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

Mrs. Carew had many long fits OF mus
ing after that conversation. She saw
that her son loved his beautiful fiancee
80 dearly that he would wear his life
away in trying to surround her with lux
uries. She thought of it by day and by
night Her work was at a standstill;
her whole time was spent in thinking. The
result was q note addressed to her son.
1t ran:
"Mv Dear Beltran-I must go to Strath-
narn: and it will save trouble il you will
go with me. Make arrangements for the
tourney, and let me see you this evening.
The establishment Of Beltran Carew
when he read his mothers note was equal.
cd only by his surprise at what he heard
when he reached Strathnarn. He went
at once to his mother, and his first ques-
| ton was:
"Why are you going to Strathnarn,
mother? What can you possibly want
| there?"
my dear Beltran, have story to tell;
| and. as do not care to tell 1t twice over,
you shall hear it there"
| Nor could he win one word more from
her. They started the next day, and dur
| ing the whole journey he thought his
tmother strangely unlike herself. She
laughed and cried. She was In the wild
| est of spirits, and then was filled with
| sudden gloom. In the same breath she
described herself as happy and miserable
They reached Strathnarn in the duh
| twilight of dull spring day. Mrs. CareW
looked around with sympathizing eyes.
.How terribly dull it is here" she said
SIS it possible that Miss Lennox has beer
shut up in this place? Why, Beltran,
is a ruin, not a house."
Margaret Macpherson opened the door
and looked up in surprise on seeing MI
Carew and lady. :.
Fright glad l am to see you, sir, san
the old servant, "for the ladies are blu
dull: they do not expect you, though, an
Lady Lennox is ailing. l will fetch MIS-
Lennox, for my lady must not be take
by surprise"
.That will be best" remarked Mrs. va
row. and in another moment Beatri1
looking lovelier than ever, stood befor
them.
She uttered no cry, but her face gre
deadly male when she saw Beltran an
his mother. He kissed the pale face unit
.. the color returned in burning flush; an
Then Mrs. Carew kissed her. Beatrix lool
ed from one to the other.
"There is nothing wrong, know" ST
said. "or you would not laugh; but WI
come to this miserable place, where
: one can be properly received!
E 1--WE are here" replied Mrs. Care'
because have a story to tell you.
> "a story?" repeated Beatrix, wonoe
ingly.
sYes, a story-one that you do
u dream of or suspect-a story that co
Germs both you and Beltran, though 1t
but another record of the instability
q women and the stupidity Of men,.
y "Beltran is not stupid" laughed BE
1t trix: "you may say what you like abo
L other men, but you must make him I
exception"
Is "Of course" said Mrs. Carew. "A
u now, Beatrix, if your mother is weak a
le unwell, will you prepare her to see U
We shall not remain long; so do not q
ie tress yourself by thinking of our emu
,e tainment. have ordered the carriage
return in three hours; then we depart.
III There was an air Of natural comma
q. about Mrs. Carew which no one e'
Up thoupbt of resisting. Beatrix went
lg re her mother to receive their Wis
e. ors. Lady Ailsa chung to her daughte
hand.
a us there anything wrong, TrixieT'
asked. 1T seems so strange, my dc
ne Can your uncle be i'll, do you Think!
IL 81 do not think so, mamma. feel Il
OF there is some good fortune in store for
ISL Mrs. Carew looked as though there wa
Then Mrs. Carew entered the room. !
nd went up briskly to Lady Ailsa and kis
ce- bar as she Law on the couch.