The Banner-Democrat., 1900-06-16

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the music of her voice was dangerous
"the gentleman who gave himself such
infinite trouble to save a poor girls lifeY
"Yes, helped to save her life," he an
swered.
never thinking how dangerous praise
might be from such lips. when / read
that story, ] said that ] should like to
see you and thank you. little dreamed
that l should soon be able to do So"
Il have my reward" he said, bending
before her, his heart beating high and
fast.
At this point Mrs. Carew called her
son to decide upon some designs for a
picture frame, and then Beatrix was able
to look at him. He seemed to her as
though every moment of his life were of
immense Importance to him, as though
every instant were filled up. The large
blue eyes were bright and intent; the face
was eager, earnest, ardent; the lips were
clear-cut and closed firmly-there was no
weakness, no vaciliation about them.
Presently Beltran crossed the room and
spoke to her about art and pictures, and
in a short time they were talking about
Strathnarn.
"You lived there all those years and saw
no one but the members Of your own
householdY" he said. "Why, Miss Len
nox, that must have made you a poet or
painter"
Il am afraid" she replied, "that it has
made me somewhat Of misanthrope."
II should not be surprised" he laughed.
k
other. I think If I had lived so long in
solitude should never have left it."
Il did not wish to do so," said Beatrix;
''it was n sad trouble to me. When l
first left Strathnarn and came to Lon
don," she said, my life was quite unen-
durable: but now i have grown accus-
toned to it, like it better than l ever
thought should. ! do not care for the
gayeties, the pleasures, but begin to like
the activity Of London life, the mental
excitement"
"Beatrix," interposed the duchess, Il
think we are trespassing on Mrs. Carew's
time"
II hope not" said Beatrix, rising quick
ly; and Mrs. Carew assured her that she
was at leisure for the remainder of that
morning.
The Duchess of Elmslie gave Mrs. Ca
rev and her son a very pressing invita-
ton to dine at Elmslie House, and they
accepted 1t.
81 intend having a grand charade party
or fancy ball." she said-'1 think fancy
ball would be best; and, Mr.. Carew, l
shall hope to have the great pleasure OF
your society. You must come in charac-
ter"
Il shall be very happy" he returned.
Mrs. Carew had been for some minutes
intently watching the face of the lovely
girl before her. She said:
Miss Lennox, should like to ask you
n favor"
II am quite sure that should equally
like to grant it," responded Beatrix.
"Will you let me paint your portrait!
1t would be labor of love-"
II hardly know how to answer you.
should not object. / must ask my uncle
and mamma"
"They will be willing-1 am sure they
could not refuse. 1 could make such an
exquisite picture IL you would stand for
the subject l should like to call it-what
should call it, BeltranT
The Lotus Lily" he replied; and
Mrs. Carew's face frightened.
You always find the right designa-
tion," she said. ''The Lotus Lily'-al-
ready it seems to me that you represent
the flower, Miss Lennox. You will ask
your relatives, and, if I see you at her
grace's, you will tell me if they consent.
Good morning. i am glad that L have
seen you, Miss Lennox."
Beatrix said good-by just as cordially.
Then Beitran came to her again.
Il shall look forward with great inter
est to our next meeting, Miss Lennox-I
have enjoyed my morning"
$50 have l." she said.
| Beatrix gave her mother and uncle
| most animated account of the interview
with the artist; but she refrained from
| telling them that she had mistaken Bel
tran Carew's photograph for fancy pho
tograph meant for King Arthur; nor did
she tell them how the clear, bright, blue
eyes had seemed to look into her very soul.
II want you to like Mr.. Carew, uncle,
she said: 'he is most intellectual"
! II will like him then, Trixie; / will ask
him to dine with us. l am glad you have
met some one whom you admire"
"He is mamie is a hero"
On that evening Beatrix went with
] Mrs. Garden, fashionable brunette, to
the opera. Looking round the house dur
ing one of the intervals, she saw n face
| that impressed her greatly. 1t was very
lovely, fair. and framed in shining golden
hair-a proud face, with wonderful scar
let lips and chiseled features. What i'm
pressed her so greatly was that the face
at different times wore quite different
| aspect. When anyone was in the box
talking to the owner of it, it was most
brilliant, most animated; but when she
was alone, a mask, almost like mask
of stone, came over 1.-THE ripple of laugh
ter died away, the warm, sunny coloring
fled, the light in the eyes faded, the whole
face changed. Beatrix watched 1t for
1 some time, and then appealed to Mrs.
| Garden for information.
"Who is the lovely blonde lady with
the blue velvet and diamonds, in the third
box ?" che asked.
| Mrs. Garden raised her opera glass and
looked.
"That is Lady Rayner," she replied,
zone of my dearest friends"
"How beautiful she is-but how sad!
Daid Beatrix.
"Sad? Some people are never content,
never would be content, il they had all the
world" declared Mrs. Garden, contemptu-
ously.
| "Is she not happy, not content?" asked
Beatrix.
"You say she looks sad. SO I imagine
she cannot be content, though why,
cannot understand"
"Is she married?" was the next Ques-
ton.
| Married! Yes. She married Lord Othe
Rayner, who was supposed to have
| very large income. She has the finest
diamonds in London; they are something
wonderful. And she drives the finest
horses in the park. If you like, l will in
troduce you to Lady Rayner."
l .hus,ld lika Il xerv much - renlied