fort: thn handsome man, so tenderly at
tentive; the room all golden in the light
Of the pearly lamps. Beltran read fol
them for some minutes, and then Beatriz
looked I'D at him with her finger on heI
lips.
..Mammo is asleep" she whispered. She
drew the lace shawl round her face and
head. ~ ned not excuse her to you,
knowing that you love your own mother
So we'll. My dear mother Is not very
strong: she needs much care. She haa
had great sorrow in her life."
They sat quite silent for some few
minutes-perhaps the same thought was
fitting through the mind of both, that II
was n home scene. Then Beatrix looked
up Mt him.
This is dull for you," she said.
Lady Lennox stirred, and Beatrix held
up her finger in warning.
IF we must talk" she whispered. I'VE
must leave mamma. Come out on the bal
cony and watch the moon rise"
She took up rose-colored scarf OF
Lady Lcnnox's and wrapped it round heI
shoulders; and then, drawing aside tic
white lace hangings, they went cit on 8
thc halcovv tnoether