The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1901-03-23


had ever addressed his life's one idol,
demanded her compliance with his
stern decision.
All this had happened two months be-
fore this fair June night, when the
story opens. Randolph Chester was W o
months older, and ne ear his goal
but, in justice, it must be added, no
whit more discouraged as to his ulti-
mate success.
"Grey Oaks never looked lovelier
than this summer" he said, after a
short pause. do you purpose filing
the old house with your gay friends.
Beatrice?" he asked, turning to his fair.
moved.
IF I had my way, papa and I woulo
reign here in unbroken Solitude" she
replied.
THAT would scarcely be allowed last
seasons acknowledged beiie," he retort-
ed, ~courteously. Besides, Grey Oaks
OWE reputation for hospitality could not
be so misnamed."
Without replying, the girl arose i'm
patiently from her seat. Stopping an
instant beside her fathers chair, she
bent and laid her lips caressingly on his
white hair.
"You will find. me on the piazza, pa
pa, she whispered, and passed out
through one Of the French windows,
leaving the two men alone.
IT took your advice to-day, Ran
dolph,". said the older man. II dis
missed Talbot from my service. 1t hurt
me to do it, too, for he has served me
faithfully, SO far Is my business inter-
ests were concerned: but, after all, it
a light punishment for his presump-
ton. I offered him an amount over and
above his due, which would have rep
resented his next years salary, but he
refused It, and bore himself with a dig
nifty which I could not but admire.
He is a good actor, Cousin Donald;
but I thought you had learned to see
through his devices" *
The old man sighed. He had been
fond of the boy of whom he spoke, and.
that mornings interview had touched
a tender chord and wakened sleeping
memories.
Meanwhile, allured by the moonlight
on the lawn, Beatrice was slowly saun-
tering under the shadow Of the oaks.
when some n stepped from behind
the sheltering trunk Of one of them.
and spoke her name.
A slight scream rose to her lips, but
quickly she depressed it, as she recog-
nized in the intruder the nan who in
that instant filled her thoughts.
Bertrand" she exclaimed; what i'm
prudence! Why have you come here?"
"Why, my darling? The question
would sound less strangely uttered by
any other than yourself. What could
have brought me, ave the hope Of see
ing you?"
AS he spoke. he threw his arm about
her delicate waist, and drew her to his
heart. One moment she leaned there,
and then gently released herself.
''This must not be, Bertram," she
said, firmly. ''There is no wrong. no
deception in our love for each other.
We must not let 1t creep in. Remem-
Der papa's love and devotion to Inc.
But for Randolph Chester's influence
he would long since have acceded to
my prayer. for your happiness and
mine. AS 1t Is, we must be patient. It
will take a long time to convince him
that all my heart is yours; but. n
convinced, our sky will be all blue
again.
"Ah, Beatrice, you speak hopefully"
answered the young pan, sadly, his
voice trembling with feeling. ''It is
possible you do not know that I was
to-day dismissed from your fathers
service-dismissed, Beatrice, as though
I had entered it but yesterday"
"Ah, this is shameful" cried the girl,
passionate indignation ringing in her
tone. What can papa been dreaming
Off"
'.But do not blame him, Beatrice. I
noticed that he was strangely silent to-
night. I am sure he already regrets an
act Of such bitter injustice"
LET me go to him! Come with me
now. We will confront him. and I will
ask him II thus he makes my happi-
ness!"
"No-no: it would only anger him.
Besides. I cannot be a suppliant, even
for your sake. No, Beatrice, I have
determined on my course Of action; 1t is
for this I sought you here tonight.
Otherwise, my pride, like yours. would
have rebelled against a secret meeting.
But I had to look nj more into your
eyes, my love. I came not to ask your
welcome, Beatrice, but your farewell"
FAREWELL" echoed the girl, in q low
whisper. you r going to leave me.
Bertrand"
mot for long, I trust. But we are
both young, Beatrice, and I must wipe
from myself the stain Of fortune-hunt-
ing. oh, how the name burnt as 1t fell
from your fathers lips! A year ago.
Beatrice, I fancied he smiled upon our
Why. did he throw us to:
gether IL but to visit us with his after
wrath?"
''Eave you forgotten the serpent in
our Eden? We had not then admitted
him. Cousin Randolph was abroad.
He It is. not papa, that has done all
this"
"But his motive, Beatrice? What
be?n
a hot flush kndled the beautiful
cheek.
81 hate to whisper. 1t, Bertram. But
pretends to love me. Don't,
dear!"-for the young mar had made
involuntary gesture Of anger and. de-
fiance. I'm his heart I believe he hates
me. But do you not:see. Bertram? It
is he to whom the term fortune-hunter
belongs. Wait, Bertram: give me time,
and I will win papa YET"
She leaned her head upon her lovers
49, nn atunnnS nuH %nnnnanA shlo Ylra1