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

CHAPTER XVII.
Beltran saw Beatfix at the opera the
next evening, where she sat with the
Duchess of Elmslie in that hdy's box.
But the presence Of the Duke Of Heath
land, who was also there, prevented any
tender intimacies.
On the following evening enc Of Bel
trans professional acquaintauces-a per-
severing, stolid young barrister OF the
Temple--sa to him:
II saw you at the opera last night;
that was the beautiful Miss ,.ennox you
were with. I saw the Duke of Heath
land, too. Are you taken captive, Bel
tramp
81 have the greatest admiration for
Miss I.ennox," he replied, haughtily.
take my advice and let it be nothing
more than admiration" said the other.
Il was afraid it had gone further than
that; and with the golden prospect Of
success that lies before you there could
be no greater evil for you, my dear boy,
than an unhappy love-"
saThere is no thought about love-" de-
clared Beltran, haughtily. Even if there
were. do not see why it must be un-
happy"
But l do" opposed his friend. Miss
Iennox is heiress of Erceldean; she is the
niece and heiress of a millionaire. You
have nothing but what you earn by your
own industry. There Is no similarity be-
tween such lots. The world will say
strange things Of you if you appear as the
admirer CT a great heiress."
in, hio ofono
that night. He had never thought so long
or so seriously in his life before. The
few careless words that his fellow bar
rister had spoken had pierced his Utmost
heart. For the first time he realized the
difference in the social position of Miss
Lennox and himself, and saw plainly
what the world would think of him-how
the world would judge and calumniate
him. She was the heiress of million
aire. he was a barrister struggling at the
commencement Of his career.
II wish l could make her princess or
a duchess" he said. For the first time
in my life 1 envy the rich man his title
and his wealth. would fain be a prince
L would fain have a dukedom."
Then he thought to himself that, after
all, the grandest honors, noblest titles,
were those a man won for himself. All,
II he could but win them!
$50 1 can," he unused, and he stretched
out his strong hands as he threw the
hair back from his brow-"I have the
strength and the energy; but then l could
not ask her to spend the best years of her
sweet life waiting for me. 1t would not
be fair, it would not be just cannot
do it."
There was only one thing for him to
do, but he decided upon going to see his
mother before he did it.
The right seemed long; he could not
sleep; and the beautiful, haunting face
was never away from his mind. When 1t
was time, he rose gladly and went direct
to his mothers house. Mrs. Carew was
still In her pretty breakfast room, drink
ing her fragrant tea from the daintiest
of cups. She looked up in wonder when
her son entered the room.
"Beltran," she cried, what has brought
you here, my dear, so early in the morn
hx7 What has happenedT
II am here only to speak. to you, moth
er," he said; and his mother glanced at
him in anxious alarm. The music, the
hope, and the youth seemed to have died
out of his voice.
How i'll you look, Beltran, my boy, my
darling! What is it? Have you beer
sitting up all night writing or studyingT
mo, mother; have been awake all
night thinking-and that is worse. l have
fallen In love, mother" he told her. The
words are simple and weak. Everyone
uses them, l suppose. They hardly tell Of
the Joy that Is almost torture, of the pleas
ure that il keenest pain"
II know it, my DEAR" she said, gently
.aThe great event of life has come to yor
that which makes or mars an existence
has happened-and you fear II"
Eyes, fear il, for the lady love is fal
above me. 1t seems to me that l may
Just as well stretch out my hands witt
longing to one of the stars as to her..
"Beltran," said his mother, in low
persuasive voice, will you tell me whit
this is? Your secret will be safe witt
me-"
II know that" he replied; but an
afraid you will think me so very foolish
| could not help it, though, on my honor.
IL am afraid I know already" said hi
| mother. 'It is Miss Lennox, Beltran.
His face flushed hotly, his lips quivere'
| N = vain attempt to speak carelessly
rhen. after q moments pause, he said:
"Yes, it is Miss Lennox. How did yo'
| guess it, mother?"
| II was afraid Of it from the first mo
nent you saw her." she replied, but
lid not Ike to warn you; it happens s.
! ,ften that a warning given in that wa,
brings about the very evil that persol
seeks to avoid. l am very sorry, Bel
lran."
.sThen you think II hopflessy he said
s4Onite hopeless, unless
/ sIJbless what, mother Ne asked.s
III Y1nlesss Miss Len1ek = very diferen