Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 January 1904 — CHAPTER XVIII. [ARTICLE]

CHAPTER XVIII.

Dr. Paul Debano kept b» promise. Early on the.following morning he appeared and stated to Beatrice that he had sold her work and received an additional order, part payment on which had been made in advance, and simultaneously handed her three glittering sovereigns and six new shillings. Beatrice's heart bounded with joy. “I had not the least idea that a person could earn money so easily,” said she, and she sent forth a gleam from her sad eyes so fascinating that Paul, with difficulty repressed hia love for her. “How often have I read in books and newspapers the misery In the lower classes, and yet a person can earn an honeet living by a little effort. I do not understand how some women have to battle against hunger.” Dr. Debano did not make a direct reply. He had frequently witnessed struggles for existence; how victims were bled to exhaustion in the midst of affluence, and took precautions to spare Beatrice from a realization of the rough reality. “Fortunately you are favored by good luck; nevertheless, you must not dispose of it lavishly.” “Lavishly? Really, you should preach such words to Mrs. Lathrop,” she responded. “Did she commit such a grave error?” he asked, scarcely able to conceal his delight. “I cannot understand It—it is quite inexcusable. Why, she has actually spent her husband’s month’s salary in one day.” “How is that?" inquired Debano. “For instance, she served such a sumptuous breakfast. First there was a fine pheasant, than asparagus, strawberriea, also delicious pudding, and the more startled my eyes became at each new dish, the better delighted she looked. Only please notice the desaert ou the table— is it not unpardonable for a girl in ay atrcn uatances to eat such delicacies?” pointing to the richly covered table. “Well, CMatmas comas only ones a year, |to know,” averred the doctor. “Tsaj and it It a good thing feat it comas bat once daring that time, or poor Kenneth would have to endure mom yet Hay X help you to aomsdrfngt Lam oorry yau did not arrive earlier, it would

have bast, ao pleasant to have breakfasted in your company.” “I could not, uninvited, have risked to come, and I had Instructed myself on that point yesterday evening—Judging from Mrs. Lathrep’s preparations in the kitchen.”

“You did not act very discreetly, doetor,” she joked, "You would hove greatly obliged me by participating.” “How could I? Yon did not send me any invitation?" he remarked, seemingly provoked. ”1 did not know I would b* able to serve anything; but I observe you seem to be well posted. You deserve s little lecture —yet, perhaps you enjoyed the company of some friends?" “No; I was as lonesome as yourself.” “I am /notified in feeling angry with you; but then anybody would become Illhumored If they had to’ live aa secluded as I; and it is no wonder that I long for company,” and a tear waa visible on her cheek. “Don’t,” said he, taking her hand within lits own, “or I may be tempted to say a word which I would later regret. I would gladly have arrived earlier, Mias Trevor, but when a lady ia betrothed there is a certain limit.” Her eyea gleaxfied a moment; then the blood rushed to her cheeks and temple*. “My fiance can quietly trust me.” “Dear lady, I believe it without question,” he affirmed, with rubdued emotion. "But the question is Would he trust me?” And In hia heart sounded the words: "Can I trust myself?” “Not trust you, Mr. Debano, after you have manifested auch a kind interest in me?” she questioned in a milder voice. “Certainly, you do not know him, or you would not regurd him as so ungrateful. I will tell you something, Mr. Debnno; ns soon as I have finished my new orders and receive the money therefor, I must visit him; I can hardly wait for the moment.” “That Is unnecessary, dear lady,” he interposed, kindly. “I can advance you the money; you can repay me when you wish; that la, If you ao desire.” But she could not accept the properition. “It is a great temptation, but I must not accept it. In case my work, should not satlrfy your friend, I will perhaps b# unable to pay my debt. But—to see him —he will be so anxious to hear from me. Mr. Debano, you cannot imagine how dearly he loves me,” she concluded, casting down her eyes and blushing. “I can easily imagine it,” he answered, smiling. “And if I were you I would not hesitate a moment. Here is a fivepound note at your disposal.” Thu* apeak ing, he placed the bill on the table. "It is only a .piece of paper,” file ®rgued with herself, “and yet what consequences may depend upon it for he and I. Yet I cannot persuade myself to accept It." “You trouble your conscience unnecessarily, Mlsa Trevor. Only allow me to make one request: Walt until after the holidays before you enter upon your queet." “Yea, I will wait; but I cannot accept your kind offer. What would you do if you were in my place?” “What would I do? Why, if I could rtop one tear from showing to the girl I loved, one moment of care, by borrowing, I should not hesitate a moment,” he affirmed. (To be continued.?