The daily tribune., 1909-05-03
. How the
Dreams Faded

0utl6B, ana In n1f own room, Wlt6
locked door, was walking restlessly
mp and down.
He was the Uncle Berthe" whom
the children alternately adored and
tormented. He was the handsome
bachelor brother Of pretty Mrs. sar-
toris. come to preside over West
Lawn since Mr.. Sartoris' death. A
rich, masterful. elegant man. who had
fallen desperately in love with the
goverless, and had been accepted by
her "a hours before.
Beulah had locked herself In her
room, daring for the first time in those
"a hours-yes. for the first time since
Albert Alsager had shown his ardent
admiration. three months before-to
look matters straight In the face.
And she saw two undeniable facts In
that unshrinking. steadfast, stubborn
gaze. One that never again in all her
life would such wonderful good for
tune come to her as this that AL
sager had laid. with pleadings and
be rich. so influential. to lead such a
luxurious life, not one girl-one poor,
obscure girl-in 10000 would ever
have such chance.
But then that other fact-that when
Vernon had sailed. one year before.
he had taken her solemn promise.
When he returned. June 24-and to.
day 1t was June 20.
II she had been true to her own
heart, true to her womanhood, Al
sager's declaration would never have
left his lips; but 1t was enough that
she had not been true. and now she
was In place where there was to be
a terrible contest between ambition
and affection.
What should she do?
And. as II In answer, she heard her
name called from the lawn below, and
she saw Alsager standing In tho
shade.
Come dowr. Beulah. want you in
the library"
And her heart gave a prideful thrill
at the sight Of him. but not the
same fierce, passionate sensation that
always throbbed over her when Pierce
Vernon looked at her. Yes. she would
go down to him, tell him all about it.
My own darling! How l wanted
you, Beulah-how | wanted to have
you just where you are now, where
you belong!"
And when he pressed his kisses
warm and lingering on her lips, Beu-
lah tried to free herself
do l frighten you? | don't mean
to, DEAR" he said, tenderly. "Or don't
you love me?"
81 want to tell-you-something-
first," she said In littla .gasps OF
had come.
You may tell anything you like"
he said. except you don't love me.
think, however, / can guess. You
are afraid. maybe. you have not been
quite fair with that other one. Yer
non, think was his name"
He is coming tomorrow" she
whispered.
THAT will be a disappointment to
him." he said. "Beulah, how sorry |
feel for him! How sorry feel for
every other man who has not won
your love! l wonder II It is possible
for me to be Jealous OF Vernon? Beu.
lah. may l see him for you when he
| comes?"
Yes, tell him what you please" she
said. quickly. almost deiantly. after
that little, low-breathed, hesitating
yes. And must go now-I must go!'
Four o'clock Of the morrow!
Had Pierce come? Had he heard all
about It? Had he got the death blow
to his hopes and happiness?
| Then, Just in sight of West Lawn
gates, again she saw Alsager standing
on the clifI. the furious east wind
blowing the salt spray In his face. as
glass in hand, he stood watching wha,
appalled, her to see-a himsy little
boat, In which one man. all alone, wa.
trying to make the shore.
And then she saw the face Of the
man In the boat.
Save him, Save him, Don't ie
him perish. Mr.. Alsager. for Gods
sake, save him! He was coming tS
mel"
And in the shrek Of horror ant
yearning. the look in her face. in he
eyes. Alsager knew It was Pierce Yer
non she loved better than him
Go on" she cried. Don't you SEE
he is perishing? Pierce! Pierce!'
And she shouted out his name wildly
keep up your courage; help is com
ins!"
| She saw Alsager spring into the lit
tie boat. rocking In the surf; she saw
him push on. as II into the very jaw.
Of death. s
Only an hour later--that to Beulai
seemed an eternity-and then Mrs
Sartoris came to her. colder. stateliel
than ever.
My brother has revived, and al
danger is past, and he desires me I,
convey to you this message--that yo,
will consider the past 40 hours Al
though they had not been. SO far as h,
| ia concarnad whfla vou v,tIt ,n.,,