Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1906-06-22

tractable. would marry her to-day AM
defy the world"
He heard her piiiml story-the old
story OF pretty and yoluptuous young
italian girl, debonair man OF the
world-and child without a name.
VINO the handsome stranger WA
who flashed across her orbit for a brief
moment and then passed on. she Tad
no sort OF conception. except that ho
was a gentleman. and that mis- dali
lance by the wayslde with her was a
instinct concession on his part. ana a
cause for pride on hers.
Here was the proper combination.
Inc girl gave promise OF all her moth
ers Latin beauty-and Il was fair 20
assume she inherited some OF the good
blood OF the father.
a bargain was quickly struck, and
Tor comparatively small sum-but
one which exceeded the mothers Wild
est dream OF avarice-little Anita be-
came the ward OF Beattie. Al once
ne removed her from the asylum and
placed her In most competent hands.
Inc hnest schools. the most exclusive
surroundings. the most expensive
ciotnes-money without stint. music.
art travel. literature. bright eompan-
ions. all were hers.
And ever was instllled into her ear
that she was growing up 10 be the
bride Of the great and rich Mr. VIII
liam Beattie He made no mistake.
Tie saw her but seldom. and always
nj his best. He lavlshed nice things
upon her. He surrounded her with
clever people. who sung his praises
and filled her with wonder that 40 rare
web Of fate should have ben spun
by the gods for any girl.
Finally after school days were over
and the trip abroad had been made.
she was brought 70 him like a rlpc
peach FOR the eating. And never nat
he seen 10 tempting a sight His cup
OF happiness was oyerfowing
lie had been very careful that Anita
had met no other men That had been
the one relentless and uncompromising
rule OF her educational days. Now
he proposed 10 clinch matters before
any unioward incident could occur.
tie had his little talk with her. and she
acquiesced 10 his programme with a
slight blush on her perfect olive cheek.
OUT with no strong tumult In her
breast She had known all about IL
Tor years. She was not az all opposed
10 the programme. In fact. she liked
u immensely But there was no pas
sion In the oquatlon-on her mart
FIRST and foremost there was 10
be great betroihal reception. Al
which Anita was 10 be presented 10
society as the future Mrs. William
Beaiiie The wedding was 10 follow
almost Immediately. Beattie proposed
10 take no chances.
But fate has strange and unaccouat-
iole freaks. There drifted into that
Deirothal reception one Richard Lom-
bard. a young mining engineer. only
Two years out Of college. and those
wo years spent in hard work in Mex-
60 great. towering. splendid fell |
ON was Lombard. with the birth and |
breeding OF a gentleman. and a mag
ietic presence-possessed OF that some.
hings which attracts women every
where. His two years OF outdoor lifs
lad bronzed his skin and given him
hat touch OF magnificent masculinity
which nothing but the Eand-to-haEd
oniiict with nature can give.
The moment his blue eyes met the
lack orbs Of Anita both knew that
was happening within them.
here was opportunity for but few
'ords. but the eyes spoke the only
inguage worth listening 20. and when
lie In the evening Lombard came and
nered his arm tor a breath OF fresh
ir on the veranda she took n as I
natter Of course. her heart humping
% hard as 10 make her afraid IL
'ould be heard
What happened on the veranda. or
n the m0on-lit lawn. nobody knows.
My this + known: on the following
Forming William Beattie found a note
b his breakfast table. Il read:
Mr. Beattie: I thank you for all
our kindness and your devotion. bur
have life to live as well as YOU.
Then YOU receive this I will be the
lie of Richard Lombard and sOo
lies away would rather be mis-
iie FOR one day and live m a tent
lih him. than to be mistress OF your
ansion and your millions for a hun
red years. Girls may be won. but
30 bought Forgive and forget me
nitl"