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

.-InanK neavet, we are at home once
norer' cried Beatrix, as she stood with
der mother on the lawn at Erceldean.
@How sweet and fresh and fair every
thing is! And oh, mamma, what a de-
hghtful refection-no lovers, no never
ending annoyance upon the topic of love!
II there il one word that tries me more
than another, it is that. / am quite sure
that people make love in London to FL up
their spare time. There is so little real
so little real work; men San
not be quite idle, SO they make love for
pastime."
Then there came a great peaceful calm.
Peter Lennox would not have any visit
ors during the first few weeks; he said
Beatrix needed rest, and rest she should
have. A beautiful calm took the place of
all the artificial enjoyments which had
before seemed so bright.
Thus passed the autumn and winter.
She heard nothing Of Beltran Ca-ew and
the duke, too, kept his resolutions; he
wrote ut intervals, but he did not men
ton love OF marriage. So the spring came
round again and new life appeared IN the
great spreading trees. Then began a new
stir in the world of fashion. 1t was to be
O brilliant season-everyone was agreed
as to that. The lines were in blossom
when Peter Lennox and the ladies Of his
household babe adieu to Erceldean and
departed for town.
One of the first visitors was the Duke Of
who was becoming some what
restless. He had been patient long enough,
he said to himself; now Miss Lennox must
listen to reason; and he planned that his
wedding should be the GROWING event
of the season. He waited upon Peter Len
nox first, at an hour when he knew the
ladies would be from home, and he over
whelmed the millionaire by the nagnif-
cence of his offers as to settlements. The
settlements he offered to make upon Bea-
trix were princely in their generosity.
On that evening there was a state ball
and Beatrix was going with the Duchess
of Elmslie. Peter Lennox was greatly
delighted when he saw the royal invita-
ton. He did not look upon it as printed
form common to all the invited. 1t SEEM
ed to him special recognition Of the SER
vices that the royal race Of Lennox had
once upon a time rendered to the State.
Lady Ailsa was quite unable to attend. 20
it was arranged that Beatrix should SO
with the duchess.
It was q memorable evening for the
young girl. Her wonderful beauty drew
special attention to her. More than once
she was congratulated upon what the
speakers chose to term ''the happy event. "
The Duchess of Elmslie was exceptionally
excited.
"My dear Beatrix," she said, every
one is talking about you"
"Yes," replied Beatrix, "but do not
quite understand"
1T Is about your marriage with the
duke" said her grace quickly. All Lon
don is talking about 1t. You are certainly
a most fortunate girl"
The beautiful face flushed hotly.
1T seems strange" she remarked, that
ell London, should be talking about a
thing that concerns me, yet Is news to
me-"
Nov, Beatrix," returned her grace, in
q tone Of calm reno nstrance, 1T cannot
be news to you tlat you are going to
marry one of the tiuest lovers girl has
ever had. Your approaching marriage
with the duke was announced in the Court
Journal this mornirs"
The duchess started in dismay. The
girls eyes seemed to flash fine % abe
turned quickly to her.
''Who dared to do that?" she asked.
1.-THE publiN / should imagine" was hel
grace's calm reply. TT is not news to
any one except yourself: and, Beatrix,
my dear, unless you wish to brand your
self before all England, you cannot recede
now-you must marry the duke
'But it is a mistake" she cried-"and
such mistaken
"Most people would call the error very
fortunate one. But / will say no more
upon the matter-I leave 1t to others,
said the duchess wisely. And not another
word could Beatrix extort from her.
The little paragraph in the Court Jour
nal had been copied and recopied. One OF
the first to see 1t was Beltran Carew
who had just returned from Athens.
His mother folded the paper and placed
1t on the table go that he could not avoid
seeing 1t, and then with kindly considera
ton left him to read it alone. She wen'
back In half an hour and found him witt
his head bent over the paper and his face
hidden. She was almost shocked at the
terrible change in his face when he raised
It to hers. He laughed low, bitter laugh
that made her heart ache as she listened
THAT shows me, mother, how l hav,
deceived myself" he said. II thought
had schooled myself even to meet her an(
not care. Why, / find that l have beer
living upon love-and here Is my dealt
warrant. 1t was the duke she cared for
after all"
Perhaps" said Mrs. Carew, coolly.
at is certain. You have read this
You see what the oaper says, motherw
II have seen some very glazing I'M
truths even in the most veracious jour
nails" she said; and then looking at him
she asked: do you love Miss Lennox 81
very dearly, my boy?
81 love her SO well, mother. that the lif
almost dies within me when think Of he
as belonging to another. l love her 8
well that wheE she marries that man
shall go to Africa and never come back
l cannot live without her."
The handsome face was covered wit
his hands, and he sat silent. Mrs. Carey
looked Mt HIM for few minutes.
"Beltran,n she said. "sitting there wit
white face and lack-luster eyes win no
help you. have a suggestion to make
Go and see Miss Lennox and ask her
the announcement is true. II she say
Yes you must do the best you can wit
your life; 4 she says No. win her. Ate
all. what is little gold or long pedigre
compared to the true, real, pure love
such heart as yours? Go and lear
sour fate from her own lips, Beltran, an
abide by that fate, let it be what it may.
II WILL" he replied; and in her sweetea
| voice Mrs. Carew responded:
Heaven speed you, my son.
She stood musing for short time ate
he had Quilted the room-musing, with
strange expression on her face-and the
to herself she said, at was strange fat
that brought this about, but foresee tn
| end"
CTo be continued)
| Humoriat or Dullard?