Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1903-11-06
CHAPTER LII.

y
YES" responded Victor, quite COM
rosedly, for he saw at once that there
were breakers ahead and he determined
upon bold move. 81 was excused to-
day and fastened to see Beatrice to ex-
aend an invitation to attend a reception
Shis evening at uncles residence"
Thanks! l have already declined.
Miss Abenson received an invitation,
zoo, but it does not suit me-"
Beatrice was chagrined; the prospect
Of spending the evening with Victor had
Been very pleasant.
"Oh, papa, you will let me go, won't
3ou2" she pleaded.
mo, you will remain here" he an
swered, roughly. mr.. Raymond" con-
ainued the banker, sternly, II ask that
Jon do not address my ward by her
christian name. 1t sounds too intimate
especially from strangers"
"Why, papa" interrupted the girl,
"Victor is no stranger; we have known
each other since childhood, and my moth
qr regarded him almost as her son. l
cannot call him a stranger"
''Are you master in this house or am
T2' inquired Marsden, severely. "Do
you claim to decide as to who shall enter
as friend or Stranger?
HNot quite; but have the same right
IN choosing my friends that you have,
even if I do not have a mansion in which
10 receive them; but in case 1 were pos
sessed of one, it is not necessary for me
to say that Mr.. Raymond would receive
hearty welcome" and her eyes met
Victor's hopefully.
Beatrice, it is time you spoke more
sprndently. Neither you nor Mr.. Ray
mond are children, so do not express
Jour mutual feelings so plainly-it Is
contrary to custom and usage"
Papa" interrupted Beatrice, chang
ing the subject, will you please return
my letter? You are well aware that 1t
was addressed to me by Mr.. Raymond"
For a moment their eyes met; iend-
sh hatred was visible in Marsden's un-
easy pupils, while quiet determination
dashed from Beatrice's large, dark orbs.
Il have burned the trash," averred the
Banker. eff there was a mistake it Is
roo late to correct it now. AS we have
touched this subject, and as Mr.. Ray
Emond, by his silence, has confessed to
having sent the letter without my con-
sent, / wish you to distinctly understand,
young man, that Miss Albenson is legal
Ry-mark it, legally-ny ward, and that
I forbid this correspondence as we'll as
] reaounce the pleasure of seeing you
Aere again."
Mr. Marsden, l am sorry to have
aroused your anger. Alas! l have only
an unblemished name to offer, but my
,Joye for Miss Albenson will remain hon
est, steadfast and Interchangeable to the
end. OF course, 1 cannot and will not
act against your decision, but l hope to
gain your kind favor in time, and l only
take the liberty of admonishing you not
TO transfer your feelings beyond the pres
snt time and place. Neither of our in
serests would be benefited by publicity
af this affair"
AS the banker earnestly desired to
conceal his wards attachment from the
ears of the count, he readily consented
and addressed Victor with more cour-
aesy.
IAN right, sir, the matter shall rest
here. You will keep your situation at
ahe bank, but, of course, you understand
/ will not tolerate your presence here.
Beatrice will make a good marriage
and"
Papa, what do you mean by a good
marriage? l have always thought true
1ove was the main requisite"
Nonsense! Only a school girls idea.
In FIVE years you will thank me for hav-
ing seen to your future
81 will always try to follow your ad-
vice when l can conscientiously do so"
answered Beatrice, land when it does
aot conflict with my own and the happi-
ness of others. 1 have made my decis-
son, and nothing can force me to accept
any other man for q husband than Mr..
Victor Raymond"
Victor at once intended to take his
departure, knowing his presence was not
desired by the banker. Each gazed at
She other for few moments, and then
Raymond quilted the room with a court
~ bow
Every morning after breakfast Bea-
srice cheerfully accompanied her step
father--who was greatly surprised-to
Abe hall, helped him to get on his over
@oat, and took pains to place the collar
IN correct position.
The same courtesy was bestowed upon
Aim by Victor Raymond. AS soon as
Marsden entered the bank, Victor would
assist in taking off the formers coat and
then place it in the ante-room, where he
would abstract the secreted letter from
the tiny pocket. Then he would return
70 his desk Similar tactics were gone
saally, after a time, aroused the atten-
ton of one of the clerks who began to
tax Victor with it.
When the banker came home, his ward
would receive him with such respect as
ne had never known before. Though
St,zzIed, he felt tlattered over Beatrice's
courtesy. Had he seen the girl as she
Ysn upstairs with the coveted piece of
paper: close the door to her room and
lsover the letter with a hundred kisses;
1hen press it close to her wildly beating
heart, he would soon have found the key
30 the mysterious change in her deport
Nent
Meanwhile Marsden, who was we'll
satisfied with their mutual obedience
Mr. frorn Dire aninc of their rnoetin Is