Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-01-01

The gray light of early dawn was
stealing in through the old library win
dows, as De Bourn sought his chamber.
He had been sitting there reading an old
manuscript, when, hearing a low, grating
noise near him, he looked up, and at his
side stood the monk of St. Francis. A
warm smile flooded his face as he grasp
ed the hand of his friend, and it faded
not as he took those papers in his hands;
but, as his glance ran over them, his face
grew eloquent with soul earnestness. He
asked but one question
'Magdalene, is she WE'LL?
'She is well. Remember the hour you
are to meet me at Blois.'
Still he sat there, weaving bright fancies
in his waking dream, till the gray light
streamed in through the stained glass,
and stole around him then, pressing
these papers beneath his dcublet, he
sought his chamber.
He saw a young form lying upon his
couch as he entered, and knew it must
be Allan, who, in waiting for him, had
fallen asleep. Softly he stole to the
youths side, to tell him of the glad news;
but he started back, for there was blood
upon those clothes, and the white face,
framed in that rich profusion OF dark
golden hair, was cold and marble-like.-
A moment he gazed upon that lifeless
form, then unlaced the doublet, to see if
there might yet be life; but he found
none there. A strange truth flashed
upon him as he unfastened the steel clasp
from the still breast, with its lock of dark
auburn hair, and the simple name,
Aline'-his preserver was a woman
1t was one of the secret dramas of life
for those strong men, as they placed the
sod upon that young form, knew not the
bond that bound the mourner and the
dead.
. Farther down upon the sea-shore there
o was another new-made grave-it wa;
Father Loraine's; he had been found
+ cold and corpse-like, upon the rocks be
r. low the battlements, where he had fallen
% and so they buried him there, where tn,
storm might chant a requiem over hi
,e grave.
Dt Return we to Blois.
h Upon the low arcade, toying with tn
70 rich green leaves of magnolia, stoo
70 Magdalene De Valois, looking supreme
u ly lovely, in the rich flowing dress c
- white satin, with the diamond corone
= flashing upon her white brow. A shado1
fell upon the pavement ; but still she di
not turn her gaze from the white bio:
: SONS that lay crushed within her hand.
- Have you no greeting for our CUES
my child?' And Francis moved to be
~ side, as he spoke, and drew one whit
" hand within his.
d Welcome, sire, to Blois,' she sal
the heavy lashes shading the light of he
on blue eyes.
IN A sorry welcome; methinks a kin
eS' might claim deeper homage
OF She started at the sound of that voic
VS. and, as her quick glance caught his Gag
he gaze, bright, warm, joyful smile foo
ed her young face, and she sunk into h
ole outstretched arms.
'el. Armand !
lge 'Magdalene p
18th There were no other words spokel
ate but they stood there in the warm sunlig
abb drinking in the silent joy.
'h You did not tell me of Arnaud's ]
old turn 2 she said.
na' But is it less pleasant
an 90 mono! and the fair girl gaz
ave up into that manly face with her wit
III soul.
VIII You are mine now, Magdalene,
yer here is the royal signature
Ids The young king drew the papers fr,
his doublet, as he spoke, and hand
'"i' them to her. They were those the mo
," had given him.
ling Nordolono,. oornton.n,o oro
, strange shade of perplexity, as her glar
" ran over those papers; then folding tn
anu up she gazed inquiringly at Francis.
You will yet be a queen, my Chi
" he said, smiling.
''aAe And Arnaud ?,
is James SeaUart, King of ScotIan
" Yet you will not love me less because
VIII woced thee for myself alone ?
my There was no answer, save in the 10
light beaming from the upturned ey'
,uor but that told him of the prize he had v
= of the deep love of that young heart
hote Bless thee, my children ?
yes; They glanced up and met the carr
pes, gaze of the monk.
! :, Father Francis
NAY, daughter he said, raising I