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

CHAPTER XVIII.
Reatrix had risen with a light heart.
She was sure to see Mr.. Carew. she said
to herself, in the course of the day. He
had not been able to say much to her on
the previous evening at the opera; but he
had revealed great deal. She had right
lv read In his face that he had much to
saw: he would be sure to call when tho
JOYOUS world was in full activity. He
would call on some pretext or other, and,
il he did not, she should see him in the
evening.
Patience" she said to herself towards
afternoon, ''the longest day must come to
an end" She stood by a cage full of
beautiful tropical birds, admiring the
brilliant plun.age of its inhabitants, when
letter was brought in to her. The hand
writing was quite new to her. When she
saw that it was a closely written letter.
she looked at the Observation-Disclosures Ca
rev."
Her face flushed when she read the
name. She rut the letter hurriedly into
her pocket. 1t could not be read before
Lady Lennox, or any one else; she must
read it alone. With her heart beating
fast for joy, and her face burning with a
hot flush, she FASTENED to her own room.
Her fingers trembled as she held the sheet
of note paper. The letter began:
"My Dear Miss Lennox: You are always
so frankly kind to me that l am unable
to apologize as / should for troubling you
with letter. l cannot leave England
without thanking you for all the pleasant
hours we have spent together, for all your
kindness to me, and for your patience.
am leaving for Athens tomorrow, and re-
gret that shall not have the pleasure Of
seeing you before 1 go. l shall hope for
your good wishes on my journey; you
have mine."
So far it was all very sensible. Bel
tran had exhibited more than usual self
control, although he was seldom deficient
in that trying virtue; but the next line
almost spoiled all. 1t said:
"Alas for the poor moth that singes its
wings By drawing too near the flame! l
hope, when l return to England, to find
you as well and happy as l leave you.
Pray give a thought sometimes to your
true friend, BELTRAN CAREW."
Beatrix's face grew deadly pale a. she
read; her hands trembled, dark mist
came before her eyes. She sat quite mo-
tionless, like one who by a sudden thrust
has received a death wound. The min
utes became hours, and she still sat there,
numbed, para,yzed, by the sudden blow.
Then she reused herself. Why should
she feel it so keenly? Why should it make
the world 70 terribly, so suddenly dark to
her? Beltran Carew had gone away;
there would be a void in very pleasant
circle; she should miss a most pleasant
companion--that was all. What did the
terrible rain mean that was soaring her
heart and brain as with red-hot irons
Why had she been sitting there stunned
and silent? Why did she suffer such hor-
rible pain?
The dressing bell was ringing. Fine
trembled, and the room seemed to whirl
round her. Then her maid entered with
a message from her mother, and the girl
looked half frightened at the CHASTITY face
Of her young mistress.
'You look very i'll, Miss Lennox," she
said, quietly. "Can I get anything fol
your"
do l look ill.," asked Beatrix. why
should /? / am quite WELL"
| She went to her mirror, still with the
same dazeI sense and feeling. She looked
| into the glass and almost failed to recog
| nize herself. The face at which she gazed
| was CHASTITY white, the lips were pale and
| trembling.
II do look ILL.," she said, slowly: but 1
am quite WE'LL have no pain. will
iress now, Lisette," and the maid did not
venture to make any further remark.
There was nothing wrong with her
only Beltran Carew was gone away, and
Beatrix did not know whether she should
EVER see his face again. The world was
all darkened, life was all changed; the
new well-spring of happiness had dried
up, tho light was gone from everything.
1t was settled at last. Beatrix had for
tome time seemed very unwell; she had
rrown pale. the lovely tints Of the richly
,olored face had faded. Her mother had
grown anxious about her. 'The season
y over now-why not return to Ercel
ieanT' she said; and Peter Lennox
alarmed on account of his treasured dar
ing, FASTENED their departure. Beatri,
was anxious only about one thing. and
that was to leave London without any
scene with the duke. He felt sure now
Of his ultimate triumph, and believed tina
he was acting wisely in keeping silent
She was timid and coy; he thought .h'
would leave her for a few months II
peace. He would not even 60 to Excel
dean after her. . He would content him
Iself by sending her some pretty reminde
from time to time, and then, vhen the,
met IN London during the following sea
spn. he should find her willing fer th
/ - - <.vxo1n 49,