The Banner-Democrat., 1900-06-30
CHAPTER XXI.

Peter LennOX sat IN us stuuy' D
,ast was over; his letters were answered.
his business affairs finished. He sat mus
ng with great delight on the wedoihg
hat was never to be. He had wondered
, little, for, when breakfast was over
Beatrix had laid her hands on MS snoui-
Ter and said, with a charming smile:
"Uncle, il some one comes to see you
his morning, and has something 10 say
about me, you will be very kind, VIII you
aot"
He had not the remotest idea OF ner
meaning; he fancied that she must oe
speaking Of jeweler or milhner.
what am to say, Trixie?' he asked.
| "You must say Yes Bear thst IN
mind. All the time that my friend is
talking to you say to yourself over and
,ver again, L have to say Yes.
Peter Lennox laughed.
you're a terrible coax, Trixfe, ne re-
Nied. 1--WE shall see what the Yes IN
solyes." and he went to his study, won
iering what she could mean. Ihere ne
employed himself busily.
He was about to leave the room to go
Tor his mornings walk, when Beltran "a
-ew was announced. He asked him to sit
DOWN. and expressed how gratified he
was to see him and they talked for some
minutes on matters in general; then BEL
tran said:
II am come on a very important errand'
Mr.. Lennox."
In a moment it occurred to Peter Len
oox that this was Beatrix's friend" and
hat he had to say Yes" He looked uT
in dismay. What could Beltran Carew
have to say about his niece? He listened
lntently.
.. 81 hope you will not think me pre-
yumptuous. / only wish that were kini
If a great kingdom that l might Prov
, TO you the disinterestedness of my affec
: ton. I love Miss Lennox-I cannot tel
you how deeply and dearly. l ask you
! permission to make her my wife"
: At first he listened In blank dismay, AM
/ then his face grew pale with anger.
! II distinctly refuse my permission, sir,
he answered. my niece must marry tn
Duke Of Heathland."
But" said Beltran, "your niece doe
not love the duke, sir. She loves me-"
at IL not a question of sentiment,
declared Peter Lennox. Love is a to
for boys and girls; my niece must MARI
Tor the welfare Of her house, for the prof
oerity and well-being Of her race. Sh
j. must marry as the ladies of her hou'
= have done before her-and in that cai
= she cannot marry you.
"Nfiss Lennox loves me, sir" he salt
= md. despite his anger, Peter Lennox
. heart warmed to him, he looked SO ham
,r some.
q at IL a girls fancy" rejoined Pet
--i,,ax, sfh 4 will d;n boforo ato]
ie realities"
IT think not" said Beltran. miss LIE
y aox is not girl who is easily influence
Is She is frm-a true Lennox, sir. l no
;ou will not harden your heart again
N ns. l know that l am what the wor
would call poor match; but love her
a. ,early. sir-I do, indeed-I would give
rery life for her. She is the heart OF Z
n heart. life of my life, soul of my sou
30 His Inns ouivered, and a mist Of tears ro
ck n his blue eyes. Il will work hard
,or air" he went on-"I will surrou
>" ,er with luxuries-indeed, she shall m
a aothing that she has had here
Is Peter Lennox rose from his chair n
,oked at him grayeir.
= ~ am very sorry" he said, "that II {
rot be-that cannot consent. You pl'
we'll. but you plead in vain. You can
marry my niece. 1 refuse most distinc
T decline to listen to your proposition.
lite you; personally have not the lie
o,,;ection to you. You are noble-hear
man If / had two nieces, would
Won one. As / have but one. she m
marry for the benefit Of the race
springs FROM" -,
sir" said Beltran.
aIt is of very little moment whether
docs or not; she will have to marry
have stated. Go home, sir, and fo
her. I like you, and will be your frl